Zoo News

The Akron Zoo debuted the first aerobic composter, Big Hanna, to be used at any zoo or aquarium in the world on Monday, April 23. The unit, built in Sweden, is a collaboration with ReWorks, the Ohio EPA and the Akron Zoo. The purpose is to advance the zoo’s aspiration to be a zero waste facility. 

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The Akron Zoo is sad to announce the death of Rue, their female red wolf. Rue was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in 2014, and her health has been monitored closely by animal care staff. In December 2017, Rue began to show symptoms of IBD. The zoo’s veterinary team began an aggressive therapeutic plan to address her symptoms, but Rue did not respond positively. Rue’s health significantly declined over the past two months, and the decision was made to humanely euthanize her on Feb. 17.

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The Akron Zoo set a new annual attendance record in 2017, with 416,942 guests visiting throughout the year. The previous record, set in 2016, was 398,878 visitors.

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The Akron Zoo set a new single-day attendance record during Boo at the Zoo – twice. On Saturday, Oct. 21, attendance numbers were 8,196 and on Sunday, Oct. 22, the zoo saw 7,728 guests. The previous record, also set during Boo at the Zoo on Oct. 23, 2016, was 7,550 guests. 

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The Akron Zoo’s new tiger is now on exhibit. Bandar, a male Sumatran tiger, arrived from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in early October and has been acclimating to his new home. Bandar is now on exhibit daily.

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The Akron Zoo will donate a portion of admissions to the Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) Hurricane Relief Fund. Between Sunday, Sept. 24 through Saturday, Oct. 7, two dollars of every admission ticket will be donated and guests will have the option to donate additional funds.

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The Akron Zoo is mourning the loss of their male Sumatran tiger, Leonidas, “Leo,” who was humanely euthanized on August 13, 2017. The zoo’s professional Animal Care staff recently observed a change in Leo’s appetite, leading to a comprehensive Learn More

The Florida Aquarium, Akron Zoo and many others help during mass coral spawning event to help save coral reefs

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The Akron Zoo is sad to announce that Roscoe, a 14-year old male snow leopard, was humanely euthanized on July 26 after being diagnosed with a fast growing cancer that severely affected the bone in his lower jaw. The median life expectancy of a snow leopard is 14 years old. Roscoe has been at the Akron Zoo since 2004 and has sired seven cubs during his time in Akron, three of which are still in Akron.

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Starting July 7, 2017, the Akron Zoo became the first zoo in Ohio, and the second in the nation, to become certified by KultureCity as a sensory inclusive zoo. KultureCity is a non-profit organization dedicated to rethinking accessibility to create acceptance and inclusion for all individuals.

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