The Elevator Building is closed to the public. Hubbard Gorilla Valley is only accessible from the entrance near Simmons Aviary.

Originally constructed in April 2004, Hubbard Gorilla Valley allowed the Zoo to become a major partner in gorilla conservation. Through the continued commitment and generosity of donors, it has been updated with an African Jungle theme and enhancements that reflect the Zoo's immersive and educational style.

Habitat

• New complex climbing structures for our gorillas and tree limbs have been added to the habitats. Climbing structures give multiple options for variety of enrichment in different locations throughout, which More complex natural timber climbing structures and tree limbs have been added to the habitats to give multiple options for a variety of enrichment in different locations, which encourages investigation, foraging and increases the use of problem solving.
• Certain locations throughout the exhibit were leveled to bring the gorillas to eye-level with visitors, allowing them to be seen closer. By leveling the grade in the main indoor habitat, the usable amount of space increased in that area by 10,000 square feet, giving the gorillas more room to roam both up high and down low.
• More waterfalls and streams have been added for constant natural movement.
• Additions have been made to the roof of the building to provide more shade outdoors.
• The exhibit now has an off-exhibit winter quarters to provide space for primates who spend the spring, summer and fall seasons outside.

Education

• Renovated education hub with interactive touch screens, photo murals, digital monitor displays and display cases
• Main video hub is a combination of 9 screens
• Educational videos exhibit gorillas in their natural habitat, and some feature Omaha’s gorillas and keepers  
• Skeleton displays have been updated with interactive educational video screens

Guest Experience

• New and notable entrance on the north side closest to the Simmons Aviary draws visitors in from the main path and sets the tone for the experience
• Aesthetic and structural improvements
• Additional bench seating throughout for gorilla observation
• Flooring replacement throughout
• Painting throughout
• New energy-efficient indoor lighting
• New wall décor, including hand-painted and three-dimensional leaves
• Upgraded ceiling panels
• Printed window films of Bamboo to prevent glare on main display
• Updated Children’s Play Area with additional bronze Gorilla sculptures
• Exhibit is a three-acre site that includes two acres of gorilla and visitor space
• Home to other animals including cattle egret, white-faced duck, white stork, Abyssinian blue-winged goose, cape teal, African spurred tortoise, black crowned crane, yellow-backed duiker, Abyssinian ground hornbill, and colobus monkeys
• Outside exhibits planted with multiple species of grasses, bushes, and trees to allow for natural foraging Installation of a sprinkler system for plant irrigation also can create rain on a hot summer day, cooling the gorillas with mist
• Family group will be rotated with bachelor males in the large group exhibit so the juvenile gorillas can interact with the structures and forage naturally