{"id":86742,"date":"2025-12-13T13:01:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T13:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/86742\/"},"modified":"2025-12-13T13:01:22","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T13:01:22","slug":"san-antonio-zoos-first-gorilla-exhibit-in-30-years-opens-this-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/86742\/","title":{"rendered":"San Antonio Zoo’s first gorilla exhibit in 30 years opens this weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Concept art shows the Congo Falls habitat at the San Antonio Zoo. Credit: Courtesy of San Antonio Zoo<\/p>\n

The San Antonio Zoo\u2019s highly anticipated Congo Falls habitat is finally here, and its public unveiling is taking place this weekend.<\/p>\n

The two-acre Congo Falls exhibit, the zoo\u2019s first gorilla exhibit in more than 30 years, will open to the public at 10 a.m. this Saturday. A grand opening ceremony for the habitat, located in the Zoo\u2019s Africa Live area, will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a drone show at 8 p.m. the same day. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe debut of Congo Falls deserves a celebration as bold and inspiring as the habitat itself \u2014 and hosting the first-ever drone show in San Antonio Zoo\u2019s history makes this moment even more extraordinary,\u201d San Antonio Zoo CEO Tim Morrow said in a statement. <\/p>\n

\"\"One of the four male gorillas housed at Congo Falls, Ajari, weighs more than 400 pounds. Credit: Courtesy \/ San Antonio Zoo<\/p>\n

Morrow continued: \u201cThese incredible 400-drone performances allow us to share our excitement with the entire city as the night sky comes alive with images honoring gorillas, conservation and the spirit of our community. This immersive experience not only marks a historic milestone for the zoo, but also highlights our commitment to innovation and to securing a future for wildlife.\u201d<\/p>\n

The drone show and access to Congo Falls are free with standard admission to the zoological park.<\/p>\n

Congo Falls, which was also featured on NBC\u2019s Today Show on Friday, features groundbreaking developments in zoo habitats, including the world\u2019s tallest gorilla tower and three distinct habitats designed to promote natural behaviors. The exhibit also includes elevated viewpoints, overhead gorilla pathways and 360-degree viewing opportunities for guests.<\/p>\n

\"\"A rendering of what the indoor viewing area will look like at the San Antonio Zoo\u2019s Congo Falls exhibit. Credit: Courtesy \/ San Antonio Zoo<\/p>\n

Congo Falls is home to seven western lowland gorillas as part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program that supports genetically healthy, sustainable populations of endangered species in accredited zoos.<\/p>\n

Tickets to Congo Falls\u2019 grand opening are available at the San Antonio Zoo website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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