Orangutans of Gunung Leuser, Guardians of the Rainforest, Toronto Zoo

The habitat serves a dual purpose as both a sanctuary, enriched to foster the well-being of its inhabitants, and a dedicated research station for conservation efforts. The modern research space is a beacon of hope for conservation, offering teams profound insights into the lives and needs of orangutans. It sheds light on important issues such as animal welfare, the dangers of unsustainable palm oil production, and the rapid deforestation of the Leuser Ecosystem—one of Southeast Asia’s largest intact rainforests.

The Leuser Ecosystem is not only home to over 85% of all remaining Sumatran orangutans but is also the sole environment where critically endangered orangutans, rhinos, elephants, and tigers coexist in the wild. Illuminating and extending this information to visitors is key to raising awareness about the threats to these vital habitats and the extraordinary species they support.

Drawing inspiration from the verdant landscapes of Borneo, our design team embarked on a mission to recreate the orangutans’ natural habitat within the confines of the zoo. The result is a harmonious blend of form and function, where every element serves to enrich the lives of both the orangutans and the visitors who come to admire them. The habitat, spanning 13,000 square feet, seamlessly integrates with the existing Indo-Malaya Pavilion, offering guests a unique glimpse into the fascinating world of these majestic creatures. From towering tree canopies and water features to interactive play areas, every aspect has been thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of wonder and connection with nature.

Keeping the enjoyment of all visitors in mind, the space is designed to provide views of the orangutans from multiple vantage points, offering guests a sense of discovery as they navigate the habitat. Elevated walkways, platforms, and a climbing apparatus present visitors with unique and varying viewpoints to experience and observe how the orangutans explore their habitat—including opportunities to feel immersed at the uppermost levels. The end of the visitor journey leads to the highest vantage point, the treehouse, where guests can be eye-to-eye with the orangutans at one of the adjacent climbing poles.

The primary objective of the habitat design was to provide the orangutans with a home they can explore and thrive in, while minimizing the sensation of being a spectacle. Therefore, it was imperative that the environment accommodates the nature of the animals’ movements and behaviors. As such, unique 75-foot-tall climbing structures were designed to interconnect different areas of the habitat with specialized rope, allowing the orangutans to traverse 150-foot spans above visitors. Such features allow the orangutans to live and move freely, with the option of being in the public eye. Orangutans are naturally curious animals, which led to the design of spaces that foster their playful nature, including a ground-level viewing spot where an orangutan can press a button and playfully spray water at visitors with a hidden nozzle, creating an amusing experience for everyone. 

At the heart of our design is a tribute to the resilience of orangutans and a call-to-action for protecting the species. Through innovative elements like climbing poles, platforms, and aerial walkways, visitors are invited to witness the orangutans’ natural behaviors up close, fostering a deeper appreciation for the importance of habitat preservation. As stewards of the environment, Zeidler and Jones & Jones are proud to have played a part in bringing this vision to life. Building upon our past successes, including the acclaimed Panda Passage at the Calgary Zoo, we remain committed to creating sustainable habitats that serve as sanctuaries for endangered species around the globe. Through thoughtful design and unwavering dedication, we can make a lasting impact on the future of wildlife conservation.