News Room > 2012

12/14/2012
Cleveland Metroparks names Joseph Roszak as Chief Operating Officer
Cleveland Metroparks has named Joseph Roszak as the new Chief Operating Officer. Roszak will be sworn in at the January 10, 2013 meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners.

12/11/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo sends tadpoles to Puerto Rico for release
Thousands of tiny tadpole travelers left Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Monday for a 1,800-mile journey to Puerto Rico, part of the Zoo’s contribution to the Puerto Rican crested toad Species Survival Plan, managed by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).

12/4/2012
Bundle up for Polar Bear Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Bring your cubs out of their winter den for a January visit to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during Polar Bear Days.

11/29/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Hires Christopher Kuhar as Zoo Director
Cleveland Metroparks announces Christopher Kuhar, Ph.D., as the new director of the Zoo. Kuhar will begin his new position in January following the retirement of longtime director Steve Taylor.

11/27/2012
Celebrate the ‘Noon Year’ at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
The entire family can celebrate the New Year a little early at the Zoo’s annual Noon Year’s Eve party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, December 31 featuring kid-friendly versions of year-end traditions.

11/20/2012
Celebrate December Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Holiday memories and family fun are on everyone’s wish list at this time of year, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo helps you create both during December Days.

11/13/2012
‘Jenni’, the Big Creek alligator, finds a home at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
‘Jenni’, the alligator found in the Big Creek near Jennings and Harvard Road, has found a new home at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The 25-inch-long alligator will be in routine quarantine for 30 days at the Zoo’s Center for Zoological Medicine to assess its condition. When it clears the quarantine period, it will be transferred to the Zoo’s Conservation Education Division, where it will be part of the Zoo’s Conservation Education programs including outreach.

11/13/2012
Santa visits The RainForest for breakfast at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Come to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and mingle with Kriss Kringle in The RainForest! Breakfast with Santa returns on December 15, 16 and 22 from 8-9:30 a.m.

11/1/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo to offer first ever Winter Break Camp
This holiday season, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is offering its first ever special Winter Break Camp for kids ages 5-12.

11/1/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates 20th anniversary of The RainForest
Help the Zoo celebrate the 20th anniversary of The RainForest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 17-19 with special events, activities and giveaways including animal enrichment demonstrations, crafts, music, Meet the Keeper sessions and on Monday, November 19, special guest Radio Disney and free admission to The RainForest.

10/30/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo closed today due to flood potential
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is closed today, Tuesday, October 30, due to the threat of flooding from Big Creek, which runs through the Zoo and the Brookside Reservation valley.

10/23/2012
Admission is FREE on Thanksgiving at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
As our way of saying thanks to the community for another great year of support, admission to the Zoo and The RainForest is FREE for everyone on Thursday, November 22. So no matter how big your holiday herd is it’s easy to bring everyone to the Zoo for a visit.

10/10/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates America Recycles Day
When can you turn a bag of aluminum cans or some old pots and pans into a free ticket to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo? During America Recycles Day! That’s right, on Saturday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. visitors can celebrate America Recycles Day by bringing in select recyclables in exchange for one free admission with the purchase of a regular admission.

10/10/2012
Baby capybaras born in The RainForest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomed the birth of three baby capybaras in The RainForest Friday night. The new babies bring the Zoo’s group of capybaras up to six including mom Shoya, dad Budha, and another adult female, Bonita. They can all be seen on exhibit together on the second floor of The RainForest.

10/2/2012
A dip in temps means a drop in Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s admission rates
Seeing the Zoo in winter brings a whole new perspective to your visit, and the Zoo makes it easy to visit between November 1 and March 31, 2013 by reducing the admission rates to $8.25 for adults and $5.25 for children age 2-11.

10/1/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomes one millionth visitor of 2012
Monday, October 1st marked two attendance milestones for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, the one millionth visitor of 2012 and a total of 20 straight years with one million or more in attendance.

9/19/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s elephant exhibit honored at zoo conference
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is proud to announce that its newest exhibit, African Elephant Crossing, received two prestigious awards last week during the annual Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

9/17/2012
Meerkat kits born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s African Elephant Crossing is now alive with the pitter patter of really teeny tiny feet! The Zoo’s resident meerkat mom recently gave birth to several kits.

9/11/2012
Boo at the Zoo is a family favorite at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Lots of little critters will be lurking in our park after dark when the family-friendly spooktacular Boo at the Zoo returns to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!

9/5/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo releases new mobile phone app
Guests will find Cleveland Metroparks Zoo more accessible than ever with the Zoo’s new iPhone app.

8/28/2012
Stuffed bear buddies welcome at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Teddy Bear Day
Bring your little cubs to Teddy Bear Day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Saturday, September 22. Children younger than 12, who bring a teddy bear, or plush pal of any species, receive free admission to the Zoo with a paid adult admission.

8/21/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo saddened to report death of 27-year-old giraffe
One of the most senior animal residents of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 27-year-old Masai giraffe “Lindi,” passed away in the Africa Barn last night.

8/17/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s new dingoes now on exhibit
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo continues its month-long celebration of “Dingo Days” with the introduction of dingoes Brumby and Elsey who are ready to explore their new home in the Zoo’s Australian Adventure.

8/10/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announces name of baby rhino
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s new male baby eastern black rhinoceros has a name. The winning name, chosen by more than 9,000 votes in a week-long online poll, is Juba, which means ‘brave’ in Swahili.

8/8/2012
Half-price Wild Weekdays return to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Beginning August 14, the Zoo is bringing back Wild Weekdays so residents from neighboring Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage and Summit counties can enjoy the Zoo for half-price on designated weekdays.

8/7/2012
Fall hours return to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on September 4
Relief from one of the hottest summers on record is on its way, but it’s not too late to visit the Zoo to check out this summer’s official Hot Spots.

8/3/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announces birth of baby rhino
A male eastern black rhinoceros calf was born July 1 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and the birth marks the start of a third generation of rhinos here.

8/1/2012
Cleveland Zoo celebrates ‘Dingo Days’ with half-price discount – and dingoes!
Get ready for Dingo Days at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – a special discount event and an extra special animal announcement that’s anything but the average “dog days of summer!”

7/31/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates seniors with free admission August 31
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo treats seniors to free admission and special activities on Senior Safari day -- Friday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- giving those ages 55 and older the chance to check out the Zoo and The RainForest for FREE.

7/26/2012
Baby slender-horned gazelle born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s herd of slender-horned gazelles welcomed a new calf in late June, and guests will be able to see her beginning August 1 exploring her outdoor exhibit in the African Savanna.

7/19/2012
Zoo awaits rare (and smelly) 24-hour bloom of its ‘Corpse Flower’
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet -- unless it smelled like rotting meat. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s giant flowering titan arum plant, known as the “corpse flower,” is getting ready to bloom and fans of the giant tropical flower will soon be lining up to catch a whiff.

7/18/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo helps rescue two lions from private sanctuary
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomed two new adult female African lions on July 10. The lionesses arrived via truck from a private exotic animal rescue organization in Fairfield County in southern Ohio.

7/16/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo saddened by death of African elephant
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo lost one of its oldest and largest residents today, African elephant “Jo.” The 45-year-old female elephant was euthanized by the Zoo’s veterinary care staff this morning with her keepers by her side.

7/10/2012
Creature Comforts is an enriching experience at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s annual Creature Comforts event is your chance to see some of the more unique “enrichment” activities keepers use to enhance the lives of the animals and keep them healthy both mentally and physically.

7/6/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo saddened by death of zebras
A female Grant’s zebra and her unborn foal were found dead in their night quarters by animal keepers at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo early on the morning of July 4.

6/19/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Director Steve Taylor announces retirement
After 24 years, several multi-million dollar exhibits and countless animal encounters, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Director Steve Taylor plans to retire at the end of this year.

6/12/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo completes Big Creek water improvement project
Sustainability and environmental stewardship are core tenets of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s mission. This applies not just to the animals in the Zoo’s care and the operation of the park, but to the natural resources of the surrounding area and Big Creek, too.

6/5/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates the 4th with Red, White & Zoo
Extended hours, enrichment demonstrations, colorful animals and tons of family fun are in store at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on the Fourth of July.

5/22/2012
Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser rolls into Cloverleaf Lanes on June 23
The lanes will be shaking when the Cleveland Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers’ 22nd annual fundraiser Bowling for Rhinos gets rolling at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 23 at Cloverleaf Lanes, 5619 Brecksville Road in Independence.

5/22/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers free admission for seniors on June 29
Twice every summer Cleveland Metroparks Zoo shows its appreciation for seniors with a day of free admission and special activities.

5/18/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo rhino arrives safely in Chicago
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s large male eastern black rhinoceros Jimma is now a resident of the Windy City.

5/15/2012
Dads get half-price admission to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Father’s Day
What do dads really want for Father’s Day? It’s not a tie or a socket set, it’s the chance to hang out and have fun with their kids! Cleveland Metroparks Zoo makes it easy with half-price admission for all dads on Sunday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., making tickets just $6.25.

5/8/2012
Pet adoption event Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo is June 9
A new critter companion may be waiting for you at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo, one of the largest animal adoption events in the area.

5/1/2012
Make summer memories at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Summer fun is just around the corner in Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is ready!

4/27/2012
Persian onagers make first-ever debut at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Two female Persian onagers arrived at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Tuesday. This endangered subspecies of Asiatic wild ass has never been exhibited at the Zoo before.

4/11/2012
Aldabra tortoise, thought to be over 100, dies at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is saddened to report the death of one of its oldest residents yesterday, a male Aldabra tortoise thought to be more than 100 years old.

4/10/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo celebrates Mother’s Day with half-price admission
Every day is a great day to celebrate mom, but Mother’s Day at the Zoo is the only one that offers half-price admission!

4/10/2012
Ride your bike inside Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for the first time at Wild Ride
Wild Ride at the Zoo is a safari on two wheels! It’s the first chance ever to bring your bicycle to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and see the animals while you cruise.

4/5/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo saddened by death of African lion
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is deeply saddened to report the death of its female African lion. The 14-year-old lion, “Chloe,” was euthanized by the Zoo’s veterinary care staff this morning after medical tests determined she was suffering from advanced renal failure.

4/5/2012
Three marine mammals have eye surgery
at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Two sea lions and a harbor seal are recovering in the Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine after successful eye surgery at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo over the last two days.

4/3/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo introduces new event, ‘Things I’d Do If I Ran the Zoo’
Kids can let their imaginations run wild at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s newest event – Things I’d Do If I Ran the Zoo, Sunday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

3/20/2012
Celebrate Earth Day at a Party for the Planet at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Join Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Earth Day Coalition for Ohio’s largest environmental education event – EarthFest – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 22 at the Zoo!

3/13/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo introduces Quarters for Conservation
This year, guests can take a direct role in the Zoo's conservation efforts by helping decide where its conservation funds should go with “Quarters for Conservation.”

3/13/2012
Calling all shutterbugs for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Photo Safari
Ready, aim, shoot! The Zoo’s annual Photo Safari contest for amateur photographers returns April 1.

3/6/2012
Springtime is hopping with fun at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Although it may feel like winter really never even got started here in Northeast Ohio, spring is just around the corner and that means plenty of seasonal fun and activities at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

3/6/2012
Registration opens for wildest camp in town at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Summer Day Camp at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a great opportunity for kids to stay active and mentally engaged over their summer break from school.

2/28/2012
Recycle your phone on St. Paddy’s Day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
At the Zoo we make every day green by doing our best to “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” and on St. Patrick’s Day our tradition is to encourage our guests to help us! Bring an old cell phone to the Box Office on Saturday, March 17 and receive one free admission to the Zoo and RainForest (offer valid that day only).

2/7/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo tiger arrives safely in Evansville, Indiana
Gaia, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s 15-year-old Amur tiger, was sent out on exhibit loan to the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden in Evansville, Indiana yesterday. The Zoo’s other two Amur tigers, Dasha and Klechka, remain on exhibit in the Northern Trek area.

1/26/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hires new horticulture manager Christopher Lowe
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hires new horticulture manager Christopher Lowe

1/17/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo introduces its first-ever aye-aye
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo manages one of the most diverse collections of prosimians in the country and today introduced one of the most unique looking mammals from that group, the aye-aye, one of only six zoos in America to have one on exhibit.

1/10/2012
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo breaks 1.3 million visitor mark in 2011
Attendance at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo surged to more than 1.3 million visitors for only the fourth time in its 130 year history in 2011.

1/4/2012
The RainForest will be hoppin’ during Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Fairytales & Frogs
It’s time to pack up the tadpoles and head to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s third annual Fairytales & Frogs event!