Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo News 2024

What I saw at the RainForest 8/22/2024
Wasn't here since March 2024

Did see
Golden Lion Tamarin
Bornean Orangutan
Francois Langur
Giant Anteater
Capybara
Binturong
Ocelot
Asian Small-clawed Otter
Straw-colored Fruit Bat
Ringed Teal
Scarlet Ibis
Chestnut-maned Green Imperial Pigeon (new?)
Red-crested Turaco
Blue-headed Wood Dove
Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove
Green Aracari
Prehensile-tailed Skink
Veiled Chameleon
Tentacled Snake
Amazon Tree Boa
Green Tree Python
Indochinese Box Turtle
Northern Spider Tortoise
Henkel's Leaf-tailed Gecko
Dwarf Crocodile
Baron's Green Racer
Carpet Python
Siebenrock's Snake-necked Turtle
Fly River Turtle
Spotted Pond Turtle
Malaysian Giant Pond Turtle
Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog
Golden Poison Dart Frog
Tiger-legged Monkey Frog
Climbing Toad
Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Blue Poison Dart Frog
Panamanian Harlequin Frog
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog

Did not see but there was signage
Burmese Python
Gharial
Clouded Leopard
Baltimore Oriole
Bali Myna
Roseate Spoonbill
Brazilian Agouti
Golden-crested Myna
Amazon Milk Frog
Sunbittern (new?)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Crested Oropendola

Don't remember fish
No more invertebrates
 
Noah Butas said:
Did not see but there was signage
Burmese Python
Gharial
Clouded Leopard
Baltimore Oriole
Bali Myna
Roseate Spoonbill
Brazilian Agouti
Golden-crested Myna
Amazon Milk Frog
Sunbittern (new?)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Crested Oropendola

Don't remember fish
No more invertebrates
Click to expand...
Gharial and Agouti I believe have left the zoo. The Python and Leopard were there on Monday,
 
Noah Butas said:
What I saw at the RainForest 8/22/2024
Wasn't here since March 2024

Did see
Golden Lion Tamarin
Bornean Orangutan
Francois Langur
Giant Anteater
Capybara
Binturong
Ocelot
Asian Small-clawed Otter
Straw-colored Fruit Bat
Ringed Teal
Scarlet Ibis
Chestnut-maned Green Imperial Pigeon (new?)
Red-crested Turaco
Blue-headed Wood Dove
Luzon Bleeding-heart Dove
Green Aracari
Prehensile-tailed Skink
Veiled Chameleon
Tentacled Snake
Amazon Tree Boa
Green Tree Python
Indochinese Box Turtle
Northern Spider Tortoise
Henkel's Leaf-tailed Gecko
Dwarf Crocodile
Baron's Green Racer
Carpet Python
Siebenrock's Snake-necked Turtle
Fly River Turtle
Spotted Pond Turtle
Malaysian Giant Pond Turtle
Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog
Golden Poison Dart Frog
Tiger-legged Monkey Frog
Climbing Toad
Puerto Rican Crested Toad
Blue Poison Dart Frog
Panamanian Harlequin Frog
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog

Did not see but there was signage
Burmese Python
Gharial
Clouded Leopard
Baltimore Oriole
Bali Myna
Roseate Spoonbill
Brazilian Agouti
Golden-crested Myna
Amazon Milk Frog
Sunbittern (new?)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Crested Oropendola

Don't remember fish
No more invertebrates
Click to expand...

The Chestnut-maned Green Imperial Pigeon and Sunbittern signage have been up since late 2022... I saw the Sunbittern for the first time this past Sunday. I believe the fish species are red-bellied piranha (did not see Sun), jewel cichlid, clown squeaker catfish, banded rainbowfish and Boeseman's rainbowfish...
 
Was at the zoo last week and had a few things I noted:

When did the Steffee Center remove their interactive displays? All pictures and screens now in addition to the medical areas. I always thought that was a neat exhibit to see behind the scenes.

The Rainforest still holds up but definitely excited to see the refresh and expansion. I will miss the features that are on the chopping block, like the waterfall when you walk in, but am happy that the animals will get better spaces so new generations can see them.

The Rhino Reserve has grown on me. Some greener parts of the exhibit makes it look nicer.

Not sure how long the entrance has been pushed further in from the main facade but I wonder if that is for more space for when serious construction begins at the Rainforest?
 
mwalle09 said:
Was at the zoo last week and had a few things I noted:

When did the Steffee Center remove their interactive displays? All pictures and screens now in addition to the medical areas. I always thought that was a neat exhibit to see behind the scenes.

The Rainforest still holds up but definitely excited to see the refresh and expansion. I will miss the features that are on the chopping block, like the waterfall when you walk in, but am happy that the animals will get better spaces so new generations can see them.

The Rhino Reserve has grown on me. Some greener parts of the exhibit makes it look nicer.

Not sure how long the entrance has been pushed further in from the main facade but I wonder if that is for more space for when serious construction begins at the Rainforest?
Click to expand...
Medical Center was remodeled in 2023. If I had to guess the entrance is moved back to prevent bottle necking at the entrance, since there are now 4/5 places to scan in as opposed to two right at the entrance.
 
Just had a very nice conversation with a zoo employee at PC&A about Primate Forest and the future of the Gorilla exhibit. Here's what I learned:

  • Existing RainForest will now be called the “Tropical Forest” with the Orangutan and Gorilla expansions being “Primate Forest”
  • Entrance waterfall is getting the axe, but the rainstorm exhibit is staying, and Tortoises will potentially inhabit it since the Porcupine didn't adapt well to the temporary rainstorms.
  • Aldabra Tortoise will move to Primate Forest. I was told it was for ease of exhibiting them, since they have to be moved up and down the hill twice a year. They will not be on the island, but will be in the Phase II Expansion
  • Orangutans, Atrium, and renovation to existing RainForest will be opening in 2026, Gorillas and Tortoises will be “at least 5 years out”
  • Orangutans will still have the dome exhibit as their second indoor exhibit, as well as a new indoor exhibit.
  • Tamarins will move to PC&A, the rest of the animals will be staying at The RainForest since the majority of the work will be in the entrance. The entire building will be refurbished, but the main focus will be the entrance.
  • The zoo wants at least two Gorilla troops, a bachelor troop of Silverback and a family troop. The hope is to keep Kayembe in the bachelor troop
 
Notes from the rest of the zoo -
  • The RainForest still has both GHARIALS and AGOUTI. I had been told they had left the zoo so I apologize for the false information
  • Australia Aviary will reopen next year
  • Ruskin the Red Panda was a no show
  • Got the very last RainForest T-Shirt in stock.
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Groundbreaking kicked off construction of the Zoo’s largest capital project in its 142-year history

Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Zoological Society and CrossCountry Mortgage today broke ground on the Primate Forest, a state-of-the-art destination that will reimagine the experience for guests and strengthen and showcase the Zoo’s impact as a world-class leader in global conservation, animal wellbeing and management, as well as science education and research.

Cleveland Metroparks revealed publicly a detailed first look inside the Primate Forest destination. The most significant capital project in the Zoo’s history will include four innovative and interactive spaces – the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, and three distinct animal habitats, Tropical Forest, Orangutan Forest and Gorilla Forest.

“Primate Forest will be a vibrant and inclusive community asset that elevates the often-groundbreaking zoological work taking place right here in Cleveland. It will be one of the most notable tourist destinations for our region and once open, free and accessible to Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents as part of ‘Free Monday,’” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “We are grateful and humbled by the support of CrossCountry Mortgage and our project partners who have made an extraordinary vision a reality for our community.”

“Construction of the multi-year renovation and expansion will bring science, research and animal care front and center, allowing us to engage our guests with the Zoo’s nationally recognized work and care for our animals,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “Guests will be able to observe gorillas and orangutans participate in their preventative health programs such as vaccinations, blood draws and heart health monitoring. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of only a few zoos that has successfully established animal participation in these critical welfare procedures.”

The project will build upon the legacy of the former RainForest, that was home to more than 10,000 plants and 600 animals from the forests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Features of the three new animal habitats and the educational space will enhance education programming, improve the guest experience and facilitate a stronger connection to these species and their counterparts in the wild.

The initial construction includes the renovation and modernization of more than 63,000 square feet of the former RainForest structure, to be renamed the Tropical Forest, and the addition of more than 33,500 square feet of new construction containing the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home and the expanded Orangutan Forest habitat. A future phase will include construction of the Gorilla Forest that will create a new home for the Zoo’s growing gorilla troop.

The CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home will include a new central entry and gathering space that will immerse guests into a forest scene created through projection mapping to illustrate how the forest, people and animals are interconnected. The space will also feature enhanced dining and retail shopping opportunities, an indoor play area, and flexible conference and meeting room space overlooking the future Gorilla Forest.

“The investment in the Primate Forest and the creation of the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home will not only transform the Cleveland landscape and become a new destination for Northeast Ohio but will establish a home for learning and discovery for generations to come,” said CrossCountry Mortgage Founder and CEO, Ron Leonhardt. “We’re proud to support the Cleveland Metroparks and the Cleveland Zoological Society in bringing this vision to life.”

The Orangutan Forest will maintain the iconic 40-foot-tall geodesic dome, but expand to include a complex outdoor space that is engaging for both the orangutans and visitors alike. The orangutans will explore more complex climbing structures and new nesting opportunities. An elevated trail will provide guests with a new viewing experience, the first of its kind at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. A new two-story ‘dayroom’ will give orangutans choice between the indoor and outdoor habitats and bring guests closer to animal training and husbandry.

The Tropical Forest, expanded Orangutan Forest and new CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home are expected to open in 2026. Planning and design of the future Gorilla Forest will include a 25,000 square foot world-class gorilla habitat, including a management hub to highlight gorilla training and healthcare, significant forest and garden space, and a guest viewing tower. Fundraising for the Gorilla Forest continues.

The initial phase is approximately $60 million and is fully funded through partnerships, philanthropic donations, state capital funds and Zoo capital funds.

The construction of Primate Forest will coincide with additional site-work that will transform the guest entry to the Zoo along Wildlife Way. Upgrades will enhance the arrival experience for guests, with improved parking and accessibility.
 

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Is it normal for them to start construction on a project that they do not have all the money for yet? Or is the $60 million what they have so far and the entire cost is more? From my recollection, the largest project was the AEC at a cost of $25 million so this will completely dwarf that! I like them swinging big and the Metroparks has been very smart with their money just curious about the nature of the phases.

Also, the article on cleveland.com had a lot of reference to what will stay from the original rainforest. I thought that was interesting.
 
mwalle09 said:
Is it normal for them to start construction on a project that they do not have all the money for yet? Or is the $60 million what they have so far and the entire cost is more? From my recollection, the largest project was the AEC at a cost of $25 million so this will completely dwarf that! I like them swinging big and the Metroparks has been very smart with their money just curious about the nature of the phases.

Also, the article on cleveland.com had a lot of reference to what will stay from the original rainforest. I thought that was interesting.
Click to expand...
I believe the first phase (Orangutan, RainForest, Lobby) is funded and the Gorillas are not. I could be misreading
 
As someone who is a bit less informed on Cleveland, how much of the existing RainForest area will remain mostly the same, how much is altering existing structures and how much is completely new additions?
 
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