The Akron Zoo has embarked on its most ambitious expansion yet with the groundbreaking of the Lehner Family Foundation Giraffe Journey. This new exhibit, covering approximately 9.25 acres, is scheduled to open in 2028 and will host up to 12 giraffes, along with ostriches, wildebeests, and Marabou storks. The expansion is part of the zoo’s Pride of Africa section and aims to provide an immersive experience for visitors, featuring both outdoor and indoor viewing areas and year-round feeding opportunities.
Community and Economic Impact
Doug Piekarz, president and CEO of the Akron Zoo, emphasized the goal of bringing people closer to wildlife through this new habitat. The zoo, a member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, will follow the organization’s giraffe species survival plan by sourcing giraffes from other member zoos. Although the specific zoos have not been identified, the project promises to enhance the zoo’s educational and conservation efforts.
The expansion is supported by a combination of funding sources, including corporate partners, private foundations, individual donors, and a Summit County property tax levy. According to Elena Bell, the zoo’s director of marketing and events, for every dollar received from the levy, the zoo generates nearly eight dollars in economic impact, highlighting the project’s potential benefits for the local economy.
Local Support and Future Developments
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several local politicians, including Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and state Senator Casey Weinstein. Weinstein humorously referred to the project as ‘giraffic park,’ drawing a parallel to the popular film ‘Jurassic Park.’ He also noted that the Ohio Senate has approved a $740,000 appropriation for the giraffe expansion, with the Ohio House of Representatives set to vote on it soon. Additionally, the state has contributed to the funding of the zoo’s new animal hospital, which is expected to open this year.
Shapiro expressed her enthusiasm for the zoo’s expansion and its positive impact on the community, envisioning giraffes roaming in Akron as an exciting prospect. The Akron Zoo, which opened in 1953 as the Akron Children’s Zoo, continues to evolve and expand its offerings. In May, the zoo welcomed new animals, including a South American monkey named Ripley and two aquatic salamanders, Neo and Xochi.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
