Zoo Knoxville will host the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Gibbon Trails and Langur Landing, a $6 million multi-acre habitat for white-handed gibbons and silvered leaf langurs, on Friday, March 2, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.
The new habitats will be open for a VIP preview for zoo annual passholders and Circle of Friends members from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 2, through Sunday, March 4, opening to everyone on Monday, March 5.
Part of the Boyd Family Asian Trek, Gibbon Trails and Langur Landing immerses zoo guests in a 360 degree aerial experience in a rainforest tree canopy. The habitats are designed with multiple viewing levels that allow the primates to pass directly over the heads of visitors or be eye-to-eye with them in a 60-foot-tall treehouse accessible by a suspension bridge. The new expansion also allows soaring views of Tiger Forest and incorporates a new outdoor training demonstration area for Malayan tigers.
Gibbon Trails and Langur Landing will officially be opened by Mayor Tim Burchett and Mayor Madeline Rogero along with zoo President and CEO Lisa New, Chair of the zoo’s Board of Directors Pete Claussen, Immediate Past Chair Eddie Mannis and Jenny and Randy Boyd. “These habitats are among the most dynamic in the country for both our animals and our guests,” said Lisa New. “Most people will never have the opportunity to travel to the forests of Malaysia, but they can come here to be transported for a day and inspired to help save these animals from extinction.”
Gibbon Trails is home to one of the zoo’s most beloved ambassadors, Georgie, and his new companion Naomi. Langur Landing is home to Walter, Teagan, Melody and a to-be-named two-month-old baby, a family of silvered leaf langurs that are a new species to Zoo Knoxville.
“Zoo Knoxville has evolved from being a great zoo for a ‘city of our size’ to being recognized as a great zoo, period. This has been our goal since we began implementing our master plan in 2015 with a vision of being a regional destination,” said Eddie Mannis.