Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's $120 Million Primate Forest Nears Completion

Thanks to one of the largest fundraising efforts in its history, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has embarked on a multi-phase project will expand and enhance guest experiences and animal well-being. Construction is nearly complete on the initial sequence of the transformative $120 million project, which incorporates state-of-the-art technology and research on animal care and conservation. The Primate Forest will include three distinct animal habitats: Tropical Forest, Orangutan Forest and Gorilla Forest.

“The project will be completed in phases, with the first opening a little later this summer,” says Andrea Ponikvar, vice president of philanthropy for the Cleveland Zoological Society, which is the nonprofit fundraising partner of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. “In addition to the habitats, the project also includes a lot of new human spaces and experiences, as well.”

Major philanthropic investments have made the transformation of the former RainForest into the new Primate Forest possible. Primate Forest will be centered around the two-story CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, a new entranceway that will immerse guests in the wonders of the natural world through interactive technology and displays, multi-level play structures and more. The state-of-the-art facility includes a new, expanded Orangutan Forest habitat, featuring the first outdoor yard for the species, and a future phase will include construction of the Gorilla Forest, which will be a new home for the zoo’s growing gorilla troop.

“The CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home is a great example of how a major hometown company was aligned in the zoo’s mission and saw the value of an investment in the zoo and the impact their generous gift would have,” says Ponikvar. “When it comes to philanthropic investment, Cleveland is an incredible place. I am proud to be from this area, which has so many major cultural institutions that are supported and thriving thanks to major philanthropic donations.”

In addition, a $750,000 grant from the PNC Foundation will bring to life the zoo’s first-ever indoor play area called the PNC Adventure Playspace. It will feature a naturalistic design that draws inspiration from the new facility’s focus on forests and integrates accessible components that welcome children to engage in a range of sensory, tactile and imaginative play. The space will overlook the outdoor orangutan habitat, so as children play, they can see the great apes moving and exercising, too.

PNC has supported the zoo for more than 30 years, including funding for educational programs and sponsoring the zoo’s popular membership program since 2018, which provides members with exclusive perks and benefits.

“We are so very grateful for PNC’s legacy of support for the programs, people and projects at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” says Sarah Crupi, CEO of the Cleveland Zoological Society. “PNC Adventure Playspace is a continuation of the company’s meaningful philanthropic support.”

Another major addition to the project is made possible by a $1 million gift from Dr. Vasu and Lisa Pandrangi. The Dr. Vasu & Lisa Pandrangi and Family Forest Theater is an immersive, nature-focused theater.

Philanthropic dollars also support science education initiatives that connect people with wildlife and empower conservation action. Through experiences and programs that foster curiosity and scientific literacy, the zoo is helping Northeast Ohioans build leadership skills, explore potential career paths and envision themselves as part of a sustainable future. While major donations have made a project like Primate Forest possible, it’s not just major investors who have contributed to the Cleveland Zoological Society’s philanthropic efforts, Ponikvar says. It was necessary to have “all hands on deck,” she says.

“Our guests and visitors often don’t realize that when they purchase a membership or round up a purchase at the gift shop, they are making a philanthropic gift,” says Ponikvar. “We are very fortunate to have one of the largest membership bases in Northeast Ohio.

“Projects like Primate Forest are made possible through a combination of transformational leadership gifts and thousands of individual contributions from people who care deeply about the zoo,” adds Ponikvar. “It’s a powerful example of what a community can accomplish when people come together around a shared vision.”