City of St. Paul - Gorilla Forest - Como Park and Conservatory

The $11 million exhibit redesign and overhaul feature seven gorillas and the largest all-mesh gorilla enclosure in North America. The 13,000 SF outdoor space was designed to give the gorillas ample room to play, climb, forage, and display their extraordinary family and social dynamics to the public while minimizing stress on the animals and creating up close and personal views of the gorillas for visitors. The new gorilla holding building provides abundant natural light and two stories for the animals with view windows and perches so the gorillas can see out. Improvements to existing rockwork and trees afford more horizontal space for gorillas and planned family groups. Better ventilation, lighting, drainage, and a new rainforest mural on the dayroom wall, create both an improved environment for the animals and an enriched viewing experience for the public.

CPMI was the Agency Construction Manager for preconstruction and construction. We provided a full-time manager on-site during construction. This project was constructed in the middle of an operating facility where special attention and coordination of construction activities and public events were critical.