ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s fueled renovations at the ABQ BioPark, worth tens of millions of dollars. Now, the city said the next round of GRT funds from the BioPark tax will go into two very big zoo projects.
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A multi-million dollar renovation for the zoo’s gorilla habitat is on the docket next for BioPark projects. Funded by the continued gross receipts tax that voters approved in 2015, the project is the latest big upgrade the zoo will start making over the next year. “Well, we’re looking at taking down this wall and providing a slope down so the gorillas can access the zoo pond, and also in this area we’re going to have an improved ramp to the gorilla ape walk,” said Gibson.
The city said the “Ape Walk” gorilla exhibit is long overdue for an upgrade. By next year, crews will begin rebuilding the area along with the front entrance of the zoo. “Well, our gorilla habitats have served generations of gorilla troops, but it’s definitely time for an update,” said Brandon Gibson, BioPark Director.
Gibson said the apes will also get vertical enclosures similar to what the orangutans have in the Asia exhibit. “We’re looking for spots where the gorillas can be elevated above the guests, where the gorillas can see water and have more water features and improved and increased vegetation throughout the habitat,” said Gibson.
The ABQ BioPark Zoo currently has eight gorillas and three different enclosures. They’re hoping that with this new expansion, they can connect all three and give the gorillas much more space.
The latest round of GRT-funded projects will also bring an overhaul to the zoo’s main entrance. It will open the area up to make it more welcoming and cut back on long lines. And finally, Tingley Beach is also slated for improvements. “We’re going to have some shoreline stabilization, we’re going to hopefully add some restrooms and also just guest access throughout Tingley Beach,” said Gibson.
Zoogoers said they’re looking forward to these improvements. “I think they should because then it would be a lot more fun for the audience to see,” said Lia Olivas, ABQ Resident.
“Every time we come there’s always a new great addition and that sounds like another great addition to the zoo,” said Chris Encinias, ABQ Resident.
The city is planning to break ground on each of those three big projects next year. The $22M Ape Walk revamp will take years to finish, with completion slated for 2028. The city has other projects in the queue, affecting the Australia exhibit and the Botanic Garden Children’s Fantasy Garden.
