Have you ever wanted to ride a tiger? How about a zebra? Starting in spring 2014, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will be giving its guests that chance -- on a new wildlife carousel.

The Cleveland Metroparks Board of Commissioners approved a contract yesterday with Carousel Works Inc., of Mansfield, Ohio, to build and install the new amenity.

The Zoo’s carousel will be 54 feet in diameter with 64 hand-carved, wooden animal figures and two hand-carved, wooden “chariots.” The animals will be grouped together by habitat including African grassland, tropical forest and tundra.

The carousel will be built in the Savanna Ridge area, where there is currently a playground and a small event tent. The carousel project will include other updates for the site including a pavilion to house the carousel and a nature play zone area. The Zoo hopes to build an event rental space adjacent to the carousel sometime in the future.

Construction and installation of the carousel is expected to cost $785,000. Site preparation and the additional amenities put the cost for the entire project at $2 million. The Cleveland Zoological Society will lead the fundraising charge for the carousel project and has committed to raising $2 million in private funds.

For more information, visit clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.