The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo reported a record setting attendance of 24,976 visitors on Monday, June 13, thanks to its biggest (literally) stars–the pachyderms.
The zoo had expected the new African Elephant Crossing to be a big hit, and so far the five acre, $25 million facility has lived up to expectations since it opened on May 5.
6,085 people attended on opening day, which was a pretty good considering it was a Thursday with cool temperatures and most kids still in school. The following Sunday saw the biggest Mothers’ Day crowd ever at 16,303 visitors.
Despite the zoo’s high expectations for the elephants, the facts that admission is free on Mondays for Cuyahoga County residents, most local schools are now out for the summer, and the temperature was 74 degrees probably contributed to Monday’s record attendance.
Now that the weather is getting warmer and the kids are on summer vacation, it’s the best time to visit the zoo with the whole family and enjoy the new elephant exhibit. The zoo is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
