Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Zoo next project

Okay, not that anyone asked, but smaller scale projects that I think would have an upgrade on the zoo...
  • Install a carousel - I understand if the zoo does not want to blur the line between zoological garden and amusement park, but every other Ohio zoo has one (Toledo has two). You could easily construct one in the former footprint of the Birds of the World Building, adjacent to the ride simulator, where that "climbing rope bird's nest-thing" is located. Attached a rental room for catered kid's birthday parties (similar to Toledo), and you can make money off it.
  • Upgrade the amphitheater - expand/upgrade seating, improve the lighting and sound system. Does anyone else remember when the zoo used to host the occasional jazz concert? Is that where they are showing films this summer? Again, coupled with a very basic refreshment kiosk, why couldn't the park host the random Saturday evening concert or theater production. Another potential income-maker to put toward a larger capital improvement project.
  • Replace the public restroom by the public greenhouse - something more spacious and ADA accessible. I realize there are family restrooms by the vet hospital and across from the koalas, but if you are at the greenhouse, feeding giraffes, etc, that is a long way for little ones!
 
I agree with you gerenuk about the birds, but I believe that jusko88's phase out list included too many species for certain areas like in Northern Trek. If you get rid of all the animals suggested, there would be hardly any species left. I understand getting rid of a species or two to make exhibits bigger, but to get rid of such a large number of them just does not seem like a good idea, especially when the zoo has a metropark next door they can expand into. I am not a fan of phasing out a species at a zoo unless there is a really good reason or logic behind the decision.
 
TigerValley98 said:
I agree with you gerenuk about the birds, but I believe that jusko88's phase out list included too many species for certain areas like in Northern Trek. If you get rid of all the animals suggested, there would be hardly any species left. I understand getting rid of a species or two to make exhibits bigger, but to get rid of such a large number of them just does not seem like a good idea, especially when the zoo has a metropark next door they can expand into. I am not a fan of phasing out a species at a zoo unless there is a really good reason or logic behind the decision.
Click to expand...

Indeed, a lack of balance and too few species delisted (why would anyone then still want to visit). The zoo needs a representative set up of species.

Incidentally, it is quite possible to have say several primate species (baboon, colobus, pat as and Cercopithecinae) with the rhinos for instance. Would make a nice multi functional storey exhibit.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Indeed, a lack of balance and too few species delisted (why would anyone then still want to visit). The zoo needs a representative set up of species.

Incidentally, it is quite possible to have say several primate species (baboon, colobus, pat as and Cercopithecinae) with the rhinos for instance. Would make a nice multi functional storey exhibit.
Click to expand...

Cool idea to incorporate several african primate species with a possible rhino expansion.

Team Tapir
 
From an CZS email released regarding Director Steve Taylor's impending retirement, I think we now know what the newest upcoming projects will be:

Details about a search to find the next Zoo director will be announced in the coming weeks. The Zoo and Zoo Society we will continue to forge ahead with our Strategic and Master Plan. Among the many exciting and important potential projects are an endangered species carousel, a new lion exhibit and an expansion of our sustainability and wildlife conservation initiatives.​

Didn't some wise ZooChatter mention something about installing a carousel earlier in this thread?!? :cool: Looking forward to the pair of physical upgrades - lets get the ball rolling! :)
 
Any one know where they intend to build a carousel ? What are some of your thoughts on where to place it.We were thinking about maybe in the picnic area where the maze currently sits next to the leopard exhibit.

Team Tapir
 
@ Team Tapir - they tend to use the area you mention for special events (Earth Day tents, Bob Evans & Sam Adams set-ups for evening fundraisers, etc). Nor does it really fit in their new Master Plan, if they do plan on reconfiguring the front gate, but, what do I know... :)

Borrowed from my post earlier in this thread - I would still place the ride across from the Wild Wings tent, in the former footprint of the Birds of the World Building. Knock down that silly rope jungle gym-thing. Attach a 'party/rental room' next to the carousel (a la Toledo's African carousel) and it is another income-point. A small walk from the ice cream parlor in Wade Hall, it is a nice connection.

...and, having said all of that, it will probably go exactly where you suggested. :D
 
wyldjaguar said:
@ Team Tapir - they tend to use the area you mention for special events (Earth Day tents, Bob Evans & Sam Adams set-ups for evening fundraisers, etc). Nor does it really fit in their new Master Plan, if they do plan on reconfiguring the front gate, but, what do I know... :)

Borrowed from my post earlier in this thread - I would still place the ride across from the Wild Wings tent, in the former footprint of the Birds of the World Building. Knock down that silly rope jungle gym-thing. Attach a 'party/rental room' next to the carousel (a la Toledo's African carousel) and it is another income-point. A small walk from the ice cream parlor in Wade Hall, it is a nice connection.

...and, having said all of that, it will probably go exactly where you suggested. :D
Click to expand...

We have heard nothing about where a carousel might go.We are purely speculating on where we would like it to go if it were up to us.We would hope for a real exhibit to eventually to built on the old site of birds of the world.We really can't believe they have not went with something permanant there yet.As for the masterplan our hope is for it to be tore up and reimagined.
1.Primates-an African themed primate forest in the current location of PCA
2.divide the current northern trek area into 2 parts
a.North America Polar Bears/Grizzly Bears and seals
b.Asian Forest-Amur Tigers/Snowleopards
3.Front entrance and expanded African exhibits

This is all our own thoughts of what a masterplan should consist of.

Team Tapir
 
I attended a behind-the-scenes Cleveland Zoo Society tour on Thursday night (highlighted by getting to visit Blackie the hippo!) - after talking to CZS staff, I can confirm that the carousel and lion exhibit renovation are, indeed, the next two capital projects in the queue.

Re: carousel - I was extremely tickled to learn that the current plan is to place the carousel and an adjacent reserved party room in footprint of the old bird building (the current site of the rope jungle gym, across from the Wild Wings tent). This is something I've actually suggested to staff in the past (and even recently posted on ZooChat!); I won't take credit, but I am amused. While there is currently some internal dissension as to the installation of a carousel, if the funding can be secured, the project may break ground as early as Spring 2013.

Re: lion exhibit - my biggest tease is that I can provide a sneak-peak of the tentatively proposed plan for the enclosure. Due to the recent, unexpected death of our desktop, we just replaced the system and I still need to reinstall the scanner software, however, I hope to have something posted in the next few days. Stay tuned!
 
Awesome, a carousel is so much better than a building dedicated to one of the largest groups of animals on the planet, way to go Cleveland.
 
Impalafrank said:
Awesome, a carousel is so much better than a building dedicated to one of the largest groups of animals on the planet, way to go Cleveland.
Click to expand...

Completely agree with Impala Frank on this one,we really miss the bird building.We have recently become very intersted in aviaries.Columbus Zoo has three of them which are totally top notch.All we have in Cleveland is a small African bird aviary and Bird of Prey exhibit(although its cool to have Stellars Sea Eagles).Birds certainly get the shaft in Cleveland and not to mention the deplorable condition of PCA and Bears.Its not like we totally against things being talked about like a carousel and lion renovations its just that there are more pressing needs and hopefully a new director might make some changes in the overall thought process of the zoo.

Team Tapir
 
That's it in a nutshell " embraces their history" . There is very little history at Cleveland and that's one of the issues that bothers me about CMZ. I hate to always be negative about CMZ I'm from Cleveland and have been visiting the zoo for almost 50 years and would like them to do better. They need a new director and direction.
 
IMHO, the Director is not the problem. While I love my zoo, it is quietly mired in bureaucracy. One of the major differences between Toledo and Cleveland is that, while Toledo is "it's own entity," Cleveland is overseen by the Cleveland Metroparks, which aside from the zoo, is responsible for sixteen reservations and eight golf courses. Funds from Toledo operating levies go straight to the zoo; funds from Cleveland levies are split across park across operations. In addition, Dr. Taylor not only has to deal with the Zoo, but the Executive Director of the Metroparks and the Board of Park Commissioners as well as the Cleveland Zoological Society. Plus, considering the scandalous mess Dr. Taylor inherited when he accepted the position, all-in-all, I think he's done a pretty good job.

Having said that, I agree, I believe progress at the park can be excruciatingly slow (and I've shared that frustration with the Society). Perhaps I am wrong, but I cannot believe the Director is/was content with a Master Plan essentially two years in the making, thanks in-part to his superiors. After a $25-million elephant exhibit, I feel bad saying, "that was awesome, what is next?", but I naturally want to see positive momentum continue. Of course I'd like to see a new gorilla enclosure or polar bear exhibit or their proposed Asia area, but I also understand that not every project can cost $25-million. While an income-generating carousel and lion exhibit renovation are not the highest priority, if it can be done timely and help update the face of the park until the 'next big project,' I'm a little more content. I wish Dr. Taylor the best and hope his successor is up the challenge of continuing to transform the park.
 
wyldjaguar said:
IMHO, the Director is not the problem. While I love my zoo, it is quietly mired in bureaucracy. One of the major differences between Toledo and Cleveland is that, while Toledo is "it's own entity," Cleveland is overseen by the Cleveland Metroparks, which aside from the zoo, is responsible for sixteen reservations and eight golf courses. Funds from Toledo operating levies go straight to the zoo; funds from Cleveland levies are split across park across operations. In addition, Dr. Taylor not only has to deal with the Zoo, but the Executive Director of the Metroparks and the Board of Park Commissioners as well as the Cleveland Zoological Society. Plus, considering the scandalous mess Dr. Taylor inherited when he accepted the position, all-in-all, I think he's done a pretty good job.

Having said that, I agree, I believe progress at the park can be excruciatingly slow (and I've shared that frustration with the Society). Perhaps I am wrong, but I cannot believe the Director is/was content with a Master Plan essentially two years in the making, thanks in-part to his superiors. After a $25-million elephant exhibit, I feel bad saying, "that was awesome, what is next?", but I naturally want to see positive momentum continue. Of course I'd like to see a new gorilla enclosure or polar bear exhibit or their proposed Asia area, but I also understand that not every project can cost $25-million. While an income-generating carousel and lion exhibit renovation are not the highest priority, if it can be done timely and help update the face of the park until the 'next big project,' I'm a little more content. I wish Dr. Taylor the best and hope his successor is up the challenge of continuing to transform the park.
Click to expand...

@Wyldjaguar You gave gone into great depth in this post outlining some of the problems at Cleveland and we could not agree with you more.Our intentions were not to blame Dr.Taylor its just any time there is pending change its easy to think that change could be significant and positve.We are very anxoius to see the plans youalluded to having for the Lion renovations.We were wondering if its going to be similar to Detroit by filling the moat and installing a glass wall at the front.

Team Tapir
 
If the zoo orders their carousel from Carousel Works like everyone else I hope they realize it will most likely take a year to a year and a half to complete. Akron announced that they had ordered theirs in April 2009 and it was completed and opened in August 2010. The former bird building sounds like a wonderful location. I do agree that the Cleveland Metroparks board is the thorn in the zoo's side when it comes to capital expenditures. I sometimes wonder if the zoo may not be better off breaking off from the Metroparks in the way other zoos have gotten out of the control of cities, etc. The zoo could still be a county entity, like Akron has become for an example, and run their own levies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top