The Akron Zoo will be introducing several new species as renovations and updates to its Legends of the Wild area are completed. The new animals will make their debut on Saturday, May 16. 

The new species include:

• White-faced saki: These monkeys are native to northern South America and weigh four to five pounds. The zoo is welcoming male Toumi, female Clementine and their female one-year-old, Ripley. 
• Sun conures: These parrots, named Vega and Archimedes, are colorful and vocal. They are native to the rainforest of northern Brazil and surrounding areas and are classified as endangered.    
• Green aracari: Aracaris are native to the rainforest in South America and are colorful birds with a long, serrated bill. The Akron Zoo is now home to two females.  

Species that previously called the Akron Zoo home and will be returning:

• Axolotl: The zoo is welcoming two axolotls, male Neo and female Xochi (zo-chee). This salamander species is only found in two lakes in Mexico, Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco. They are classified as critically endangered. 
• Cotton-top tamarins: This monkey species is recognizable for their white-colored crest of hair and small size, weighing around one pound. Cotton-topped tamarins are listed as critically endangered and are native to tropical forests of Columbia. Two brothers now call the Akron Zoo home, Chestnut and Clark. 
• Golden lion tamarins: Another small monkey species, golden lion tamarins weigh one and a half pounds. The fur surrounding their face is long, giving them the appearance of a lion mane. Golden lion tamarins are native to the rainforest in Brazil and are listed as endangered. The Akron Zoo is home to two siblings, male Mico and female Coco.

These species will reside in the Tom and Shelley Koutnik Primate Passage, which previously was home to the zoo’s three lemur species

The Akron Zoo previously announced additional new species in Legends of the Wild: mountain lion cubs, prehensile-tailed porcupine, green-crested basilisk and chinchillas. 

The zoo also welcomed a new antelope species this spring in the Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa mixed species habitat, yellow-backed duikers.