Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has been a thought leader among zoos for years, driving consequential research and raising the bar in animal care, science education, and guest experience. With Primate Forest, the Zoo steps into a new era, occupying the role it is uniquely equipped to play in shaping a healthy future for its community, both in Northeast Ohio and around the world.
Introduction
Primate Forest is an opportunity to redesign standard zoo spaces into learning environments for all ages that will emphasize the importance of - and connection between - healthy animals, healthy habitats, and healthy people.
Focus on Forests
Transporting guests to an enchanting, arboraceous setting the moment they step inside, Primate Forest will bring the Zoo's commitment to healthy forest ecosystems to life in new ways.
Primate Forest will illustrate the necessity of forests – and reveal the interconnectedness of people, animals, and environment in all its stunning complexity. Opportunities to experience the health benefits of forests, connect with people protecting them around the world, and simply stroll through lush foliage year-round will make the Primate Forest experience full of wonder and discovery.
Animal WelL-BEING
Primate Forest will put Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s scientific expertise front and center, inviting guests to see exclusive animal care and husbandry including voluntary blood draws, EKGs, and ultrasounds.
As a nationally recognized leader in animal care and veterinary medicine, the Zoo is eager to share more of its husbandry practices with visitors. Primate Forest will showcase the Zoo’s exemplary animal care with “health management hubs” for gorillas and orangutans. These hubs create space for animal keepers, research students, and volunteers to observe animal behaviors, collect data, and perform training, husbandry, and medical procedures – all within guests’ view. Observers may see silverback gorilla Mokolo voluntarily placing his fingers on a small plate that collects an EKG via app, an orangutan participating in a nebulizer breathing treatment, and much more. These practices, previously done in behind-the-scenes areas, will now be part of the visitor experience.
Community Impact
Since 1882, the Zoo has established itself as both a source of community pride and a science education agency with worldwide influence.
The Zoo generates $100 million in regional economic impact and draws more than 1.3 million people annually, making it the most visited destination in the region. Primate Forest will produce an estimated $131 million in economic impact to Northeast Ohio.
Reaching over 100,000 school children through educational programming each year, the Zoo is Northeast Ohio’s foremost provider of informal science education and maintains an ardent commitment to engaging its community in meaningful ways. Upon completion, Primate Forest will be included in the Zoo’s “Free Mondays,” granting free admission for all residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township.
Reimagined Habitats
Leading-edge design that strove to replicate key aspects of the animals' wild habitats, encourage natural behaviors, and create new ways for visitors to observe and enjoy yielded spaces that are raising the bar for zoos.
Primate Forest's expanded, reimagined great ape habitats represent an entirely new experience for animals and humans alike. Designed to maximize the animals' well-being, promote natural behaviors, and give visitors never-before-seen glimpses into the Zoo’s husbandry practices, these spaces put the Zoo's dedication to world-class animal care on full display.
In the Gorilla Forest, ETFE roofing that allows UV light to pass through will maximize natural daylight cycles for animals and support the growth of full-size trees and plants, creating a veritable forest for both gorillas and their human visitors to enjoy year-round.
Your philanthropic support will make
Primate Forest possible.
Please reach out to our team to hear more about how you can support Primate Forest.
Subscribe