Baryonyx
Well-Known Member
The thing that caught my attention in the video what appears to be a new tortoise exhibit in the Primate Forest.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo News 2024
- Thread starter EagleScout610
- Start date
Makes sense if the current Tortoise yard at PC&A is being absorbed into the Cheetah exhibit. Plus they geographically fit with the Gorillas of they're doing an African area in PF
From Cleveland Metropark's website - The RainForest will close September 10th for its transformation into Primate Forest.
In preparation for the start of construction on the Zoo’s new Primate Forest destination, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today announced the upcoming closure of The RainForest. During the temporary closure, many of the spaces within the existing RainForest will be refreshed and remodeled as they are integrated into the Primate Forest to enhance the guest experience and elevate animal wellbeing.
The RainForest has been an iconic destination for more than 30 years, first opening in November 1992. When The RainForest opened, it was recognized as one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, featuring more than 600 animals representing 118 different species and more than 7,000 live plants, trees and flowers of 360 varieties.
The RainForest has been home to popular species including Bornean orangutan, small-clawed otters, clouded leopard, sloths, anteaters, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Among the building’s defining attractions is the iconic 40-foot-tall geodesic dome, which was replaced in 2021 as an initial phase of the significant capital improvements to come. Now, this decades-old landmark will undergo renovation and evolve to meet the needs of the future.
“For more than three decades, The RainForest has fostered a connection between our community and the story of rainforests, generating awareness of the value of these habitats and importance of their protection,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar. “So many members of the community have a special connection to The RainForest, whether you remember visiting as a kid, as an adult and sharing the experience with younger generations, or as part of the many special events and weddings that have been hosted at The RainForest.”
Over the coming weeks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo encourages the community to help commemorate the legacy of The RainForest. Share your memories and photos on social media and tag Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The final day for guests to experience The RainForest will be Monday, September 9.
On Tuesday, September 10, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will usher in a new era that will transform the site of the Zoo’s RainForest and entry way, breaking ground on the Primate Forest and CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, which are expected to open in 2026.
In preparation for the start of construction on the Zoo’s new Primate Forest destination, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today announced the upcoming closure of The RainForest. During the temporary closure, many of the spaces within the existing RainForest will be refreshed and remodeled as they are integrated into the Primate Forest to enhance the guest experience and elevate animal wellbeing.
The RainForest has been an iconic destination for more than 30 years, first opening in November 1992. When The RainForest opened, it was recognized as one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world, featuring more than 600 animals representing 118 different species and more than 7,000 live plants, trees and flowers of 360 varieties.
The RainForest has been home to popular species including Bornean orangutan, small-clawed otters, clouded leopard, sloths, anteaters, and a variety of amphibians and reptiles. Among the building’s defining attractions is the iconic 40-foot-tall geodesic dome, which was replaced in 2021 as an initial phase of the significant capital improvements to come. Now, this decades-old landmark will undergo renovation and evolve to meet the needs of the future.
“For more than three decades, The RainForest has fostered a connection between our community and the story of rainforests, generating awareness of the value of these habitats and importance of their protection,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar. “So many members of the community have a special connection to The RainForest, whether you remember visiting as a kid, as an adult and sharing the experience with younger generations, or as part of the many special events and weddings that have been hosted at The RainForest.”
Over the coming weeks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo encourages the community to help commemorate the legacy of The RainForest. Share your memories and photos on social media and tag Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The final day for guests to experience The RainForest will be Monday, September 9.
On Tuesday, September 10, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will usher in a new era that will transform the site of the Zoo’s RainForest and entry way, breaking ground on the Primate Forest and CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, which are expected to open in 2026.
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You inspired me to list the former animals the RainForest had.
The RainForest Former Species List
Obviously not every bird/reptile/amphibian change is listed, but these are the big ones.
Unfortunately the waterfall seems to be on the chopping block, as is the storming island downstairs.
Since Mondays are my free day this semester, I will be at the zoo on the 9th to document The RainForest's last day. Is there anything you all would like documented? Gonna try to be there til the very end.
Yes if you please. Could you get pictures of gavial exhibit, also photos of the island exhibit next to it. Pictures of clouded leopard/ ocelot areas, also photo of the Boesemani Rainbow tank upstairs. Interior shots. Thank you if you can do this for me as I will not be able to visit any time soon.
Was at the zoo/ RainForest today and here's what was new:
Main Zoo
Main Zoo
- Matschie's Tree Kangaroo was signed off exhibit.
- There's now a Southern Lesser Galapo in the nocturnal section of PC&A. This exhibit had a Northern Tree Shrew in July.
- Grizzly Bears were a no show.
- Only saw one Aldabra Tortoise
- Has the zoo always had four Allen's Swamp Monkeys? I don't remember seeing four before, only three.
- Was absolutely packed even though the main zoo wasn't all that busy for a free Monday. Lots of people saying their farewells, including a group of what seemed to be a couple of ex employees.
- Talked to a couple employees about where the animals would be going. Some may end up being moved to the new zoo, but some will be leaving.
- The RainForest will be operating as usual on the 9th, with the closing at 5. As far as the employee I spoke to knows, it will be a regular closing with no event.
- Documented the entire building and will be working on a photo tour for ZC.
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USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Is this in the koala habitat? I only saw Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo when I visited.
Yes, they're Matschie's. I got the species mixed up.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
I knew they had good fellows many years ago, I didn’t see signage when we visited for matschie’s.
I wrote the last message on mobile and a bit in a hurry and I feel it may look ignorant, as if I am questioning if the zoo is worth visiting. Of course it is! I am concerned about trying to make it over there in the short timeframe and whether it might be too much to try to move up a trip planned for father off.
Besides the gharial, are there any big rarities in the RainForest building specifically? Will the gharial still be there through to September?
Besides the gharial, are there any big rarities in the RainForest building specifically? Will the gharial still be there through to September?