Sarah Crupi Chief Executive Officer
Cleveland
Zoological
Society
Crupi@ClevelandZooSociety.org 216-635-3368
CELEBRATING OUR MILESTONES
Dear Friends,
I hope you are enjoying all that summer brings. The Zoo is teeming with busy-season activity, and the next big step for Primate Forest is just ahead. Later this fall, the Zoo will break ground for the first phase of construction. This first phase includes moving the entry road for guests; renovating the existing RainForest building; and constructing the new Cross Country Mortgage Forest Home, Interpretive Learning Gallery and orangutan spaces.
Our Primate Forest campaign has surpassed $18M - the most the Zoo Society has ever raised for a capital project. This is a milestone my team is incredibly proud of. We are so grateful for the commitments secured so far – and for the great conversations and relationships we’ve cultivated along the way. We are dedicated to keeping you all passionate about this project, informed of our work, and finding joy in the gifts you have
Christine Myeroff Board Chair
cmyeroff@gmail.com
330-730-0447
A NOTE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Hello friends and supporters -
As a very busy summer comes to an end, the Zoo Society Board and team remain hard at work raising funds for Primate Forest. We have made so many wonderful new connections and friends the past few months, and are proud to announce our more than $18 million in gifts for this transformational project.
The Board remains committed to the campaign and is working to connect to friends in new ways. One example of this work is the new Government Relations Committee, chaired by longtime Zoo Society Board member Tom Waltermire. This group of advocates worked with a new lobbying firm to make connections, attend fundraisers, offer tours and advocate for the Zoo in the recent state capital cycle. Our work was rewarded and the Primate Forest project received $2.5 million in state funding – which was one of the largest allocations in Cuyahoga County. We are proud and grateful that our state legislators see the value in the Zoo as a key community asset in the Northeast, serving more than 1.3 million guests each year.
The Government Relations Committee work continues, as we know that relationship building takes time. We plan to steward those state dollars, invite our friends out for the groundbreaking and hard hat tours, and then do work to build new relationships after the election.
I applaud this new committee and enjoy working with them and all of our wonderful Directors to raise funds – and friends – for the Zoo. I hope you have had a chance to visit the Zoo this summer – if not, fall is around the corner and we would be happy to host you for a walk or a golf cart tour!
With gratitude,
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
given. As we celebrate this accomplishment and the start of construction, fundraising forges ahead – this project’s impact is becoming more tangible and the Zoo Society is working to raise millions more to bring it to life. This edition of the Primate Forest newsletter focuses on orangutans, providing a glimpse at what guests will experience in this first phase. First-of-theirkind design elements will create exciting new views for humans and animals alike. We are eager to share an exclusive look at some of these developments with our circle of supporters. Please also take a look at the Primate Forest campaign website at primateforest.org. It captures the philosophy, design
sensibility, and interpretive approach of this project, and outlines each of the distinct spaces that will make this building unlike any other in North America.
Thank you for your generosity, advocacy and friendship. I look forward to seeing you soon!
HABITAT SPOTLIGHT
ORANGUTAN FOREST
Outdoor orangutan habitat view Orangutans will have outdoor space for the first time in Cleveland, and their habitat will be the first thing visitors see as they approach Primate Forest.
(Left top) Indoor orangutan day room Vastly increased vertical space and a focus on replicating key elements of their wild habitat will give the orangutans new opportunities to exhibit natural behaviors such as climbing, nesting, and eating in the canopy.
(Left bottom) Orangutan habitat deck view
Two-story viewing will offer brand-new perspectives for guests observing the orangutans – and for the orangutans observing them in return!
SCAN FOR A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE OUTDOOR ORANGUTAN HABITAT
RAISING THE BAR – AND THE CANOPY – FOR ORANGUTANS
The most arboreal of the great apes, orangutans at the Zoo will soon have the opportunity to climb to new heights – and guests will be able to observe them in new ways.
Primate Forest’s expanded, reimagined orangutan habitat will be designed to maximize the apes’ wellbeing, promote natural behaviors, and give visitors never-before-seen glimpses into the Zoo’s husbandry practices. With its world-class science and animal care teams, the Zoo is building a space centered around key contributors to these great apes’ health.
CONSCIENTIOUS CARE
Sharing 97% of their DNA with humans, orangutans also share a susceptibility to some of the same health concerns – such as cardiac and respiratory disease –and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can play a role. Sound familiar?
The Zoo’s science and animal care experts monitor the group closely – the keepers’ close familiarity with each orangutan equips them to spot potential issues quickly. “We know what is ‘normal’ for each individual – they have their own routines, patterns, and ‘tells’,” said orangutan keeper Andrew Clark. “Relationship-building is really important,” continued keeper Kim Jansen, explaining that the team conducts its training for health monitoring with a relationship-first philosophy. Through positive reinforcement with coveted food items such as fruit for demonstrating positive behaviors, the orangutans are trained to participate
voluntarily in blood draws, EKGs, cardiac ultrasounds, nebulizer treatments, and more.
Regular monitoring is key to keeping the orangutans healthy, and this approach reduces stress and empowers the apes to play an active role in their health. The training often takes a playful form; keepers will scatter items throughout the habitat for the orangutans to retrieve and “cash in” for fruit or nuts after performing a behavior. Behaviors start simple – showing hands, feet, mouth, and back for visual examination – and lead to more complex practices such as placing fingers on a credit card-sized EKG plate or inhaling through the mouth and exhaling through the
Zaki
nose for a nebulizer treatment. All of the adult and sub-adult orangutans are trained on these behaviors, while 3-year-old Zaki is just beginning to learn the basics. Primate Forest will invite guests to observe the Zoo’s animal care experts as they perform these husbandry practices in the space’s ‘health management hubs.’
HEALTHY HABITAT
A zoo habitat that aims to replicate their wild home –the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra – and offers ample opportunity to move and exercise can also support orangutans’ cardiac and respiratory health. Primate Forest aims to do just that. Not only will the Zoo horticulture team grow a variety of plants inspired by the apes’ wild habitat, but innovative new design elements will also provide opportunities for the orangutans to climb, swing, and nest, creating a space that feels like –well, a forest.
“Sway trees” will replicate the experience of scaling a tree as it moves with the wind, and long ropes will allow for more brachiating, the branch-tobranch swinging movement that
carries them through the forest canopy. Enrichment materials such as hanging feeders and nesting materials may be given to encourage them to use their vastly increased vertical space. The addition of outdoor access will offer new, natural sights and smells for the orangutans, including people! With these apes, observation is reciprocal – just as Zoo guests will enjoy new ways to watch them, they will also enjoy new people-watching options.
Primate Forest represents an exciting, immersive experience
for animals and humans alike, and the orangutans will benefit from upgrades in every aspect of their new habitat. The animal care and science teams contributing to the design of this space are dreaming up elements that encourage natural behaviors, replicate aspects of orangutans’ wild rainforest habitat, and support their optimal health. As the planning process continues, donors are helping to make these dreams a reality and ensure that these incredible animals receive a new home where they can live their best lives.
The orangutans put their arm in a chute for voluntary blood draws – and enjoy some fruit in the process.
Kayla participates in a nebulizer treatment to support her respiratory health.
Tiram
DONOR PROFILE
DR. BARBARA
“BOBBIE” BROWN Secretary, CZS Board of Directors
President, Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation
Bobbie is President of The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation and in addition to her role with the Zoo Society, is a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of the American University in Cairo, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and a board member of Holden Forests and Gardens. Bobbie received her Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from Kent State University. She was involved in paleontological fieldwork in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Pakistan for over two decades. She taught human gross anatomy at various universities including Northeastern Ohio Medical University, Ohio University, and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She also did post-doctoral work at Yale University in the Anthropology Department. Bobbie and her husband, Steve Ward, live in Chardon and have two adult children.
FIRST, THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?
The orangutans probably, because I did a lot of research on orangutan evolution – so orangutans, gorillas, apes are usually my favorite.
WHAT LOCATION AT THE ZOO DO YOU TELL PEOPLE NOT TO MISS WHEN THEY VISIT?
I like the sloth bear! When you go to the Zoo, try to see them eating because they’re ant-eaters, and they suck up their food – and it’s the most incredible sound – like a vacuum cleaner. And these days, I always tell people to visit the baby gorillas and the tiger cubs.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE ZOO AS A LONG-TIME BOARD MEMBER AND SUPPORTER?
The conservation program, and the people were what brought me in. And now I’m on the Zoo’s Animal Welfare Committee, which I really like. I get to know what’s happening with the animals and why – how management decisions are made – and I think that’s really important to know. Normally a board member wouldn’t get to know that level of detail. I also love to follow the different research projects happening at the Zoo.
WHAT ABOUT THE PRIMATE FOREST PROJECT IS MOST EXCITING TO YOU?
Getting the gorillas out of their current space and having them in a location that’s easier to visit will be so great. I went on the Board trips to see Zoo Atlanta and the Saint Louis Zoo, and I think it will be so wonderful to have our Zoo on par with those primate centers. Also, focusing on a family group
with the gorillas here and having a larger space for those dynamics will be so fabulous.
WHAT NEW OPPORTUNITIES DO YOU THINK PRIMATE FOREST WILL OFFER ITS VISITORS?
Visitors will be able to see the apes more. They’ll be able to circle around and see them in different ways, from above as well as below, and see them moving three-dimensionally through the area. Also, the play area for kids will allow parents to sit down and take a break while the kids play around and pretend to be apes – it breaks it up so people will be able to stay longer. And the longer you stay, there’s the potential to learn more and have more fun and want to come back.
WHAT DO YOU THINK THIS PROJECT MEANS FOR CLEVELAND, AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SUPPORT IT?
The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation is a small family foundation centered in Cleveland –my grandparents were Louise and David Ingalls. They both grew up here. We’re a strong Cleveland family and it’s an incredible city. Living here, you’ve got the best cultural institutions in the world as well as health and medical institutions, and schools.
I hope that Primate Forest puts Cleveland closer to the top as a Zoo. I hope it gets us world recognition – I want Cleveland to be world-class. We’ve got the scientists, and the connection we have in Rwanda, I think is really fabulous.
DEDICATED TO GORILLAS NEAR AND FAR MCPC E-RECYCLING DAY
A true champion for the species, the Zoo’s leadership in gorilla care and research is mirrored by its commitment to protecting these great apes in the wild. The fourth annual E-Recycling Day sponsored by MCPC invited the community to support gorilla conservation by bringing their retired electronics to the Zoo.
Coltan, a substance used in electronics, is found primarily in the forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo – right in the middle of gorilla habitat. Recycling coltan diverts it from landfills and helps reduce pollution and strain on critically important natural areas.
Together with MCPC, the Zoo has collected 77.5K pounds from this recycling event to date and engaged thousands of Northeast Ohioans in conservation action. In addition to its leadership with this initiative, MCPC is a generous donor to Primate Forest. 43 pallets of electronics received >26K pounds of electronics recycled at this year’s event 80% of the world’s coltan supply is in Africa
Cleveland Metropolitan School District students helping unload e-recyclables.
Cleveland Cavalier mascot, Sir CC, helping at the event.
Volunteers and Zoo Society Staff helped unload electronics from 250 vehicles.
THANK YOU
VISIONARIES
The Cleveland Foundation
Cuyahoga County
The Estate of Nancy Hansen
The Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation
Walter* and Jean* Kalberer
The Lubrizol Foundation
MCPC Inc.
The New York Community Trust
- The Thomas W. and Florence T. Murphy Fund No. 2
PNC
Stuart B. Reese Living Trust
Carol and Walt Rosebrough
State of Ohio
Zubizarreta Family
CHAMPIONS
The Abington Foundation
Patricia and James Bemer
GiGi Benjamin and Phil Woodcock
Muffy and Jim Boland
Dane and Dottie Carney
William E. Conway
Ginny and Howard Essner
Jim and Linda Francis
Hanes Family Foundation
Amy and Tom Haught
The Hershey Foundation
Stephen and Joanne Kirk
“Leveranz Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation”
The Mistysyn Family
John P. Murphy Foundation
Kevin and Lois Myeroff
Christine and Randy Myeroff
Albert and Audrey Ratner
Sylvia and Robert Reitman Family
Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation
The David Steffee Chair of Veterinary Medicine Gift Fund
The Thomas Family
Tom and Dianne Tyrrell
Tom and Shirley Waltermire
Karen Wilber
Kay Zielazienski
PATRONS
Anonymous
Carol A. Barnak
Andrea Ponikvar Director of Advancement
Cleveland Zoological Society
Ponikvar@ClevelandZooSociety.org 216-635-3323
Barbara Brown and Steve Ward
Tom and Anita Cook
Kristen and Tom Fistek
Coty and Jessica Franklin
Lawrence and Linda Hatch
Nancy and Bernie Karr
Marianne and Mark LaRose
The Estate of Antonette J. Liskay
Dan and Marjorie Moore
Gregg and Deanna Muresan
Anna Nagy
The James Parish Family
Shelly Peet and Robert Martinko
The Perkins Charitable Foundation
Racey Family
Barbara Weiss
CONSERVATORS
Anonymous
Archaeological Networks
Maria Cashy and Laura Cashy
The Conway Family Foundation
Karen* and Doug Cooper
Carol B. Hall
Drs. Adam and Jennifer Hechko Family Foundation
Susan M. King
The Estate of William L. Kish
The Estate of Carl Lezius
Lisa and David O’Brien
Russell O’Rourke and Georgia Froelich
Dr. Melinda S. Phinney
Mary Kay Schneider
WDM Architects
Richard and Mary Lynn Wills
Susan L. Zanetti and Dr. Christine Zirafi
KEEPERS
Anonymous
Cheryl Bailey
Jules and Fran Belkin
Bicknell Fund
Carl and Dawn Black
Bob and Ruthi Duale
Julie and Adrian Edgar
Patricia and Timothy Gabb
Elaine Good-Ross
“Lindsay, Andrew and Peter Guzowski”
Jessica M. Jung
Marilyn and Rick Kay
David and Hope Koncal
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Mahovlic
Ki and Tasha Mixon
Deanna and Joe Murlin
Rob and Kris Rogers
The Antheia Fund at The Sears-Swetland Family Foundation
Richard and Rhyna Sensiba
Rebecca and Thomas Truelson
The Van Auken Family
Theodore and Kristin Wagner
Franz Welser-Möst and Angelika Möst
Martha H. Zlotnik
SPECIAL GIFTS
Robert and Lindsay Elmore
Myles and Karen Abbott
Ms. Sue Allen
Anonymous
Jane and David Anthony
Anne E. Bingham
Mr. Skip Cannon
Peter and Sue Danford
Christine and Spencer Dieken
Kathy and Jim Donchess
Theodore and Stephanie Evans
Charles and Rosemary Griffee
Leigh and Eric Hall
William E. Harris Family Fund
Robert and Alyce Hobbs
Jones Day
Karen and John Kaminski
Jonathan and Rosemary Kesselman
Susan Krall
Don and Sally Messinger
Biserka Mikleus
Ken and Sharon Mountcastle
Nehez Family
Kimberly Pinter
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Plazek
Catherine and Gregory Saluga
Dr. Donald Shafer and Katherine Stokes-Shafer
Steve and Sarah Taylor
Thomas V.H.* and Iris* J. Vail
*deceased
Donor Recognition List as of July 2024
Nicole Stracensky
Capital Campaigns Director
Cleveland Zoological Society
Stracensky@ClevelandZooSociety.org 216-635-3343