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Sedgwick County Zoo (Visit this link)

The Downing Gorilla Forest is an important feature in bringing the wildlife of the African continent to the people of Wichita and Sedgwick County. As you cross a wooden bridge over the river that separates the Gorilla Forest from the rest of the Zoo you will be immersed in equatorial Africa. To wet your appetite for the experience ahead, the Nganda Island will be home to a number of forest animals. In the trees, along the bank of the river, on the edge of the Island you will see a family of colobus monkeys and DeBrazza's monkeys. Both species of monkeys are found along the river and mountain forests of Central Africa. A splash of color can also be seen at the flamingo pool located next to the food court. Guests can enjoy a zoo treat while admiring these graceful birds as they feed in the waters along the path. But, the best is yet to come.

A fifty-foot suspension bridge will take you out of the village atmosphere of Nganda Island and will immerse you in the forest of the gorilla. The Downing Gorilla Forest is also home of the secretive okapi, a distant relative to the giraffe. You will need to be quiet and look closely for these shy animals. Look across the small stream on the opposite bank for white stripes against a dark brown background and you will see this rare animal. Look even closer and you will see the black crowned cranes and the saddle-billed storks foraging along the stream.

Continuing down the jungle path you will see the first sign that gorillas are near. Follow the gorilla knuckle and foot prints as you approach the doors to The Downing Gorilla Preserve. The natural history of the gorilla and conservation efforts of biologists will be described in educational signs and interactive displays. Looking ahead again you will see a large tree, its trunk only visible in the middle of a clearing. Around this large tree is a gorilla group. As you enter the clearing you will be surrounded by gorillas – an experience like no other. Take your time and sit under the tree. Watch the gorillas as they forage on the hillside, lounge under the shade of the tree, play tag and wrestle together.

http://www.scz.org