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Primate Forest
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s newest capital project is Primate Forest, a 140,000-square-foot transformation and expansion of The RainForest that 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.
Primate Forest will advance Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as a world-class science education institution and strengthen the position of the Zoo as one of the most notable tourist destinations in the Great Lakes region and beyond. It will highlight the Zoo’s significant expertise in gorilla care and research, as well as a strong connection to conservation efforts to secure a future for gorillas in the wild. Primate Forest builds upon existing structures to create a new home for several iconic Zoo species, as well as significantly upgraded guest experiences including an interactive educational technology gallery, indoor playscapes for all ages and revamped dining options.
The project is planned to be a multi-year and multi-phased construction project that will begin with the construction of the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery in fall 2024.
The Cleveland Zoological Society is actively fundraising for Primate Forest, which is expected to be funded primarily through philanthropic donations. This year begins a new round of design meetings and construction planning, as well as continued fundraising efforts that will make this transformative investment a reality for the Cleveland community.
Please contact Cleveland Zoo Society Chief Executive Officer Sarah Crupi 216-635-3394 if you are interested in hearing about our leadership donor opportunities.
Updates
April 2024 - Cleveland becomes foster home for gorilla from Texas zoo
Jameela’s birth at Fort Worth Zoo (Texas) in early January 2024 made international headlines after life-threatening complications threatened the health of her mother – Sekani – requiring an emergency cesarean – the first in Fort Worth Zoo’s history. Unfortunately, Sekani and other female gorillas at Fort Worth Zoo did not show maternal behaviors that would indicate a successful bond with Jameela.
After attempts to introduce Jameela into the Fort Worth Zoo’s gorilla troop, it was collectively determined that her next best step was a move to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo where she was successfully integrated into the troop. Freddy, the troop's eldest female and adopted mother to Kayembe, accepted Jameela and has been taking care of her.
July 19, 2023 - Baby gorilla born
Born on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 19, to mom, Kebi Moyo (32), and dad, Mokolo (36), the newborn Western lowland gorilla is only the second gorilla born at the Zoo in its 141 years. Kebi and the newborn have already shown positive signs of development including nursing and bonding amongst the other members of the troop. Weighing approximately 4 lbs. at birth, newborn gorillas are in almost constant contact with their mother for the first six months and nurse for about three years.
Read the full announcement here.
May 18, 2023 - Gorilla pregnancy announcement
The Zoo announced that a new baby gorilla is expected this summer!
August 26, 2022 - Celebration in Rwanda
Clevelanders have reason to be proud of the new Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Read the full story here.
April 7, 2022 - Tails & Cocktails
Watch a conversation on the successful journey of the Zoo's first baby gorilla born last year. Tails & Cocktails presented by The Steffee Family was recorded live on April 7 at the Zoo.
March 22, 2022 - Press Release
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and CrossCountry Mortgage Kick-Off Long-Term Project to Create Primate Forest, a 140,000 Square Foot World-Class Destination
Read the full press release here.
February 24, 2022 - Spring Issue of Z Magazine
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's social media pages have been exploding with adorable photos and video celebrating the first gorilla birth in the Zoo's 139-year history. Kayembe has become the newest ambassador inspiring people to learn more and help protect gorillas in the wild.
Zoo Update Videos - See the most recent gorilla updates
April 26, 2024 - Gorilla Update - Warmer Temps Ahead
April 20 - Gorilla Troop Reunites
April 17 - Baby Jameela Update - Introductions Continue
April 11, 2024 - Baby Gorilla Jameela Update
April 3, 2024 - Baby Gorilla Jameela Introduction at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
March 28, 2024 - Welcome Baby Jameela!
February 5, 2024 - Gorilla Keeper's Update on Baby K
August 2, 2023 - Baby Gorilla Gender Reveal
July 26, 2023 - The Wait is Over - Baby Gorilla
July 20, 2023 - Emotional Day - Elephant and Gorilla News
May 12, 2023 - Gorilla Pregnancy Announcement
October 6, 2022 - Kayembe's First Birthday Update
August 22, 2022 - Kayembe August Update
May 12, 2022 - Kayembe Explores Outdoor Habitat
March 2, 2022 - Kayembe March Update
February 10, 2022 - Baby G February Update
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