A play space inspired by gorillas, grounded in conservation, and designed for adventure.
NEW FOR 2025: Joshi’s Jungle Swings into Action at Howletts Wild Animal Park
Families visiting Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent can look forward to an exciting new addition in 2025: Joshi’s Jungle, a dynamic, gorilla-themed playground that blends wild adventure with powerful conservation messaging.
Inspired by the energetic world of young gorillas, Joshi’s Jungle invites children to climb, swing, balance and explore just as gorillas would in the wild. Designed with nature in mind, this immersive play area features natural materials, earthy tones, and themed elements that tell the story of Joshi, a young silverback born at Howletts and now thriving in the forests of Congo, Africa.
A Playground with Purpose
More than just a fun day out, Joshi’s Jungle encourages children to connect with nature and wildlife through play. The design includes interactive panels, finger mazes, and fun facts engraved into natural cladding—all of which highlight fascinating details about gorilla behaviour, habitats, and the ongoing conservation work of our partner charity, The Aspinall Foundation.
Rope Maze
Sensory Play Panel
Shumba's Shack
Interactive Games
Kijo's Castle
Jungle Bridge
Climbing Wall
Slide
Basket Swing
Tyre Swing
Seesaw
Trapeze Handles
From stepping stumps and jungle bridges to rope nets, hammocks, and tyre swings, the playground offers a mix of graded challenges for all age groups, helping to build confidence and curiosity. Elevated decks wind through the trees, giving children a fresh perspective on the world below—just like a gorilla looking out from the canopy.
Get to Know Joshi
Joshi, the inspiration for the playground, was born at Howletts and moved to Congo in 2021 as part of The Aspinall Foundation’s pioneering rewilding programme. Now living on an island in the Lesio-Louna Reserve, Joshi shares his space with Bomassa, a wild-born orphan gorilla, forming a close-knit bond under the expert care and monitoring of The Aspinall Foundation team.
Joshi
Bomassa
Over time, Bomassa has become a mentor despite his young age, teaching Joshi what to eat and how to thrive in the forest. As Joshi grows into a powerful silverback, he is expected to play a vital role in protecting and leading his group, with the eventual goal of full release into the wider reserve—where he may even breed and contribute to the future of wild gorilla populations.
A Conservation Legacy
The Aspinall Foundation’s gorilla conservation work dates back to 1987, when it established its first Gorilla Protection Project in the Republic of Congo.
Gorilla Conservation
Continuing the Legacy
Since then, over 70 gorillas have been rewilded, with more than 35 wild births, helping to restore gorilla populations in areas where they were once extinct.
Conservation through play
Joshi’s Jungle celebrates this legacy and introduces young visitors to the importance of conservation through play, helping to inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you're climbing across the Rope Matrix, sliding down from the Tree Platform, or swinging side-by-side on the basket swings, Joshi’s Jungle is a must-visit for families looking to make lasting memories—and a meaningful connection to the wild.
Joshi’s Jungle opened Spring 2025 and is included with entry to Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Book your tickets
