Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo News 2025

GodzillaLover04 said:
Can't wait to see what this new reincarnation of the Rainforest will look like when finished. I'm also more than happy to see that some of the species in the previous version, especially Gharials, are staying. I hope the Anteaters can stay too.
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I believe the anteater is returning. I don't remember if the zoo has confirmed them or not. The animals confirmed to be staying/returning from The RainForest -
  • Bornean Orangutan (Will still have access to the dome exhibit)
  • Gharial
  • Burmese Python
  • Capybara
  • Binturong
  • Asian Small Clawed Otter
  • Bats.
 
Went to the zoo today (Saturday, November 15th) in the morning with my wife:

- Most of the animals were out and active which was great to see.

- One of the zoo volunteers mentioned that Mila (female tiger cub) was recently sent to another zoo. Only three tigers were out and two of them were males.

- The two Andean bears were together in the same exhibit area.

- The tree kangaroo exhibit was empty and the back door to it was open. Same situation last week when we went. Any update on the tree kangaroos?
 
TapirCLE said:
Went to the zoo today (Saturday, November 15th) in the morning with my wife:

- Most of the animals were out and active which was great to see.

- One of the zoo volunteers mentioned that Mila (female tiger cub) was recently sent to another zoo. Only three tigers were out and two of them were males.

- The two Andean bears were together in the same exhibit area.

- The tree kangaroo exhibit was empty and the back door to it was open. Same situation last week when we went. Any update on the tree kangaroos?
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Interesting that Mila left the zoo, as I hadn't been seeing Sergei on my last few walks around Wilderness Trek so I assumed he was the one who would move. Tree kangaroos were off exhibit for most of October, at least when I was working.
 
Visited this morning for free Monday, and I must say, I missed being able to actually take my time and see the whole zoo instead of just skimming the exhibits while on break or after a shift.
  • Ruskin the red panda was on exhibit. V the black bear and Onion the seal were no-shows.
  • Indoor giraffe viewing is still closed.
  • Golden lion tamarins are back on exhibit in PCA. They were off exhibit for most of the summer.
  • Saw all three remaining tigers, and the volunteer I talked to didn’t know where Mila was sent to.
  • Black howler monkeys are now in the middle exhibit on the top row across from the gorillas. They now have 3 spaces: Aquatic hall, next to the fossa, and the top row.
  • There is a baby female black howler monkey in the large exhibit in Aquatics.
  • Matschie's tree kangaroo was off exhibit again. I was unable to find someone in the area to ask about why they’re constantly off exhibit.
Primate Forest today -
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According to the Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners report, 2026 will see some major changes. Not only are the black and brown bears next on the list for improved habitats, but the pinnipeds will be relocated to other facilities, with their area being repurposed. Scroll down to the “Reaccreditation” section to read more:

Metroparks zoo plans to relocate seals and sea lions
 
Milwaukee Man said:
According to the Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners report, 2026 will see some major changes. Not only are the black and brown bears next on the list for improved habitats, but the pinnipeds will be relocated to other facilities, with their area being repurposed. Scroll down to the “Reaccreditation” section to read more:

Metroparks zoo plans to relocate seals and sea lions
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While I do have an attachment to the grottos thanks to my childhood memories of seeing the polar bears there, I applaud them and the seal pool finally being removed.
 
Milwaukee Man said:
According to the Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners report, 2026 will see some major changes. Not only are the black and brown bears next on the list for improved habitats, but the pinnipeds will be relocated to other facilities, with their area being repurposed. Scroll down to the “Reaccreditation” section to read more:

Metroparks zoo plans to relocate seals and sea lions
Click to expand...
I know the answer to this is probably going to be more speculative than anything else, but do we reckon this is the end of pinnipeds at Cleveland, or is there some expectation they may return in the future?
 
Milwaukee Man said:
According to the Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners report, 2026 will see some major changes. Not only are the black and brown bears next on the list for improved habitats, but the pinnipeds will be relocated to other facilities, with their area being repurposed. Scroll down to the “Reaccreditation” section to read more:

Metroparks zoo plans to relocate seals and sea lions
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The end of an era. Oh well. At least Pittsburgh still has their Sea Lions.
 
JVM said:
I know the answer to this is probably going to be more speculative than anything else, but do we reckon this is the end of pinnipeds at Cleveland, or is there some expectation they may return in the future?
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Last rumor I'd heard they were waiting for our pinnipeds to pass as they are all on the older side before shuttering the exhibit. It was just a rumor when I heard it so I didn't say anything to avoid speculation, but now it seems like the pinniped exhibit really is on the chopping block. I haven't seen Onion (Harbor Seal) for a few months so I'm wondering if he passed and set the whole chain in motion.

TigerValley98 said:
I am wondering what the habitat will be repurposed for. If something takes that space, I hope they update it first. Make it looked themed.
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The page makes it seem like the exhibits are remaining for the American bears, so I'm guessing it'll be like Bear Hollow or Cinci's new exhibit where the backdrop of the grottos are reused and the space the bears can use is expanded. I do think a cougar would work well on the hillside where the seals are.

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It seems like this renovation also completes the Wilderness Trek transformation, so now my wonder is what will be next (Aside from Primate II)? Personally I'm hoping it's Australia. It always flies under the radar due to the bears, Primates and seals, but hopefully it can start getting the work it needs.
 
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EagleScout610 said:
Last rumor I'd heard they were waiting for our pinnipeds to pass as they are all on the older side before shuttering the exhibit. It was just a rumor when I heard it so I didn't say anything to avoid speculation, but now it seems like the pinniped exhibit really is on the chopping block. I haven't seen Onion (Harbor Seal) for a few months so I'm wondering if he passed and set the whole chain in motion.
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That would make sense. I was more questioning if it was thought this would be the end of this species long-term or if they may return in a future project - such as how Milwaukee did not hold rhinos for a few years but it was well-known that they intended to bring them back in Adventure Africa.

It seems like this renovation also completes the Wilderness Trek transformation, so now my wonder is what will be next (Aside from Primate II)? Personally I'm hoping it's Australia. It always flies under the radar due to the bears, Primates and seals, but hopefully it can start getting the work it needs.
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Seems like Austtslia would be a smart choice. As long as I have followed Cleveland here the state of the Australia section seems to get a lot of buzz.
 
I have heard from a couple people that the adult female tree kangaroo is shy and prefers to be off exhibit. I had friend recently see her and the joey on exhibit. I'm guessing with the open door, they have access to go on exhibit, but they are not choosing to go out.
 
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