The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo houses the largest collection of primates in the North America. This is a big draw because primates are one of the favorites at any zoo drawing young and old alike. More than 3000 animals represent over 600 species at the zoo as well. Baboons, polar bears, amphibians, rhinos, cheetahs, birds and elephants are just a few of the animals that are kept at the Cleveland Zoo. The zoo is also a botanical garden and establishes a close relationship between humans, animals and plants.

The history of the zoo dates back to 1882 when the zoo was called Wade Park and was a 73-acre plot of land donated along with 14 American deer. In 1907 the city council had started planning the Cleveland Museum of Art and thus decided to relocate the zoo to its current locale and rename it the Cleveland Zoo. The animals that were kept in the zoo back then were mainly indigenous to the area but the next 30 years saw the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo introduce the Sea Lion Pools, the first Monkey Island and the bear exhibit before the zoo was taken over by the Natural History Museum in 1940.

Now the zoo enjoys modern facilities such as up-to-date enclosures, plenty of educational activities, lots of events and a professional and experienced staff. There have been many successful births at the zoo including a howler monkey, swamp monkey, many giraffes, three orangutans as well as reindeer and the list goes on! Successful breeding in many ways means that the habitats of the Cleveland Zoo animals are more than sufficient and animal care is excellent.

Many events happen throughout the year at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo so be sure to check their calendar for up-to-date information. Some events for the family include the sea lion training demonstration, Dr. Doolittle's Wild Animal Show, Wolf Awareness Day and Touch! Amazing Sharks and Rays. The zoo aspire's to promote education and awareness about the environment, its animals and habitats by continuously striving to have educational vehicles available to its guests.

The Cleveland Zoo is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Gates open at 9:30am and the buildings open at 10:00am. Last admissions are one hour before closing time and the zoo is closed on January 1st and December 25th. Parking is free for visitors and admission rates are $10.00 for ages 12 and up, $5.00 for children 2 to 11 years of age and kids under two get in for free. There are three ATM's located inside the zoo and wheelchair friendly Zoo Trams operate daily and are free of charge.

The zoo is one of the most visited attractions in Cleveland Ohio. The zoo is near University Circle which is a great area to spend some time walking around in. The Cleveland Children's Museum is another of the attractions in Cleveland Ohio found in University Circle and is the perfect pair to a visit to the zoo. The Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Botanical Garden and more are all found in this pedestrian circle. To see attractions in Cleveland Ohio in this area there is a convenient and free shuttle service that runs a circuit every 15 minutes and stops at all of the area's attractions though walking remains the best way to see everything. The shuttle can be a welcome mode of transportation when visiting with young and tired children.

University Circle makes a great day trip as does a visit to the Cleveland Zoo. If deciding to pair the two round out your day with a visit to one of the area restaurants for a gratifying meal and then head back to your Cleveland hotel for a good night's rest and prepare for another great day in the city.