Capital Improvements

Since 2000, the Zoo Society has provided more than $55 million in funding for the Zoo's capital improvement projects. From past projects that are now guest favorites to upcoming habitats, the Zoo Society works to support the Zoo's strategic plan.

Primate Forest (2023-2032)

Susie's Bear Hollow (Opened 2023)

Susie's Bear Hollow significantly improves and expands the tropical bear habitats in Wilderness Trek. New features include climbing structures, dens, and elevated resting areas to provide opportunities for the bears’ natural behaviors as well as future reproduction of these keystone species. A new children’s play structure provides unique viewing opportunities to see the Andean and sloth bears. The four new bear yards triple the size of the former spaces and enhance guest viewing and animal care efforts with Andean and sloth bears.

The approximately $8.5 million project is supported by $3.5 million from the Cleveland Zoological Society including a leadership gift from a long-term donor and friend, Susie.

Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve (Opened 2020)

Opened in 2020, the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve more than doubled the space for the Zoo's Eastern black rhinos, important participants in the Species Survival Plan program.

The Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve includes a new bull barn just for Forrest, a new yard more than twice the size of the previous outdoor area, and several special enrichment features such as fallen trees, a shade structure with a built-in mister for hot days, heated elements (for our Cleveland winters), drinking troughs and a giant, hinged log that can be pushed or rolled by the rhinos (think rhino tether ball).

Space in the old rhino yard has also improved, with the addition of a gate connecting a back yard to the front. Before construction, the rhinos would not have had access to the back yard without keeper assistance. Now this gate can be left open so the females can choose to go outside in one of two yards – and still not interfere with Forrest.

Cleveland Zoological Society donors fully funded the $2.5 million expansion. Learn more...

Asian Highlands (Opened 2018)

The immersive habitat in Wilderness Trek is the home for the Amur leopard, snow leopards, red pandas, and takin, a species new to Cleveland. The footprint of Asian Highlands totals 1.3 acres, giving all species larger and more complex spaces. The project borrowed design ideas from Rosebrough Tiger Passage, introducing climbing platforms and overhead tunnels for the cats, as well as interconnected yards to enrich the cats’ daily route, and several close-up viewing spots for guests. The total project cost for Asian Highlands was $5.8 million; Zoo Society donors provided $3.8 million.

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Welcome Pavilion (Opened 2018)

In June 2018, the Cleveland Zoological Society and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hosted a dedication ceremony of the new Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Welcome Pavilion at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The Mandel Pavilion, located at the entrance to the Zoo, raises awareness of the Zoo’s longstanding commitment to international conservation programs, and allows guests an easy way to Make a Difference for wildlife. Each guest who enters the Zoo is given a green token, which is deposited in a donation box in the Mandel Pavilion, with each box supporting a different Future for Wildlife program

The Mandel Pavilion was made possible by a generous $500,000 gift from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation. Learn more...

Rosebrough Tiger Passage (Opened 2016)

A state-of-the-art home for the Zoo's endangered Amur tigers, Rosebrough Tiger Passage features interconnected yards, ample guest viewing and overhead walkways for the cats. The Zoo Society committed $2.5 million toward the exhibit’s $4.1 million total cost, including a naming level gift from Northeast Ohio philanthropists Carol and Walt Rosebrough. Learn more...

Circle of Wildlife Carousel & Nature Discovery Ridge (Opened 2014)

Located near Stillwater Place, the Circle of Wildlife Carousel is a destination for a special occasion or a restful moment during a busy Zoo day. Nature Discovery Ridge provides a space for outdoor play and an opportunity to learn about local habitats and animals. Learn more...

African Elephant Crossing (Opened 2011)

The much-celebrated African Elephant Crossing is an outstanding place to raise awareness of conservation challenges in sub-Saharan Africa and the high standards of animal care the Zoo provides its herd of African giants. The habitat is Gold certified through the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program. The $12.8 million raised through the Zoo Society’s capital campaign was three times larger that any previous campaign. Learn more...

Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine (Opened 2004)

One of the most visible measures of excellence at the Zoo is the Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine.The SAS Center contributes to the scientific advancement of zoo veterinary medicine worldwide. The David Steffee Chair for Veterinary Medicine underwrites training for scientists and practicing veterinarians from developing countries, as well as innovative research.The world-class facility was made possible by a successful $4.4 million campaign that funded approximately half the total cost of construction. Learn more...