Apr
23

April 21, 1981

April 21, 1981 The new Great Ape House at the National Zoological Park opens to the public. The exhibit is scheduled to house the Zoo’s four gorillas and four orangutans. The animals are to be housed behind a protective glass barrier because apes are highly susceptible to human infectious diseases and must not be exposed to the visitors.

The photo shows orangutans Bonnie, in the tub, and Azy relaxing in their new home in the Great Ape House.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 23 April 2012
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