Eastern gorilla
Grauer's gorillas and mountain gorillas were previously thought to be two of the three subspecies of one single species, the gorilla ("Gorilla gorilla"). However, genetic research has shown that the two eastern subspecies are far more closely related than the western subspecies: the western lowland gorilla ("G. gorilla gorilla"), which justified the separate classification. The two eastern subspecies are now classified as "G. beringei".
Oregon Zoo
Currently anchored by the Zoo's 1959 primate building, the primate forest is undergoing substantial renovation that includes demolition of most of the old primate building. The current primate exhibit features chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Following renovation, the primate exhibit will include Red Ape Reserve, a 2010 indoor/outdoor exhibit housing orangutans and white cheeked gibbons, and a new, larger chimpanzee habitat that will replace the primate building.The Oregon Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans for 63 endangered/threatened species, among which are successful breeding programs for endangered Asian elephants, and in recent times, African lions. (The latter was under recommendation by the AZA).