Monkey House

Overview

Nestled within the verdant landscape of Basel Zoo, affectionately known as 'Zolli' by locals, the Monkey House stands as a prominent and dynamic habitat for a diverse array of primates. This significant exhibit, also referred to as the 'Geigy facility,' is dedicated to both great apes and smaller monkey species, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into their complex worlds. As one of the zoo's major attractions, the Monkey House has undergone extensive transformations to provide its residents with environments designed to emulate their natural habitats while also supporting crucial conservation efforts.

The Basel Zoo, Switzerland's oldest and largest by animal count, is renowned for its commitment to animal welfare and conservation, a philosophy deeply embedded in the design and operation of the Monkey House. It serves as a living classroom, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of primate behavior and the challenges they face in the wild. From the boisterous chimpanzees to the agile orangutans and the contemplative gorillas, the facility provides an engaging and educational experience for all who visit.

History & Cultural Background

The original Monkey House at Basel Zoo first opened its doors in 1969, marking a significant step in the zoo's long history of exhibiting primates. Basel Zoo itself boasts a rich heritage, established in 1874, and has consistently been at the forefront of modern zoological practices, particularly in its breeding programs.

A pivotal moment in the Monkey House's history was the ambitious renovation and expansion project undertaken between 2010 and 2012. This monumental endeavor, costing approximately 30 million Swiss francs, was largely made possible by a generous donation from the Eckenstein-Geigy Foundation, the largest in the zoo's history. The project dramatically altered the primate habitat, nearly doubling the available space for the apes and introducing expansive new outdoor enclosures. A notable change during this period was the demolition of the much-loved 'Monkey Rock,' a popular exhibit dating back to 1930 that housed crab-eating macaques, to make way for the larger, more naturalistic ape environments.

What Makes It Special

The Monkey House distinguishes itself through its innovative design and its profound commitment to species conservation. It is home to an impressive collection of great apes, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans, alongside various species of smaller monkeys. The facility is particularly celebrated for its breeding successes, which include the historic birth of Goma, the first gorilla baby in Europe, in 1959, and later, Tamtam, the world's first second-generation zoo gorilla.

The post-renovation enclosures showcase cutting-edge zoological architecture. For instance, the orangutan habitats feature unique fiberglass poles, seven meters high, that allow these arboreal apes to move and swing in a manner closely mimicking their natural tree-dwelling behaviors. The outdoor areas for chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas utilize a specially designed two-layer net construction, reaching up to sixteen meters in height. This structure not only ensures transparency for visitors but also provides a robust framework for climbing plants, creating a lush, jungle-like environment. The interiors were also expanded in depth and height, effectively doubling the indoor volume for the apes.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Beyond its scientific achievements, the Monkey House is a place rich with fascinating stories. The birth of Goma, the first gorilla born in a European zoo, was a landmark event that captivated the public. Another celebrated gorilla, Jambo, whose name means 'Hello' or 'How are you?' in Swahili, became so iconic that his name inspired other zoos globally to adopt it for their apes.

The extensive renovation required the temporary relocation of all primates. This period, though stressful for the animals, allowed zookeepers to collect unique data, including taking casts of the apes' hands and feet. These casts are now part of interactive exhibition modules within the Monkey House, allowing visitors to compare their own hands with those of gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees. This provides a tangible connection to these incredible creatures. The zoo actively participates in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEP), with recent successes including the births of endangered Latin American monkey species like coppery titis, spider monkeys, and cotton-top tamarins, highlighting the zoo's commitment to global conservation.

Furthermore, the Basel Zoo is dedicated to sustainability, with plans to plant greenery on its roofs, including the Monkey House, and install photovoltaic systems to reduce its carbon footprint.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Monkey House at Basel Zoo offers an intimate and educational experience. The thoughtful design of the enclosures, with their transparent barriers and naturalistic landscaping, provides visitors with unobstructed views and a sense of immersion. The zoo's philosophy encourages visitors to observe closely, allowing for personal discoveries rather than revealing everything at a glance.

For younger visitors, an outdoor adventure playground adjacent to the Monkey House allows children to emulate the agility of monkeys, complete with hammocks and ropes. This interactive element not only entertains but also reinforces the appreciation for primate movement and skill. The Monkey House is often cited as a highlight by visitors, who appreciate the spacious and stimulating environments provided for the animals. It's an integral part of the broader Basel Zoo experience, which aims to transport visitors on a journey around the world, right in the heart of Basel.