Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, Ohio, and the Cleveland Zoological Society dedicated the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve. Guests were initially able to see the Zoo’s new rhino habitat from their vehicles during Cruise the Zoo presented by Dollar Bank and were able to fully experience it when the Zoo officially reopened in mid-June.
“I want to thank Daniel Maltz, the Kalberer family, and Cleveland Zoological Society donors, for their generous support to provide this enhanced habitat for our critically-endangered rhino herd,” said Cleveland Metroparks Chief Executive Officer, Brian M. Zimmerman.
The Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve more than doubles the size of the Zoo’s habitat for its critically-endangered eastern black rhinoceros herd, offering enhanced animal care features and an expanded, fully-accessible viewing deck.
“At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo we are focused on securing a future for wildlife and providing the absolute best care for our ambassador animals,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director, Dr. Chris Kuhar. “The Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve is a significant enhancement to our Zoo, providing more space and complexity for our herd of critically-endangered eastern black rhinos and more compelling ways for our guests to connect with wildlife.”
The Reserve is named in honor of Daniel Maltz's philanthropic gift. Equally generous support from The Walter E. and Jean C. Kalberer Foundation funded the project’s Walter Kalberer Bull Barn and Jean Kalberer Rhino Yard.
The expansion includes a second indoor rhino barn and introduces several new complexities for the rhinos including overhead shade and misting areas, a mud wallow and rubbing posts. The area also features a new, fully accessible viewing deck for guests.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has had significant success in breeding critically-endangered eastern black rhinoceros including the birth of two calves in 2018. Eastern black rhinoceros are critically endangered and less than 750 remain in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss.
“This beautiful new habitat is made possible by the generosity of Zoo Society donors, and is such a powerful reminder that philanthropy can build new spaces, improve welfare, and create a welcoming environment for animals and guests,” said Cleveland Zoological Society Executive Director, Sarah Crupi. “The Zoo Society staff and Board are incredibly grateful for those who gave to make this project a reality.”
Construction on the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve began in September 2019. The $2.5 million project was fully funded through the Cleveland Zoological Society. Since 2011, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland Zoological Society have invested $35 million in larger and more complex animal habitats, including African Elephant Crossing in 2011, Rosebrough Tiger Passage in 2016, and Asian Highlands in 2018.
Photo Credit: © Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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