Opened in 2004, the Steffee Center articulates a powerful vision for the role of veterinary medicine in zoos and provides world-class care for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's animals.
The world-class facility was made possible by a successful $4.4 million campaign that funded approximately half the total cost of construction. The David Steffee Chair for Veterinary Medicine underwrites training for scientists and practicing veterinarians from developing countries, as well as innovative research.
The Steffee Center offers public access in an adjoining education pavilion - the Reinberger Learning Lab. Here, Zoo visitors can learn about veterinary care at all stages of an animal's life, from delivery to departure. The displays feature hands-on interactives, tools-of-the-trade, and views to surgical suites where visitors might sneak a peak at a treatment procedure in progress.