Riverbanks has recreated this part of Africa as a sanctuary for gorillas, elephants and meerkats, giving visitors the opportunity to see these wonderful animals and learn more about them and their natural habitat. Of course, Ndoki Forest would be amiss without some native birds. A stork, ground hornbill, cinerous vultures and cranes reside in the neighboring African Bird Yard, enhancing the authentic appeal of this exhibit.

QUICK FACTS: AFRICAN ELEPHANT Riverbanks is home to three female African elephants. These majestic animals are the largest living land mammal with females weighing 6,700 to 9,000 pounds. View Fact Sheet DEBRAZZA'S MONKEY DeBrazza's are social primates and typically live in family troops of four to 10 individuals consisting of an adult pair and their offspring of various ages. Researchers are studying wild troops to see if the young females as well as the males disperse to create new troops. View Fact Sheet SLENDER-TAILED MEERKAT "One for all and all for one" is the motto of the slender-tailed meerkat. Groups of these highly social animals always have a designated "lookout" standing watch for danger. View Fact Sheet WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA The tropical rainforests of western Africa are home to western lowland gorillas. Riverbanks currently has three gorillas (Chaka, Mike and Kimya). The all-male group was transferred from Philadelphia Zoo on July 13, 2004. View Fact Sheet