Exhibit use by great apes as part of a post-occupancy evaluation (2001)

Ross, S. K., Lukas, K.

Abstract

All apes [6 chimpanzees and 15 gorillas] used the various strata of the exhibits, but there were species differences in exhibit use. Four of the six chimps spent most of their time in the highest two meters of the exhibit, whereas all but one gorilla preferred the lowest two meters. However, gorillas used the highest and lowest tiers of the exhibit at frequencies predicted by volume measurements, suggesting that they will use vertical height when it is provided to them. Chimps only differed from gorillas by using the higher tier more than expected. Both species spent more time than expected proximate to doorways and corners and less time proximate to the glass public barrier. A positive correlation between dominance rank and gorillas' proximity to doorways further suggests a preference for this feature.