On Thursday, June 4, the Akron Zoo broke ground on its next major expansion. Lehner Family Foundation Giraffe Journey is expected to open in 2028. 

Giraffe Journey will introduce multiple new species for the Akron Zoo – giraffes, ostriches, wildebeests and Marabou storks. The area will feature a large, outdoor savanna featuring the mixed of species, plus the Landon & Cynthia Knight Giraffe Conservation Center. This center will include an indoor space for guests to visit the giraffe during the winter months. Guests will have the opportunity to feed the giraffes year-round.

This will be the largest expansion to date in the Akron Zoo history at approximately 9.25 acres. The area also includes a gift shop, concessions stand, event space and a tower ride that is available for all ages.  

Giraffe Journey has a construction budget of approximately $21 million. Funding comes from contributions from individual donors, corporate partners and private foundations, along with the zoo’s revenue operations and support from Summit County residents. 

Additionally, earlier this week the Akron Zoo was proposed to receive $740,000 appropriation from the FY27-28 Ohio Capital Budget.