The Primate Forest is a long-term, multi-phased project to transform and significantly expand the Zoo’s RainForest into a 140,000 square foot world-class indoor destination. The project will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and the latest research on animal care and conservation to add two new expansive, multi-story habitats for gorillas and orangutans.
The Primate Forest will be centered around the two-story CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery, a new entranceway to the Primate Forest that will immerse guests in the wonders of the natural world through interactive technology, multi-story play structures and more.
(ABOVE: Conceptual rendering of CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery)
Construction could begin on the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery as soon as 2023 and the entire project is expected to be complete by 2032 for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s 150th anniversary.
The Cleveland Zoological Society is actively fundraising for the Primate Forest, which is expected to be funded primarily by philanthropic donations. Additional details, including total project cost, are to be determined as construction plans are finalized.
(ABOVE: Conceptual rendering of Primate Forest)
Frequently Asked Questions
What will the Primate Forest include?
The 140,000 square foot transformation and expansion of The RainForest will incorporate state-of-the-art technology and the latest research on animal care and conservation to create a new home for some of the most endangered primate species including gorillas, orangutans as well as hundreds of other animal and plant species from around the globe.
The expansion will be centered around the two-story CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery, a new entranceway to the Primate Forest that will immerse guests in the wonders of the natural world through interactive technology, multi-story play structures and more.
Additional details will be shared as the project develops.
When will the project be completed?
The Primate Forest is currently in the planning and fundraising stage. The project will be multi-year and multi-phased beginning with the construction of the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery as early as 2023. The project timeline and construction is not yet finalized but we expect the entire project to be complete by 2032 as part of the Zoo’s 150th anniversary.
How is the project being supported?
The Primate Forest project is not fully funded at this time. The Cleveland Zoological Society is actively fundraising for the Primate Forest, which is expected to be funded primarily by philanthropic donations. Additional details, including total project cost, are to be determined as construction plans are finalized.
What will happen to the animals in The RainForest?
While final project design is not yet finalized and a construction schedule is not yet complete, Cleveland Metroparks will prioritize continuous guest accessibility to the current habitats in The RainForest as well as high animal welfare standards for the plants and animals now at home in the current building. The majority of animals currently in The RainForest will remain with enhancements to their existing habitats.