International Chimpanzee Complex at the Indianapolis Zoo
A Global Sanctuary for Chimpanzees
The Jenny and Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex was recently built at The Indianapolis Zoo. This complex creates a home for up to 30 chimpanzees. This exhibit was built to help recreate the many important aspects that make up a chimpanzee’s natural habitat.
The thought behind the design of the exhibit is that it promotes choice for the chimpanzees. By mimicking their natural environment in the forest or savannas, the chimpanzees can decide what to do, where to go, and who they want to be around. One of the ways this is achieved is with the chimpanzee trail. The trail is an elevated surface that is enclosed and connects the various parts of the complex and allows the chimpanzees to freely move between them. This fosters a natural environment and promotes the chimpanzees’ natural behaviors.
Unique Features of the Chimpanzee Complex
The Harlan/Shriver Families Cognition Center promotes cognitive tasks for the chimpanzees to participate in. These tasks involve computerized touch panels that allow scientists to learn more about how the chimpanzees’ brains function and how they solve problems. This helps forge connections between the intellectual capabilities of humans and apes.
Celebrating Chimpanzee Culture Worldwide
The Deborah J. Simon Culture Center allows visitors to learn about wild chimpanzees’ natural behaviors such as how they use tools in the wild and how their communities have their own distinct cultures across the African continent. Emily Garrett, Director of Public Relations at the Indianapolis Zoo, shares that “Each year, more than 1.2 million visitors to the Indianapolis Zoo will be inspired by the behavior or these great apes, learn about the need for their conservation in the wild and learn what actions they can take to save this endangered species throughout their range in Africa. The Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers is home to the largest community of chimpanzees at any zoo in the United States.” The global appreciation for these majestic animals is showcased at the beautiful new complex right here in our city.
Connections to The Center
Additionally, a point of interest during the interview with Emily is the international involvement of the Indianapolis Zoo. “The Indianapolis Zoo works locally, nationally and internationally. The Zoo is part of a collaborative, international group of animal conservation scientists working to improve the future of great apes in the wild. To create this new facility, the Zoo consulted colleagues from Japan, Guinea, Congo, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire, and we continue to collaborate with experts from around the world who are working to support chimpanzee conservation. The Indianapolis Zoo has provided annual funding for chimpanzee conservation at the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project in Congo since 1995, and that support will continue indefinitely.” The Zoo’s efforts align with the efforts of The International Center through their dedication to cultural connections and building international relationships across the globe, with people and animals alike.
Sources
https://www.indianapoliszoo.com/international-chimpanzee-complex/
Written by: Sophie Love – Marketing and Communications Intern
