Ways toGive
Primate Forest, the largest capital project in Cleveland Metroparks history, is well underway.
Introduction
Primate Forest builds upon the existing RainForest building (the Tropical Forest) to create a new home for many iconic Zoo species. The project will be completed in phases with the first construction phase set to break ground in fall 2024.
CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery
The Forest Gallery will include rentable flex-space conference rooms, a new dining room with elevated hospitality services, renovated restrooms, and other exciting guest amenities.
Continuing with the spirit of exploration and adventure, a large play area on the second floor of the rotunda features a central playscape and a variety of nature-inspired climbing structures. Adjacent to this will be the technology-driven Interpretive Learning Gallery. Comprised of educational “pods” for distinct learning experiences, the Zoo contracted with an exhibition and media firm, Local Projects, to develop thought-provoking opportunities for visitors to dream up a brighter future for Northeast Ohio and beyond. This interpretive gallery will be the first of its kind in an Ohio zoo.
Gorilla FOREST
Primate Forest reinvents habitat design for primates and blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space.
The immersive, greenhouse-like space under ETFE roofing allows for natural plant growth, fresh air ventilation, and new enrichment elements for the gorillas. Their habitat spaces are connected by multiple routes to increase choice for the animals and flexibility for the keepers in managing troop dynamics. Gorillas’ biological and ecological needs are central to the design of these habitat spaces, which will support their best health while affording guests new and unique views into their natural behaviors.
Orangutan Forest
Orangutan Gallery introduces the first-ever outdoor habitat for orangutans in Cleveland and various, multi-level indoor views of the apes for guests of all abilities.
Its new outdoor space, complex climbing structures, and added nesting opportunities aim to replicate aspects of orangutans’ wild habitat, and "health management hubs” will welcome guests to see animal training and husbandry in action. A noteworthy outdoor feature adjacent to Orangutan Gallery is the Adventure Trail for guests. This trail is made of rope bridges and fully-accessible towers, creating an exhilarating option for intrepid visitors to explore the space.
Tropical Forest
Since 1992, the RainForest has been an architectural icon at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the home of 10,000 plants and 600 animals.
The Primate Forest project was designed to be constructed in phases to maintain the Zoo’s high standards in animal welfare for the 95 species that live in the building. Updates to the current facility include retrofitting and expanding current animal habitats and holding spaces, adding new animal habitats, and updating education signage and spaces.
A new footprint
The final phase of Primate Forest includes a reimagined arrival and navigation experience for visitors that unifies the RainForest with the rest of the Zoo in one campus.
Getting to the Zoo will be easier than ever with designated guest drop-off areas, connected neighborhood bike paths to the Zoo, and a widened Wildlife Way Road for managing traffic flow.
Your philanthropic support will make
Primate Forest possible.
Please reach out to our team to hear more about how you can support Primate Forest.
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