Page Updated: September 13, 2023
Zoo Atlanta
Zoo ATL - Atlanta GA
Zoo Atlanta is quite modest and carries an unassuming street presence compared to other zoos in the United States. If you don’t know where to look, you’ll pass right by it and not even know it. History on the zoo gives a glimpse as to why
In 1883, a 100acre gift to Atlanta became a green space for the surrounding neighborhoods. The green space became known as Grant Park. In 1889, a traveling menagerie passing through Georgia fell apart and went bankrupt. After noticing the stranded circus animals were gaining public attention, a businessman purchased them all at public auction and donated them all to the city of Atlanta – who in turn relocated the animals to Grant Park – and Georgia’s first zoo was born.
Zoo ATL still sits within Grant Park and has recently undergone a much-needed transformation. My first visit to Zoo ATL in 2006 left me feeling sad the elephants had so little space to move around.
In 2022, I’m thrilled to relay the addition of the African Savanna exhibit (phase 1 of the Grand New View) gives the elephants some much needed space; including watering holes and interactive stations that allow them to utilize their trunks.
Not only have the elephants benefited from a much larger habitat, but these benefits extend to the zoo’s other African Plain animals such as ostrich, zebra, and warthog.
The reptiles and amphibians of Zoo Atlanta got their habitat boost in 2015 with the grand opening of the Scaly Slimy Spectacular exhibit. The new complex houses roughly 100 animals of varying species and is a step up from the 1960s World of Reptiles exhibit.
The Asian Forest Exhibit houses leopard, tiger, and orangutan; but since 1999, the star of this exhibit has been the Giant Panda. This year - 2022, marks the 23rd year Lun Lun and Yang Yang have been at Zoo ATL. Both adults turn 25; and their twins, Ya Lun and Xi Lun - born in Zoo ATL - turn 6.
Of all the animals at Zoo Atlanta, none has been more revered by Atlantans than the Western Lowland Gorilla - all because of Willie B.
Arriving at the Atlanta Zoo in 1961, Willie B. gained the affections of the people; and during his stay, he became a cherished icon. As times have changed, so did captive habitats; and in “1988, Willie B. had his first opportunity to step outside since babyhood with the opening of the Zoo’s Ford African Rain Forest.” -zooatlanta.org
The new habitat brought the addition of more gorillas; giving Willie B. companionship and mates. Throughout his remaining years, he sired 5 offspring who have successfully gone on to have a new generation of babies of their own.
Willie B.
1961-2000
As you explore this building, learn more about the program Willie B. inspired, and see for yourself the many ways the life of one individual became the catalyst for landmarks in the care and study of western lowland gorillas - and the powerful origin of the conservation actions we now hope you’ll take for his species.
-Willie B. Gorilla Conservation Center
Today, there are 20 Western Lowland Gorillas in Zoo ATL - each with their own distinctive personalities. You can take in the antics from several viewing stations surrounding their habitat with the best action happening around feeding time. Ask a zoo employee for the feeding schedule!
-b&b
Blood Mountain via Byron Reece
