The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ new $19 million habitat for six African lowland gorillas opened Nov. 8. Campo Gorilla Reserve, as it is formally known, provides the gorillas with an environment that closely resembles their native West African homeland. Visitors share the African experience as they journey along a misty, forested pathway for close-up views of the gorillas living in two separate habitats: one for a family troop of gorillas, led by a silverback male; and a separate habitat for two bachelors. Glassed viewing areas and planted moats are all that separates Zoo guests from the largest primate in the world. Gorillas are endangered species, and the opening of Campo Gorilla Reserve allows the LA Zoo to participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) species survival program for gorillas. Admission to the LA Zoo is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 2-12. Groups of 15 or more can purchase adult tickets for $7; children’s tickets are $4.
www.lazoo.org