San Antonio Zoo Unveils Congo Falls, a 2‑acre Gorilla Habitat with 30‑Foot Waterfall and 74‑Foot Tower

On Saturday, the San Antonio Zoo celebrated the debut of Congo Falls, a sprawling 2‑acre gorilla habitat that blends lush landscaping, dynamic water features, and enrichment zones into three distinct environments.

Grand Opening of Congo Falls

The new exhibit opened to the public in a ceremony attended by zoo staff, local officials, and visitors eager to see the latest addition to the zoo’s primate collection. KXAN Anchor Will DuPree spoke to Hope Roth, the zoo’s Vice President of Marketing, about what makes the exhibit stand out.

Design and Features

Congo Falls is built around three separate habitats that together create a naturalistic experience for both gorillas and guests.

• Low‑land basin: A gently sloping area that mimics a riverbank.
• Will Smith Foundation Infinity Falls: A 30‑foot waterfall that provides a dramatic backdrop.
• 74‑foot gorilla tower: The tallest structure of its kind in the world, offering an elevated perch.

Roth explained the layout:

> “Congo Falls is a 2-acre gorilla habitat made up of very distinct and unique habitats inside. The first one is a low-land basin, and when you walk right in front of you will be at Will Smith Foundation Infinity Falls, a 30-foot waterfall,” Roth said, “Then there is a 74-foot gorilla tower, the tallest in the world. You know what they say, everything’s bigger in Texas.”

The tower’s height allows the gorillas to enjoy an unobstructed view of the San Antonio skyline, a feature that has been highlighted in promotional materials.

The Tower: A Sky‑High View

Standing 74 feet tall, the gorilla tower is a striking architectural element. It provides:

• A panoramic view of the city.
• A natural resting spot for the gorillas.
• An opportunity for visitors to observe the primates from a new perspective.

The tower’s design also incorporates environmental controls that keep the gorillas comfortable in San Antonio’s varied climate.

Historical Limestone Discovery

While excavating the site, the zoo’s construction team uncovered limestone that was sourced from the same quarry used over 300 years ago to build the Alamo. The discovery was described by the zoo as “historical,” linking the new exhibit to the region’s heritage.

Visitor Experience and Future Plans

Visitors to Congo Falls can walk through the habitats, watch the waterfall, and observe gorillas in a setting that closely resembles their natural environment. The zoo plans to add enrichment zones that will include:

• Interactive feeding stations.
• Puzzle toys designed to stimulate cognitive development.
• Seasonal displays that reflect the changing environment.

The San Antonio Zoo also announced plans to host educational programs that will teach guests about gorilla conservation and the importance of habitat preservation.

Key Takeaways

• Congo Falls is a 2‑acre gorilla habitat featuring a 30‑foot waterfall and a 74‑foot tower.
• The tower offers an unobstructed view of the city skyline and is the tallest of its kind worldwide.
• A historic limestone discovery links the exhibit to the Alamo’s construction quarry.

Closing

The opening of Congo Falls marks a significant milestone for the San Antonio Zoo, showcasing a blend of natural design, architectural ambition, and historical connection. Visitors can now experience gorillas in an environment that mirrors their wild habitats while enjoying the unique skyline views that only Texas can offer.