HOUSTON – Friday was a big day at the Houston Zoo. Just in time for the holiday weekend, the zoo opened its new gorilla exhibit to the public.
Opening day for the exhibit was full of excitement.
"To finally have one and to have all of these little kids here I think it's gonna be a great experience from here on out," said student Hayley Bidal.
"Today is my first day in America so to see these animals is really cool," said student Sebastian Ortiz.
"We're really excited, excited to be opening this new $28 million exhibit. It's been 11 years since the Houston Zoo has had gorillas, and it's been four years in the making to have this amazing exhibit," Houston Zoo primate supervisor Jill Moyse said.
That's four years of cultivating a concept, raising funds and constructing the 2-acre state-of-the-art habitat. The size alone is unique, and so is the environment that mirrors the natural habitat of a lush African forest.
The gorillas also share the space with some other animals.
"We have Red River hogs living with our gorillas, which is really unique. Usually you don't see them in a zoo setting," said Moyse.
There are two groups of gorillas.
"We have our bachelor group, which is out right now," Moyse said.
The are three males in that group: Mike, Chaka and Ajaree.
"Gorillas are just like people, they have their own personalities," said Moyse.
The family group consists of one male gorilla, two females gorillas and a teenage gorilla named Sufi. She's curious and playful.
For more information, visit www.houstonzoo.org/gorillas.