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This significant gift reflects the Pandrangi family’s commitment to fostering vibrant communities through philanthropic giving centered in health and education. They were drawn to the Primate Forest project by the unique learning opportunities it will make possible, connecting human health to animal and environmental health and inspiring people to appreciate nature.

“As frequent visitors to the Zoo over the years, first with our children and now with our grandchildren, we are happy to be part of this transformational project which will have far-reaching benefits for our community,” Dr. Pandrangi said. “The Zoo is such a great learning environment, and the Forest Theater will give visitors a brand-new way to learn about conservation and our environment.”

The Dr. Vasu & Lisa Pandrangi and Family Forest Theater will be a tranquil, circular space that Zoo guests can visit to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of healthy forest ecosystems. Through breathtaking videos of forests around the world, this experience will underline Primate Forest’s focus on the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and demonstrate how time in nature supports human well-being.

"The Pandrangi Family has made such a generous impact on Primate Forest, and I’m personally excited they choose to support the Forest Theater, which will introduce a new experience for our Zoo guests and members,” said Sarah Crupi, CEO of the Cleveland Zoological Society. “Individual philanthropy from friends like Vasu, Lisa and their family is making possible this transformational new project that will benefit families throughout Northeast Ohio.”

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 well-being and management, as well as science education and research. The initial construction includes the new CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, the renovation and modernization of more than 63,000 square feet of the former RainForest area, to be renamed the Samuel H. Miller Foundation Tropical Forest, 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 more than $4 million for programs and operating support through a blend of membership revenue and philanthropic gifts. Over the last 10 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