The Cleveland MetroParks Zoo

The Cleveland MetroParks Zoo: Around the world in 165 acres

The Cleveland MetroParks Zoo has been an icon for family fun and entertainment since it first opened way back in 1882. With more than 165 acres of family friendly exhibits, the zoo is not only a great place to have fun, but also an excellent opportunity to learn.

Divided into seven areas including the Rainforest, Northern Trek, African Savanna, Australian Adventure, Primates, Aquatics House and Cats, the zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals from all over the planet. From penguins to elephants, kangaroos to monkeys, polar bears to parrots, wildlife from every corner of the Earth  is featured at the zoo. A tram ride can give tired visitors a ride from one end of the park to the other, as the zoo boasts 165 acres of exhibits.

The Rainforest is a fully enclosed, functioning South-American-like environment complete with native vegetation and wildlife. Rain and thunderstorms occur at timed intervals inside the exhibi -- complete with real lightning and thunder! More than 600 animals reside in the Rainforest alone.

In the summertime, the zoo presents a special exhibit called Touch, a hands-on, interactive area where kids and adults alike get to touch real stringrays and other aquatic life in open aquariums. Other popular zoo attractions are Boo at the Zoo, a Halloween fun fair where kiddies can trick-or-treat in their costumes right on zoo grounds, and Dinosaurs, an exhibit featuring robotic dinosaurs in a simulated habitat.

With almost 1.5 million visitors each year, the zoo is one of Cleveland’s hottest attractions. Gift shops and restaurants are available on campus.

The zoo is open year round on every day except Christmas and New Year's Day. On Mondays, the Zoo (not including The RainForest) is free for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township.

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Cleveland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)