Explore Susie’s Bear Hollow at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
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If you haven’t been to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo lately, there’s a new reason to plan a visit. Susie’s Bear Hollow is a state-of-the-art habitat that brings guests face-to-face with Andean bears in a setting designed to reflect their natural environment.
As longtime members, we’ve spent a lot of time at the zoo over the years. It’s one of our family’s favorite things to do in Cleveland. This new addition stands out as one of the most immersive and exciting updates yet. It’s also home to the AdventureKeys program, an interactive experience developed with KeyBank that adds fun, hands-on elements for guests of all ages.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a zoo regular, Susie’s Bear Hollow is well worth a stop on your next trip.
Susie’s Bear Hollow
Susie’s Bear Hollow at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a dynamic habitat designed to provide a more enriching environment for its residents. As part of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal care and visitor experiences, this updated space replaces the previous bear habitat with a thoughtfully designed setting that mimics the natural habitats of Andean and sloth bears.
Located in Wilderness Trek, it is now home to the zoo’s male Andean bear along with a male and female sloth bear, offering guests an up-close look at these incredible species in a habitat built for their well-being.
A Habitat Designed for Exploration
The bears at Susie’s Bear Hollow now have four expansive habitats, thoughtfully designed to encourage their natural behaviors and provide a more stimulating environment. The new space is triple the size of their previous habitat and includes:
- Climbing structures for enhanced movement and play
- Elevated resting areas for relaxation
- Dig pits that encourage natural foraging instincts
- Multiple nesting areas to support different resting preferences
While the habitat prioritizes the well-being of the bears, it also creates an engaging experience for visitors.
“The immersive design of Bear Hollow will bring our guests closer to bears than ever before and help them to foster a deeper connection with these ambassador animals,” said Dr. Chris Kuhar, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director. “Up-close viewing opportunities will also give guests a closer look at the work of our animal care team’s husbandry efforts as they monitor the health of the bears and provide training opportunities.”
Walking through the exhibit, it’s clear how much thought went into creating an environment that benefits both the bears and zoo guests. The habitats closely resemble the animals’ natural surroundings, providing them with more space to roam, climb, and explore. In the center of Bear Hollow, a massive treehouse-style climbing structure offers nearly 360-degree views of the habitats, giving kids and adults alike the feeling of climbing alongside these incredible animals.
Susie’s Bear Hollow features several glass viewing areas that allow for up-close interaction with the bears and provide an opportunity to watch the animal care team in action as they care for and train the bears. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo guests will love visiting the new space for decades to come.
Andean and Sloth Bears
Susie’s Bear Hollow is part of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts for Andean and sloth bears, both of which are listed as vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has contributed over $700,000 to Andean bear conservation efforts over the past decade.
AdventureKeys: A New Way to Explore
The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, in partnership with KeyBank, introduced AdventureKeys, an interactive experience that builds on the legacy of the popular ZooKeys program.
For $2, guests can purchase a collectible AdventureKey, which can be used throughout the year to unlock special audio content at designated stations around the zoo. Each year, a new key featuring a different animal design will be released, making them a fun keepsake for visitors. The inaugural key features a gorilla, celebrating the zoo’s two youngest gorillas and their growing troop.
There are eight AdventureKeys stations throughout the zoo, including one inside Susie’s Bear Hollow. Guests can use their key to unlock exclusive video and audio content about the animals in each area, with subtitles available in English and Spanish. Only one key is needed per family or group, making AdventureKeys an affordable and engaging way to enhance every visit to the zoo.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Tickets
You can purchase Cleveland Metroparks Zoo tickets online. The Zoo offers general admission tickets for:
- Juniors (age 2-11)
- Adults (age 12-61)
- Seniors (age 62 and over)
There’s also a Total Experience ticket for all guests ages two and older, which includes zoo admission and unlimited use of the Train, Carousel, and 4D Theater.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Membership
If you live within driving distance of the Zoo and plan to attend multiple times during the year, consider a Cleveland Zoological Society Membership. The Zoo offers several membership options for families and individuals. Membership benefits include:
- Free unlimited daytime admission to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for one year
- Discounted daytime admission to more than 150 zoos nationwide
- Discounts on camps and educational programs
- 15% discount at Zoo gift shops
- Discounts on Total Experience packages and select attractions
- Members-only early admission during select months
- A digital membership card
As members, one of our favorite perks is discounted admission to select zoos across the nation. Wherever we travel, we also check the list of reciprocal zoos to see if there’s one near our destination. It’s a great way to save money on attractions on family vacations while getting more value from your Zoo membership.
Our Zoo membership also provides us with discounts for select Zoo special events, such as the popular Asian Lantern Festival and Twilight At The Zoo.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hours
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hours vary depending on the time of year:
- April – October: 10 AM to 5 PM
- November – March: 10 AM to 4 PM
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Location
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, Ohio 44109. Parking at the Zoo is free.
