Opening Saturday, December 13
Our Congo Falls public GRAND OPENING is set for Saturday, December 13, marking the return of gorillas to San Antonio Zoo for the first time in over 30 years. We’re cutting the ribbon at 10:00 a.m.! This world-class habitat is a historic milestone in the zoo’s 111-year history, setting a new standard for wildlife conservation, education, and animal care. When the sun goes down, we will celebrate the Grand Opening with a drone show featuring hundreds of luminous drones that will light up the sky in a dazzling tribute to gorillas and conservation. This show is FREE for Zoo Members and included with admission.
Meet the Gorillas
Ajari
Age: 25
Birthday: 10/30/2000
Ajari, our largest gorilla at Houston Zoo, typically weighs over 400 pounds but is a true gentle giant. Known for his playful nature, he often engages in lively games with the younger gorilla boys, showing extra gentleness with the smaller ones. Ajari is also highly sociable with keepers, grumbling affectionately when they talk to him or bring food. In his playful interactions, he’ll chase keepers around or charge at them, tossing bedding in a fun, delightful way.
Learn more about Ajarichevron_right
Anaka
Age: 55
Birthday: 01/01/1970
Coming to us from Zoo Atlanta, Anaka is known for her high energy and love for grapes and peanuts. Later this year, she’ll be making her way to her new home at Congo Falls to join our lively gorilla troop!
Learn more about Anakachevron_right
Merry
Age: 55
Birthday: 01/01/1970
Merry is making her way from Atlanta Zoo to her new home at Congo Falls later this year, where she'll join our vibrant gorilla troop!
Learn more about Merrychevron_rightExplore the Habitat Congo Falls
Congo Falls is San Antonio Zoo's most ambitious and immersive habitat to date, marking the return of gorillas to the zoo after more than 30 years. This two-acre, state-of-the-art habitat is designed to replicate the lush, multi-level terrain of the African jungle, providing an enriching environment for the gorillas and an engaging experience for guests.
At the heart of Congo Falls is the Mays Family Silverback Peak, a revolutionary 70-foot-tall gorilla tower—the first of its kind globally. This structure allows gorillas to climb from their open-air habitat to an observation area atop the cliff wall, offering them panoramic views of the San Antonio skyline and the zoo’s event center, The Ralston.
The habitat features expansive roaming areas, interactive browsing gardens, and naturalistic elements such as waterfalls and climbing structures, all designed to stimulate the gorillas’ natural behaviors and provide guests with multiple vantage points to observe these magnificent animals.
During the construction of Congo Falls, an unexpected historical discovery was made: the excavation unearthed limestone from the very quarry that supplied stone for the construction of the Alamo over 300 years ago. This finding deepens the connection between the zoo and San Antonio’s rich history.
Congo Falls is more than just a habitat; it’s a testament to the zoo’s commitment to conservation, education, and innovation. By bringing gorillas back to San Antonio in such a groundbreaking habitat, the zoo offers an unparalleled opportunity for guests to connect with these incredible animals and learn about the efforts to protect them in the wild.​
Gorillas on the Line Answer the Call
Gorillas on the Line…Answer the Call is a global cell phone recycling initiative led by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) in partnership with eco-cell. This campaign raises awareness about the connection between cell phones and gorilla conservation. Mining for coltan—a substance used in electronic devices—contributes to habitat destruction in areas where critically endangered gorillas live.
You can help protect gorillas in the wild! Recycle your old phones, tablets, chargers, handheld gaming devices, or other small electronics at San Antonio Zoo. Every device donated helps reduce the demand for harmful mining and supports AZA-accredited facilities working on behalf of gorillas.
Look for the drop-off station near the Congo Falls entrance or ask any staff member for assistance.
