CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the RainForest will close Sept. 9 to make room for a new area. 

The RainForest will be incorporated into the zoo's new Primate Forest, the zoo said, and parts of the RainForest will be remodeled for the new attraction.

The RainForest opened in November 1992, and it was recognized as "one of the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the world," the zoo said. It featured more than 600 animals representing 118 different species and more than 7,000 live plants, trees and flowers of 360 varieties. 

Now, the landmark is undergoing an evolution to "meet the needs of the future."

“For more than three decades, The RainForest has fostered a connection between our community and the story of rainforests, generating awareness of the value of these habitats and importance of their protection,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Christopher Kuhar in a press release. “So many members of the community have a special connection to The RainForest, whether you remember visiting as a kid, as an adult and sharing the experience with younger generations, or as part of the many special events and weddings that have been hosted at The RainForest.”

To celebrate the legacy of The RainForest, the zoo invites people to share their memories and photos on social media and tag the zoo. 

The zoo said groundbreaking for the Primate Forest will start Sept. 10. It's expected to open in 2026.