Rhino Habitat Doubling In Size At Cleveland Zoo

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is enhancing its rhino habitat and renaming the section the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve. The habitat is being doubled in size and will reopen in late spring.

Plans to expand the rhino habitat were announced in 2019 and construction on the $2.5 million project began in September. The expansion will include a second indoor rhino bard, overhead shade, misting areas, a mud wallow and rubbing posts. There will also be a fully accessible viewing deck for guests.

Two significant donations to the zoo made the rhino habitat expansion possible. One gift came from the Maltz family, the second gift came from The Walter E. and Jean C. Kalberer Foundation will fund the project’s Walter Kalberer Bull Barn and Jean Kalberer Rhino Yard.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve as the next habitat at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar. “Daniel and the Kalberer family are passionate advocates of both animal welfare and conservation, and their gifts will help provide a new home for the Zoo’s growing herd.”

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has been successfully breeding the critically endangered Eastern black rhinoceros for years. The zoo saw two calves born in 2018. Less than 750 Eastern black rhinoceros remain in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss.

“The Zoo Society works each day to raise funds that support the vision of the Zoo, and we are so pleased that our donors and friends continue to be excited about new habitats that provide exceptional animal care and enhanced visitor experiences,” said Cleveland Zoo Society Executive Director Sarah Crupi.