1980 to 1989

1981: Completion of the hillside deck walk behind the primate and cat building, and the opening of the new restaurant, picnic patio, and the entranceway at Fulton Parkway. The new section, called Upland Commons, gave a new appearance to the southwest portion of the Zoo. The Sohio (Standard Oil of Ohio) Amphitheatre, built on the site of the old City of Cleveland swimming pool, was dedicated July 29. In November, contracts were let to construct a new seal and sea lion pool, near the bear grottoes. Contracts were also let for the ZooGate Commons project, to create a new admission entrance, visitor information center, library, classrooms, auditorium, administrative and education department offices, exhibit hall, gift shop, tour train station, concession facilities, and a showcase flamingo exhibit.

1982: The 100th anniversary of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The seal and sea lion pool was dedicated on July 25. On September 23, the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) gave the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo accreditation, meaning that standards and credentials were of the highest caliber, according to members of the official accreditation committee.

1983: The new public greenhouse opened on Easter Sunday. ZooGate Commons, the main entrance complex, was dedicated on May 16.

1984: March 27 marked the dedication of Birds of the World. On May 22 the new African Plains exhibit was dedicated. This exhibit occupied a six-acre site between Birds of the World and Monkey Island, and was home to giraffes, zebra, antelopes, vultures and other African animals. Visitors are separated only by dry moats, and can view all three compounds from several overlooks. The new lion exhibit is adjacent to Africa. Separated by a dry moat, the lions overlook, but cannot reach, their traditional prey.

1985: The new ZooGate Commons Picnic Pavilion was completed and opened in the spring. This facility accommodated 600–700 people. The rhinoceros exhibit was constructed during the summer, located next to Monkey Island. During the summer and fall, Monkey Island was renovated. The Cleveland Aquarium (in Gordon Park) closed during this year, and its collection of fishes and invertebrates was moved to the Zoo. A portion of the cat and primate building was renovated and became the aquatics exhibit.

1986: In April, the birds of prey exhibit was completed. A nesting area was created for bald eagles, and an additional pair of these birds was obtained as founder stock for the bald eagle breeding program. In June, 35 new aquatic exhibits opened at the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building. Monkey Island renovations completed. The Fanner Company building and land were acquired, and the new RainForest complex was built around the foundation and walls of the former manufacturing center. Additional parking was added.

1987: Summer marked the opening of Australian Adventure, with exhibits, railroad, and train station. A wood viewing deck walk was built behind the pachyderm building. On August 21, the Rare and Beautiful Animals of China exhibit opened, located in a section of the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building. A new educational program, a 4th-grade summer reading class, called “Reading, Writing and Rhinos” began. The RainForest entered its construction phase.

1988: The Zoo Library received a donation of 543 bird books (an over $10,000 value) from Patricia Sutherland, a resident of Brooklyn (Ohio). In September, the Zoo received a pair of clouded leopards from China, for permanent exhibit.

1989: The Zoo welcomed director Steve H. Taylor. The Zoo's first siamang gibbon birth. The Zoo established its first Conservation Day, held in June, and its first Recycling Day, in August. The Zoo's Mission Statement—"Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is first and foremost dedicated to the responsible stewardship of our natural environment through exhibition of living animals and plants and programs in wildlife education and conservation. The Zoo will be recognized as a quality attraction for people of all ages and the pride of Cleveland"—was adopted on March 22 by the Board of Park Commissioners. Dr. Albert Lewandowski became the Zoo’s first full-time veterinarian in April. The Birds of Prey Show began on May 26, and continued daily through September 3.


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