Poles and cables connecting Habitat 1 and Habitat 2, allowing the orangutans to move across their new home. (Photo credit: Zeidler)
Those who visit the Toronto Zoo can now observe seven Sumatran orangutans in their new outdoor habitat designed in partnership with leading architectural firms, Zeidler Architecture (Zeidler) and Jones & Jones Architects + Landscape Architects (Jones & Jones).
The new habitat, called Orangutans of Gunung Leuser, Guardians of the Rainforest, marks the first outdoor habitat for the orangutans since the Toronto Zoo first opened in 1974. This immersive habitat encourages the orangutans to move freely as they would in their natural habitat while educating the public on the importance of protecting and conserving habitats. ?From the onset, our vision was to create a habitat that immersed both the orangutans and the guests in a meaningful, one-of-a-kind experience in North America ? and perhaps even the world,? said Edward Chan, partner, Zeidler Architecture. ?Orangutans are a critically endangered species, with their rainforest homes quickly disappearing because of unsustainable palm oil production, logging, mining, and more. With Jones & Jones, we designed the outdoor habitat to enliven the physical, social, and intellectual needs?and ultimately enrich the lives?of the orangutans, while keeping research, education, and visitor experience top of mind.?
The new habitat, which took inspiration from the landscapes of Borneo, where the major...