Siberian Tiger
Polar Bear
Camels
Wolf
The Zoo, originally called Wade Park when it opened in 1882, used to occupy the space where the Cleveland Museum of Art stands now. In 1907, the Zoo moved to its current location to make way for construction of the museum.
Reindeers were one of the first occupants
The first Zoo occupants were animals indigenous to the area but the next 30 years saw an increase of more rare and unique animals.
Koala
Swamp Monkey
Over the years, they've added permanent exhibits that are very popular with visitors. The most popular is The Rainforest. Opened in 1992, The Rainforest is contained in a large two story building with over 2 acres of total floor space, making it one of the largest tropical indoor environments in the world. The Rainforest takes you through the jungles of Asia, Africa and South America and holds more than 6,000 plants and over 600 animals.
The first thing that hits you when you walk in the building is the tropical temperature. You'll forget you're in the middle of a typical Cleveland winter when you look up at the 25 foot waterfall cascading down in front of you.
With their silly antics, the Orangutans are a fan favorite.
However, my favorite feature is the Tropical Rain Storm that occurs every 12 minutes, complete with lighting, thunder, wind and rain.
What do you get with lots of animals? Lots of poo, of course!
As part of a comprehensive on-grounds conservation program in cooperation with area composters, the Zoo processes approximately 3,000 cubic yards of manure, hay, straw, wood shavings, woodchips, herbaceous material and leaves.
They produce mounds of the rich, sweet smelling, exotic soil and sell it to us so that we can produce gardens as spectacular as those at the Zoo.
So whether you're in the market for a pile of poo or a fun winter afternoon, The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has something for everyone.
Looks like ya'll have a nice zoo. Thanks for sharing. I really like the potty trained elephant. Any news on whether he remembers to put the lid down when he's done? And where the heck is the magazine rack??
ReplyDeleteChrissy, I love zoos, I think I go 6 or 7 times a year, i would go more if i just had the time. It's always "new" to me.
ReplyDeleteSecretia
Looks fantastic. Here in St. Louis our zoo is a huge attraction, and we often forget to go in the winter. But looking at your great photos reminds me to do it! Great outside-the-box thinking!
ReplyDeleteWell, supposedly Philadelphia has one of the most extensive zoos in the U.S., but it's not nearly as wonderful as yours. I LOVE the indoor Tropical Rainforest your zoo has. That is BEYOND cool!
ReplyDeleteLOVED the picture of the pooping elephant! That's both adorable and hysterical!
Thanks for sharing another interesting Cleveland post, girl!
Enjoyed it!
Wow, another wonderful snapshot of Cleveland. I never knew there was so much about your town that was so amazing! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. The elephant pic rocks big time!
I love going to the zoo as well. So cool that the elephant has his own potty! And that swamp monkey reminds me of the Creature from the Black Lagoon! scary...lol. Almost forgot. I love the new decor! (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteI am a fellow C-towner and we love going to the Rainforest. The best is when you walk in and go AHHH WARMTH!
ReplyDeleteI have a section on my blog called
BEST OF C-TOWN.
Would love to add you if you are interested.
speakingfromthecrib@yahoo.com
I love zoos, and someday I'd like to be able to visit yours. I'm most interested in that tropical storm thing-that's so cool! Our pittsburgh zoo is pretty nice as well; they've done some renovating and we have some new additions which I enjoy. That elephant toilet is just too damn funny; who gets that job is what I wanna know!
ReplyDeleteThe potty trained elephant is great as are the other pictures. Tropical temperatures doesn't sound bad right now!
ReplyDeleteTropical warmth sounds good about now!
ReplyDelete