Creating an environment for gorillas.

This is a documentation of a conversation with the Head of Gorillas in Howletts Conservation Park.
Together we explore the similarities between our two areas of work. Children and the gorillas both make dens , enjoy their movement, forage for food, learn to climb and jump at a pace that suits them, they play together and enjoy their privacy and make the tools they need out of the things they find around them. They need to be in control of their activities, sometimes they need support with a few things, but this needs doing in ways that are well considered and well informed.
Children and gorillas need well designed places that understand the work that needs to be done. They need risk and challenge and loose parts.
Deprived of these things, they do not grow in the way that they should…