CLEVELAND — A new era began on Tuesday at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo with the groundbreaking of the new Primate Forest attraction at the site of the former RainForest.
Plans call for the initial construction of the Primate Forest to include the renovation and modernization of more than 63,000 square feet of the former RainForest structure, to be renamed the Tropical Forest, and the addition of more than 33,500 square feet of new construction containing the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home and the expanded Orangutan Forest habitat. The $60 million initial phase of the Primate Forest is expected to open in 2026.
Zoo officials say the transformation from the RainForest to the Primate Forest will be its largest capital improvement project.
A future phase will include construction of the Gorilla Forest that will create a new home for the Zoo’s growing gorilla troop. Fundraising for that phase is continuing.
“Primate Forest will be a vibrant and inclusive community asset that elevates the often-groundbreaking zoological work taking place right here in Cleveland. It will be one of the most notable tourist destinations for our region and once open, free and accessible to Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township residents as part of ‘Free Monday,’” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman in a statement. “We are grateful and humbled by the support of CrossCountry Mortgage and our project partners who have made an extraordinary vision a reality for our community.”
According to the zoo, the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home "will include a new central entry and gathering space that will immerse guests into a forest scene created through projection mapping to illustrate how the forest, people and animals are interconnected. The space will also feature enhanced dining and retail shopping opportunities, an indoor play area, and flexible conference and meeting room space overlooking the future Gorilla Forest."
Meanwhile, the Orangutan Forest "will maintain the iconic 40-foot-tall geodesic dome, but expand to include a complex outdoor space that is engaging for both the orangutans and visitors alike. The orangutans will explore more complex climbing structures and new nesting opportunities. An elevated trail will provide guests with a new viewing experience, the first of its kind at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. A new two-story ‘dayroom’ will give orangutans choice between the indoor and outdoor habitats and bring guests closer to animal training and husbandry."
Zoo officials say the Primate Forest project will build upon the legacy of the former RainForest, which was home to more than 10,000 plants and 600 animals from the forests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The exhibit first opened in 1992 and was recognized as one of the largest of its kind in the world.
"For more than three decades, The RainForest has fostered a connection between our community and the story of rainforests, generating awareness of the value of these habitats and importance of their protection," Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar added. "So many members of the community have a special connection to The RainForest, whether you remember visiting as a kid, as an adult and sharing the experience with younger generations, or as part of the many special events and weddings that have been hosted at The RainForest."