CLEVELAND — Things are calm at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
But early on Wednesday, the former Rainforest Exhibit, which has been under construction since last October, caught on fire.
But thanks to crews’ quick response, everyone is okay.
“No animals were injured. No people were injured. We’re very thankful for Cleveland Fire’s response,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Christopher Kuhar.
Cleveland Fire tweeted on Wednesday that the accidental fire started when construction workers used a torch to cut metal. The flames ignited vegetation on the exterior and then spread to the roof.
At the time of the fire, the zoo’s Executive Director, Dr. Christopher Kuhar, said a few animals were inside. Thankfully, all staff and animals are safe.
“The majority of the animals had already been moved out of the building as part of the construction process. There are a few animals still in there. But we confirmed their safety earlier this afternoon,” Kuhar said.
Kuhar says the deconstruction process has been taking place at the former Rainforest Exhibit since last October in preparation for a new Primate Forest.
News 5 first reported on this development in March 2022 when the zoo announced its plans to expand and create a new Primate Forest, to consist of a 140,000-square-foot world-class indoor destination that will become a new home for the gorillas and orangutans.
“We’re in the deconstruction phase of this so there’s been no impact to the future of the building. Based off the fire, it was exterior and part of the building that was already coming down,” Kuhar. said
The demolition is making way for a new primate exhibit at the zoo.
RELATED: Cleveland Zoo expands Rainforest to create Primate Forest
If you are planning a trip to the zoo in the future, officials still welcome you.
