Firefighters worked tirelessly on January 8, 2025, to extinguish a significant fire that erupted at the Rainforest Exhibit of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The flames, which officials believe may have originated in an exterior storage area, prompted immediate response from the Cleveland Division of Fire and multiple surrounding departments. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke rising from the zoo’s rainforest enclosure, specifically leaving that section densely filled with smoke. Fortunately, zoo officials confirmed that there were no animals or visitors inside the exhibit at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. Cleveland Division of Fire Battalion Chief Jim Gallagher stated, ‘Our primary concern was to contain the fire and protect the surrounding areas.’ Fire crews battled the flames for several hours, with efforts being hampered by structural challenges within the exhibit. As investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, zoo spokesperson Jenna McDonald expressed appreciation for the quick response of emergency services, saying, ‘We are grateful that our team is safe and that the fire was confined to the exhibit area.’ The Rainforest Exhibit is known for its diverse range of tropical animals and lush plant life, and its future operational status remains under assessment as crews clear the area. The incident has raised concerns about the zoo’s emergency protocols, as several visitors were present in other areas during the response. Safety inspections are expected as part of the zoo’s ongoing commitment to visitor and animal welfare.
Firefighters Confront Blaze at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Rainforest Exhibit
