Sova is excited to share that the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo just got more inclusive!
On October 22, 2026, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo officially unveiled its brand-new Primate Forest! This immersive attraction features reimagined play spaces, a welcoming forest entrance, and exciting new habitats for some of the zoo's most beloved animals. Even better? The new space includes two Ascent® Universal Changing Tables, helping ensure that guests of all ages and abilities can comfortably enjoy everything the zoo has to offer.
What Is the New Primate Forest?
Construction on the Primate Forest is part of an ongoing major transformation of the zoo's former RainForest exhibit. The reimagined space is designed to create a more immersive experience for visitors while providing larger, more enriching habitats for the animals.
Home to hundreds of animals representing 65 species, the Primate Forest features everything from Bornean orangutans and capybaras to clouded leopards, monkeys, birds, and reptiles. One of the most exciting additions is the expanded Orangutan Forest, which gives the zoo's orangutans access to an outdoor habitat for the first time!
But there's more to explore than animal habitats. Visitors can enjoy the zoo's indoor adventure play space, interactive educational exhibits, and immersive technology that brings the sights and sounds of the forest to life. Together, these additions create new opportunities for families to connect with wildlife, learn about conservation, and make lasting memories.
Where are Adult Changing Tables in Cleveland Zoo’s Primate Forest?
The Primate Forest features two Sova Ascent Universal Changing Tables, conveniently located on both floors of the building. Visitors can find the first floor changing table near the Orangutan Forest and the second -floor changing table next to the Orchid Room.
By providing a universal changing table on each floor, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is making accessibility a priority throughout the visitor experience. Families and caregivers don't have to interrupt their visit or travel between floors to find an appropriate changing space. Instead, they can spend less time navigating the facility and more time enjoying everything the Primate Forest has to offer.
Making the Zoo Experience More Inclusive
A trip to the zoo should be an experience everyone can enjoy, regardless of age or ability. From exploring animal exhibits to creating lasting family memories, every visitor deserves the opportunity to experience all that the zoo has to offer.
Restrooms are an essential part of the visitor experience, and for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, access to appropriate changing facilities can make the difference between enjoying a full day at the zoo and having to cut their visit short – or not going out in the first place.
“As a parent to a disabled child I walked into the bathroom and my jaw dropped,” said local influencer Heather Sniezek of the Facebook page Our Mighty Maximus, whose video of one of the tables has gone viral. “I think I actually cried happy tears when I saw an adult-sized changing table in the bathroom. This is accessibility. This is amazing.”
By incorporating two adult changing tables, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Primate Forest is helping to remove barriers, giving more families the comfort, confidence, and freedom to explore this beloved community attraction.
Visit www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/zoo-locations/primate-forest to learn more!
