Akron Zoo

12/20/2021

Don't miss your chance to see Santa at your Akron Zoo! Santa Claus will be at Wild Lights through Dec. 23 only. The holiday lighting event remaining dates are Dec. 20-23 & 26-30 from 5 - 9 p.m. Get your tickets online to save money: https://www.akronzoo.org/wild-lights.

See the zoo decked out in more than one million lights, visit with some of your favorite animals, roast s'mores and more! From Dec. 26-30, after Santa heads back to the North Pole, visit with the Grinch, Snow Queen, Snow Princess and Snowman.

Wild Lights is presented by Akron Children's Hospital.

12/20/2021

Parker has established strong bonds with her care team since she arrived here at the Akron Zoo at the end of 2020. While our staff is hands-off with the baby, Parker is happy to show the baby to her keepers and our veterinary staff, who can then take a look at the baby to make sure everything is going well.

Parker gave birth to her baby on Dec. 9. This is the first baby for Parker and our male gibbon, Milo. The pair are attentive and caring parents! You can see the new family in their indoor habitat during our Wild Lights event. The gibbons will have access to their private bedrooms as they adjust to their new normal of being a family of three.

12/19/2021

Your Akron Zoo is closed on Dec. 24 and 25. The zoo is also not open during the day for general admission on Dec. 19-23 and 26-30. We will only be open for Wild Lights from 5 - 9 p.m. on those dates.

For the most up-to-date hours, visit https://www.akronzoo.org/tickets.

Your Akron Zoo is closed on Dec. 24 and 25. The zoo is also not open during the day for general admission on Dec. 19-23 and 26-30. We will only be open for Wild Lights from 5 - 9 p.m. on those dates.

For the most up-to-date hours, visit https://www.akronzoo.org/tickets.

12/19/2021

🔊 Sound on! While our white-cheeked gibbon mom, Parker, enjoys a snack, her baby is finding his or her voice and vocalizing a lot! We are not sure there is anything cuter than baby noises!

Parker gave birth to her baby on Dec. 9. This is the first baby for Parker and our male gibbon, Milo. The pair are attentive and caring parents! You can see the new family in their indoor habitat during our Wild Lights event. The gibbons will have access to their private bedrooms as they adjust to their new normal of being a family of three.

📸: Keeper Erin

12/18/2021

If you do not want your kids staying up until midnight, but you don't want them to miss the excitement of New Year's Eve, then join us for Zoo Year's Eve! On Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., enjoy crafts, music, animal encounters, visits with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell and more. We'll even host a special ball drop right at noon!

Learn more at https://www.akronzoo.org/zoo-years-eve.

If you do not want your kids staying up until midnight, but you don't want them to miss the excitement of New Year's Eve, then join us for Zoo Year's Eve! On Friday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., enjoy crafts, music, animal encounters, visits with Peter Pan and Tinkerbell and more. We'll even host a special ball drop right at noon!

Learn more at https://www.akronzoo.org/zoo-years-eve.

12/18/2021

White-cheeked gibbon, Parker, gave birth to her baby on Dec. 9. Gibbons are arboreal, which means that they live high in trees. Gibbons are more likely to give birth high up, and Parker was protecting her baby from the very beginning as she catches the infant during the delivery. She immediately begins grooming and cleaning the baby.

12/17/2021

When your purchase a Care for Critter package as a gift, you're also giving a gift to our animals! Adopting an animal for your loved one helps to provide our animals with food, medical care, habitat maintenance and more. Purchase today: https://www.akronzoo.org/care-for-a-critter.

When your purchase a Care for Critter package as a gift, you're also giving a gift to our animals! Adopting an animal for your loved one helps to provide our animals with food, medical care, habitat maintenance and more. Purchase today: https://www.akronzoo.org/care-for-a-critter.

12/17/2021

Our gibbon baby watch is over! Parker gave birth on Thursday, Dec. 9 around 9 p.m. and the baby is doing well! Our gibbon family will make their debut in the indoor gibbon habitat on Saturday, Dec. 18 during Wild Lights. The gibbons will have access to their private bedrooms as they adjust to their new normal of being a family of three.

The baby’s gender is unknown at this time. Infant gibbons will hold on to their mothers from the time of birth. Parker is attentive towards the baby and our staff is hands-off. We will announce a naming contest at a later date.

White-cheeked gibbons, a lesser ape species, made their debut here at the Akron Zoo in May 2021 when we opened our new area, Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia. Our gibbon pair, Parker and male Milo, arrived to the zoo as a bonded pair from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado in late 2020.

Parker’s pregnancy was announced back in August. This baby is the first for the gibbon pair. The baby’s father, Milo, does assist with the rearing of the baby and is in the gibbon habitat with both mom and baby.

White-cheeked gibbons are native to Southeast Asia. The species is listed as critically endangered by IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, mainly from deforestation to create palm oil plantations. The native population of white-cheeked gibbons has decreased about 80% in the last 45 years.

Learn more at https://www.akronzoo.org/white-cheeked-gibbon-baby-born-at-the-akron-zoo

📸: Keeper Erin

Our gibbon baby watch is over! Parker gave birth on Thursday, Dec. 9 around 9 p.m. and the baby is doing well! Our gibbon family will make their debut in the indoor gibbon habitat on Saturday, Dec. 18 during Wild Lights. The gibbons will have access to their private bedrooms as they adjust to their new normal of being a family of three.

The baby’s gender is unknown at this time. Infant gibbons will hold on to their mothers from the time of birth. Parker is attentive towards the baby and our staff is hands-off. We will announce a naming contest at a later date.

White-cheeked gibbons, a lesser ape species, made their debut here at the Akron Zoo in May 2021 when we opened our new area, Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia. Our gibbon pair, Parker and male Milo, arrived to the zoo as a bonded pair from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado in late 2020.

Parker’s pregnancy was announced back in August. This baby is the first for the gibbon pair. The baby’s father, Milo, does assist with the rearing of the baby and is in the gibbon habitat with both mom and baby.

White-cheeked gibbons are native to Southeast Asia. The species is listed as critically endangered by IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, mainly from deforestation to create palm oil plantations. The native population of white-cheeked gibbons has decreased about 80% in the last 45 years.

Learn more at https://www.akronzoo.org/white-cheeked-gibbon-baby-born-at-the-akron-zoo

📸: Keeper Erin

12/17/2021

It's the most wonderful time of the year at your Akron Zoo! Wild Lights continues Dec. 17-23 and 26-30 from 5 - 9 p.m. Get your tickets online to save money: https://www.akronzoo.org/wild-lights

Explore the zoo decorated in more than one million lights, visit with many of your favorite animals and take a photo in one of our photo ops! Plus, Santa Claus will here through Dec. 23 - get your lists ready!

Wild Lights is presented by Akron Children's Hospital.

12/16/2021

If you're interested in purchasing an Akron Zoo membership gift certificate for a holiday gift, please make sure to order by Dec. 17 to ensure receipt by the holidays: https://www.akronzoo.org/membership.

When you give the gift of a membership, you're giving a year of unlimited Akron zoo gifts, free parking, discounts to special events and in our gift shop and more!

If you're interested in purchasing an Akron Zoo membership gift certificate for a holiday gift, please make sure to order by Dec. 17 to ensure receipt by the holidays: https://www.akronzoo.org/membership.

When you give the gift of a membership, you're giving a year of unlimited Akron zoo gifts, free parking, discounts to special events and in our gift shop and more!

12/15/2021

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Shanti. Our female snow leopard's health began to decline in the last few days and her care team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Shanti yesterday, Dec. 14.

In July 2021, a veterinary exam confirmed the progression of advanced chronic kidney and heart diseases. Since then, her care was shifted to palliative care with the focus on providing her with the best quality of life and comfort as possible as she neared the end of her life.

Shanti was a fan favorite among zoo guests. She was a very playful snow leopard throughout her life and she enjoyed interacting with zoo visitors. Shanti won the title of “Top Animal” in the past, and the public has dubbed her “the mother of the Akron Zoo.” Over her years, she has welcomed eight snow leopard cubs – Raj and Sabu in 2012, Malaya and Makalu in 2014, Altai, Layan and Asha in 2016 and Baya in 2019.

Shanti was born on June 16, 2008 at the Binder Park Zoo in Michigan. She moved to the Akron Zoo on June 25, 2009. The median life expectancy for snow leopards is 15.1 years old.

“Shanti was an amazing cat to work with,” said lead carnivore keeper, Mark Schneider. “She was the best mother and she really loved interacting with us keepers. It was an honor to be part of her journey.”

“Shanti was the embodiment of the Akron Zoo,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO. “Our guests were able to connect with her through her story, and her legacy will live on through her grown cubs. Thank you to our animal care and veterinary teams, who have provided Shanti with exceptional care throughout the years, especially at the end of her life. Shanti will be missed by the entire Akron Zoo family, including our visitors.”

Our male snow leopard, Tai Lung, remains in the snow leopard habitat daily. We are working with the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) on a recommendation for a female snow leopard to pair with Tai Lung.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Shanti. Our female snow leopard's health began to decline in the last few days and her care team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Shanti yesterday, Dec. 14.

In July 2021, a veterinary exam confirmed the progression of advanced chronic kidney and heart diseases. Since then, her care was shifted to palliative care with the focus on providing her with the best quality of life and comfort as possible as she neared the end of her life.

Shanti was a fan favorite among zoo guests. She was a very playful snow leopard throughout her life and she enjoyed interacting with zoo visitors. Shanti won the title of “Top Animal” in the past, and the public has dubbed her “the mother of the Akron Zoo.” Over her years, she has welcomed eight snow leopard cubs – Raj and Sabu in 2012, Malaya and Makalu in 2014, Altai, Layan and Asha in 2016 and Baya in 2019.

Shanti was born on June 16, 2008 at the Binder Park Zoo in Michigan. She moved to the Akron Zoo on June 25, 2009. The median life expectancy for snow leopards is 15.1 years old.

“Shanti was an amazing cat to work with,” said lead carnivore keeper, Mark Schneider. “She was the best mother and she really loved interacting with us keepers. It was an honor to be part of her journey.”

“Shanti was the embodiment of the Akron Zoo,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO. “Our guests were able to connect with her through her story, and her legacy will live on through her grown cubs. Thank you to our animal care and veterinary teams, who have provided Shanti with exceptional care throughout the years, especially at the end of her life. Shanti will be missed by the entire Akron Zoo family, including our visitors.”

Our male snow leopard, Tai Lung, remains in the snow leopard habitat daily. We are working with the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP) on a recommendation for a female snow leopard to pair with Tai Lung.

12/13/2021

The last week of winter break can seem long, especially after the bustle of the holidays. We're offering another family experience called Winter Break Family Adventure! This one-day program is being offered on Dec. 27, 28, 29 & 30 from 3:30 - 5 p.m. Space is limited, so register your family today: https://www.akronzoo.org/education-adventures

You'll learn all about what the zoo animals do during the winter, along with crafts, games and even a behind-the-scenes look with our grizzly bears!

12/12/2021

Your Akron Zoo is closing early on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. for our staff holiday party. We apologize for any inconvenience! For zoo hours and tickets, please visit https://www.akronzoo.org/tickets.

Your Akron Zoo is closing early on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. for our staff holiday party. We apologize for any inconvenience! For zoo hours and tickets, please visit https://www.akronzoo.org/tickets.

12/11/2021

Your Akron Zoo is proud to join with 180 other zoos, aquariums and museums in support of the #AmericatheBeautiful initiative. We are thankful for all who are working towards the goal of #30x30. Together we can conserve 30% of America’s lands, waters, and ocean by 2030!

Your Akron Zoo is proud to join with 180 other zoos, aquariums and museums in support of the #AmericatheBeautiful initiative. We are thankful for all who are working towards the goal of #30x30. Together we can conserve 30% of America’s lands, waters, and ocean by 2030!

12/10/2021

Are you still looking for the perfect gift? Check out our holiday gift guide, which has many different gift options for you to choose from: https://www.akronzoo.org/holiday-shopping.

Gift options include an Akron Zoo membership, a Care for a Critter package, a unique experiences gift certificate and so much more! Get your wild gift today!

Are you still looking for the perfect gift? Check out our holiday gift guide, which has many different gift options for you to choose from: https://www.akronzoo.org/holiday-shopping.

Gift options include an Akron Zoo membership, a Care for a Critter package, a unique experiences gift certificate and so much more! Get your wild gift today!

12/08/2021

Come see your Akron Zoo decorated in more than one million lights at Wild Lights! The holiday lighting event continues: Dec. 10-12, 17-23 & 26-30 from 5 - 9 p.m. Get your tickets online to save money: https://www.akronzoo.org/wild-lights.

As you stroll through the dazzling zoo, you can visit with many of our animals, see Santa Claus (through Dec. 23) and roast a s'more. Take photos in one of our many photo op areas and check out our synchronized light displays.

Wild Lights is presented by Akron Children's Hospital.

12/06/2021

Feed the penguins with your whole family! You can make fun memories together at our new Holiday Family Adventure on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 3 - 5 p.m. The whole family can join in on the fun program that includes feeding the penguins, up-close animal encounters, family photos, snacks and more. Plus, tickets to Wild Lights after the program are included!

Register now as space is limited: https://www.akronzoo.org/education-adventures.

12/05/2021

Groundhogs gain a lot of weight ahead of winter to prepare for hibernation. Summer the groundhog might not hibernate, but she has packed on a few pounds. She is finding that her box holes are a little tight!

📸: Education Debra
🎵: Fat Bottom Girls by Queen; cover by Glee Cast

12/03/2021

Wild Lights at your Akron Zoo continues Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-23 & 26-30 from 5 - 9 p.m. Get your tickets online to save money: https://www.akronzoo.org/wild-lights.

The zoo is decorated in more than one million lights, displays and photo ops. Our new area, Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia, is decorated for the very first time. Santa Claus is available for photos through Dec. 23 and many of the animals are in their habitat for the event.

Wild Lights is presented by Akron Children's Hospital.

12/02/2021

Your Akron Zoo has achieved LEED v4 certification for our two new areas, Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa and Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Some of the sustainable and green practices used in Pride of Africa and Wild Asia include light pollution reduction, bird strike prevention on glass, a building automation system, heat island reduction, storm water retention systems, interpretive education signage and more.

Pride of Africa opened in June 2019 and Wild Asia opened in May 2021. The two areas were both part of a combined $17 million capital project. Pride of Africa features African lions, Speke’s gazelle, a feeding area for goats and a solar-powered train. Wild Asia includes Sumatran tigers, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons.

The Akron Zoo partnered with Hasenstab Architects, GLMV Zoos, Panzica Construction and Marker Building Contractors ltd on Pride of Africa and Wild Asia.

Two other areas at the Akron Zoo have LEED certifications. The Komodo Kingdom Education Center was the first LEED-certified structure in Summit County, and the first mixed-use certified zoo structure east of the Rocky Mountains. Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge is LEED Silver Campus certified, which was the first at a zoo in North America.