Who We Are

Mission

The Cleveland Zoological Society and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo share a joint mission: We create compelling experiences that connect people with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world.

Our Story

The Cleveland Zoological Society has a proud history beginning in 1957. As the independent nonprofit partner of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, we exist to raise philanthropic support for and public awareness of the Zoo. This public/private partnership allows both organizations to flourish. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has become nationally recognized as one of the best zoos in the United States. And, closer to home, the Zoo is a cherished community gem that is a top destination in Northeast Ohio each year. Supporting the Cleveland Zoo Society helps make all that possible.

Each year, the Zoo Society provides Cleveland Metroparks Zoo more than $4 million for programs and operating support, and an additional $3.2 million or more for capital improvement projects across the Zoo. This funding is a blend of generous gifts for current use and long-term support as well as earned and investment revenue. In addition to raising philanthropic donations, the Zoo Society runs and maintains the Zoo’s membership program. We have more than 41,000 households as members, which is the largest program in Northeast Ohio.

Supporting the Zoo Society and Zoo is more important now than ever before. The Zoo provides the Northeast Ohio community the chance to connect with wildlife and become inspired to conserve the natural world. It educates thousands of schoolchildren each year and hosts more than 1.2 million visitors. Each donation helps ensure our community has access to not only see amazing animals first-hand, but also to learn what one person’s support can do to help care for species in the wild.