On April 12, 2022 Gorilla Grove, a new $9.1 million outdoor gorilla habitat, opened to the general public. Guests at Franklin Park Zoo will have the opportunity to experience themselves in a new state-of-the-art outdoor gorilla habitat. This new space features more than 360,000 cubic feet for the gorilla troop to explore. Containing a mix of real and fabricated trees, a waterfall, climbing vines and built-in foraging opportunities, the gorillas will be able to experience life in their natural habitat. As part of Zoo New England, Franklin Park Zoo is an active participant in the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps to ensure the survival of selected species threatened or endangered.

Hot-dip galvanizing was specified since the aggressive nature of the animals could damage a less effective coating and lead to corrosion. Based on the anticipated life cycle of HDG versus a non-galvanized coating, the architect specified hot-dip galvanizing as the corrosion protection method.

Since it was important for the steel components to blend in with the gorilla's natural environment, a duplex coating system of hot-dip galvanizing with an epoxy primer and a urethane topcoat was specified. Additionally, some of the posts were wrapped in synthetic trees to mimic their form and function within the gorilla's habitat. The synergy of the systems will provide an even longer life without maintenance.