Zoo News

A Humboldt penguin chick hatched at the Akron Zoo on Saturday, May 11. The penguin’s parents are Dr. Oswald Cobblepot and Big Bertha from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The egg was a high priority in terms of genetic diversity and the decision was made by the Humboldt Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP) to send the egg to the Akron Zoo.

The Akron Zoo is sad to share the passing of one of their female Humboldt penguins, Emmanuelle (Emma). At age 36, Emma was the oldest, zoo-born female Humboldt penguin in any Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility. The median life expectancy for Humboldt penguins is 16.5 years. 

A male North American river otter has arrived at the Akron Zoo and is now in the river otter habitat regularly. Odie came to Akron from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and is 12 years old. 

The Akron Zoo has received a $1.5 million gift for its ROAR campaign from an individual donor – the largest donation in the zoo’s history. The gift supports the current expansion of the zoo, including new and innovative wildlife areas Pride of Africa. The donor has requested to remain anonymous.

The Akron Zoo is sad to announce the passing of their male river otter, Porthos. Porthos went into cardiac arrest during a routine exam and passed away after CRP efforts were not able to revive him. From the results of the necropsy (an animal autopsy) and related analysis, it appears Porthos had a congenital condition that lead to his passing.    

The Akron Zoo has welcomed two new red wolves, Waya and Mohe. The male wolves arrived from Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo in Greenbay, Wisconsin and are now out in the zoo’s red wolf habitat daily.

The Akron Zoo is sad to announce that its two black and white ruffed lemurs, Vari and Kondra, were humanely euthanized on Saturday, Oct. 20. Kondra was 29 years old and Vari was 28 years old. The median life expectancy for black and white ruffed lemurs is 18 years, four months.

The Akron Zoo has been nationally recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for excellence in marketing and excellence in diversity. 

The Akron Zoo is sad to announce the death of their 14-year-old female golden lion tamarin, Ana. Ana was humanely euthanized on Thursday, Sept. 27. Ana has been treated for age-related illnesses such as cataracts, and most recently, chronic pneumonia. The latter caused severe breathing issues. After Ana stopped responding to treatment, the veterinary staff made the decision to humanely euthanize her.

Students from Kenmore-Garfield High School have created a piece of art created from upcycled materials after being approached by the Akron Zoo with the idea for the project. The piece, which is an otter, was a collaboration of students grades 9th – 12th, including students from the multiple disabilities unit.