The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was founded in 1882. It is the seventh oldest zoo in the United States, and continues to be one of Northeastern Ohio’s most popular year-round attractions. The Zoo attracted over 2,275,000 million people in 2007 and offers several special programs throughout the year, including “Boo at the Zoo”, “TOUCH! Amazing Rays and Sharks”, and “DINOSAURS!”

Highlights of the Metro Park Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to one of the largest primates collections in the United States and is split up into several different areas. Visitors can explore the RainForest, African Savanna, Australian Adventure, Northern Trek, and the Primate, Cat and Aquatics House. It is also home to Monkey Island, a concrete island where monkeys are free to roam and play, without any cages and walls. Each region features special exhibits and hands-on activities, and visitors can travel to different areas using the ZooTram.

The Rainforest is one of the most popular exhibits at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and features a two-story building with over 6,000 plants and over 600 animals from the tropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Americas. It covers over two acres of floor space, and is one of the largest tropical indoor environments in the world.

Visiting the Metro Park Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open year round except on New Year’s Day and on Christmas Day. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the zoo to explore each of the biothematic areas at their own pace. The zoo also hosts a number of special events and educational programs throughout the year.