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Your gift will help us embark on a transformational, multi-year capital campaign.
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Primate Forest
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s newest capital project is Primate Forest, a 140,000-square-foot transformation and expansion of The RainForest that will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and the latest research on animal care and conservation to create a new home for some of the most endangered primate species including gorillas, orangutans as well as hundreds of other animal and plant species from around the globe.
Primate Forest will advance Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as a world-class science education institution and strengthen the position of the Zoo as one of the most notable tourist destinations in the Great Lakes region and beyond. It will highlight the Zoo’s significant expertise in gorilla care and research, as well as a strong connection to conservation efforts to secure a future for gorillas in the wild. Primate Forest builds upon existing structures to create a new home for several iconic Zoo species, as well as significantly upgraded guest experiences including an interactive educational technology gallery, indoor playscapes for all ages and revamped dining options.
The project is planned to be a multi-year and multi-phased construction project that will begin with the construction of the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery in early 2024.
The Cleveland Zoological Society is actively fundraising for Primate Forest, which is expected to be funded primarily through philanthropic donations. This year begins a new round of design meetings and construction planning, as well as continued fundraising efforts that will make this transformative investment a reality for the Cleveland community.
Please contact Cleveland Zoo Society Chief Executive Officer Sarah Crupi 216-635-3394 if you are interested in hearing about our leadership donor opportunities.
Updates
July 19 - Baby gorilla born
Born on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 19, to mom, Kebi Moyo (32), and dad, Mokolo (36), the newborn Western lowland gorilla is only the second gorilla born at the Zoo in its 141 years. Kebi and the newborn have already shown positive signs of development including nursing and bonding amongst the other members of the troop. Weighing approximately 4 lbs. at birth, newborn gorillas are in almost constant contact with their mother for the first six months and nurse for about three years.
Read the full announcement here.
May 18, 2023 - Gorilla pregnancy announcement
The Zoo announced that a new baby gorilla is expected this summer!
August 26, 2022 - Celebration in Rwanda
Clevelanders have reason to be proud of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Read the full story here.
April 7, 2022 - Tails & Cocktails
Watch a conversation on the successful journey of the Zoo's first baby gorilla born last year. Tails & Cocktails presented by The Steffee Family was recorded live on April 7 at the Zoo.
March 22, 2022 - Press Release
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and CrossCountry Mortgage Kick-Off Long-Term Project to Create Primate Forest, a 140,000 Square Foot World-Class Destination
Read the full press release here.
February 24, 2022 - Spring Issue of Z Magazine
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's social media pages have been exploding with adorable photos and video celebrating the first gorilla birth in the Zoo's 139-year history. Kayembe has become the newest ambassador inspiring people to learn more and help protect gorillas in the wild.
Zoo Update Videos
August 22, 2022
May 12, 2022
March 2, 2022
February 10, 2022
Explore Articles
The Elusive Andean Bear
Read a first-person account of traveling to see this bear species in the wild.
Food for thought
How does the Zoo get enough browse to feed these animals each and every day?