Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo News, 2023

We visited on the 27th and our animals are definitely doing what they do best. Tons of new babies popping up and we got to see Kunda and Kayembe live!! I'm so excited to see these two grow up. Our first time seeing the elephant crossing, too. That was awesome.

Australian Adventure feels like it's approaching dire straights with the only three attractions being the Yagga Tree, the petting experience and the Kangaroo walk. It just feels forgotten. Some of the props in the lower level of the Yagga Tree (Billy's Hangout?) are visibly moldy...

Talked to a lot of the volunteers since it was a quieter day. Hopefully no more gorilla babies for awhile (space/troop concerns), no plans to bring in another male elephant (Willie was mild tempered and no longer fertile), and fingers crossed for meerkat pups because Jenny is nearing the end of her fertility.

Our (my girlfriend and I's) debated fact of the visit: pygmy slow lorises are territorial/loner foragers; that's why there's 3 enclosures in the cat, primate and aquatics building.
 
Just left the zoo.

The following is from a RainForest employee who I got the chance to talk with:
  • Primate Forest is spectaculated to start construction, "Spring or summer of next year"
  • Outdoor exhibits for Gorillas and Orangutan are "in the drawings I've seen"
  • The RainForest is closing for a period of time because "This whole building is going to be redone".
  • No word on when or how long RainForest is closing/will be closed.
Other -
  • Finally saw Pacha the Andean Bear
  • Got to watch a Gorilla Care Session
  • Both the Gold Belly Mangabeys and Wolfs Guenons were off exhibit
 
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forms93 said:
Australian Adventure feels like it's approaching dire straights with the only three attractions being the Yagga Tree, the petting experience and the Kangaroo walk. It just feels forgotten. Some of the props in the lower level of the Yagga Tree (Billy's Hangout?) are visibly moldy...
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On today's visit I made sure to look closely at the toys and other props in the tree. You're right. They were beyond filthy. Not to mention the rockwork is visibly cracking along the walkway out of the tree, and there was a visible layer of grime on the crocodile animatronic (Although that I can excuse since its constantly in the water). Every time I go and walk through the tree, it gives the vibe they're just letting it run itself into the ground and once it closes the season, that's the end of the Yagga Tree. Of course, that's not the case.
 
forms93 said:
We visited on the 27th and our animals are definitely doing what they do best. Tons of new babies popping up and we got to see Kunda and Kayembe live!! I'm so excited to see these two grow up. Our first time seeing the elephant crossing, too. That was awesome.

Australian Adventure feels like it's approaching dire straights with the only three attractions being the Yagga Tree, the petting experience and the Kangaroo walk. It just feels forgotten. Some of the props in the lower level of the Yagga Tree (Billy's Hangout?) are visibly moldy...

Talked to a lot of the volunteers since it was a quieter day. Hopefully no more gorilla babies for awhile (space/troop concerns), no plans to bring in another male elephant (Willie was mild tempered and no longer fertile), and fingers crossed for meerkat pups because Jenny is nearing the end of her fertility.

Our (my girlfriend and I's) debated fact of the visit: pygmy slow lorises are territorial/loner foragers; that's why there's 3 enclosures in the cat, primate and aquatics building.
Click to expand...
Well the only other gorilla who hasn’t had a baby and is in breeding age is Tusa, who always seems to be not as socialized with the other members of the troop. Has there been any word if the gorillas will get one of the tinier exhibits, with now 7 gorillas the 3 habitats still seem very small?
 
Kevin Miller said:
Well the only other gorilla who hasn’t had a baby and is in breeding age is Tusa, who always seems to be not as socialized with the other members of the troop. Has there been any word if the gorillas will get one of the tinier exhibits, with now 7 gorillas the 3 habitats still seem very small?
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There's no other space in PCA for Gorillas. I think they're set with the number of Gorillas until Primate Forest opens
 
CMZman said:
Just left the zoo.

The following is from a RainForest employee who I got the chance to talk with:
  • Primate Forest is spectaculated to start construction, "Spring or summer of next year"
  • Outdoor exhibits for Gorillas and Orangutan are "in the drawings I've seen"
  • The RainForest is closing for a period of time because "This whole building is going to be redone".
  • No word on when or how long RainForest is closing/will be closed.
Other -
  • Finally saw Pacha the Andean Bear
  • Got to watch a Gorilla Care Session
  • Both the Gold Belly Mangabeys and Wolfs Guenons were off exhibit
Click to expand...
I wonder what kind of renovations they would be? All the habitats are pretty good, the cat habitats need a little work. The outside of the building does look bad in my opinion so possibly some exterior renovations?
 
Kevin Miller said:
I wonder what kind of renovations they would be? All the habitats are pretty good, the cat habitats need a little work. The outside of the building does look bad in my opinion so possibly some exterior renovations?
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I don't know what exterior work will be done. I wouldn't be shocked though if it does get a face-lift outside
 
IMO the Rainforest building itself is awesome and I hope they do absolutely nothing to the outside, especially.
 
CMZman said:
I believe there were three out when I was at the Zoo last week. Maybe the other two are off show?
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Ok thank you. I know Zawadi born in 2017 went to Houston so they should have 4 but I haven’t seen 4 in months. I just wish the zoo actually post transfers and deaths, but they seem to never make them public.
 
Kevin Miller said:
Ok thank you. I know Zawadi born in 2017 went to Houston so they should have 4 but I haven’t seen 4 in months. I just wish the zoo actually post transfers and deaths, but they seem to never make them public.
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Jahsmin passed away a few months ago, so there should be 3 at this point. I would have to double check
 
CMZman said:
Jahsmin passed away a few months ago, so there should be 3 at this point. I would have to double check
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Went to the zoo today and was able to confirm that they only have 2 giraffes, don’t know where the 2 young ones went though?
 
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Kevin Miller said:
Went to the zoo today and was able to confirm that they only have 2 giraffes, don’t know where the 2 young ones went though?
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This sounds a little strange because cleveland always had an ample size herd of giraffes. They were always too one of the best for this species of giraffes too.
 
CMZman said:
Just left the zoo. Here's what was new
- Male Snow Leopard and Black Bear passed away.
- Both Bear Grottos seem to be for the Grizzlies
- Wooly Bill was completely turned off at the bottom of his pond.
- Pacha the Andean Bear was a no show again
- Reinberg Homestead and Bugideer Aviary are both "Being re-evaluted for future use"
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It seems that the remaining black bear is V and Daisy has passed away via the zoos Instagram
 

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