The new Master Plan shows a new yard for the Chimps with a very large climbing structure and expansion of their existing building; the addition of a new building for Gorillas (not currently housed at Tulsa) along with the addition of one new outdoor yard and renovation of the existing Chimp yard for use by Gorillas; two additional enclosures for unspecified "small primates" (the Zoo currently houses Diana Guenons and Lesser Spot-Nosed Guenons, so I'd suppose they will go into these exhibits); an Aviary; and an exhibit area simply titled "Forest Mixed Species". The plan states the addition of Gorillas are part of a "secondary phase" of development, so I take that to mean it will be a while before they are added. It says the Chimps will continue to have access to the current yard, along with the new one, until Gorillas are added. The plan also calls for a lot of immersive jungle landscaping and theming, and the addition of a "revenue generating" ropes course as part of this area. This area is at the very front of the Zoo and the intent is to create an impressive first impression.
Not sure of actual timeline for starting this, but my guess is its still at least a couple of years away. I know the next project scheduled to start this year is a new yard for White Rhinos near the current Giraffe and Zebra yards and a reworking of that area. The next project to start after that is the new "Lost Kingdoms" section featuring new Tiger, Snow Leopard and Komodo Dragon habitats, along with other exhibits focused on Asia. That is scheduled to open in 2015.
Looking at the Master Plan again, there is a time-line included for future additions. Based on it, the expansion/renovation to the Chimp's area is slated to be finished in 2018, and the addition of Gorillas in 2023.
The full time-line is: 2014 Rhino Exhibit; 2015 The Lost Kingdom: Tigers; 2016, African Plains--Savanna Experience; 2017 African Plains--Village & Giraffe Celebration; 2018 African Forest: Chimps; 2019 North American Bear Trail; 2020 Sheepy Hollow; 2021 America's Small Wonders; 2022 Realm of the Jaguar; 2023 African Forest: Gorillas; 2024 Minor Attraction TBD; 2025 North American Wild Outdoors; 2026 African Plains: Carnivores!; 2027 Minor Attraction TBD; 2028 Minor Attraction TBD; 2029 Wild Islands; 2030 Minor Attraction TBD; 2031 Minor Attraction TBD; 2032 The Lost Kingdom: Elephants
