Realm of the Red Ape, an extension to our existing orangutan exhibit, opened in 2007. TV presenter Nick Knowles officially opened the new enclosure – even the orangutans couldn’t help but join in with the celebrations! The new building took two years to build and was the biggest project in the zoo’s history to that date.Director general, Mark Pilgrim, said: “Watching the Orangutans entering the Realm of the Red Ape facility for the first time was a very special moment. Following so much hard work by so many people for a number of years, the exhibit looked stunning. The real seal of approval, however, was seeing our Sumatran orangutan mothers Emma and Subis so relaxed in the new exhibit that within an hour they let their young explore it on their own.”