The Los Angeles Zoo recently debuted a newly-renovated Red Ape Rain Forest, displaying the first major improvements made to the exhibit since it opened in July 2000. The eight-month project began in January 2015 and brought together several zoo divisions with the goal of creating an improved, multi-dimensional environment for the six orangutans who call the habitat home.

Berani, a female orangutan, enjoys spending time in the newly renovated Red Ape Rain Forest at the L.A. Zoo. (photo by Brandi Andres)

As orangutans are the largest arboreal mammals on the planet, the goal of the improvements was to take the animals off the ground and give them more vertical options. The makeover included a thicker, stronger stainless steel woven mesh, several two and three-tiered wooden climbing structures, 10 bridges on land and suspended in the air, two swings used for foraging and play, and several hammocks made from donated fire hose. The entire exhibit was also repainted, and the grass was reseeded.

“The orangutan’s natural inclination is to be up high in the trees,” said Jennie Becker, Curator of Mammals at Los Angeles Zoo. “These renovations now put the orangutans at eye level, or higher than the visitors, while also increasing their exercise and activity level, providing more shade and cooler temperatures, and giving them more choices to be together as a group or in solitude.”

Guests can now visit Red Ape Rain Forest and view the orangutan group swinging, climbing, foraging and exploring in their habitat daily, weather permitting. The L.A. Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Dr. Tickets may be purchased at https://tickets.lazoo.org.