Introduction.

At the heart of the new primate exhibit stands a 47-foot-tall Kapok Tree with a striking 45-foot canopy shade structure—an iconic, contemporary element that reimagines the guest experience. Designed to support a unique overhead enclosure, the tree allows Bonobos or Gorillas to be viewed in a more intimate and immersive setting, bringing zoo patrons closer than ever to these remarkable animals.

What we did.

Nassal led the fabrication and installation of over 6,000 square feet of rockwork and mud bank–themed veneer within the Gorilla exhibit yard, created an entirely new Bonobo habitat and design-built the towering Kapok Tree centerpiece that anchors the exhibit.

How we did it.

To bring the landscapes to life, our team constructed a rockwork waterfall and pool system, integrated more than 2,000 square feet of naturalistic rock outcrops, and shaped over 700 square feet of eroded mud bank slopes. Inside the new viewing space, we fabricated seven artificial Banyan Trees and installed soil-themed wall veneers to extend the immersive design. At the center, the 47-foot Kapok Tree was engineered not only for scale and spectacle, but also to elevate the guest experience, offering unprecedented proximity to the animals.

Conclusion.

The Kapok Tree’s internal cavity includes an elevated “Crow’s Nest” platform, providing zookeepers and zoologists with a discreet vantage point for observation and care, merging functionality with storytelling in this dynamic, multi-species habitat.