International Chimpanzee Complex Opens at Indianapolis Zoo
The International Chimpanzee Complex is the newest habitat exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo, and itโs completely devoted to one thing โ letting chimps be chimps.
Following its mission of conservation, education, and providing the best life possible for its residents, the Indianapolis Zooโs International Chimpanzee Complex is one of the most natural found anywhere in the country. It allows the chimps to behave more naturally and the visitors to witness them in action in a way thatโs closer to the wild.
The Indianapolis Zoo has long been known for its commitment to education and preservation, and it takes that commitment even further with the addition of the International Chimpanzee Complex. This one-of-a-kind complex is like none other and is at the forefront of how habitats should be designed.
About the International Chimpanzee Complex
The Penny & Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex is a nature-driven home for up to 30 chimpanzees. Itโs an innovative exhibit that recreates important aspects of chimpanzeesโ natural habitat so the chimps can have a home as close to the wild as possible. Rather than one space, the complex offers resident chimpanzees three distinct areas, each designed to make their habitat feel like home and stimulate their bodies and minds.
This innovative habitat is designed to foster more education, conservation, and a bond between humans and chimpanzees as well as giving the chimps a more natural, stimulating environment.
It had just opened when we were in Indy for the Inidanpolis 500 so we were among some of the first to experience this new venture.
Chimpanzee Trail
The Chimpanzee Trail is a one-of-a-kind elevated structure that connects the outdoor yards and buildings of the overall complex. The trail allows the chimpanzees to travel freely between spaces, giving them the ability to choose where they go, what they do, and who they interact with โ just as they would in the wild.
The majority of the trail is visible to the public, and some sections even span directly over public walkways, offering visitors viewing opportunities they wonโt find anywhere else.
Community Hub
The Community Hub allows the chimpanzees to view downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park and offers an area designed to promote communal interaction. Itโs also designed to give visitors incredible views of the chimps and their interactions in an environment that respects their social, emotional, mental, and natural needs.
The Indianapolis Zoo โ More Than Chimps
Of course, the Indianapolis Zoo is proud of its new International Chimpanzee Complex, but we canโt forget everything else this zoo has to offer. The Indianapolis Zoo is home to wide variety of land, sea, and air-dwelling creatures in a host of various habitats. Visitors can view elephants, giraffes, kangaroos, macaws, and other tropical birds, as well as dolphins, sharks, and much more.
In addition to the International Chimpanzee Complex, visitors can also enjoy the International Orangutan Center devoted to these amazing apes. The award-winning center is designed to stimulate the physical, social, and intellectual needs of orangutans in much the same way as the chimpanzee complex. I love watching these orangutan just playing.
The great thing about the Indianapolis Zoo is that it actually has too many animals and habitats to list individually. The best way to enjoy the zoo is simply to wander around and explore. Be aware that the Chimpanzee Complex and the Orangutan Center require tickets.
How to plan your visit HERE โ tickets, exhibits, and special events.
Tour by Train
The White River Junction Trainโ is a narrated tour around the zoo. No matter what park or zoo we are in, we love taking the train. Itโs not only a great way to sit and relax a bit, but you can also see many of the animals in a more natural environment.
You may have to keep a keen eye out for them. It was a hot afternoon on the day of our visit so many of the animals were finding shade for their afternoon naps and rest times.
A few of the animals we found on our train ride.
Harlan/Shriver Families Cognition Center
The Cognition Center is designed specifically to offer the resident chimpanzees mental stimulation through cognitive tasks. Using modern technology, chimpanzees will be able to engage in cognitive activities through a computer touch panel stations designed to give scientists a better understanding of how these great apes think and perceive the world around them. Visitors to the center will be able to observe the chimps tackling these tasks, and theyโll even be able to try the same tasks.
Deborah J. Simon Culture Center
The Culture Center offers multiple opportunities to view the chimpanzees gathered in small groups. These gatherings will not be scripted or forced. The chimps will congregate as they desire in the same way they would in their native African forests. While visiting the center, guests can learn about all the ways chimps use tools and their distinct cultures across Africa.
A few more of my favorite photos to show you the zoo has a few animals and exhibits for the whole family.
The International Chimpanzee Exhibit and More at Indianapolis Zoo
Whether you want to see the chimps in an incredibly natural habitat, orangutans, elephants, sea creatures, birds, reptiles, or any of the other huge variety of animals at the Indianapolis Zoo, youโll always have a good time. Youโll also learn a lot! Explore all the habitats the zoo has to offer, stop for a bite at any of the snack stands youโll find throughout the zoo, or simply stroll and take in the sights. The Zoo is the perfect spot for families, and it should be at the top of your list if youโre visiting the Indianapolis area.
We visited this great zoo as part of a bucket list weekend โ ATTENDING MY FIRST INDY 500.
Iโve included affiliate links to Amazon for you to find some products easier. I may receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you. It just helps my blog out.
Happy Travels,
Rosemary
