Princess Anne to visit Jersey and open new multi-million-pound enclosure

TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Durrell states that the new gorilla house will provide them with much more space to roam and be more sustainable.It will feature a modern heating and cooling system, eight bedrooms, two spacious indoor housing areas, and a separate training and weighing section for the troop.In 2019, forty gorilla sculptures were auctioned to fund the project after being exhibited publicly across Jersey, generating more than £1.1million.The development represents the zoo's largest capital project, featuring research balconies and comprehensive CCTV to observe the apes' behaviour.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:Duke of Edinburgh announces patronage to celebrate World Theatre DayAndrew's staff ordered to remove his belongings as 'no trace' should be left at Royal LodgeQueen Elizabeth II memorial risks surge in violence, claim millionairesThe project was delayed due to increasing material costs, but is now close to completion, with an anticipated cost of around £4 to £5million.Durell's Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Brewer, shared her excitement about Anne's scheduled arrival next month.She said: We are delighted to be welcoming our patron HRH The Princess Royal to Jersey Zoo again this year to open our brand new, state-of-the-art gorilla facility.The new house is nine times bigger than the current home for our troop and is set to be one of the most modern facilities in Europe.We are so fortunate to have such a committed patron in the Princess Royal and look forward to showing HRH and islanders around this astonishing space.Jersey Zoo has looked after gorillas for more than 60 years, with the latest move its next step in supporting their welfare.Anne's upcoming visit follows Prince Edward's attendance at Bristol Zoo, where he joined conservationists and volunteers to celebrate the launch of the new African Forest habitat.Bristol Zoo is home to some of the world's most threatened species and provides a space for educating and conserving the species within the UK.Some of the animals housed within the zoo include the critically endangered western lowland gorillas, grey parrots, and the extremely threatened species of West African freshwater fish.During his visit, in his capacity as patron of Bristol Zoological Society, the Duke of Edinburgh went behind the scenes to learn how the zoo provides dedicated care to the vulnerable species.In an echo of his sister's upcoming work, Edward also helped prepare lunch to give to the gorillas in the zoo.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter