Clinic center: Gorilla habitat with world’s tallest gorilla tower to open in Texas, and more

A network of veterinary hospitals is expanding its presence in West Michigan with the opening of 3 new hospital locations. In Texas, the San Antonio Zoo is preparing to unveil a new gorilla habitat featuring a record-breaking gorilla tower, with a surprising historical discovery made during construction. Meanwhile, the Orlando Cat Café is set to grow beyond Florida with its first franchise location in Texas.

Continue reading to learn more.

Lovet Pet Health Care (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

This network of veterinary hospitals recently announced the opening of 3 new locations in Grand Rapids, Michigan. All 3 hospitals offer full-service veterinary care and contain in-house x-rays and diagnostics backed by artificial intelligence-enabled technology, Lovet said in a press release.¹ The new facilities, listed below, are an addition to the organization’s first hospital in Grand Rapids, which opened in April 2025:

• Alpine Ave Hospital: 3500 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
• Beltline Ave Hospital: 2135 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

• Breton Road Hospital: 1935 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

"Grand Rapids has quickly become one of Lovet's most vibrant and fast-growing markets," Courtney Gruber, president of Lovet Pet Health Care, said in the company press release.¹ According to Gruber, the human-animal connection encouraged Lovet’s expansion in West Michigan.

Congo Falls at San Antonio Zoo (San Antonio, Texas)

This Saturday, the San Antonio Zoo is opening Congo Falls, a new gorilla habitat that will reintroduce gorillas to the zoo for the first time in more than 3 decades. The 2-acre space will contain 3 different habitats that will house 7 Western Lowland gorillas.

Congo Falls will also feature the tallest gorilla tower in the world, The Mays Family Silverback Peak, which stands at more than 70 ft and will give the gorillas a view of the city skyline, said San Antonio Zoo.² According to the zoo, the construction of the habitat also unearthed a piece of history. During excavation, crews discovered limestone from the same quarry that supplied stone for the construction of the Alamo more than 300 years ago. The zoo said the find “deepens the connection between San Antonio Zoo and the city's rich heritage, blending the legacy of the past with a bold vision for the future of conservation.”²

“The world-class habitat will allow guests to connect with gorillas like never before, providing an experience that inspires awe, curiosity, and a deeper appreciation for these remarkable species,” Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoo, said in a news release.² “Congo Falls is [a] labor of love and a historic moment not just for our zoo, but for conservation efforts across the globe.”

Orlando Cat Café (Dallas, Texas)

Orlando Cat Café, which up until now has only operated in Florida, has just sold its first franchise location in Dallas, Texas, the café said in a recent press release The new café, slated to open next year, will follow the same model as the original, offering visitors coffee service alongside a cat lounge where they can interact with cage-free adoptable cats. Orlando Cat Café works with local animal rescue groups to help cats get adopted.

"We are beyond excited to bring Orlando Cat Café's unique experience to the Dallas area," Sandra Cagan, founder of Orlando Cat Café, said in a news release.³ "Expanding through franchising allows us to reach more communities, giving more people the chance to enjoy time with cats while supporting animal welfare. This first franchise sale is just the beginning of our mission to bring joy to both humans and cats across the country."

According to Orlando Cat Café, the business has helped place thousands of cats in new homes and is now seen as a model for pairing hospitality with animal rescue work. “We believe this will be the first of many franchise locations as we continue to grow and create positive experiences for cat lovers everywhere,” Cagan concluded.³

References

1. Lovet Pet Health Care expands Grand Rapids footprint with three new veterinary hospitals. News release. Lovet Pet Health Care. November 20, 2025. Accessed December 10, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lovet-pet-health-care-expands-grand-rapids-footprint-with-three-new-veterinary-hospitals-302621309.html?tc=eml_cleartime
2. A world-first look at Congo Falls: America’s new landmark gorilla habitat opens at San Antonio Zoo. News release. San Antonio Zoo. November 17, 2025. Accessed December 10, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/a-world-first-look-at-congo-falls-americas-new-landmark-gorilla-habitat-opens-at-san-antonio-zoo-302616630.html
3. Orlando Cat Café expands with first franchise sale, bringing unique cat lounge experience to Dallas, Texas. News release. Orlando Cat Café. December 1, 2025. Accessed December 10, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/orlando-cat-cafe-expands-with-first-franchise-sale-bringing-unique-cat-lounge-experience-to-dallas-texas-302628382.html