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July 1, 2004
 Welcome to my house, no soliciting or loud music, and don't smoke around my baby. © Oak Park Journal photo  Dr. Jane Goodall waiting to give a speech at the Peggy Notebaert Museum last year, is reported to have had nothing but good things to say about the Ape habitat. © Oak Park Journal photo  Mom and Youngster wander about in comfort and security. I'm not talking about the strong glass, I'm thinking about Dad. © Oak Park Journal photo  There's lots to see and do..... © Oak Park Journal photo  Small folks and children can look eye to eye with equally inquisitive primates in their new home. © Oak Park Journal photo  © Oak Park Journal photo  © Oak Park Journal photo  A Mother Gorilla and her young rest in a nest. © Oak Park Journal photo by Ed Vincent The new Ape house at Lincoln Park Zoo is a marvel to behold, it is Beautiful in its design and elaborate in its well thought out function and use of form. It almost sounds like I am talking about Frank Lloyd Wright. Mr. Wright might have been very pleased with all the open areas, how they connect nicely with one another and if you are familiar with his home and studio in Oak Park you will know that he also liked many things to be just plain fun. © Oak Park Journal photo The nesting areas for some of the smaller gorillas, fixed to the walls, and web like resting areas suspended in the branched region of the environment are both fun and practical. We are told that Jane Goodall even had nice things to say about the fine job of home construction for the apes. Much thanks needs to go to the wonderful work of the Regenstein trust that has given so much to the city and this new building. Our apes had been living in zoos in the south, Louisville and South Carolina for almost two years while their new home was being built. Kevin Bell, president and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo should be quite pleased with the exhibit, and we have noted that 500 plus pound JoJos (the large and handsome silverback gorilla) along with his new son Azizi (just six months old) are both exploring and enjoying their new abode. There are now reported to be one dozen Gorillas and one dozen Chimpanzees living in this new slice of Ape heaven. They all want to meet you. When the plan for a new ape exhibit was announced in spring 2001, the zoo began making arrangements to transfer three families of a total 16 gorillas to the Louisville Zoo and the Riverbanks Zoo in South Carolina. The moves necessitated careful planning by biologists, behaviorists and zoo professionals from around the country. During the gorillas' time away, one female at the Louisville Zoo, Debbie, died at age 37 after suffering from major health problems due to acute renal failure, a common cause of death among aged gorillas. She was known as a "foster" mother to infants who could not be raised by their natural mothers. In total, she "fostered" 10 gorilla infants, including two infants in 1999 that were from two different sets of parents. The two current gorilla groups moved back home in May, and are led by dominant male silverbacks Kwan and JoJo. Kwan's group of three females includes Kumba, the zoo's first gorilla birth, and JoJo ' s family numbers eight total. Upon their arrival the gorillas found an outdoor area that features expansive open yards with lifelike trees and vines. Four times the size of their old home's outdoor space, the area will also mark the first time that all great apes will have access to outside yards. Previously, only one gorilla troop at a time had access to the yard, but with the expanded space chimpanzees will be allowed outdoors as well. The new habitat boasts other improvements as well. "The new habitat should be beneficial to the gorillas as there is deep mulch in indoor habitats to cushion joints, warmer than traditional concrete, and a heated slab in the holding area," said Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President and General Curator, Dr. Robyn Barbiers, DVM. "Also, there will be animal activated devices so that they have some choice in activities, vertical and horizontal climbing spaces, a complex environment, and visual barriers." In addition to this improved habitat is the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. To aid research, the new habitat has mezzanines that provide unobtrusive observations for behavioral and cognitive research. The new center will enable the zoo to further its study of endangered gorillas and chimpanzees as well as serve to develop public awareness of the need for continued conservation of both species © Oak Park Journal photo THE SILVER IS BACK AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO New Ape Center Enables Visitors to Get Nose to Nose with Science and Nature It's the return of the apes. Silverbacks-dominant male gorillas-JoJo and Kwan, their families, and two groups of chimpanzees are back at Lincoln Park Zoo and ready for the Grand Opening of the new Regenstein Center for African Apes, scheduled to open July 1. A $25.7 million project made possible through the generosity of the Regenstein Foundation, the new facility features state-of-the-art interpretive graphics, three large outdoor habitats for gorillas am chimpanzees, and the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. The opening season is sponsored by Bank of America. "We are, of course, delighted to have these animals return home, and we hope Chicago will join us in welcoming them back and celebrating this terrific new ape exhibit," said Lincoln Park Zoo Director Kevin Bell. "Because we have such a long history working with, and on behalf of, gorillas, this is a particularly special exhibit for us and for our visitors. We are extremely grateful to the Regenstein Foundation for making this historic moment possible, and our thanks also to Bank of America for bringing a host of spectacular opening events to the zoo, our members, and the people of Chicago." Throughout the month of May the apes made their journey back home: two family grout of gorillas, one with four members and led by Kwan and the other with eight members and led by JoJo, and one group of five chimpanzees returned to their new habitats. A second, seven-member chimpanzee group that is new to Lincoln Park also arrived in May, for a total of 24 apes. One of the most important highlights of the new exhibit is the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. A new multi-disciplinary ape research and conservation program, the center will engage zoo audiences in science and conservation initiatives through rigorous scientific research, visitor and student science education, and conservation of wild populations of apes. Drawing from the expertise of the zoo's scientific staff, the center will focus on animal health, epidemiology, nutrition, behavior, population biology, field conservation, cognition, endocrinology and citizen science. "Lincoln Park Zoo already is internationally renowned for its success in the management and care of western lowland gorillas," said Steve Thompson, PhD., Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President and Emily and John Alexander Chair of Conservation and Science and head of the Fisher Center. "With the new center, we hope to build upon the zoo's existing achievements and increase the public interest in the biology and long-term survival of African apes." Another important improvement is the quadrupling of the amount of outdoor space for gorillas, and providing the opportunity for chimpanzees to go outside-a first for Lincoln Park. Built in 1976, the former ape house included only one, smaller outdoor yard, suitable only for gorillas. The new exhibit includes three large, naturalistic outdoor habitats, two of them entirely covered in heavy-duty mesh to enable chimpanzees to go outside, too. All animals-both gorilla families and the chimpanzee groups-can be outside at the same time. To encourage visitors to care about native habitats and enhance the animals' environments, indoor and outdoor exhibits feature: •
Animal-activated devices, including water spray, air
flow and food scatterer;
• Many trees and vines for climbing; • Waterfalls; • A dry river bed with downed trees that form a natural climbing area; • Strangler fig trees that enable chimpanzees to climb inside and out; • Bamboo stands, both real and simulated; • Termite mounds that enable chimpanzees to use tools-such as grass-to "fish" for termites The building also features state-of-the-art educational components and video displays highlighting the zoo's conservation and science initiatives, both at home and in Africa. "This incredible habitat for apes will enable Lincoln Park Zoo, already an established leader in the field, to further enhance its veterinary medicine program, nutrition research and overall animal care," said Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President and General Curator Robyn Barbiers, DYM. "Combined with the unlimited science possibilities, educational opportunities and, of course, fascinating and beautiful animals, the Regenstein Center for African Apes will remain one of the country's most important zoo exhibits." The zoo first gained worldwide recognition in 1935 when a young male western lowland gorilla named Bushman arrived in Chicago. Though only 2 '/2 when he left his home in Cameroon, Bushman became a 500-pound sensation, drawing visitors to Lincoln Park Zoo from around the globe. Hundreds lined up at the zoo's gate to pay their respects when Bushman died on New Year's Day, 1951. Throughout the 1960s, then-zoo-director Dr. Lester E. Fisher dedicated himself and the institution to gorillas and began bringing animals in from Cameroon. Later known as "founders" for the nation's zoos' current gorilla population, these eight animals began breeding and, in 1970, Lincoln Park Zoo announced its first gorilla birth, a female named Kumba, who is now 34 and returned to her new home at Lincoln Park in May with the rest of her troop. In 1976, Dr. Fisher broke ground again-literally and figuratively-when he opened the Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House. Home to gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans, the ape house's cutting-edge design featured 16-foot, vertical exhibits that enabled the animals to climb, similar to theft native home. Moreover, he began housing the animals in natural, social groups, thereby greatly enhancing public education and animal welfare. Almost 30 years and exactly 45 births later, the zoo continues Dr. Fisher's legacy with the creation of the Regenstein Center for African Apes and the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. The new exhibit will open to the public July 1, with a series of exclusive previews and special public events, generously sponsored by Bank of America with additional support from Chicago Sun-Times, Robert Morris College, Bacardi and Redwood Creek wines. "Bank of America is proud to partner with Lincoln Park Zoo in the opening of the Regenstein Center for African Apes," said Terry Perucca, President of Bank of America, Illinois. "With this new exhibit, the zoo continues to set high standards as a diverse and premier cultural attraction that promotes the best in wildlife conservation and community education." For more information on Lincoln Park Zoo and the new Regenstein Center for African Apes, visit www.lpzoo.org Dr. Jane Goodall © Oak Park Journal photo CHIMPANZEES SIGNIFY NEW CONSERVATION FOCUS AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO Chances are, you know about the gorillas at Lincoln Park Zoo. But there is another great ape that will be housed along side these animals who can do everything from extracting honey from beehives with reeds, to smashing the shells of various nuts and fruits with rocks. These tool-using skills are all within the realm of possibility for chimpanzees who will be housed with the gorillas at the new Regenstein Center for African Apes. While Animal Behavior Specialist Steve Ross admits that it's hard to resist the attraction of a baby gorilla, he also emphasizes the focus on conservation for chimpanzees at the new center. "The new facility provides the public with the opportunity to compare and contrast these two amazing African apes," he said. "Given the dire conservation status of chimpanzee populations in the wild, and Lincoln Park Zoo's recent involvement with the Jane Goodall Institute and the Gombe chimpanzees in Tanzania, this building represents a renewed commitment to the study and conservation of this fascinating and important species." Though chimpanzees have been housed at the zoo since 1924, never before have they ha access to such a richly complex environment. Perhaps the most significant change in the chimpanzee's habitat is that, for the first time ever, they will be allowed outdoors. Due to design constraints, none of the chimpanzees had access to the Lester B. Fisher Great Ape House outdoor yard built in 1976. The new facility has large outdoor yards adjacent to the indoor chimpanzee exhibits where they can experience new sounds, smells and sights daily. Chimpanzees will also see improvements inside. Elizabeth V. Lonsdorf, Ph. D., Director of Field Conservation, says that the new environment resembles the chimpanzees' natural environment more closely than ever before. Included in theft indoor dayrooms are 2 '/2 feet of mulch that feels very similar to a natural forest floor. According to Lonsdort this soft floor will encourage natural behaviors such as tumbling and wrestling. Furthermore, there are fabricated termite mounds for the chimpanzees to "fish" in. "The termite mounds are impressively naturalistic," said Lonsdorf. "The chimpanzees have to look for holes on the surface and fashion tools from their environment just like they would in the wild. Also, the trees and vines are so thick and natural-looking that this remind me of Gombe." The new center will also emphasize chimpanzee research with the addition of the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes. "No other building at the zoo has the built-in features to facilitate excellent behavioral observation," said Steve Ross. "Additionally, a brand new cognitive research program, ii which apes will have the ability to use touch screen computers, will continue to establish Lincoln Park Zoo as a leader in ape science." Learning about chimpanzees is essential to theft conservation. The zoo participates in 31 of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA) Species Survival Plans (SSPs) which compile crucial genealogical data on captive animals and recommend which animals to breed and when. The Chimpanzee SSP should derive many positive outcome~ as a result of the construction of the new center. By keeping the complex behavioral needs of chimpanzees in the forefront when planning the new building and transferring in new chimpanzees, the zoo made important steps toward meeting population-level goals for management of chimpanzees across the AZA. Also, the graphics through the facility match the SSP goals of educating the public about chimpanzees and the challenges wild populations face in Africa today. In total, 12 chimpanzees now live at the zoo, creating a balance between the two species housed at the center. One group of five chimpanzees returned to their new habitat, and a second, seven-member new chimpanzee group arrived in May from the Lion Country Safari in Florida. In total, 71 chimpanzees have lived at the zoo, including Keo, who is the oldest chimpanzee at Lincoln Park, estimated at 46 years old. No matter what their age, all of the chimpanzees are sure to enjoy their new environment. "From the simple pleasures of fresh air and an amazing view of Lake Michigan to the devices with which they can control aspects of their environment such as water, heat, and food, the chimpanzees will have plenty to discover and explore," said Ross. "These exhibits were designed with the biology and behavior of the species in mind and we expect they will adapt to them easily. The building is a prime example of the evolution 01 ape exhibits and raises the bar for new chimpanzee yards across the country." Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes Steven D. Thompson, Ph.D. (Chair), Robyn Barbiers, DVM, Robert Davis, DVM, Lester E. Fisher, DVM, Elizabeth Lonsdorf, Ph.D. Internationally renowned for its success in the management and care of western lowland gorillas, Lincoln Park Zoo also is a leader in scientific research on apes and its increasing support and involvement in conservation of wild populations of apes. To increase our understanding of ape biology, improve our management of wild and zoo ape populations, conserve wild populations of apes, and engage zoo visitors in science and conservation initiatives. The zoo in 1999 expanded its program of scientific research to focus on behavior of chimpanzees and gorillas by hiring a comparative psychologist as its first curator of primates. A unique feature of this research program is the direct application of behavioral research results to daily management practices. Since 1999, the zoo has continued to expand its scientific staff through the addition of full-time positions in veterinary epidemiology, nutrition, applied behavior, population biology, and field conservation. In 1982, Lincoln Park Zoo helped create the American Zoo and Aquarium Association's (AZA's) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for western lowland gorillas. Former director Dr. Lester Fisher chaired this SSP from its inception to his retirement in 1992 and Vice President and Emily and John Alexander Chair of Conservation and Science Dr. Steve Thompson has been a scientific adviser since 1990. The zoo's Animal Behavior Specialist, Steve Ross, recently was named Chairman of the Chimpanzee SSP. Last year the zoo was pleased to welcome Dr. Elizabeth Lonsdorf to the newly created position of Director of Field Conservation. Formerly a graduate student researching chimpanzee behavior with Jane Goodall at Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, Dr. Lonsdorf recently gained world renown with the publication of the results of her four-year study, Sex Differences, in the prestigious science journal Nature. Established by the zoo in 1997, the Africa/Asia Conservation Fund has supported chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan conservation efforts in five countries and now will come under the direction of Dr. Lonsdoff, who also is currently working with Director of Conservation Biology Joanne Earnhardt, Ph.D, and Dominic Travis, DVM veterinary epidemiologist, to minimize risks of extinction for the chimpanzees in Gombe. With the opening of its new Regenstein Center for African Apes, the zoo intends to build upon its recognized achievements and leadership in husbandry, scientific management, and conservation of apes as a vehicle for increasing public interest in the biology and conservation of apes. A new multidisciplinary ape research and conservation program, the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes, will engage zoo visitors, members, and students in science and conservation initiatives through an integrated program of rigorous scientific research, visitor and student science education, and conservation of wild populations of apes. Under the direction of a staff committee, and with guidance from an advisory board of experts from other zoos, universities, and international conservation organizations, the center will expand existing initiatives in animal health, epidemiology, nutrition, behavior, population biology and conservation of wild populations and add new programs in the study of ape cognition, endocrinology and citizen science. By integrating existing and new programs under a single center, the zoo intends encourage and support the development of collaborative projects among the zoo's scientists, between the zoo's scientists and other experts on ape biology and conservation, and to build partnerships between the zoo and international conservation organizations. LORAN, CAPRILE GOETTSCH ARCHITECTS DESIGN REGENSTEIN CENTER FOR AFFRICAN APES Lohan Caprile Goettsch Architects' design for Lincoln Park Zoo's new Regenstein Center for African Apes creates a "green," visitor-friendly animal habitat while enhancing the zoo's reputation as a leader in research and conservation. The 35,000- square-foot exhibit makes life more interesting and comfortable for the animals, while creating a naturalistic setting that enhances appeal for visitors. Home to one chimpanzee and two gorilla families, the facility is airy and well-ventilated, and features four separate habitats with lots of natural sunlight, as well as "furnishings" mimicking the trees, vegetation and rocks of the African forests. Animal-activated devices for food, water and heat provide year-round comfort and give the apes more control of their domain, while conserving energy. Expansive sliding glass doors let the animals roam freely between their indoor space and large outdoor areas with natural landscaping. A mesh screen surrounds these "yards," where -- for the first time in the zoo's history -- the chimpanzees have access to the outdoors. A lower-level transfer area, equipped with a medical station, connects to holding areas, the animals' home away from home while their habitats are cleaned. Throughout the exhibit, visitors remain at or below eye level for the apes, a non-threatening position in the animal world. Interactive viewing alcoves let patrons and apes go "nose to nose," separated only by extremely clear, non-reflective glass panels 1-1/2 inches thick. Rounding out the facility, educational exhibits and the Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes help people learn more and advance the zoo's scientific study of primates. The architects' subdued design keeps the focus on the apes, among the most beloved attractions at the zoo. A green roof system provides further energy savings and environmental benefits, while the structure's low-key aesthetic harmonizes with neighboring buildings, enhancing the zoo's architectural heritage and the city's urban environment. Lohan Caprile Goettsch Architects traces its roots to the Office of Mies van der Rohe, established in 1940. The firm has a rich history of transforming complex issues into creative solutions that improve the built environment. In addition to the Regenstein Center for African Apes, recent and current institutional projects in Chicago include the redevelopment of Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears; the new home for the U-S 05 submarine at the Museum of Science and Industry; the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum Sky Pavilion; Northwestern University's Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art; the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Gleacher Center; and the John G. Shedd Aquarium Oceanarium. -11 -11 -Li FACT SHEET Project Data: • Project budget: $25.7 million • Completion date: June 2004 • Architect: Lohan Caprile Goettsch Architects • Exhibit Designer: Patrick Janikowski Architects • Interpretive Planner: Lyons / Zaremba, Inc. • Structural Engineer: 1-lalvorson Kaye • MEP / FP Engineer: Primera Engineers. Ltd. • General Contractor: Pepper Construction Company • Interior functions and exhibits: 35,000 square feet (3,2Mm2) • Exterior habitat and exhibits: 20,000 square feet (1,858m2) • Materials: Concrete structure with Indiana limestone, brick-and-glass exterior Key Features: • Habitats for two gorilla groups and two chimpanzee groups. each with separate indoor and outdoor viewing areas • Auxiliary exhibit area with indoor and outdoor spaces for holding and research use • Seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces through glass walls 18 feet high and 32 feet wide, each with two motorized sliding-glass doors 6 feet wide by 10 feet height; use of low-iron glass improves transparency by reducing the green tint of standard glazing • Naturalistic environments • Spacious visitor areas with natural upward viewing orientation, positioning apes at or above visitor eye level • Glass-enclosed viewing alcoves, which allow close communication between apes and visitors • Interpretative exhibits with a strong focus on learning and conservation • Connectivity of all exhibit and husbandry areas through a lower-level shift and transfer system, allowing animal groups to rotate among the habitats when desired • Lester E. Fisher Center for the Study and Conservation of Apes research facilities • Sustainable design including green roof, natural ventilation and lighting in exhibit areas, and animal-activated devices for food, water and heating • Neutral architectural character, placing focus on the animals and theft habitat rather than on the building GORILLA GORILLA GORILLA! Gorillas return to their new home at Lincoln Park Zoo Lincoln Park Zoo in 1930 became home to Bushman, one of only five gorillas in captivity. Seventy-four years later, the new Regenstein Center for African Apes will be home to 12 gorillas when it opens its state-of-the art animal facility. Bushman, the first western lowland gorilla at Lincoln Park Zoo, was a two-year-old orphan when the zoo first received him from French Cameroon. Gaining a celebrity status, he remained a favorite among zoo visitors, and appeared in many newspaper articles, news reels and national magazines until his death on New Year's Day 1951. A little more than a decade later, Lincoln Park Zoo began a program that would eventually lead to international recognition for its success when eight gorillas arrived at the zoo's Primate House and began establishing a genetically diverse zoo gorilla population. "These gorillas marked the beginning of a scientific approach to breeding that, among other things, help to ensure genetic diversity in the population" said Lincoln Park Zoo Vice President and Emily and John Alexander Chair for Conservation and Science Steve Thompson, Ph.D. "Prior to that time, husbandry and health issues limited survivability." The eight gorillas were Frank, Otto, Kisoro, Freddy, Lenore, Debbie, Mumbi, and Helen. Tn 1970, the first western lowland gorilla, Kumba, was born to Mumbi. Since then, the zoo has recorded 45 births with the original eight gorillas considered as "founders" for the nation's zoos' gorilla population. In all, 59 gorillas have, at one time, called the zoo home. In 1976, these gorillas were moved to the brand-new Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House, which provided 1 6-foot vertical climbing exhibits and other elements that more closely resembled their native home. The space also enabled the apes to function in natural social groups, something Dr. Fisher, who dedicated himself to gorillas, believed would cultivate increased public education and animal welfare.  You can also see a nice collection of hissing cockroaches in another building. They say that they make good pets. © Oak Park Journal photo |
