They might have been discussing who would inherit the current gorilla space. That will be valuable space after gorilla relocation.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Zoo next project
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They might have been discussing who would inherit the current gorilla space. That will be valuable space after gorilla relocation.
I wonder if they plan to give the space to one of the existing residents or bring in a new headliner for PC&A since the Gorillas were the last main draw to the area since the Sharks, Snow Leopards, Red Panda all moved out.
This is from an employee in RF- Primate Forest could start road rerouting for the new entrance in the summer/fall. That will likely run until early 2025 then groundbreaking on the entrance area for Primates. That means any RainForest closure will be 2025+
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Kevin Miller
Well-Known Member
Was at the zoo today, and overheard a docent saying how they wanted to bring back a bachelor troop of gorillas for Primate Forest, along with the existing family troop. Would be very surprised if that happens, but thought it was interesting.
Why would that be very surprising? I know the Gorilla SSP is always in need of more facilities to house bachelor troops, and has been strongly encouraging institutions to accommodate two troops if able (especially in newly constructed exhibits).
If the entire Lion parking lot, and ticket plaza are being built over, they certainly have room.
Interesting. From what I was told it seemed more of the Lion lot was being used for the expansion. It seems like the majority of it will be going where the trail up to RainForest is
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The Cleveland Zoological Society's website has what seem to be new renders of Primate Forest. There are some noticeable differences, such as the dome on top of the atrium, paths, and details inside.
First render, showing the exterior. Top is new, bottom is old.
Second render, showing the interior. Top is new, bottom is old.
First render, showing the exterior. Top is new, bottom is old.
Second render, showing the interior. Top is new, bottom is old.
This is from an employee in the RainForest- It's possible October is when they will take the current version of the RainForest down for the interior renovation/overhaul.
Jacob F
Well-Known Member
What will happen to the animals?
Probably distributed to other parts of the zoo or other zoo's. Several primates at the entrance Temple are now at PC&A. It depends on what level of renovation they're doing
Jacob F
Well-Known Member
Also, will the entire Rainforest building be demolished for the renovations?
No. The building is staying, just being refurbished
New renderings of Primate Forest from the May 16th Metroparks presentation-
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According to the CMZ thread, Cheetahs could be the next project to happen after Primate Forest is done. Also according to thread, RainForest is closing closer to September and will be down until 2026!
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Great plans!
What are everyone's thoughts on the PCA? I will admit, it surprises me that the CMZ seems to consistently want to keep it open. It looks dated, not a vibrant space for visitors or the animals and it is a pain to get to. I would love to see the cheetahs move down closer to their African Safari cohort but I know that space is a challenge. I like the variety of animals it offers but it doesn't seem to fit what the rest of the CMZ offers.
Kevin Miller
Well-Known Member
While I’ll admit it doesn’t look the greatest compared to modern day exhibitry, almost every species has access to multiple rooms and some of the exhibits have natural substrate. The zoo also has strong enrichment for its animals, and the animals are always active and never bored. It might be a long walk to get up too, but the zoos offers a free tram and a nice boardwalk to reach PCA.
I think PC&A is doing the best with what it has and just kind of exists at the moment. I don't see them going in and changing anything major until the gorillas are down in Primate Forest, but they could do some minor updates here and there. The only real problem I have with the building is the aquatics wing. It just looks dingy and old in that part of the building.