AKRON, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The
Akron Zoo is set to open two new areas in the next two years. Pride
of Africa is scheduled to open in
summer of 2019 and Wild Asia will open in summer 2020.
Pride of Africa will include a
new, expanded habitat for a pride of African lions, Speke's
gazelles, white storks and a new feeding area for goats. Pride of
Africa will immerse guests in the
culture of the Maasai living in the Southern Rift Valley of
Kenya and the wildlife who share
their land. Predators, prey, a special Maasai livestock enclosure
called a boma, an expanded train ride and a spray pad will offer a
rich learning experience for children and adults alike.
In Wild Asia, a new spacious Sumatran tiger habitat will allow
for a pair of tigers. The red pandas will also have a larger
habitat that will be home to a duo of red pandas. Due to popular
demand, Wild Asia will also welcome a pair of white-cheeked
gibbons.
In Pride of Africa and Wild
Asia, the zoo expects many species will have breeding
recommendations from the Species Survival Plan (SSP) from the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The SSP is a
scientifically-managed breeding program that works to ensure a
healthy, genetically diverse population of critically endangered
species.
"With the opening of Pride of Africa and Wild Asia, your Akron Zoo has come
full circle," said Doug Piekarz,
president and CEO at the Akron Zoo. "With these two projects comes
the renovation of Tiger Valley – the oldest area currently at the
Akron Zoo, which opened in 1998. Combined, these two wildlife
experiences will be the largest expansion to date. We're thrilled
to offer our guests an opportunity to connect with and learn about
new species, as well as current animals in new habitats."
Together, Pride of Africa and
Wild Asia are a combined $17 million
project. Thanks to the Akron Zoo's Summit
County levy support, $11
million is committed. The zoo is also raising funds through
their ROAR campaign, a comprehensive campaign with contributions
from individual donors, corporate partners and private
foundations.
The Akron Zoo is approaching $3
million of the $6 million
fundraising goal, thanks to support from lead donors, the Lehner
Family Foundation and Robert. O. & Annamae Orr Family
Foundation and many others. The zoo has also received a
$500,000 appropriation from the
State of Ohio.
For extensive details on both areas, including renderings, visit
akronzoo.org/Akron-Zoo-Expansion.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Summer season runs April
– October. Hours are 10 a.m. –
5 p.m. and admission is $12 for adults, $10
for senior citizens, $9 for children
(ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is
$3. Starting Nov. 1, zoo hours are 11
a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is
$7 per person. Children under two are
free and parking is $3. For more
information visit akronzoo.org or call 330-375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world
conservation zoo with over 700 animals from around the world.
Located just west of Downtown
Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife
while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The
Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader
in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals
in their native habitats.
SOURCE Akron Zoo