The Brookfield Zoo opened a new three-acre exhibit for primates to climb and explore on Friday.
Zoo leaders and local politicians welcomed donors and guests for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $66m James and Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests.
Zoo President and CEO Dr. Michael Adkesson says the four outdoor and two indoor spaces are modeled after the native habitats of their lowland gorillas, spider monkeys, orangutans and other monkeys.
Five of the ten spider monkeys were rescued from smugglers and came to the zoo in December.
The animals can travel between indoor and outdoor exhibits through overhead tunnels as people walk below.
Director of primate care and conservation Kim Skelton explained to WBBM that some of the silverbacks bang on the tunnels to send messages to the other gorillas.
She says while Jontu is protecting his family of five from a pair of single males, the bachelors are trying to get the females’ attention.
The habitats took about two and a half years to build.
The zoo has live music and family-friendly activities planned for the grand opening weekend.