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With experiences designed to spark curiosity, illuminate impactful career paths, and empower positive action for a sustainable future, the Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust Learning Gallery will build on Primate Forest’s theme of interconnectedness with opportunities to take in the benefits of nature and explore ways to protect it into the future. The space includes The Lubrizol Foundation Connections Studio, Dr. Vasu & Lisa Pandrangi and Family Forest Theater, and Cleveland Foundation Sustainable Future Design Lab.

“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of the newest project at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” said Kathryn Talty, Chair of the Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust. “Primate Forest is a wonderful opportunity to continue our uncle, the Honorable Francis J. Talty’s, legacy. As a new generation of Talty members, we align with his passion and great interest in the conservation, research, and education the Zoo provides, enriching many generations to come.”

The Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust has a long history of supporting the Zoo and Zoo Society. Judge Francis Talty was the Senior Probate Judge presiding over Cleveland Metroparks from 1972 to 1991 and was recognized at the opening of The RainForest in 1992. The Michael Talty and Helen Talty Charitable Trust’s philanthropic contributions to the Zoo Society date back to 2005, and this gift for Primate Forest is the largest it has awarded to the Zoo Society to date.

“We are so grateful for the Talty’s family’s consistent and generous gifts in support of the Zoo’s education programming. Their long history of philanthropy demonstrates their passion for making the Zoo a place for learning and exploring for all of Cleveland’s families. We are so happy they are excited for Primate Forest and the new spaces,” said Sarah Crupi, Cleveland Zoological Society CEO.

Primate Forest marks a new era for the Zoo and will generate an estimated $218 million in economic impact. A state-of-the-art destination, it will reimagine the guest experience and strengthen and showcase the Zoo’s leadership role in global conservation, animal well-being and management, and science education and research. The initial construction includes the new CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, the renovation of more than 63,000 square feet of the former RainForest, 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.

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