CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today celebrated the final beam raising for its ambitious Primate Forest and CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home project, marking a significant step toward the 2026 opening of the transformed destination.
The milestone comes as the zoo unveiled new interior renderings and details of the multi-sensory experience that will replace the former RainForest. The reimagined space promises to connect guests to nature and wildlife through advanced technology and immersive environments.
Central to the project is the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home, a community gathering space serving as the gateway to Primate Forest. Visitors will enter through the “Hero Tree,” a touch-activated centerpiece symbolizing forest interconnectedness, before exploring the first floor’s expansive food court and retail spaces.
The second level features the Orangutan Adventure Playscape designed for young visitors and the Learning Gallery with hands-on exploration areas. The Learning Gallery includes the Connections Studio, showcasing personal conservation stories; the domed Forest Theater with forest narratives; and the Sustainable Future Design Lab, where guests can use technology to redesign Cleveland with nature-inspired elements.
The Care and Conservation Center will offer behind-the-scenes views of the zoo’s conservation work with reptiles and amphibians, including Puerto Rican crested toads, spotted turtles, and Eastern plains garter snakes.
Beloved animals like orangutans, gharial crocodiles, and capybaras will return to the renovated Tropical Forest, featuring an expanded orangutan habitat with innovative design elements and enriched outdoor environments.
“It is exciting to see the project taking shape and for guests to get a sense of the size and scope of the addition to the building,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Christopher Kuhar. “We are excited to share more details of what guests can look forward to upon the grand opening next year.”
The current construction phase includes renovating more than 63,000 square feet of the former RainForest and adding 33,500 square feet of new construction. A future phase will add Gorilla Forest, a new home for the zoo’s growing gorilla troop.
The project represents a collaboration with the Cleveland Zoological Society, the zoo’s philanthropic partner.
“We are elated to celebrate this milestone for Primate Forest. The Zoo Society has been a joyful advocate for this transformational project since day one, and we are beyond grateful to our generous donors who have donated millions to support its progress,” said Cleveland Zoological Society Executive Director Sarah Crupi. “We still have a long road ahead, but it’s meaningful to pause and celebrate this achievement as we watch Primate Forest take shape.”
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2026.