The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is the perfect place to see and learn about all kinds of animals, either with your family, children or on your own. While you are down at the zoo, you might be wondering who helps provide for the animals – and that would be the Cleveland Zoological Society.
The Cleveland Zoological Society is a separate nonprofit that is the partner of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. They work hand-in-hand on a variety of strategies, events and fundraising. They share the same mission as the zoo itself which is to "create compelling experiences that connect people with wildlife and inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world." Sarah Crupi, executive director of the Zoo Society, added to that mission by saying, “We exist to provide financial and philanthropic support for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and to help them fulfill their strategic plan.”
The Zoo Society raises money to build new animal habitats, to support education programs and for international conservation works. This past year, the Zoo Society fully funded the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve that opened in June of 2020. “As a part of that project, the design of the space really focused on educational elements,” Sarah says. “When you walk through the path and look at the rhinos, there are signs that talk to you about poaching, where the animals are from and so much more.”
You will not only learn about animals while visiting the zoo and walking through it. Kids can join the zoo summer camp that runs from June to August, a winter break camp, a spring break camp and a variety of one-day educational opportunities.
Each year, the Zoo Society raises and provides $200,000 for animal care, but in 2020, they surpassed that amount and raised more than half a million dollars for animal care. This money from generous donors goes towards supplying locally-grown, healthy food for the animals, as well as veterinary supplies and, in the case of the last year, masks and gloves for the veterinary team.
“Animal care is very important to us and it is very dear to our donors. There are a lot of people who are passionate about animals and that’s why they choose to donate to us, so we try to make sure that they know their money is going to directly impact the animals in a number of good ways,” Sarah says.
For more information about the Zoo Society, please visit ClevelandZooSociety.org. For more information about the zoo itself, please visit ClevelandMetroParks.com/Zoo.