Cleveland Metroparks Zoo set a new all-time single day attendance record of 24,976 visitors on Monday, June 13, 2011. The previous record was 23,684, set July 3, 2006.
The record-setting crowd is attributed to several factors, including beautiful, sunny 74 degree weather, nearly all local schools being finished for summer vacation and free Monday admission for Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents.
Another important reason for the increased attendance is the Zoo's popular new exhibit, African Elephant Crossing. Built over and around the shell of the old 1950s-era Pachyderm Building and elephant yard, African Elephant Crossing is a multifaceted exhibit providing rich and diverse experiences for elephants and visitors. The five-acre, $25 million exhibit is the largest capital improvement project at the Zoo since The RainForest opened in 1992.
The elephants share the exhibit with several other African species, almost all of which are new to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, including meerkats, naked mole rats, an African rock python and several different species of native African birds.
Other popular Zoo attractions for the summer include the tropical butterfly exhibit FLUTTER!, the new Professor Wylde Live Animal Show, and an entire schedule of 'Hot Spots' such as giraffe feeding and Meet the Keeper sessions.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with hours extended to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Admission is $11 per person, $8 for kids ages 2 to 11 and free for children younger than 2 and Zoo members. Parking is free. Located at 3900 Wildlife Way, the Zoo is easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.
To learn more, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.