Drive The Cleveland Zoo Starting Wednesday

CLEVELAND — Cruise the Zoo, a limited-time drive-thru program, is coming to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on Wednesday. The drive-thru will serve as a fundraising event for the park system.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo was closed on March 16, due to state orders prompted by the new coronavirus. The zoo's revenue is now down more than $1.5 million versus the same time in 2019, the park system said. The temporary drive-thru will give the zoo a chance to recoup some of its lost revenue.

“While the zoo has been closed for over two months, our daily efforts to care for some of the world’s most endangered animals does not stop,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “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.”

Cruise the Zoo is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, from May 20 to May 31. Admission is $20 per car for zoo members and $40 per car for non-members. Advance reservations can be purchased online and are required for entry.

Reservations will be scheduled in one-hour time slots to limit the number of vehicles going through the zoo at once. The final ticketed entry will happen at 3 p.m. Guests cannot exit their car during the drive-thru.

Guests will have the chance to visit animals at the zoo, including giraffes, tigers, snow leopards, reindeer, lions, kangaroos, elephants and bears, from the safety of their car. The drive-thru route will include the Asian Highlands, African Elephant Crossing, Rosebrough Tiger Passage and more.

Zoo employees will guide families along the specified route. A free audio guide is available online for families to listen to on their drive. The guide has expert information on animals, habitats and conservation.

There will also be a virtual photo booth for families to remember their drive and show their support for the zoo. There will also be a scavenger hunt and search for hidden animal displays throughout the zoo. Guests can share an image on social media with the hashtag #CruisetheZoo to earn a chance for an achievement award. That award can be exchanged for free food and drink at Raising Cane's.