The Akron Zoo will expand its Pride of Africa exhibit by 16 acres in order to make room for new animals including giraffes, ostriches and wildebeests.
Though the final plans for the expansion have yet to be finalized, it’s set to be the Akron Zoo’s largest expansion in quite some time.
“Every time we do a major expansion, we go out to our community and survey them to see what they want to see at the Akron Zoo, and they told us they would love to see giraffes,” said Elena Bell, director of marketing and events. “So we’re very excited to be able to make that a possibility. We’re also very happy and excited for this expansion at the zoo, as it will help drive attendance and revenue.”
Bell explained that a large portion of the expansion is funded through the zoo’s revenue, in addition to philanthropic support and funding from the Summit County levee. Bell also said the Akron Zoo does not take out loans for major projects but pays for all renovations in advance.
“The response has been very positive,” Bell said. “People are very excited about the change. Since we’re a few years out and still in the preliminary phase of the project, people aren’t able to visualize it yet. I think that would be the next step for people to see some visuals, and once we have everything approved and finalized, we will get those created. So I think there’s going to be more excitement to come.”
According to Bell, the timeline for an expansion this large is typically 10 years. The project first came into the works in 2019. The Akron Zoo is currently working on the planning phase of the project.
Once this phase of the project is finished, and the project is fully approved to move forward, the construction phase will be the next step. The expansion should be completed by 2028 or 2029, Bell said.
The Akron Zoo also finished renovations on the penguin and snow leopard habitat, which updated some of the life support systems. This included the addition of a pool for the penguin habitat and a larger range of space for the snow leopard exhibit.
Other plans this year are renovations to the lemur building and the re-opening of the dinosaur exhibit. Bell also said the Akron Zoo will introduce mountain lions. The two four-month-old cubs were rescued after their mother was killed in the wild.
“We are always updating and expanding and moving forward with new projects to keep the zoo looking the best, and also so we are able to provide the best welfare and well-being for our animals to provide them the best,” Bell said. “And then also to be able to reach out to our community, so they’re learning more about these endangered species and getting up close and helping people make a connection. So that could help them drive conservation actions in everyday actions.”
Ava Dunn is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
