Gorillas get new outdoor habitat

The gorillas at the Milwaukee County Zoo have a new outdoor habitat to explore, thanks in part to a generous donation from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. Northwestern Mutual donated $100,000 to the Zoological Society of Milwaukee for the renovated yard. The donation was combined with money raised by the Society's 2013-14 Annual Appeal to pay for the project.

The new features include: Berms to provide protection from the wind and elements, resting platforms to allow basking in the sun and \"people-watching\" and new landscape vegetation to provide browse treats in summer. 

Keepers have slowly been introducing the gorillas, including baby gorilla Sulaiman, to the new exhibit in the last few weeks. \"All winter, the primates staff have been eagerly watching as each new rock, hill, or climbing structure was added to the Gorilla Yard,\" says Trish Khan, Milwaukee County Zoo curator of primates and small mammals. \"As the gorillas have been introduced to the new, enriched environment, it has been wonderful to watch our silverback peacefully survey his family from the highest rock while the girls try to choose a new favorite spot to rest. It's really hard to tell who is more excited, the gorillas or their zookeepers.\" 

\"We're grateful for Northwestern Mutual's generous support to the renovated yard,\" says Dr. Robert Davis, president and CEO of the Zoological Society. \"We're confident that guests will enjoy the renovations just as much as the gorillas.\" 

\"The Milwaukee County Zoo is a nationally recognized attraction; we are so fortunate to have it in our backyard,\" says John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. \"Memories of visits to the Zoo transcend generations, and this exhibit will provide additional educational and entertainment activities to the 1.3 million visitors who visit each year. We're proud to be part of experiences that will last a lifetime.\"
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