It was always there they just added the house like facade.Its sort of a cave that connects the Grizzly Bear and Polar Bear holding facility.When I was a kid guests could venture through and usually see either a Polar or Grizzly Bear up close behind bars .They closed it off I would say early 90's.The Grizzly and Polar Bear Grottoes were oped in 1971.
At this point in time there is no way Cleveland is going to get any more Polar Bears.Zoos with brand new exhibits have enough trouble acquiring them.So a phase out for the time being is probably in order.Perhaps things might change at some put if the St Louis Zoo is successful in lobbying to change laws regarding importing rescued bears and problem bears.With a rapidly changing climate this could become a reality at some point down the line.
