Dr. Vasu & Lisa Pandrangi and Family Award $1,000,000 Gift to the Cleveland Zoological Society for Primate Forest

The gift will furnish Dr. Vasu & Lisa Pandrangi and Family Forest Theater, a key learning space in Primate Forest, opening at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this summer.

The Cleveland Zoological Society today announced a $1,000,000 gift from Dr. Vasu & Lisa Pandrangi and Family that will fund an immersive, nature-focused theater space in Primate Forest, the Zoo’s largest-ever capital improvement project. Nearing the completion of its first phase, Primate Forest will transform and significantly expand the Zoo’s former RainForest building with exciting new animal habitats and interactive learning features.

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.”