For the first time in more than 30 years, gorillas are returning to the Alamo City. The San Antonio Zoo will unveil its newest habitat, Congo Falls, on December 13.
Zoo leaders say the new $30 million attraction marks a “new era in habitat design, wildlife conservation, education, and animal care.” The two-acre feature houses seven Western lowland gorillas across three interconnected environments: the Lowland Basin, the Indoor Rainforest, and the cliff-hugging Gorilla Gorge.
The habitat is filled with lush landscaping and water features, including a 30-foot waterfall that feeds into a cooling pool. Still, one component overshadows them all. At more than 70 feet tall, the Mays Family Silverback Peak is billed as the tallest gorilla tower in the world, giving the gorilla troop unobstructed views of the San Antonio skyline.
The project is part of the zoo’s longstanding work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums through its Species Survival Plan and SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction programs. San Antonio Zoo collaborates with key partners, including the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (GRACE) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, and the AZA Gorilla SAFE program, to support sustainable gorilla populations and protect habitats in the wild.
“Congo Falls is more than an attraction, it’s a testament of our commitment to secure a future for wildlife,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, via a release. “The world-class habitat will allow guests to connect with gorillas like never before, providing an experience that inspires awe, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for these remarkable species. Congo Falls is a labor of love and a historic moment not just for our zoo, but for conservation efforts across the globe.”
To deepen that mission, the zoo is launching a new podcast, Edge of the Earth: Tales of Conservation. Dr. Danté Fenolio, vice president of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo, along with his daughter Sierra Fenolio, will explore global conservation stories and the science behind saving threatened species. The series will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, and YouTube.
On Congo Falls’ opening day, the zoo is extending the celebration into the night with a free 15-minute drone show at 8 pm. Hundreds of illuminated drones will animate the sky with scenes inspired by gorillas and wildlife conservation. The event is included with zoo admission and is free for members.