Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Hillside paths connect African Elephant Crossing, primates, cats, bears, Australian habitats, and a vast indoor rainforest where a geodesic dome shelters a two-level tropical world.
Artwork inspired by Paul Travis
Cleveland’s zoo began in Wade Park and moved to Big Creek valley in 1907, leaving today’s campus with real topography: the entrance, African Elephant Crossing, Wilderness Trek, Australian Adventure, Primate Cat & Aquatics, and RainForest are not on one flat plane. The RainForest’s two-acre indoor environment is especially useful in cold or wet weather, but it should complement rather than replace the outdoor habitats.
Plan around elevation and the free tram rather than discovering the hills after fatigue sets in. African Elephant Crossing rewards slow watching across multiple yards; Wilderness Trek changes dramatically with season; the RainForest concentrates activity but can feel warm and crowded. Monday residency benefits are valuable but bring rules and occasional holiday exclusions, so verify eligibility before relying on free entry.
- Outdoor season
- Longer hours April–September
- Parking
- Free
- Transit inside
- Free tram to upper habitats
Quick guide
- Map the hills
- Place high-elevation habitats before deciding which direction to walk.
- Use the tram strategically
- The free route to Primate, Cat & Aquatics can conserve energy for observation.
How to use the valley instead of fighting it
- Map the hills
- Place high-elevation habitats before deciding which direction to walk.
- Use the tram strategically
- The free route to Primate, Cat & Aquatics can conserve energy for observation.
- Watch across elephant yards
- Animals rotate through connected spaces and may be visible from another overlook.
- Save RainForest flexibility
- Use the indoor habitat when weather or midday fatigue changes the plan.
Good to know
The campus is hilly. Free trams help reach Primate, Cat & Aquatics, but service can pause for weather or operations. Monday admission benefits require qualifying residency and do not apply on every holiday.
Notice these
- African Elephant Crossing
- The RainForest
- Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building