New African lion now on exhibit at the Akron Zoo

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo’s new female African lion, Mandisa, is now on exhibit. Mandisa, acquired from the Naples Zoo in January, will be on exhibit with the zoo’s male lion Tamarr. The Akron Zoo’s female lion, Shani, was moved to the Naples Zoo when Mandisa arrived. The moves were a recommendation from the Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Mandisa was born July 19, 2008 at the NEW Zoo in Greenbay, WI. Once Mandisa arrived she went through a 30-day quarantine period in the zoo’s Roger J. Sherman Center for Animal Care facility before being moved to the lion exhibit and introduced to Tamarr. Mandisa currently weighs 289 pounds and eats up to seven pounds of meat per day. According to the zoo’s Animal Care staff, Mandisa and Tamarr have gotten along great and both lions will be on exhibit daily together. At this time the Akron Zoo does not have a breeding recommendation for Mandisa and Tamarr.

African lions are indigenous to the grasslands and semi-arid plains of sub-Saharan Africa. African lion populations are classified as vulnerable, with numbers declining due to habitat loss throughout Africa. Lions are Africa’s largest carnivore.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Winter hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and winter admission is $6 per person. Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit http://www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Contact:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238
dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

Akron Zoo now home to new Komodo dragons

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo has acquired two new Komodo dragons, Draco and Charlie, which are now on exhibit in the zoo’s EducationCenter, KomodoKingdom. As Draco and Charlie get acclimated to their new surroundings they will be on exhibit daily from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The zoo’s resident Komodo dragon, TNT, will be on exhibit when Draco and Charlie are not on exhibit.

Draco and Charlie, who are sisters, were born October 8, 2010 and were brought to Akron from the Denver Zoo where they were born. Draco and Charlie are about 4 feet in length and weigh 9 pounds compared to TNT, who at age 13, weighs 141 pounds. Eventually as Draco and Charlie get more comfortable with their surroundings they will alternate days on exhibit with TNT. TNT has been at the zoo since 2005 when the zoo opened KomodoKingdom.

Komodo dragons, a type of monitor lizard, are the world’s largest living lizard. Komodo dragons are indigenous to a few IndonesianIslands, including the Island of Komodo. They are typically found in tropical savanna forests. Komodo dragons will scavenge carcasses or eat live prey ranging from large rodents to water buffalo. Juvenile Komodo dragons like Draco and Charlie, typically will eat small lizards or insects. Komodo dragons are an endangered species due primarily to habitat destruction.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. The Akron Zoo hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. Children under two are free and parking is $2. Starting May 1, the Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238
dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

Akron Zoo to host a Party for the Planet to celebrate Earth Day

AKRON, Ohio - The Akron Zoo will celebrate Earth Day with their annual event, Party for the Planet, on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Numerous environmentally friendly vendors will be on hand to educate visitors about steps they can take to help our planet and conserve our natural resources.  

Several exhibitors will be on-hand during the event with giveaways and talking about their green practices. Entertainment will be provided by Michael Ray’s Cirque de Papier and there will be crafts available. The Akron Zoo’s mascot, Conrad Conservation, will make an appearance at the zoo during the event. Conrad, a costumed frog, helps the zoo convey its mission of conservation. Party for the Planet is supported by City Scrap & Salvage, OhioConnectionsAcademy and The Lube Stop, Inc.

          The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Winter hours, through April, are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. The parking fee is $2. Starting May 1, the Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Akron Zoo Hosts Enrichment Day

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo will host an Enrichment Day on Saturday, March 30, 2013 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. During the event animals will be given Easter eggs as part of their enrichment at scheduled times for the public to watch.

Enrichment is anything given to the animals to stimulate their natural behaviors. Although the zoo does enrichment on a daily basis, Enrichment Days give the animal care staff the opportunity to showcase to the public what they do for the animals.

During the event the animals will either be given real eggs or plastic or papier mache eggs with treats inside. Visitors will be able to see enrichment given to the lemurs, jaguars, snow leopards, tamarins, lions, tigers, sloth bears, red pandas and goats.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $6 per person. Children under 2 are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit http://www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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

Submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238
dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

Hop on over to the Akron Zoo

AKRON, Ohio – Bunny EGGstravaganza will be held at the Akron Zoo March 23, 24 & 30 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. The event includes hot chocolate, crafts, activities, an egg hunt, and a visit with the bunny. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Crafts and activities will take place indoors and the egg hunts will be outdoors in the park. Visitors will also have the opportunity to take their own pictures with the Easter Bunny and every child that participates in the hunt will receive a treat bag. The price of the event also includes free admission to the zoo following the event.
Reservations can be made by calling (330) 375-2550 ext. 7231 or online at http://www.akronzoo.org. Bunny EGGstravaganza is free for Akron Zoo member adults and $8 for Akron Zoo member children. Non-Akron Zoo members are $8 for adults and $10 for children.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Winter hours, through April, are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. The parking fee is $2. Starting May 1, the Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit http://www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Submitted by:
Contact:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238
Cell – (330) 812-7890
dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

Akron Zoo presents Wild Times with Jungle Jack Hanna at the Civic Theatre

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo is proud to present “Wild Times with Jungle Jack Hanna” at the Akron Civic Theatre on Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m. Hanna, an author, television personality, conservationist, and Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and several of his wildest friends from the animal kingdom will educate and entertain guests of all ages. The 75-minute show is sponsored by the Robert O. Orr & Annamae Orr Family Foundation and tickets start at $22 with proceeds benefiting the Akron Zoo’s new exhibit the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge, which is expected to open in late summer 2013.

During the show Hanna will educate and entertain people about the many animal ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium that will accompany Jungle Jack on stage and share humorous stories about animals and his experiences.

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, December 19, 2012.  Tickets are available at the Akron Civic Theatre Box Office, by calling (330) 253-2488 or online at www.akroncivic.com or Ticketmaster (1-800-745-3000). Reserved tickets are $22 and $32; $75 tickets are available and include the show and a private meet & greet prior to the show with Jungle Jack and some of his animals, plus appetizers; $200 level tickets are available though the Akron Zoo only and include a guided hard hat tour of Grizzly Ridge at 3 p.m. with appetizers, the private meet and greet and the show.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. The Akron Zoo hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.
Release submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238
Cell – (330) 812-7890
dmbarnhardt@akronzoo.org

Boo at the Akron Zoo kicks off October 13 with new treat stations and adventures!

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo kicks off on Saturday, October 13 and will run October 13-14, 19-21, and 26-28. Hours are 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The event includes 12 themed treat stations kids can trick-or-treat at, including two new treat stations.

This safe and non-scary event allows visitors to enjoy festive decorations and light displays throughout the zoo.

Favorite themed trick-or-treating stations returning include the bats, witches, construction, trains, safari and more. The zoo is adding an underwater reef station to help celebrate their new exhibit, Journey to the Reef and a super hero station, which are both new.

Tickets for Boo at the Akron Zoo are $10 for trick-or-treaters and $6.00 for observers. Akron Zoo member observers are free, but will still need a ticket. Pre-sale tickets are now on sale at the Akron Zoo and all Acme Fresh Market locations in Northeast Ohio for a discounted rate. People can save $1 per ticket when they buy tickets before the day they are attending. Boo at the Akron Zoo is presented by Acme Fresh Markets and sponsored by Hammond Construction, Inc. Also at Boo at the Zoo will be pumpkin carver, Don Witt, and his creative pumpkin designs. The carousel and train will also be open for people to ride during the event.

The Zoo will be serving an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet in their Komodo Kingdom Café during Boo. In addition to freshly made pizzas, the buffet will include dessert pizza, too. The buffet is $4.99 for kids and $6.99 for adults.

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

Boo at the Akron Zoo tickets now on sale!

AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo doesn’t kick off until mid-October, but tickets for the popular Halloween event are now on sale for a discounted rate at www.akronzoo.org and at all Acme Fresh Markets in Northeast Ohio. People can save $1 per ticket when they buy tickets before the event starts between now and October 13, 2012.

Boo at the Akron Zoo runs Oct. 13–14, 19-21 and 26-28, 2012. Hours are 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

This safe and non-scary event allows visitors to enjoy festive decorations and lighted displays throughout the zoo, all while trick-or-treating at 12 different themed stations. The zoo is adding two new stations in 2012; an underwater reef station to help celebrate their new exhibit, Journey to the Reef and a super hero station.

Tickets for Boo at the Akron Zoo are $10 for trick-or-treaters and $6.00 for observers. Akron Zoo member observers are free, but will still need a ticket. Boo at the Akron Zoo is presented by Acme Fresh Markets.  

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Submitted by:

David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

Princess and Pirate Night at the Akron Zoo

AKRON, Ohio – On Saturday, July 28, the Akron Zoo will host Princess and Pirate Night from 6 to 9 p.m. Children can come dressed in their best princess gown or pirate garb and go on an adventure throughout the zoo and look for treasure. Afterwards, visitors can choose to stay the night at Snooze at the Zoo for an extended adventure.  

To go along with the theme of princesses and pirates, the zoo will highlight frogs and parrots. Conrad Conservation, the zoo’s mascot, will be there to take pictures with all the princesses and pirates. There will also be a special live animal show.

Throughout the evening, the princesses and pirates can enjoy face painting, a costume contest, bouncy houses and crafts. The optional Snooze at the Zoo that takes place afterwards includes a night hike, behind-the-scenes tour, animal feeding, crafts, an animal program and more.

Tickets for Princess and Pirate Night for Akron Zoo members are $7 for adults and $9 for children. For non-members, tickets are $12 for adults and $14 for children. To participate in the program and the overnight snooze, tickets are $36 for adults and $32 for children for Akron Zoo members. Tickets for non-members are $50 for adults and $48 for children.

Registration is required for the overnight snooze and guests can register by calling 330-375-2550 or by visiting www.akronzoo.org.  

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Submitted by:

Contact:
David Barnhardt
Akron Zoo
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238

Journey to the Reef opened May 26, 2012 at the Akron Zoo

AKRON,Ohio– The Akron Zoo unveiled its newest addition, Journey to the Reef, on Saturday, May 26, 2012. The exhibit features 18 aquariums and over 40 aquatic species that live on or near the reef, live coral and a stingray touch pool. The area will also include several interactive areas for kids to learn about ocean life and conservation.

Journey to the Reef will include many animals that have never been seen before at the Akron Zoo. Octopus, eels, seahorses, venomous lionfish and clownfish are just a few of the animals that will make their debut on Saturday. The exhibit will also include a couple of species of jellyfish, starfish, schooling fish, crabs and more. The exhibit space will feature a touch tank that will allow visitors to be able to touch stingrays and a bamboo shark. The zoo will also be growing several different types of branching coral that visitors will be able to see in the coral lab.

The new exhibit occupies the space that was previously the well-liked jellyfish exhibit that was at the zoo from 2008 – 2011. Because of its popularity the zoo decided to stay with an aquatic theme and keep two species of jellies. Japanese sea nettles, up-side down jellies and moon jellies will remain as part of Journey to the Reef.

The interactive space in the exhibit will feature three different kiosks and an interactive media wall that will teach kids about kelp forests, harbors and reefs while they climb and play.

The entire exhibit space features a mural by local artist, Amy Mothersbaugh-Roos. Mothersbaugh-Roos, who owns Studio 2091 inCuyahoga Falls, along with several volunteers, has spent over 1,000 hours on the mural that is over 10,000-square feet.  

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Winter hours, through April, are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $6 per person. The parking fee is $2. Starting May 1, the Akron Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $8.50 for senior citizens, $7 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2. For more information visit www.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 provide a dynamic, financially responsible, guest centered animal experience that is energized by innovation and fun. 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.

Submitted by:
David Barnhardt
Director of Marketing & Guest Services
Ph – (330) 375-2550 ext. 7238