SEATTLE — A special sunning yard has been built for the Woodland Park Zoo’s oldest gorilla.
Zoo officials said the gorilla, Amanda, has been living in indoor, off-view dens since November after they discovered she had age-related blindness.
Officials said she had difficulty navigating the public outdoor habitats and was moved to the off-view dens so they could provide her better care.
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But now, her new 72-square-foot sunning yard will allow her to be outside whenever she wants while still receiving the same care.
Officials said the space is outfitted “with furnishings that gorillas love” like a firehose and cargo netting attached with stainless steel anchor bolts and clips.
The zoo’s gorilla care and exhibits staff said they can easily set up and take down the space before letting other gorillas into the habitat.
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“Providing optimal lifelong care requires innovative thinking and, in Amanda’s case, creating an enriched sunning area in the gorilla habitat that gives her an opportunity to be outside and get fresh air and sunshine, while still maintaining her safety, which is important for her well-being,” said Nancy Hawkes, Ph.D., director of animal care at Woodland Park Zoo.
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