Editing Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (section)

== History ==
[[File:Zoo, Brookside Park; Cleveland, Ohio - DPLA - 382e65db942cacb2023ef797a6af09cb (page 1).jpg|thumb|left|Zoo, Brookside Park, 1918.]]
The Zoo, originally named the Cleveland Zoological Park, first opened in 1882 at [[Wade Park (Cleveland park)|Wade Park]] where the [[Cleveland Museum of Art]] now stands. During its early years, the Zoo only held animals of local origin. In 1907, the city of [[Cleveland]] moved the Zoo to its current location in [[Old Brooklyn]], and the Zoo acquired its first elephant.<ref name="elephantse"/> The park was informally known (and referred to) as Brookside Zoo for many years.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 21, 1961 |title=For The Zoo Bond Issue |pages=14 |work=The [[Plain Dealer]] |url=https://infoweb.newsbank.com/apps/news/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info%3Asid/infoweb.newsbank.com&svc_dat=EANX-NB&req_dat=0D1C2ED46ABD2E15&rft_val_format=info%3Aofi/fmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Actx&rft_dat=document_id%3Aimage%252Fv2%253A122AFBBA107AC9E4%2540EANX-NB-12ACF3AF60B41B7C%25402437594-1276EB481746D9C9%254013-1276EB481746D9C9%2540/hlterms%3A%2522brookside%2520zoo%2522%2520%2522cleveland%2520zoological%2520park%2522 |access-date=May 8, 2023}}</ref> Beginning in 1910, the Zoo constructed Monkey Island, sea lion pools, and a moated bear exhibit. By 1940, the Zoo was home to three elephants and its first (permanent) elephant resident since 1924.<ref name="elephantse"/> That same year, the [[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]] assumed control of the Zoo.

Between 1955 and the transfer of management to the [[Cleveland Metroparks]] in 1975, the Zoo experienced rapid expansion despite setbacks due to flooding: the Zoo's reptile collection and several other buildings were lost when Big Creek overflowed in January 1959.<ref name="Zoo_history"/> Although the Zoo had recovered by 1962, it would not have another permanent reptile collection until the opening of the RainForest thirty years later. Ostrich races proved popular in 1965 and 1966 and a large public swimming pool sat on the grounds from 1930 until the 1960s.

Construction began on the Primate & Cat Building in 1975 (the Aquatics section would be added in 1985), later followed by the RainForest in 1992, Wolf Wilderness in 1997, Australian Adventure in 2000, and the Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine in 2004.<ref name="Zoo_history" /> Newer exhibits include the Asian highlands and Tiger Passage opened in 2017 and 2018, and The Rhino Reserve was completed in 2020.

The Zoo's official website states that it currently has 3,000 animal residents representing more than 600 different species.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.clemetzoo.com/discover.asp |title=Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - Discover Animals and Plants |access-date=2013-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701153818/http://www.clemetzoo.com/discover.asp |archive-date=2013-07-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Development history ===
[[File:Wade Hall Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 1884.jpg|thumb|Wade Hall, built in 1884, moved from its original location in [[University Circle]] in 1970.]]
The following is a timeline of the creation of selected buildings, structures, exhibits and attractions:
* 1882: Cleveland Zoological Park opens at Wade Park (now [[University Circle]])
* 1884: Wade Hall is built
* 1907: Cleveland's City Council moves the Zoo to its current location; the [[Cleveland Museum of Art]] is built
* 1934: Monkey Island is completed
* 1956: [[Pachydermata|Pachyderm]] Building is built
* 1970: Wade Hall is moved to its current location on the shore of Waterfowl Lake
* 1975: Construction began on the Primate & Cat Building
* 1985: Aquatics portion of the Primate & Cat Building is added 
* 1992: The RainForest is completed 
* 1997: Wolf Wilderness is completed 
* 2000: Australian Adventure is completed
* 2004: Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine opens
* 2008: Pachyderm building closes to make room for African Elephant Crossing
* 2011: African Elephant Crossing opens<ref>African Elephant Crossing, {{cite web |url=http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1330 |title=Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - News Room |access-date=2008-08-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220070711/http://www.clemetzoo.com/pressroom/index.asp?action=details&pressrelease_id=1330 |archive-date=2009-02-20 }}</ref>
*2015: Ben Gogolick Giraffe Encounter opens<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/news-press/2015/july-2015/cleveland-metroparks-zoo-opens-new-giraffe-encount|title=Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Opens new Giraffe Encounter|website=Cleveland Metroparks}}</ref>
* 2016: Rosebrough Tiger Passage opens
* 2018: Asian Highlands opens
* 2019: Monkey Island is demolished to make way for Rhino Reserve
* 2020: Rhino Reserve opens
* 2021: Eagle Zip Adventure opens <ref>{{cite web |url=https://fox8.com/news/fly-like-an-eagle-with-cleveland-zoos-new-zipline/ |title=Fly like an Eagle with Cleveland Zoo's new zipline |date=27 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-28 }}</ref>
* 2023: Susie's Bear Hollow opens

=== Emeritus directors and staff ===
====Goss: 7th director====
Dr. Leonard Goss, DVM, PhD (1913–1999) was a veterinary pathologist and retired from the Cleveland Zoo (later renamed the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) as its director in 1979. Prior to assuming the director position in Cleveland, he was the fourth chief veterinarian at the New York Zoological Society's Bronx Zoo as well as assistant director of the Bronx Zoo. Goss was President of the AZA and twice vice-president.

At the Bronx Zoo, which is the headquarters for the [[Wildlife Conservation Society]] (WCS), Goss conducted clinical, epidemiological and pathological research in collaboration with eminent field zoologist [[George Schaller]]. Schaller was the Director of the Bronx Zoo's Animal Research and Conservation Center, which is now referred to as the Wildlife Conservation Society's Global Conservation Program.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wcsarchivesblog.org/celebrating-over-a-century-of-zoological-health/|title=Celebrating Over a Century of Zoological Health|date=19 October 2016|website=Wcsarchivesblog.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

The Cleveland Zoo has since made efforts to replicate this type of collaborative research relationship as demonstrated by Drs. Goss and Schaller in the 1970s and more recently by Atlanta, Chicago (Lincoln Park & Brookfield), National, San Diego, and Saint Louis zoos.

In the mid and late 1990s General Curator Hugh Quinn hired Patricia McDaniels as the first of three successive curators for the CMZ's Science and Conservation section. The unit now has a veterinary epidemiologist on staff. Sharon Deem, DVM, PhD Dipl. ACZM (now with the [[Saint Louis Zoo]]), was the first formally trained epidemiologist on staff and was both a researcher and experienced clinician from the National Zoo.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Zoo/Press-Room/Cleveland-Metroparks-Zoo-Hires-Conservationist-for-1134.aspx |title=Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hires Conservationist for Africa &#124; Press Room &#124; Cleveland Metroparks Zoo |access-date=2017-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219094043/http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Zoo/Press-Room/Cleveland-Metroparks-Zoo-Hires-Conservationist-for-1134.aspx |archive-date=2017-02-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="issuu.com1">{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/waza/docs/waza-news_4-2013/13|title=Waza news 4 2013|website=Issuu.com|date=8 November 2013 |access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

When Goss, a graduate of the [[Cornell University]] and The [[Ohio State University]] veterinary colleges returned to Ohio to assume the role as director of the Cleveland Zoo, he continued to conduct research in zoological medicine and related animal science disciplines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=1952-09-27#folio=CV1|title=The New Yorker Digital Edition : Sep 27, 1952|website=Archives.newyorker.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> Goss was a president of the board of directors of the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (previously the "American Zoo and Aquarium Association", and originally the "American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums").

====Vitantonio: 8th director====
Michael "Mike" Vitantonio was hired as the eighth director of the Cleveland Zoo in its 130 plus year history.

====Taylor: 9th director====
Inspired by the TV show [[Zoorama]], zoo director-emeritus Steve H. Taylor, B.S. began his zoo career in 1972 as an animal keeper at the [[Los Angeles Zoo]]. According to his website, he is now a "Zoo Consultant and Entertaining Speaker".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stevetaylorzoo.com|title=Steve Taylor Zoo|website=Stevetaylorzoo.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="issuu.com1"/> Taylor continues to advise zoos, including the [[Akron Zoo]] as both a professional consultant and member of its board of trustees. He also served on the board of directors of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Prior to moving to Ohio, Taylor was the director of the 5-hectare [[Sacramento Zoo]].

Taylor resigned as director of the {{convert|5|ha|adj=on}} zoo in Sacramento to accept the directorship of the {{convert|70|ha|adj=on}} zoo in Cleveland. In his memoirs, published in a newsletter, Taylor described the CMZ to be poorly managed and "undistinguished" when he assumed the position as its 9th director. He credits himself for improving the conditions for both animals and staff over his 24-year career in Cleveland.<ref name="issuu.com1"/>

====Emeritus staff recognition====
The National Zoo Association awarded Cleveland Metroparks' Zoo staff with Honorary Memberships. Retired CMZ administrators and career zoo and aquarium professionals Daniel Moreno and Donald Kuenzer were recognized as ''Honorary Membership'' Winners by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Recipients of Honorary Membership are recognized as the most esteemed and distinguished zoo professionals in North America. According to the AZA website, ''Honorary Membership'' is conferred by the AZA Board of Directors upon those AZA members who have made "significant contributions to the zoological profession during their careers."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aza.org/honorary-membership-award|title=Honorary Membership Award|website=Aza.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

Moreno and Kuenzer are included in a list of other notable North American zoo and aquarium professionals. Other recipients include [[William G. Conway]], Hon. PhD (Director General/President Emeritus, [[Bronx Zoo]]-based [[Wildlife Conservation Society]]), [[Lester E. Fisher|Lester Fisher, DVM]] (Veterinarian/Director Emeritus, [[Lincoln Park Zoo]]), Murray Fowler, DVM (Veterinarian/Professor, [[University of California]]), [[Jack Hanna]], Hon. PhD (Director Emeritus, [[Columbus Zoo and Aquarium]]), Charles H. Hoessle, Hon. PhD (Director Emeritus, [[Saint Louis Zoo]]), Marvin Jones (Registrar Emeritus, [[San Diego Zoo]]), Peter Karsten (Director Emeritus, [[Calgary Zoo]]), Edward Maruska, (Director Emeritus, [[Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden]]), Dennis Meritt, Jr., Ph.D. (Professor–Assistant Director Emeritus, [[Depaul University]]–[[Lincoln Park Zoo]]), [[George B. Rabb]], PhD (President/Director Emeritus, [[Brookfield Zoo]]), Alan H. Shoemaker, MS (Curator Emeritus, [[Riverbanks Zoo]]), [[Kurt Benirschke]], MD (Board of Trustees, [[San Diego Zoo]]), Gary K. Clarke (Director Emeritus, [[Topeka Zoo]]), [[Roger Conant (herpetologist)|Roger Conant]], Hon ScD (Curator Emeritus, [[Toledo Zoo]]) and Ted A. Beattie (President/Director Emeritus, [[Shedd Aquarium]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aza.org/honorary-membership-winners|title=Honorary Membership Winners|website=Aza.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

=====Daniel Moreno=====
Dan Moreno joined the CMZ after serving three decades at the helm of the Cleveland Aquarium as both its director and curator under the auspices of the [[Cleveland Museum of Natural History]]. The Cleveland Aquarium's animal collection was "absorbed" by the CMZ in 1986 after structural elements of the aquarium building forced its closing.

Until his retirement in 1997, Moreno managed the aquatic animal collections at the Cleveland Zoo under General Curator Don Kuenzer. He supervised animal husbandry programs for the Rainforest and Aquatics exhibits. Moreno was a charter member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (originally the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums) and served on its board of directors from 1971 to 1976.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/1997.pdf|title=DRUM and CROAKER : A Highly Irregular Journal for the Public Aquarist|website=Drumandcroaker.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

In 2012, the [[Greater Cleveland Aquarium]] opened to the public as the only free standing aquarium in the state of Ohio.

=====Donald Kuenzer=====
Don Kuenzer retired after a 40-year career serving in multiple capacities, including senior curator, general curator and acting director. In 1961, Kuenzer began his career at the Cleveland Zoo's Petting Farm as an attendant animal care technician. After serving as an animal keeper, he was promoted to Assistant General Curator in 1975 by zoo director Dr. Leonard Goss.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://oldbrooklynhistory.org/gallery/OBN/07JanOBN.pdf|date=January 2007|title=Old Brooklyn News|website=Oldbrooklynhistory.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/people/articles/animal-house|title=Animal House|website=Oldbrooklynhistory.org|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref>

Kuenzer was credited with designing The Rainforest, a state-of-the art indoor naturalistic living exhibit dedicated to the display of tropical and subtropical species from multiple continents.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/vault/1992/10/05/127257/is-it-live-or-is-it-larson-an-arizona-company-turns-out-strikingly-authentic-habitats-for-zoos-and-aquariums|title=Is It Live or Is It Larson?|website=Si.com|access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref> He served on the Board of Regents for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.