RainForest At Cleveland Zoo To Reopen March 2

CLEVELAND — The RainForest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will reopen March 2.

Crews have been working on the RainForest portion of the zoo. Work included replacing the geodesic dome that tops the indoor facility.

The new 40-foot-tall dome can be seen above the orangutan habitat. The dome is made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) to improve lighting and efficiency. Zoo officials said the material better replicates the biomes of Southeast Asia, where orangutans reside.

“We are excited to welcome our guests back to one of the Zoo’s most beloved attractions, The RainForest,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “At 28 years old, this was a critical capital improvement project featuring state-of-the-art technology that will benefit both our guests and animals.”

When the RainForest reopens, COVID-19 healthy and safety guidelines will be in place. Building capacity will be reduced and guests will be asked to follow a one-way flow through the two-story habitat. Floor decals will reinforce social distancing guidelines and elevators will be limited to one family group per trip.

Facial coverings are required for visitors 6 and older throughout the Zoo and RainForest.