Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The Louisville Zoo Wins Coveted AZA Exhibit Award

CONTACT: Jane Ballentine, (301)562-0777 x252

COLUMBUS, OH 11 September 2003 -- The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) today honored the The Louisville Zoological Garden, Louisville, Kentucky, with the AZA Exhibit Award for “Gorilla Forest.” Zoo officials accepted the award at the AZA's 79th Annual Conference, meeting here this week. The Louisville Zoological Garden's $12 million Gorilla Forest is a state-of-the-art, multi-habitat exhibit designed to house two or more gorilla groups and two pygmy hippopotamus. A team approach design includes educational, conservation, and economic elements enhanced and supported by animal enrichment to promote an optimum lifestyle for the inhabitants.

Gorilla Forest encompasses just over four acres that utilize the natural landscape enhanced with thousands of botanicals to replicate an African forest. Architectural and decorative elements help submerge visitors into the world of the African forest and its inhabitants. Extensive interpretive graphics enlighten visitors to the plight facing wildlife and the ecosystem at large.

The epicenter of the exhibit is a multi-room gorilla sanctuary flanked by two one-half acre outdoor habitats. The two-story, rotunda-shaped sanctuary allows visitors, gorillas and staff continual views of each other, thus enhancing the immersion of all into the life of the other. Each one-half acre outdoor habitat provide the gorillas with a naturalistic outdoor environment similar to what they would experience in the wild.

The essence of the Gorilla Forest is an appreciation for the intricacies of our ecosystem and the necessity of its preservation. The remarkable work of Dian Fossey is highlighted throughout the exhibit. Extensive graphics educate visitors about the tremendous difference that can be made by an individual. An opportunity for visitors to directly support various conservation programs is adjacent to the sanctuary.

The Exhibit Award is presented by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for outstanding dedication to conservation issues and construction of exhibit space replicating species natural habitats.

The American Zoo and Aquarium Association was founded in 1924 and currently represents 213 accredited zoos and aquariums in North America. AZA's mission is to support membership excellence in conservation, education, science and recreation.