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Lubrizol’s long-time philanthropic support of the Zoo Society and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo dates back to 1985 and has funded everything from education programs to events, with a total of $1,150,000 donated to capital improvement projects. The company also boasts a strong employee gift matching program and has held a presence on the Zoo Society Board of Directors for over 15 years.

“Lubrizol truly believes in strong philanthropic support of Zoo projects and programs, and we are so grateful for the company’s ongoing investment in building new spaces to benefit people and animals,” said Sarah Crupi, CEO of the Cleveland Zoological Society. “Lubrizol’s donation to Primate Forest will help introduce new ways for guests to engage with the Zoo’s experts.”

A first-of-its-kind, fully custom experience that pairs Zoo visitors with change-makers from near and far, Connections Studio is sure to be a favorite aspect of Primate Forest. Using a life-size touchscreen to take a fun personality quiz, participants will be matched with an individual who shares some of their distinguishing traits and is doing meaningful work with people, animals, or the environment. Then, the individual on-screen shares their story – and how their unique interests and strengths help them succeed in their important work. It does not end there, however. Before they leave, participants can have resources sent directly to their mobile device that are tailored to help them explore careers related to their personality and skills assessment, catalyzing their Connections Studio experience into tangible next steps.

"Connections Studio is such a tremendous example of how the Zoo uplifts its community through thoughtful engagement that not only inspires but activates career interests – and illuminates a path forward,” said Andrea Vullo, Community Investment Manager at Lubrizol. “The Lubrizol Foundation is committed to championing efforts that open doors to fruitful careers – especially in STEM and sustainability – so this is a great fit.”

A state-of-the-art destination, Primate Forest 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. 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 Cleveland Zoological Society, founded in 1957, is the nonprofit fundraising partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Each year, the Zoo Society provides Cleveland Metroparks Zoo with $4 million for programs and operating support through a blend of membership revenue and philanthropic gifts. Over the last ten years, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland Zoological Society have collaborated to invest in larger and more complex animal habitats that also enhance visitor experience, including Rosebrough Tiger Passage, Asian Highlands, the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve, and Susie’s Bear Hollow. Primate Forest marks a new era for the Zoo and is expected to generate an estimated $131 million in economic impact.

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Media Contact:  
Emily Baber, Cleveland Zoological Society 
baber@clevelandzoosociety.org  |  216-635-3347