North Georgia's Gorilla Haven opens for limited tours

In October 2007, Scott Freeman wrote a cover story about Morganton, Ga.'s, Gorilla Haven, a kind of foster home for gorillas in need:

Traditionally, zoos have had to separate gorillas such as Oliver that don't neatly fit into their outdoor habitats. And because of space limitations, they're often housed in less-than-ideal conditions. But Oliver is among the fortunate ones; nestled in the mountains about 90 minutes north of Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind facility called Gorilla Haven that was built with gorillas like Oliver in mind. It is a place that few outside the primate world know about because it's not open to the public.

Not open to the public — until now. Gorilla Haven's holding a series of limited tours this fall on Sat., Sept. 13, Wed., Oct. 8, Sat., Oct. 11 and Sat., Oct. 18 from noon-2 p.m. (The Oct. 18 tour is already sold out, but a waiting list is available.) The tours will serve as fundraisers for the sanctuary, which has struggled financially since the economy took a nosedive.

According to the event press release, Gorilla Haven receives "no revenue from the government, zoos or grants. Until now, everything has been funded by owners Jane and Steuart Dewar." The couple operates the facilities through the Dewar Wildlife Trust, Inc.

A donation of $50 is suggested per person, $25 for additional family members. Contact Emily Moreland at 706-851-9440 or angelofahhs at live.com for reservations. Info can also be found on Gorilla Haven's website, www.gorilla-haven.org.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)