Join our family of curious Kansas Citians

Discover unheard stories about Kansas City, every Thursday.

Thank you for subscribing!

Check your inbox, you should see something from us.

Sign Me Up
Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Going Ape About Habitat at the Kansas City Zoo Pondering the Fate of the Great Ape House

A contemplative orangutan at the Kansas City Zoo.
Share this story
Sponsor Message Become a Flatland sponsor
1 minute read

The Great Ape House at the Kansas City Zoo may have been a provocative piece of local architecture. Ultimately, though, it proved not fit for man nor beast.

Put simply, that’s the answer our curiousKC team found when a loyal reader asked about its fate. The Great Ape House was built in 1966 and demolished in 2015.

Kansas City Zoo Director Randy Wisthoff put it all rather succinctly: “It was just an iconic, I think, landmark here in Kansas City, especially at the zoo. It kind of had that futuristic look to it. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out to be a great animal habitat.”

We suspect you’ll agree when you see the attached video, featurely an ambling gorilla at which you best not stare.

Like what you are reading?

Discover more unheard stories about Kansas City, every Thursday.

Thank you for subscribing!

Check your inbox, you should see something from us.

Enter Email
Your support helps Flatland’s storytellers cover the issues that matter to this community. Give what you can to help in-depth, nonprofit journalism thrive in Kansas City. Support Local Journalism
Sponsor Message Become a Flatland sponsor

Ready to read next

Roller Derby Finds a Home in Downtown Kansas City, Kansas

Rolling With Legends in Memorial Hall

Read Story

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *