Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo News 2024

JVM said:
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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The entrance area will be completely renovated, with the waterfall being removed. Most of the actual RainForest will stay the same, with slight modifications.
 
Baryonyx said:
The entrance area will be completely renovated, with the waterfall being removed. Most of the actual RainForest will stay the same, with slight modifications.
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I've heard conflicting reports on how much of the RF outside of the atrium will change. Some told me they've seen it'll be the same with a new coat of paint, others say heavy remodel and partial rebuilds of some exhibits. We'll have to wait and see
 
Went to Cleveland today to check on the main zoo since I only went to The RainForest on Monday.
  • V the American Black Bear and Onion the Harbor Seal were no shows
    3 smaller exhibits on the top row of PC&A were empty.
  • Scarlet Macaw is no longer signed.
  • Wooden maze area in Australia is blocked off. I wonder if they're going to renovate it like the rest of that half of Australia.
  • I think the zoo has a new Black Rhino. Forrest was inside the original barn, Dalia and Kibbibi were in the original yard. The fourth Rhino was in the Reserve yard. As far as I know we've had 3 since Inge passed earlier this year.
  • The RainForest’s path is blocked off, surprised they just didn’t surround the whole building with a fence. Didn't see anything going on around the building, which isn't shocking given its only been 4 days since closing.
 
The zoo’s new Black Rhinoceros is Azizi (0.1) from Pittsburgh. From the zoo's Facebook-

Welcome home, Azizi!
The 24-year-old Eastern black rhinoceros rejoined Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s rhino “crash” last week. Azizi was the first Eastern black rhino ever born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and is the daughter of Igne and full sister to Kibibbi and aunt to Dalia. She is rejoining us from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium where she mothered two calves.

Azizi can be seen at the Zoo’s Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, but she will continue to have indoor and outdoor access as she adjusts to the new habitats.
 
Went to Cleveland today. Here's what was new-
  • Outback Aviary has reopened. It has been completely re-decked and refurbished
  • Saw workers moving around the back of the RainForest. Didn't see anything being done but they were going in and out.
  • Pied Tamarin and Golden Lion Tamarin are now in PC&A. Was told the Francois Langurs are being held behind the scenes.
  • Dino Cove is being taken down.
  • Onion the Harbor Seal was a no show. Seal pool looked really good, like it had been cleaned recently.
  • Talked to a docent at PC&A and they said Cheetahs could happen after Phase I of Primate Forest opens, so 2026 at the earliest.
 
Went to Cleveland today. Here's what was new-
  • The RainForest is completely fenced off and construction equipment is staged behind the building. Will not be surprised if Primate Forest construction begins in the next month or so.
    Part of the Lion parking lot (Behind the ticket booth) is fenced off and shows how large Primate Forest will be.
  • There is a third Masai Giraffe at the zoo. It's tiny compared to the other 2 but I'm not sure if it's a calf or a transfer.
  • Aldabra Tortoise have been brought inside for the winter
  • Wallaby Walkaround was more full than I’ve seen in a while. The side exhibits by the train and wallaby yard were full.
  • Ruskin the Red Panda was out for the first time in a while.
The area fenced off for Primate Forest-
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CMZman said:
Went to Cleveland today. Here's what was new-
  • Aldabra Tortoise have been brought inside for the winter.
The area fenced off for Primate Forest-
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I would hope at some point the Aldabra tortoise will have an indoor and outdoor exhibit interconnected to one-another ..., thus not necessitating transport and removal of the Aldabran tortoises off show and BTS.
 
 
Tuli a Masai Giraffe had arrived from Toledo

Meet Tuli! It’s a tall order to top the news of Pippi’s arrival last week but our even newer arrival “Tuli” has also joined the herd! The 13-year-old female Masai giraffe has joined Pippi, Jada and Rocket at the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter. Coming from Toledo Zoo, Tuli even shares some genetics from giraffe that lived here in 1968 – a testament to the longstanding efforts of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo contributing to the endangered Masai giraffe population. With warmer temperatures projected through next week, you can expect to see the herd outside on dry days with temperatures above 50-55 degrees.
 
Went to Cleveland for a shorter visit today.
  • Green fencing has gone up around Primate Forest and trees are beginning to be removed.
    • Unfortunately I couldn’t get many photos due to the fence.
      The main marquee for the RainForest was tagged with the word ‘Save’ on one of the legs so I’m guessing it’ll be removed in the next few days.
  • Paving for the new Primate Forest parking area where the aluminum plant was has also begun.
  • Main area of Wolf Lodge is temporarily closed. The entrance/exit is now through the former gift shop.
  • Saw the new Masai Giraffes.
  • The Emu and Gray Kangaroo exhibit behind the train station is being demolished. No idea what's being built in its place.
    • It doesn’t seem like the train tracks are being effected in any way. Couldn't tell for sure, as the train is closed for winter.
  • There was only one Fossa on exhibit and all signage about Jack, the elderly Fossa, has been removed. I’m beginning to wonder if he passed away.
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One of the volunteers tracking the gorilla troop did confirm that Jack indeed passed away. :'(
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CMZman said:
Personally I don't think an announcement was needed. You only really saw that exhibit if you rode the train or walked the path around the Yagga Tree to go see it.
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I get the feeling they don't really have anything in mind for Australia right now. Plus maybe the construction of the new Forests structure has something to do with the lack of announcement?

With that said, it's our favorite place to bring and eat a lunch because of how quiet it is over there
 
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