Crews battle fire at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Rainforest exhibit

CLEVELAND — Fire crews are responding to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s RainForest for a blaze that crews say appears to be at the exterior of the exhibit.

The Cleveland Division of Fire posted on social media that a “2nd Alarm” was struck in order to provide extra companies for water relay at approximately 2:43 p.m.

Crews from the Cleveland Division of Fire are being joined by members of the Cleveland Metroparks police at the scene. 3News has a crew on the way to the zoo and we will continue to monitor this story as it develops.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s RainForest exhibit first opened in 1992 and was recognized as one of the largest of its kind in the world. The exhibit is now in the process of being transformed into a brand new attraction.

In September 2024, the Zoo broke ground on its new Primate Forest attraction which will be located at the site of the RainForest.

Plans call for the initial construction of the Primate Forest to include the renovation and modernization of more than 63,000 square feet of the former RainForest structure, to be renamed the Tropical Forest, and the addition of more than 33,500 square feet of new construction containing the CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Home and the expanded Orangutan Forest habitat. The $60 million initial phase of the Primate Forest is expected to open in 2026.

Zoo officials say the Primate Forest project will build upon the legacy of the former RainForest, which was home to more than 10,000 plants and 600 animals from the forests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The exhibit first opened in 1992 and was recognized as one of the largest of its kind in the world.

“For more than three decades, The RainForest has fostered a connection between our community and the story of rainforests, generating awareness of the value of these habitats and importance of their protection,” Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar added. “So many members of the community have a special connection to The RainForest, whether you remember visiting as a kid, as an adult and sharing the experience with younger generations, or as part of the many special events and weddings that have been hosted at The RainForest.”