Princess to open new gorilla enclosure
BBCPrincess Anne is due to open a new gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo, it has been announced in the States.
The Princess Royal, who is patron of zoo owners Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, will travel to the island on 30 April.
During her visit she will officially open the purpose‑built home for the zoo's five gorillas - Badongo, Bahasha, Hlala, Kahilli and Amari.
Rebecca Brewer, chief executive of the trust, said she was "delighted" to welcome the princess.
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust"The new house is nine times bigger than the current home for our troop and is set to be one of the most modern facilities in Europe," said Brewer.
"We are so fortunate to have such a committed patron in the Princess Royal and look forward to showing HRH and islanders around this astonishing space."
The new enclosure replaces the zoo's gorilla house, which first opened in 1981 and will provide more space to allow for growing numbers.
It includes two large indoor areas, eight bedrooms, and a training and weighing space designed to help keepers care for the gorillas safely.
Jersey Zoo, which has looked after gorillas for more than 60 years, launched an island‑wide public art trail of brightly painted sculptures in 2019 to raise money for the new enclosure.
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