Gorilla Rainforest
Open
9:00am - 4:30pm every day
Pygmy Hippo Talk
2.30pm every day
Head deep into the jungles of Africa where lemurs roam, gorillas rule and tree-top apes and monkeys sing from the top of their lungs. You can also meet Melbourne Zoo's Pygmy Hippopotamus, the Cassowary and other animals along the way.
Please note: unfortunately the Western Lowland Gorilla family is not currently able to be seen (updated April 2024).
Lemur
Ring-tailed Lemurs and Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs are highly social animals that live in ‘troops’. These Madagascan natives spend their days sunbathing, relaxing in yoga-like positions, and feasting on leaves, fruit, and the occasional bug. They talk to each other using vocal sounds, facial movements, and a scent they produce from their wrists.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Western Lowland Gorilla
The Western Lowland Gorilla shares the same family as humans and giggles when amused. The leader is usually a single, dominant male known as a silverback. Gorillas have been declared critically endangered, mainly due to habitat loss. Please note: unfortunately the Western Lowland Gorilla family is not currently able to be seen (updated April 2024).
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Pygmy Hippopotamus
There are only about 3,000 Pygmy Hippopotamuses left in the wild. This reclusive animal is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa. It is only half as tall as its hippo cousins. Melbourne Zoo is part of a breeding program for this threatened species, alongside 300 other zoos around the world.
Conservation Status
Endangered
White-cheeked Gibbon
The White-cheeked Gibbon mates for life. Known for being quite vocal, each musical couple creates their own song. White-cheeked Gibbons live in evergreen tropical forests in South Asia, but populations are dropping as their habitats shrink. This gibbon is now critically endangered.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered
Black-handed Spider Monkey
Black-handed Spider Monkeys live in the tropical rain forests of Central America. Like many primates, they are endangered, mainly from loss of habitat. Melbourne Zoo has successfully bred a number of Black-handed Spider Monkey. It’s a real achievement as females only give birth to a single baby every two to five years.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Black-and-white Colobus
The Eastern Black-and-white Colobus is a medium-sized primate. These African natives are known for their shiny black coats and long flowing white hair that drapes over their back and tail. They usually dine on leaves, can jump long distances between branches and spend most of their time in trees.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Cotton-top Tamarin
Likened to a tiny punk because of their distinctive ‘hairstyles’, this little creature is in serious trouble in the wild. There are believed to only be 300 to 1,000 remaining in the wild. Cotton-top Tamarins are found in northwest Colombia where habitat loss and predators are drastically reducing their already low numbers.
Conservation Status
Critically Endangered