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Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Metroparks Zoo News 2021

Discussion in 'United States' started by Tiramtortlephant, 28 Jan 2021.

  1. Tiramtortlephant

    Tiramtortlephant Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Well, this confirms a lot of what we've discussed on the CMZ forum recently. The next major project will be the Rainforest. That's an enormous expansion for the building.

    I also find it curious that Australian Adventure and the African Savannah are untouched - since 2011 and forward to 2032. Not a criticism, just an observation.
     
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  2. TigerValley98

    TigerValley98 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    The minutes and audio is not available yet, so I do not know details.
     
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  3. mwalle09

    mwalle09 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    That's a great point about Australian Adventure and African Savannah. This plan definitely provides a lot of clarity as to what direction they are going. Overall I like it. I think the Rainforest is one of those marquee areas that was state of the art when it was put in but now needs a lot of updating. The fact that they will be able to do this and expand to the point where some other big animals can be cared for is a big plus. If they are calling it a Primate Forest Complex, does that mean a number of primates in the PCA are also moving?

    I am curious about the new event space/stage. Would that be in addition to the one they have on the back side of the AEC or will that be gone with the proposed night yard and admin building renovations? The area they were looking at putting a new stage in I think is fine, that is one of those dead zones of the zoo where there is just empty space.

    Renovating and creating a new tropical bear habitat will be nice and I hope is a sign of things to come up in Northern Trek. They have done a nice job recently of investing in that area with Tiger Passage and Asian Highlands, the more they slowly phase in different areas the better and still transforming it is.

    Why move the tram stop? I found that a little interesting.
     
  4. TigerValley98

    TigerValley98 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Tram stop is being moved to get it off the main path. There are some narrow spots along the path. Safety and mileage are other issues.

    AZA has told them the great apes and bears need improvements or better exhibits.

    Event space is moving to another flood area. The current amphitheater would become parking when the RainForest becomes part of the zoo.

    They are talking about financing right now. Things will be done as they get money for it. The RainForest renovation/additions could cost $60 to $70 million.
     
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  5. mwalle09

    mwalle09 Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    $60-$70 million would have to make that the biggest expenditure the zoo has ever had correct? They have done a nice job of phasing in better exhibits over time. I suppose moving the tram spot slightly up the hill should make it more safe, the turn around on the main drag when it is very crowded is definitely less than ideal.

    Speaking of flooding and parking, the Metroparks has done a nice job of creating better infrastructure for parking and drainage in a lot of their reservations. I wonder if this is something they will also try at the zoo. I noticed on the plan a possible roundabout.
     
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  6. TigerValley98

    TigerValley98 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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  7. StoppableSan

    StoppableSan Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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  8. TigerValley98

    TigerValley98 Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    I have said some of the important things. The schedule is fluid because it depends on what various donors want to help fund.
     
  9. Tiramtortlephant

    Tiramtortlephant Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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  10. IndianRhino

    IndianRhino Well-Known Member

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  11. SharkFinatic

    SharkFinatic Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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  12. Tiramtortlephant

    Tiramtortlephant Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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  13. CMZman

    CMZman Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Hey all.
    I had a friend tell me they heard Woolly Bill was removed from the Yagga Tree. Any truth to this?
     
  14. Tiramtortlephant

    Tiramtortlephant Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Is that the crocodile robot? I don't know but it wouldn't surprise me if it was removed. A two-decade-old animatronic in a pool of water . . .
     
  15. CMZman

    CMZman Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Yep. His name is Woolly Bill
    RDT_20210610_0801526439514493692976806.png
     
    Last edited: 14 Jun 2021
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  16. StoppableSan

    StoppableSan Well-Known Member 5+ year member

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    *Cough cough Jungle Cruise*
     
  17. Kifaru Bwana

    Kifaru Bwana Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    Would it not be great(er) to have some more live crocodilians?
    (They maintain dwarf crocodile and Indian gharials)
     
    Last edited: 14 Jun 2021
  18. Zooplantman

    Zooplantman Well-Known Member

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    I believe that this is essentially a children's' playground not an animal exhibit with suitable holding, etc.
     
  19. CMZman

    CMZman Well-Known Member 10+ year member

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    Yeah it's a playground
     
  20. Kifaru Bwana

    Kifaru Bwana Well-Known Member 15+ year member

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    Okay, still ... I think it is a bit daft really. I feel there are better educational props to create in order to have kids get interested in nature and wildlife and reptiles (other than Animal Planet antics).