The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio is opening its new Primate Forest to the public today (22 October). The project marks the largest capital investment in the zoo’s history.
Primate Forest is home to 65 species of animals, and includes immersive habitats, innovative technology, hands-on learning experiences and new spaces.
"This project marks a transformative new chapter for the zoo, advancing how we care for animals, creating new opportunities for our teams to do exceptional work and fundamentally rethinking how guests experience and connect with wildlife,” said Cleveland Metroparks' CEO Brian Zimmerman.
“We are excited to open a space that is not only extraordinary for the animals who call it home, but we want every guest who walks through Primate Forest to leave with a connection, whether it is to a particular animal, a new understanding of conservation or simply a deeper appreciation for the natural world.”
The $70 million first phase of Primate Forest includes a central gathering space with innovative projection-mapping technology, enhanced dining and retail locations, and an event space overlooking the future Gorilla Forest.
It also features the expanded Orangutan Forest and the renovated Samuel H. Miller Foundation Tropical Forest. The former includes outdoor climbing structures, ropes and nesting areas, with an elevated deck walk for guests.
Additionally, the project includes a new care and conservation centre for toads, turtles and snakes, as well as the zoo's first indoor play space and a new learning space.
“Primate Forest represents a significant step forward in how we care for and connect people with the animals in our care,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's executive director, Chris Kuhar.
“The enhancements and complexities built into these habitats give our orangutans and other species more choice, challenge and opportunity to express natural behaviors, all of which are important to their overall wellbeing.
"At the same time, it puts our teams' animal husbandry work front and center, giving guests a closer look at the care, enrichment, and expertise that go into caring for these species every day; in doing so, we can build a stronger connection between people and wildlife."
Primate Forest replaces the zoo's former RainForest, which was home to more than 10,000 plants and 600 animals representing forests of Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The multi-phase development represents a $120m investment and will include the Gorilla Forest – a new home for the zoo's gorilla troop.
