You can see dozens of chimpanzees in a massive habitat opening this weekend!

Indiana Zoos

Indiana is home to a few great zoos, and many have their own unique blend of animals to see.  However, after doing some research, there is only one zoo in the Hoosier state where you can go to see chimpanzees (if I somehow have made an error on this information, please let me know).  The Indianapolis Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, and one exhibit just got a massive upgrade.

Chimpanzees

If you have never seen chimpanzees in person, they are fascinating creatures.  I think what makes humans so curious to see chimps is the fact that we share 99% of our DNA with them.

Science explains:

Chimpanzees now have to share the distinction of being our closest living relative in the animal kingdom. An international team of researchers has sequenced the genome of the bonobo for the first time, confirming that it shares the same percentage of its DNA with us as chimps do. The team also found some small but tantalizing differences in the genomes of the three species—differences that may explain how bonobos and chimpanzees don't look or act like us even though we share about 99% of our DNA.

It's so neat to see these creatures in person, and now there's a new exhibit where you can see these animals like never before.  A unique habitat was just built in Indianapolis where you can get an incredible glimpse of these creatures.

Penny and Jock Fortune International Chimpanzee Complex

After much anticipation online, the Indianapolis Zoo is finally ready for the grand opening of the new chimpanzee exhibit.  According to a zoo representative when speaking with WTHI, this is one of the biggest chimpanzee communities in the world and the biggest habitat in the United States.  They are currently home to 21 chimpanzees, but the habitat can hold a community of 30 chimps.

According to the Indianapolis Zoo this exhibit will allow chimpanzees to be, well chimpanzees. The habitat may not look natural for chimps, but it will afford them the freedom to roam about that they would have in the wild.  The new exhibit will also feature an elevated chimpanzee trail.

The Chimpanzee Trail is an entirely unique elevated structure that gives the chimpanzees the ability to make decisions about where they go, what they do and with whom they interact. The vast majority of the trail will be viewable to visitors, with some sections of the trail stretching directly overhead public walkways, offering visitors one-of-a-kind viewing opportunities.

The exhibit is scheduled for its grand opening on May 25th! You can plan your visit here.