This structure is one of the biggest and best rainforest complexes in North America, and when it opened in late 1992 the following year Cleveland Zoo broke its all-time attendance record with 1.4 million visitors. Almost 20 years later and while the zoo has come close it has never surpassed that total.
This structure is one of the biggest and best rainforest complexes in North America, and when it opened in late 1992 the following year Cleveland Zoo broke its all-time attendance record with 1.4 million visitors. Almost 20 years later and while the zoo has come close it has never surpassed that total.
The Cleveland Zoos Rainforest was actually designed in the early 80's with construction beginning in the mid 80's,however the project was derailed due to a embezzlement scandal and other money issues.The shell of the complex literally sat abandoned for years outside the main entrance of the zoo.Still it was well worth the wait as we feel the RF is still the best exhibit here in Cleveland.The inside has held up very well.
A very interesting fact about The Cleveland Zoos Rainforest is that it was built upon the exsisting foundation of the Fanner Manufacturing Company shown here in 1903.
[ame="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cbustapeck/4627362448/"]Fanner Manufacturing Company | Flickr - Photo Sharing![/ame]