Opening ceremony for the orangutan house

Animal news | 28 May 2024

The opening of the orangutan house is fast approaching. In only a few days the doors of the new house will open and you will be able to explore the animal enclosures and meet their inhabitants.
From 2.00 pm on 18 June,

the orangutan house will be open to everyone.

After almost three years of construction, we are proud and delighted to be able to present our labour of love to the public. We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time and are very grateful that, thanks to the support of the City of Dresden and contributions from numerous donors, we have been able to create a state-of-the-art home for our orangutans, Aldabra giant tortoises and other new species.

Since the end of April, we have gradually moved in the binturongs, smooth-coated otters and our three Hugos. Last week we added two reticulated pythons and our three orangutans, Toni, Daisy and Dalai. The move of the first group of our great apes was carefully planned and went efficiently and smoothly. However, it is now essential that the animals have peace and quiet in order to acclimatise to their new home. Orangutans are sensitive creatures, and their trusted keepers are making sure they have the safety and security that is so important for them. This is enabling them to familiarise themselves with the sights, smells and sounds of their new surroundings, step by step and at their own pace.

In a few days, our two older female orangutans, Djudi and Djaka, will also move into the new house. This will mean the old orangutan house is empty; it will be demolished at a later date.