Explore the New Primate Forest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Expanded animal habitats, interactive exhibits and an indoor playspace highlight the Zoo’s largest capital project.
A new chapter is beginning at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo with the opening of Primate Forest, an immersive experience that brings visitors closer to wildlife while showcasing the importance of animal care and conservation.
The first phase of the Zoo’s largest capital project opened October 22, featuring expanded orangutan habitats, a renovated Tropical Forest, interactive exhibits and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s first indoor playspace. The attraction is home to 65 animal species and offers new opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn about wildlife and the natural world.
Visitors begin their journey in Forest Home, a gathering space designed to surround guests with the sights and sounds of a forest. Innovative projection-mapping technology brings the environment to life, while a towering “Mother Tree” serves as the centerpiece, illustrating the connections among forests, animals and people.
The space also includes expanded dining and retail areas.
One of the most exciting additions is Orangutan Forest, where the Zoo’s orangutans will have access to outdoor habitats for the first time.
The exhibit expands upon the familiar 40-foot-tall geodesic dome, incorporating outdoor climbing structures, ropes and nesting areas that encourage natural behaviors. An elevated viewing deck gives visitors a different perspective as the orangutans climb, explore and interact with their surroundings.
A new two-story dayroom connects the indoor and outdoor environments, allowing the animals to choose where they spend their time. Visitors will also have opportunities to observe animal training, enrichment activities and the daily care provided by Zoo professionals.
Primate Forest also introduces a Care and Conservation Center featuring toads, turtles and snakes. The exhibit gives visitors a behind-the-scenes perspective on the Zoo’s efforts to protect threatened species.
Among the conservation successes already taking place is the breeding of Puerto Rican crested toads in their new habitat.
Visitors can also discover marine toads, a species new to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Native to Central and South America, these large amphibians can weigh up to three pounds.
Younger visitors will find plenty to enjoy in the Zoo’s indoor Adventure Playspace. Inspired by a natural forest environment, the second-level attraction features accessible sensory, tactile and creative play activities, with views overlooking the outdoor orangutan habitat.
The approximately $70 million first phase builds upon the legacy of the former RainForest, which introduced generations of Cleveland families to plants and animals from tropical regions around the world.
Additional improvements are planned as part of the $120 million, multi-phase project. A future Gorilla Forest will feature approximately 25,000 square feet of habitat and surrounding space, including gardens, a viewing tower and opportunities to observe gorilla training and healthcare.
Admission is included with regular Zoo admission and memberships. Timed entry is required. After arriving at the Zoo, visitors can register using a QR code beginning at 10 a.m. until 90 minutes before closing.
For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo.