Can I bring my own food and drinks to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages, provided they are not in glass containers.

Is Cleveland Metroparks Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are wheelchair accessible. The zoo offers wheelchair and ECV rentals, and a free, wheelchair-accessible tram service is available to transport guests around the park.

What is the best time of year to visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for a unique experience?

While enjoyable year-round, visiting during the winter months can offer a unique experience. The zoo typically has smaller crowds, and many cold-weather animals like tigers, snow leopards, and bison are often more active and visible. The zoo also provides heated indoor exhibits and a heated tram service during this season.

ZooOhio, US

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

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About

Nestled within the verdant landscape of Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers an extraordinary journey into the wild, spanning 183 acres of diverse habitats and home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 600 species. This captivating destination invites visitors to travel the globe, exploring rich ecosystems from the African plains to the Australian outback, all without leaving Northeast Ohio. The zoo prides itself on its immersive exhibits, designed to transport guests into the natural worlds of its inhabitants and foster a deep appreciation for wildlife conservation.As you wander through the zoo, you'll encounter iconic creatures in thoughtfully designed environments.

The African Savanna buzzes with life, featuring majestic Masai giraffes, agile Hartmann's mountain zebras, and powerful lions, offering glimpses of Africa's iconic wildlife. Experience the sheer scale of the African Elephant Crossing, a state-of-the-art habitat where African elephants roam and even swim in deep ponds. Continue your adventure in the Australian Adventure, where you can walk among kangaroos and wallabies, and observe cuddly koalas.

For a cooler climate experience, the Northern Wilderness Trek introduces you to formidable Amur tigers, grizzly bears, and North American bison, often active and playful in their expansive habitats.The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is also renowned for housing one of the largest collections of primates in North America. The Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building provides an indoor haven where you can marvel at Western Lowland gorillas, Bornean orangutans, and a vibrant array of new world monkeys and lemurs, alongside a fascinating aquatic collection featuring creatures like the giant Pacific octopus. (Note: The former RainForest exhibit is currently undergoing a significant transformation into the new Primate Forest, which is expected to open in late 2026 and will feature enhanced habitats for orangutans and gorillas.) Whether you're seeking close-up animal encounters, thrilling rides like the Eagle Zip Adventure over Waterfowl Lake, or engaging educational opportunities with KeyBank AdventureKeys, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo promises a memorable and enriching experience for all ages. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo traces its origins back to 1882, when it first opened as the Cleveland Zoological Park at Wade Park, near what is now the Cleveland Museum of Art. The initial collection began humbly with 14 American deer donated by Jeptha H. Wade. Due to city development plans, the zoo's collections were gradually relocated, and by 1907, the zoo had moved to its present 183-acre site in Brookside Park.Over the decades, the zoo saw significant expansion and changes in management. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History briefly oversaw operations in 1940. A major turning point occurred in 1975 when the City of Cleveland transferred management of the zoo to the Cleveland Metroparks system, leading to a period of extensive modernization and exhibit development. Notable additions include the opening of The RainForest in 1992, the African Elephant Crossing in 2011, and more recent developments like the Asian Highlands and the Rosebrough Tiger Passage in the late 2010s, continuously evolving to provide state-of-the-art habitats and visitor experiences.

What to do here

Engage with interactive elements like the KeyBank AdventureKeys, take a ride on the Circle of Wildlife Carousel, or enjoy panoramic views on the Eagle Zip Adventure over Waterfowl Lake. Keep an eye out for announced animal enrichment activities or feedings.

Seasonal info

Winter: Enjoy the heated tram service, free carousel rides, guided walks, and special animal programming during "Winter Wonder Weekends". The former RainForest exhibit is closed for renovation into Primate Forest, expected to open late 2026. Summer/Spring/Fall: Expect larger crowds, but more opportunities for outdoor activities and events.

Accessibility

The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible, with paved trails throughout. Push wheelchairs, strollers, and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent, with the option to reserve ECVs in advance. A free tram service operates around the zoo loop, accommodating wheelchairs with ramps and secure seating. The zoo is Sensory Inclusive Certified by KultureCity, offering sensory bags and a Calming Cove Sensory Room for guests with sensory needs. Accessible parking is available in the Lion Lot near the entrance.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors find they need between 2 to 4 hours to thoroughly explore the main zoo section. If you plan to visit the (soon-to-be Primate Forest, formerly RainForest) indoor tropical exhibit, allocate at least an additional 1.5 hours.
Best time to visit: The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a year-round destination, open 363 days a year. While popular in warmer months, visiting during the winter offers a unique and often more intimate experience due to smaller crowds and increased activity from cold-weather loving animals like tigers, snow leopards, and bison. Many indoor exhibits, such as the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building and the indoor elephant viewing areas, provide warmth and continuous animal viewing during colder days. Early mornings are generally best for active animals and fewer people.
Location: Ohio, US
Species in this guide: 11

Best for

Families With Children: Engaging Exhibits, Interactive Elements, Rides, And Dedicated Sensory Friendly Options.Wildlife Enthusiasts: A Vast Collection Of Over 600 Species And Immersive Habitats.Education And Learning: Informational Plaques, Keybank Adventurekeys, And Programs.Photography: Opportunities To Capture Stunning Images Of Diverse Animals In Naturalistic Settings.

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Don't miss

African Elephant Crossing, where you might witness an "elephant crossing" as they move between yards.

Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter allows for an unforgettable giraffe feeding experience.

In the Australian Adventure, hand-feed colorful lorikeets in the aviary.

Observe the powerful Amur tigers in the Rosebrough Tiger Passage, especially active in cooler weather.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

African Lion

Gharial

Gray Wolf

Tiger

Cheetahs

Harbor Seal

Snow Leopard

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

The zoo is 183 acres, so be prepared for a significant amount of walking.

Pack snacks and water

Save money by bringing your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass containers).

Plan your route

Download a zoo map online before your visit to prioritize exhibits and plan an efficient path, especially if you have limited time.

Utilize the free tram

Take advantage of the complimentary tram service to navigate between major sections, especially for longer distances or if you have mobility concerns.

Consider a winter visit

Experience active cold-weather animals and smaller crowds, and enjoy heated indoor viewing areas.

Check for special events

The zoo frequently hosts special events, animal encounters, and educational programs that can enhance your visit.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, visitors are allowed to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages, provided they are not in glass containers.
: Yes, all areas of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are wheelchair accessible. The zoo offers wheelchair and ECV rentals, and a free, wheelchair-accessible tram service is available to transport guests around the park.
: While enjoyable year-round, visiting during the winter months can offer a unique experience. The zoo typically has smaller crowds, and many cold-weather animals like tigers, snow leopards, and bison are often more active and visible. The zoo also provides heated indoor exhibits and a heated tram service during this season.