Habitat at the Zoo
Ndoki Forest
In the lower section of the zoo, we are planning our next new habitat: the Ndoki Forest for gorillas and other endangered animals. It is linked to the Ndoki conservation project in the Republic of the Congo.
An open, marshy clearing surrounded by dense forest with giant trees up to 35 metres tall. Gorillas comb through the vegetation; a pygmy hippopotamus breaks the surface of the water. On the shore, an okapi watches the other animals intently.
This scene forms the centrepiece of the planned Ndoki Forest at Zoo Zurich. This unique new habitat is being created as part of the development of the Zoo of the Future and will set new standards in the care of great apes. In doing so, it addresses all four main missions of a modern zoo: nature conservation, species conservation, research and education.
Video: Zoo Zurich, Region Five Media
Life in Community
Just as in the Masoala Rainforest and the Lewa Savanna, various endangered animal species will coexist in the Ndoki Forest. In addition to western lowland gorillas, the area—which covers a total of approximately 29,000 square meters—will be home to drills, okapis, and pygmy hippos, among other species.
The Ndoki Forest will be divided into different areas. Just as in nature, the animals will move from one area to the next at varying intervals and in changing groups. This provides a constant stream of new stimuli and challenges the animals to develop new solutions in their daily lives.
Rendering: Zoo Zurich, Zooplanung Schneider Klein
Giant Trees for the Gorillas
One of the unique features of the Ndoki Forest will be its living giant trees. About 100 of these giants, reaching heights of up to 25 meters, will provide the animals with natural climbing opportunities. This is the only zoo in the world to feature such a setup.
To ensure that the trees can withstand even the strongest gorillas, they must be large and mature enough by the time the facility opens. A specialized tree nursery has therefore been responsible for raising and caring for the future giants of the Ndoki Forest for years before construction actually begins.
Rendering: Zoo Zurich, Zooplanung Schneider Klein
Ndoki Garden
The Ndoki Garden serves as a prelude to the Ndoki Forest. It is being created in the upper section of the zoo, in what is currently the Mongolian Steppe area. In the Ndoki Garden, exotic varieties of giant tropical trees will grow, which will later shape the landscape of the Ndoki Forest and provide the animals with natural climbing opportunities.
Construction on the Ndoki Garden is scheduled to begin in 2026.
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