Imagine standing eye-to-eye with a giraffe or watching elephants splash in pools large enough to swim in. This is just the beginning at one of America's most beloved zoos.

Welcome to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where 183 acres of thoughtfully designed habitats bring you face-to-face with 3,000 animals from 600 species across the globe.

Situated on Cleveland's southern edge, this AZA-accredited institution has been captivating visitors since 1882, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. From the steamy tropics of The RainForest to the rugged landscapes of the Wilderness Trek, each corner of this remarkable zoo tells a different story of our planet's incredible biodiversity.

A Legacy Spanning Three Centuries

The zoo's journey began humbly in 1882 at Wade Park, displaying only animals native to Ohio. In 1907, the city relocated the growing collection to its current Brookside location, welcoming its first elephant that same year.

The zoo faced dramatic challenges, including a devastating 1959 flood that destroyed its reptile collection and several buildings. Yet resilience defined its character. The Cleveland Metroparks system took over management in 1975, ushering in an era of rapid expansion and innovation. Landmark exhibits emerged decade by decade: the Primate and Cat Building in 1975, the groundbreaking RainForest in 1992, and the state-of-the-art African Elephant Crossing in 2011, transforming the zoo into the world-class destination that draws 1.32 million visitors annually today.

A World of Wildlife Under One Sky

The zoo's collection spans every continent except Antarctica, organized by geographic habitats that mirror natural ecosystems. The RainForest houses over 600 animals in one of the world's largest indoor tropical environments, where orangutans swing overhead and poison dart frogs display their brilliant colors.

The African Savanna brings the plains to Ohio with giraffes, zebras, and rhinos roaming spacious yards. Australian Adventure lets you walk among free-roaming wallabies and kangaroos, while the Wilderness Trek showcases one of North America's largest bear collections, including sloth bears, sun bears, and grizzlies.

The Primate, Cat and Aquatics Building features one of the continent's most diverse primate collections, from playful colobus monkeys to contemplative gorillas, alongside Aldabra tortoises exceeding 100 years old.

Innovation in Animal Care and Conservation

What sets Cleveland Metroparks Zoo apart is its commitment to pushing boundaries. The Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine features the first CT scanner installed in a zoo hospital, with viewing windows that let visitors observe veterinary procedures in action.

The zoo's immersive design philosophy creates extraordinary encounters. At the Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter, visitors hand-feed these gentle giants. African Elephant Crossing allows elephants to cross pathways between ranges throughout the day, bringing these magnificent animals within feet of awestruck guests.

Conservation drives everything here. The zoo supports over 90 field projects in 39 countries annually, from elephant conservation in southern Africa to anti-poaching initiatives for Asiatic turtles. Its legacy includes housing Balto, the famous sled dog from the 1925 serum run, whose taxidermied form resides at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Highlights & Tips

• The RainForest Experience Step into a two-story tropical paradise with over 10,000 plants and 600 animals. Don't miss the simulated thunderstorm in the Tropical Rain Storm exhibit, complete with lightning effects and cascading waterfalls.
• African Elephant Crossing Watch elephants cross the pathway between their ranges multiple times daily. This $25 million exhibit quadrupled their living space and includes deep swimming pools where these giants play and cool off.
• Giraffe Feeding at Ben Gogolick Encounter Purchase leaves and feed giraffes at eye level in this interactive experience. The close-up view reveals their incredible eyelashes and gentle personalities.
• Wolf Wilderness Observe gray wolves through floor-to-ceiling windows in Wolf Lodge, a building designed like a 19th-century fur trading post. Surveillance cameras let you track wolves even when they're hidden from direct view.
• Rosebrough Tiger Passage Watch Amur tigers prowl across elevated pathways that let them move overhead. The four interconnected habitats showcase these endangered cats in a naturalistic setting.
• Wallaby Walkabout Share winding paths with free-roaming kangaroos, wallabies, and emus in this Australian outback recreation. The animals browse on native vegetation planted specifically for them.
• Ride the ZooTram Save energy by taking the shuttle between the Welcome Plaza and the Primate, Cat and Aquatics Building. It's especially helpful for families with young children or those who want to maximize their visit.
• Visit Australian Adventure in Warmer Months The outdoor Australian Adventure area is weather-dependent and offers the best experience from April through October when all animals are active and accessible.
• Plan for Seasonal Events The zoo hosts Boo at the Zoo in October with Halloween activities and DINOSAURS! exhibits in summer featuring animatronic prehistoric creatures along the Waterfowl Lake trail.
• Check the Elephant Crossing Schedule Arrive at African Elephant Crossing when elephants are scheduled to move between ranges for the most memorable up-close viewing experience of these incredible animals.
• Don't Miss Wade Hall Visit this Victorian ice cream parlor housed in one of North America's oldest zoo buildings, originally built in 1884. It sits picturesquely on the shore of Waterfowl Lake.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo represents more than a day's entertainment. It's a living testament to conservation in action, where every visit supports field projects protecting wildlife across six continents. Whether you're watching orangutans in The RainForest's steamy embrace, feeding giraffes under the Ohio sky, or observing wolves in their woodland habitat, you're connecting with the natural world in profound ways.

The zoo's commitment to innovation, education, and animal welfare shines through every exhibit. Come discover why over a million visitors each year make this Cleveland treasure part of their story.