Great Ape House

The Great Ape House at the Smithsonian's National Zoo is home to western lowland gorillas and Bornean and Sumatran orangutans — our closest living relatives, and some of the most cognitively sophisticated animals on Earth. With a 4.3-star rating from 81 reviews, it's a consistently satisfying stop on a National Zoo visit.

What makes ape exhibits compelling for children in a way that most zoo exhibits aren't is the behavioral complexity on display. Gorillas engage in social interactions — grooming, play, dominance displays, and quiet contemplation — that mirror human family dynamics in ways kids recognize and respond to. When a gorilla makes eye contact and studies a child with genuine curiosity, the moment registers.

Questions about what animals think, whether they have feelings, and what separates humans from apes tend to emerge naturally from this exhibit.

Orangutans at the National Zoo are particularly notable for the 'O Line' — an overhead cable system that allows orangutans to travel between the Great Ape House and the Think Tank building. On days when the O Line is active, visitors can watch orangutans navigating overhead on a path above the main zoo walkway — an unusual experience.

The indoor exhibits are comfortable in any weather, making this a reliable stop on rainy or hot days. Like all National Zoo exhibits, entry is free as part of the Smithsonian's commitment to public access. Plan for 30-60 minutes here within a larger zoo day.