The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
‘CRUISE THE ZOO’ TO WELCOME CARS
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hosting drive-through fundraiser for limited time
You have a brief window — through your car’s windows — to get your fix of the animals of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The zoo, which closed to the public March 16 due to the threat posed by the spread of the novel coronavirus, has announced a limited-time drive-through fundraising event. “Cruise the Zoo” runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 31, according to a news release from the zoo.
Through the end of April, the Zoo’s revenue is down more than $1.5 million from 2019, the release states.
“The temporary drivethrough event will help raise much-needed support for the Zoo and its animal care efforts during the impacts of COVID-19,” the release reads.
Of course, many operations have continued at the zoo for the health and safety of the animals.
“While the zoo has been closed for over two months, our daily efforts
“The temporary drive-through event will help raise much-needed support for the Zoo and its animal care efforts during the impacts of COVID-19.”
— Cleveland Metroparks Zoo news release
to care for some of the world’s most endangered animals does not stop,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar in the release. “While we look forward to fully reopening the zoo to the community as soon as it is safe to do so, the ‘Cruise the Zoo’ event will offer families a way to visit with our animals and support the zoo during this difficult time.”
The drive-through route will feature many of the zoo’s popular destinations, including Asian Highlands, African Elephant Crossing, Rosebrough Tiger Passage and more, the release states. Guests can expect to see many of the zoo’s animals, including tigers, grizzly bears, snow leopards, takin, reindeer, lions and kangaroos. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo employees will help guide families along the specified route that will also feature animal ambassador experiences.
A free audio guide will be available at FutureForWildlife.org/Cruise featuring expert information on animals, habitats and conservation. Also, the release states, the Virtual Photo Booth — sponsored by Dollar Bank — will offer families a chance to capture a lasting memory and show their support of the zoo during this time.
Families also are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt, sponsored by Raising Cane’s, in which they’ll search for hidden animal displays throughout the “Cruise the Zoo” experience. Guests can share a picture on social media using the hashtag #CruiseTheZoo to earn a chance for an achievement award that can be exchanged for free food and drink at Raising Cane’s. The audio guide offers tips on animal locations, the release states.
Entry to “Cruise the Zoo” is $20 per car for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo members and $40 per car for nonmembers. Advance reservations, which only can be purchased online, are required for entry. Reservations will be scheduled in one-hour time slots to help limit the number of vehicles per hour and maintain safety, with the final ticketed entry concluding at 3 p.m. Guests will not be able to exit their vehicle during the experience.
To support Cleveland Metroparks Zoo during this time, the release adds, non-members can purchase a one-year membership to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and receive discounted admission for “Cruise the Zoo.” Memberships that begin during the zoo’s closure will be valid for one year from the date the zoo reopens or one year from a membership’s current expiration date, whichever is later.
To reserve your spot for “Cruise the Zoo,” visit FutureForWildlife.org/ Cruise.