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Ape Walk

These primates don't monkey around. In fact, they're not monkeys at all.

Orangutan banner

When Visiting...

  • Meet the gorilla troupe.
  • Watch orangutans play.
  • Bounce across the bridge and into the gazebo to see siamangs.
  • Head over to Africa to see chimpanzees.
A gorilla at the zoo (ape exhibits).

Gorilla. Photo courtesy of Kathy Dominguez.

Gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees and siamangs are apes, not monkeys. Apes have long arms, no tails and heavier bodies than their monkey relatives. Most apes are omnivores, eating fruit, vegetables and meat on occasion.

Apes are curious, playful and intelligent. Zookeepers use enrichment to keep the apes active and engaged. Boxes, balls and other toys filled with fruit and treats encourage natural behaviors like foraging and puzzle solving. 

Ebola and Apes

The 2014 Ebola outbreak was the most deadly outbreak for humans in the history of the virus. But humans weren't the only species affected. In the past 30 years an estimated 1/3 of the world’s gorilla and chimpanzees have died from contracting Ebola.

Our Actions Matter

Forests provide food, water, shelter and space to apes. Essential habitat is being destroyed by farming, development of roads and mineral and resource extraction. Poaching also continues to threaten ape species. Apes need our protection:

Amazon Wish List

The NM BioPark Society has set up an Amazon wish list for the ABQ BioPark Zoo's primates.

Browse the list and buy enrichment and training items for the primates.

Resources and Links