CLEVELAND - Rosebrough Tiger Passage, the newest exhibit at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, opened to the public this morning.
Located in the Wilderness Trek area of the zoo, the state-of-the-art exhibit is five times larger than the previous grotto style exhibit. It features four different interconnected areas in which the Tigers can roam, including climbing poles, meadows, shallow streams and soaking pools. The exhibit also features two tiger trails that pass over top the heads of zoo visitors. Glass viewing in the exhibit gives guests unobstructed views of the animals and the opportunity to come "nose-to-nose" with the Tigers.
Cleveland Metroparks currently has two Amur Tigers: the female, Dasha, 15, was born in Cleveland in 2001. The male tiger, Klechka was born at the Toledo Zoo, and is 12-years-old.
The $4.1 million Rosebrough Tiger Passage received a generous gift of $2.1 million from Northeast Ohio philanthropists Walt and Carol Rosebrough. It is the largest gift ever received by the Cleveland Zoological Society.
"We're excited for kids and adults alike to enjoy exploring and discovering the Amur Tiger in its naturalistic habitat at Rosebrough Tiger Passage," said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar. "We're committed to securing a future for wildlife and to protecting the endangered Amur Tigers."
Added Cleveland Metroparks Chief Executive Officer Brian Zimmerman, "Our goal is to continuously improve what we offer to our visitors and guests. Rosebrough Tiger Passage is the latest example of that. It further helps to cement our position as one of the leading zoos and park systems in the country."
Northeast Ohio's most-visited year-round attraction, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $14.25 per person, $12.25 for seniors ages 62 and older, $10.25 for children ages 2-11. Children age 2 and younger are free, as are Zoo members. Parking is free. The Zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way, easily accessible from Interstates 71, 90 and 480.
For additional information, call (216) 661-6500.