Its a new year with Grizzly Ridge opening in late summer. I thought I would open a 2013 news thread.
Akron Zoo Akron Zoo News 2013
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WILD TIMES WITH JUNGLE JACK HANNA
WILD TIMES WITH JUNGLE JACK HANNA
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 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.
WILD TIMES WITH JUNGLE JACK HANNA
WILD TIMES WITH JUNGLE JACK HANNA
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 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.
WILD TIMES WITH JUNGLE JACK HANNA
Shani to Naples, Mandisa to Akron
Akron Zoo exchanging lions with the Naples Zoo
by Akron Zoo on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 1:43pm
The Akron Zoo’s female African lion, Shani, will be leaving for the Naples Zoo in Florida next week. The Akron Zoo will be receiving a female lion, Mandisa, from the Naples Zoo at the same time. The lions are being moved as a recommendation from the Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Shani arrived at the Akron Zoo in 2007 from the Fort Worth Zoo where she was born in 2005. She is being transferred to the Naples Zoo to be paired with a male lion for breeding purposes as part of the Lion SSP. Mandisa was born July 19, 2008 at the NEW Zoo in Greenbay, WI. At this time the Akron Zoo does not have a breeding recommendation for Mandisa and the zoo’s male lion Tamarr. Once Mandisa arrives she will go 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. Shani will continue to be on exhibit through Sunday, January 6, 2013.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akro...g-lions-with-the-naples-zoo/10151225905888042
Akron Zoo exchanging lions with the Naples Zoo
by Akron Zoo on Friday, January 4, 2013 at 1:43pm
The Akron Zoo’s female African lion, Shani, will be leaving for the Naples Zoo in Florida next week. The Akron Zoo will be receiving a female lion, Mandisa, from the Naples Zoo at the same time. The lions are being moved as a recommendation from the Lion Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Shani arrived at the Akron Zoo in 2007 from the Fort Worth Zoo where she was born in 2005. She is being transferred to the Naples Zoo to be paired with a male lion for breeding purposes as part of the Lion SSP. Mandisa was born July 19, 2008 at the NEW Zoo in Greenbay, WI. At this time the Akron Zoo does not have a breeding recommendation for Mandisa and the zoo’s male lion Tamarr. Once Mandisa arrives she will go 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. Shani will continue to be on exhibit through Sunday, January 6, 2013.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akro...g-lions-with-the-naples-zoo/10151225905888042
From the zoo's Facebook page:
With your help we set a new all-time annual attendance record in 2012 with 332,960 visitors. The previous record was 328,953 set in 2008. Attendance for 2012 was a 5.5% increase over 2011 when 315,728 people visited the zoo. Thanks everyone for your support. We look forward to seeing everyone this year! Who was part of the record?
With your help we... | Facebook
With your help we set a new all-time annual attendance record in 2012 with 332,960 visitors. The previous record was 328,953 set in 2008. Attendance for 2012 was a 5.5% increase over 2011 when 315,728 people visited the zoo. Thanks everyone for your support. We look forward to seeing everyone this year! Who was part of the record?
With your help we... | Facebook
ZooTales Winter 2013
The Winter 2013 Edition of Akron ZooTales is out. Here is some of the news:
The Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge opens in August.
All of the zoo’s glass replacement has been completed.
There will be a new It’s The Wild World Animal Show this year along with a new set.
Komodo Kingdom will be partially or completely closed for periods of January, February, and March for repair work.
The Wild Prairie restrooms are being renovated because they will serve as the Grizzly Ridge restrooms as well.
It was asked who the oldest animal was in the zoo. Here are the zoo’s oldest animals:
male white stork – 6/4/1978
Emma, female Humboldt penguin – 4/23/1983
Carlotta, female Andean condor – 5/23/1983
Grock, male Andean condor – 6/29/1983
Lucille, female Dumeril’s ground boa – 9/24/1983
Tex, a male turkey vulture and education animal, has been at the zoo the longest. He arrived at the zoo on 5/10/1986.
The Winter 2013 Edition of Akron ZooTales is out. Here is some of the news:
The Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge opens in August.
All of the zoo’s glass replacement has been completed.
There will be a new It’s The Wild World Animal Show this year along with a new set.
Komodo Kingdom will be partially or completely closed for periods of January, February, and March for repair work.
The Wild Prairie restrooms are being renovated because they will serve as the Grizzly Ridge restrooms as well.
It was asked who the oldest animal was in the zoo. Here are the zoo’s oldest animals:
male white stork – 6/4/1978
Emma, female Humboldt penguin – 4/23/1983
Carlotta, female Andean condor – 5/23/1983
Grock, male Andean condor – 6/29/1983
Lucille, female Dumeril’s ground boa – 9/24/1983
Tex, a male turkey vulture and education animal, has been at the zoo the longest. He arrived at the zoo on 5/10/1986.
Grizzly Ridge Opens July 20th
BREAKING NEWS! The Akron Zoo has announced that The Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge will open JULY 20TH. I will post more information when it becomes available.
BREAKING NEWS! The Akron Zoo has announced that The Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge will open JULY 20TH. I will post more information when it becomes available.
The zoo's resident jaguar pair, Chack and Naom, are grandparents because their only son LeBron has become a father. The baby was born at Brevard Zoo on January 26th. One of LeBron's five sisters named Bella is also still at Akron with her parents. See the press release at the link.
http://brevardzoo.org/assets/upload...013 Feb 4 Baby jaguar born at Brevard Zoo.pdf
http://brevardzoo.org/assets/upload...013 Feb 4 Baby jaguar born at Brevard Zoo.pdf
From Facebook:
Starting today and for the next several weeks Journey to the Reef will be closed due to some restoration work. Check our website, Facebook or Twitter for updates on the reopening. Thanks for your understanding.
https://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo
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The restoration is on the building itself, not just Journey to the Reef. The zoo said in the winter newsletter that Komodo Kingdom could be closed off and on throughout January, February, and March because of work needed to be done to the building.
Starting today and for the next several weeks Journey to the Reef will be closed due to some restoration work. Check our website, Facebook or Twitter for updates on the reopening. Thanks for your understanding.
https://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo
----------------------
The restoration is on the building itself, not just Journey to the Reef. The zoo said in the winter newsletter that Komodo Kingdom could be closed off and on throughout January, February, and March because of work needed to be done to the building.
Zoo Notes From Today:
Journey to the Reef was closed due to the Komodo Kingdom Education Center is having some work done to the building. Temporary closure of other parts of the building will happen in the coming weeks.
African male lion Tamarr is still alone. He has yet to be introduced on exhibit with the new lioness Mandisa.
The Conservation Carousel is open on weekends.
The zoo now has three barking deer. Freedom, the zoo’s female born 9/11/2001, has been joined by and new male and female.
Construction on the Mary and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge continues. I have placed photos in the zoo’s gallery at the link at the bottom of the post. You can now see where the new aviary will go on the side of the hill because the concrete footers are now in place. You can also start to make out where the five main mammal exhibits will be along with the bald eagle exhibit. The new building stand out nicely in the zoo’s changing landscape. The retention pond that will be a new waterfowl pond is coming along nicely. The area where the old monkey island exhibit was located has truly changed into a flattened area with a steep backdrop for the new bald eagle exhibit. Enjoy the photos. July 20th will be here sooner than we think.
Akron Zoo Gallery
Journey to the Reef was closed due to the Komodo Kingdom Education Center is having some work done to the building. Temporary closure of other parts of the building will happen in the coming weeks.
African male lion Tamarr is still alone. He has yet to be introduced on exhibit with the new lioness Mandisa.
The Conservation Carousel is open on weekends.
The zoo now has three barking deer. Freedom, the zoo’s female born 9/11/2001, has been joined by and new male and female.
Construction on the Mary and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge continues. I have placed photos in the zoo’s gallery at the link at the bottom of the post. You can now see where the new aviary will go on the side of the hill because the concrete footers are now in place. You can also start to make out where the five main mammal exhibits will be along with the bald eagle exhibit. The new building stand out nicely in the zoo’s changing landscape. The retention pond that will be a new waterfowl pond is coming along nicely. The area where the old monkey island exhibit was located has truly changed into a flattened area with a steep backdrop for the new bald eagle exhibit. Enjoy the photos. July 20th will be here sooner than we think.
Akron Zoo Gallery
From the zoo's Facebook page:
Starting today and for the next several weeks Komodo Kingdom Cafe will be closed due to some restoration work. A limited menu of food and beverages will be served in Grasslands Cafe. Check our website, Facebook or Twitter for updates on the reopening. Thanks for your understanding.
http://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo
-------------------------------
According to the zoo's website, it is expected that the café will be closed until March.
Untitled Page
Starting today and for the next several weeks Komodo Kingdom Cafe will be closed due to some restoration work. A limited menu of food and beverages will be served in Grasslands Cafe. Check our website, Facebook or Twitter for updates on the reopening. Thanks for your understanding.
http://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo
-------------------------------
According to the zoo's website, it is expected that the café will be closed until March.
Untitled Page
I found the link below on the glass installed to the large mammal exhibits last autumn and I thought I would share it.
Hammerhead International - Aquatic Habitats
Hammerhead International - Aquatic Habitats
From the New York State Zoo At Thompson Park's Facebook page:
On Sunday, February 24th, the New York State Zoo will be celebrating Molly the Otter's first birthday! We invite you to come celebrate with us at 11:00AM. Our keepers will be providing Molly with a special cake to eat and decorating her exhibit. We'll also have delicious donuts and hot beverages available in the Discovery Center for everyone else to enjoy! This exciting and fun opportunity is provided to Zoo visitors courtesy of Carthage Federal Savings and Loan. This event is free for members; regular admission prices apply for non-members.
At the end of March, Molly will be leaving the New York State Zoo and relocating to her new home at the Akron Zoo in Akron, Ohio. There she will be a part of a brand new exhibit, the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge which will include grizzly bears, red wolves, coyotes, river otters, black bears and eagles.
http://www.facebook.com/NYSZoo
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Note: Akron is no linger getting black bears, but I was nice of the New York State Zoo At Thompson Park to mention Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge. I cannot wait to meet Molly.
On Sunday, February 24th, the New York State Zoo will be celebrating Molly the Otter's first birthday! We invite you to come celebrate with us at 11:00AM. Our keepers will be providing Molly with a special cake to eat and decorating her exhibit. We'll also have delicious donuts and hot beverages available in the Discovery Center for everyone else to enjoy! This exciting and fun opportunity is provided to Zoo visitors courtesy of Carthage Federal Savings and Loan. This event is free for members; regular admission prices apply for non-members.
At the end of March, Molly will be leaving the New York State Zoo and relocating to her new home at the Akron Zoo in Akron, Ohio. There she will be a part of a brand new exhibit, the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge which will include grizzly bears, red wolves, coyotes, river otters, black bears and eagles.
http://www.facebook.com/NYSZoo
--------------------
Note: Akron is no linger getting black bears, but I was nice of the New York State Zoo At Thompson Park to mention Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge. I cannot wait to meet Molly.
The Komodo Café and Journey to the Reef still remain closed for restoration work. It is thought that they could reopen in the next couple of weeks. There has been progress on Grizzly Ridge construction. The coyote holding building is going up. The bear and wolf holding building and the otter holding building is being sided. The fence posts are now up for the eagle exhibit. You can also see where the viewing window for the eagle exhibit will go. You can make the main plaza area with the otter, grizzly bear, and red wolf exhibits around it. The porch area on the otter building is slated to be turned into a rotating small mammal exhibit. To see photos, look at the link below.
Akron Zoo Gallery
Akron Zoo Gallery
Raj & Sabu Soon To Depart
Snow leopard cubs leaving Akron
The first ever pair of snow leopard cubs that were born at the Akron Zoo last year are now leaving the zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP). Sabu will be heading to the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI and Raj will be going to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI in March.
Raj and Sabu were born on May, 14, 2012 and made their public debut on exhibit on August 13, 2012. The zoo held a public naming contest for the cubs which garnered 3,852 votes. Raj means king or ruler in India and Sabu is the Tibetan word for snow leopard.
When they were born the male cubs weighed about 2 lbs. and presently they weigh about 55 lbs. Raj is headed to the zoo where his mother, Shanti, was born and where his grandmother, Lotus, currently resides. The Akron Zoo does have another breeding recommendation for Shanti and the cubs’ father, Roscoe. Until the cubs leave in early March they will be on exhibit daily. Updates on their departure will be posted on Akron Zoo, www.facebook.com/akronzoo and at www.twitter.com/akronzoo.
“It will be difficult to see Raj and Sabu move on but they are going to two wonderful AZA accredited zoos. It has been thrilling to have Raj and Sabu here in Akron and our animal care and veterinarian staffs have done an amazing job through this whole process. It makes us very proud to think about the awareness Raj and Sabu have created about this endangered species and how much enjoyment our community had in seeing them grow up over the last 9 months,” commented Akron Zoo President & CEO L. Patricia Simmons.
Snow leopards are an endangered species primarily due to loss of habitat, illegal poaching for their pelts and body parts and killings by local herders when a snow leopard has preyed on their livestock. There are only 155 snow leopards in the SSP in the U.S. and there are believed to be as few as 4,000 left in the wild. Snow leopards cannot roar. Instead of roaring, the snow leopard makes noises like hissing, mewing, chuffing, growling and wailing. Snow leopards can leap farther than any other cat, reaching distances of well over forty feet in a single bound.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akron-zoo/snow-leopard-cubs-leaving-akron/10151343881613042
Snow leopard cubs leaving Akron
The first ever pair of snow leopard cubs that were born at the Akron Zoo last year are now leaving the zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP). Sabu will be heading to the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, RI and Raj will be going to the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, MI in March.
Raj and Sabu were born on May, 14, 2012 and made their public debut on exhibit on August 13, 2012. The zoo held a public naming contest for the cubs which garnered 3,852 votes. Raj means king or ruler in India and Sabu is the Tibetan word for snow leopard.
When they were born the male cubs weighed about 2 lbs. and presently they weigh about 55 lbs. Raj is headed to the zoo where his mother, Shanti, was born and where his grandmother, Lotus, currently resides. The Akron Zoo does have another breeding recommendation for Shanti and the cubs’ father, Roscoe. Until the cubs leave in early March they will be on exhibit daily. Updates on their departure will be posted on Akron Zoo, www.facebook.com/akronzoo and at www.twitter.com/akronzoo.
“It will be difficult to see Raj and Sabu move on but they are going to two wonderful AZA accredited zoos. It has been thrilling to have Raj and Sabu here in Akron and our animal care and veterinarian staffs have done an amazing job through this whole process. It makes us very proud to think about the awareness Raj and Sabu have created about this endangered species and how much enjoyment our community had in seeing them grow up over the last 9 months,” commented Akron Zoo President & CEO L. Patricia Simmons.
Snow leopards are an endangered species primarily due to loss of habitat, illegal poaching for their pelts and body parts and killings by local herders when a snow leopard has preyed on their livestock. There are only 155 snow leopards in the SSP in the U.S. and there are believed to be as few as 4,000 left in the wild. Snow leopards cannot roar. Instead of roaring, the snow leopard makes noises like hissing, mewing, chuffing, growling and wailing. Snow leopards can leap farther than any other cat, reaching distances of well over forty feet in a single bound.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akron-zoo/snow-leopard-cubs-leaving-akron/10151343881613042
Grizzly Ridge Preview & Opening FYI
Akron Zoo Members' Preview - Grizzly Ridge
July 19
Event Time: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy this special preview of the new Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit. This event is exclusively for Akron Zoo Members to enjoy a first look at the new exhibit featuring grizzly bears, red wolves, river otters, bald eagles and a walk-in aviary.
Attendees must present a valid Akron Zoo membership card and photo ID for admission.
Grand Opening - Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge
July 20
Join us for the grand opening of one of our most exciting new exhibits, Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge.
Come nose-to-nose with amazing predators including endangered grizzly bears and red wolves, plus river otters, coyotes and bald eagles. A walk-in aviary, interactive education stations and more await you at the new Grizzly Ridge.
Events
Akron Zoo Members' Preview - Grizzly Ridge
July 19
Event Time: 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy this special preview of the new Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit. This event is exclusively for Akron Zoo Members to enjoy a first look at the new exhibit featuring grizzly bears, red wolves, river otters, bald eagles and a walk-in aviary.
Attendees must present a valid Akron Zoo membership card and photo ID for admission.
Grand Opening - Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge
July 20
Join us for the grand opening of one of our most exciting new exhibits, Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge.
Come nose-to-nose with amazing predators including endangered grizzly bears and red wolves, plus river otters, coyotes and bald eagles. A walk-in aviary, interactive education stations and more await you at the new Grizzly Ridge.
Events
Since Stan Hywet is just down the street from the zoo and I am a member there too, I wanted to share their 2013 plans since they deal with nature.
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Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 2013 Season
A PASSION FOR THE LAND
It's a very busy time of the year as we ready the estate for the season, which begins on Tuesday, April 2. We invite you to visit to share in the experience of A PASSION FOR THE LAND and vibrant exhibits that express the Seiberlings' appreciation of nature as a guiding principle for their enjoyment of life:
INSPIRATION IN BLOOM | Manor House, April 5-7
INSIDE OUT, OUTSIDE IN: Health, Fitness and the Bounty of the Land
Manor House, April 2 - Oct. 26
GARDEN UNDER GLASS: A Lush Tropical Oasis | Corbin Conservatory
AT HOME WITH NATURE: A Giant Habitat Experience | Gardens and Grounds, May-Oct.
BEAUTY IN FLIGHT: Butterflies of North America - Late June-Early Sept.
Sponsored by The J.M. Smucker Co.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
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Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens 2013 Season
A PASSION FOR THE LAND
It's a very busy time of the year as we ready the estate for the season, which begins on Tuesday, April 2. We invite you to visit to share in the experience of A PASSION FOR THE LAND and vibrant exhibits that express the Seiberlings' appreciation of nature as a guiding principle for their enjoyment of life:
INSPIRATION IN BLOOM | Manor House, April 5-7
INSIDE OUT, OUTSIDE IN: Health, Fitness and the Bounty of the Land
Manor House, April 2 - Oct. 26
GARDEN UNDER GLASS: A Lush Tropical Oasis | Corbin Conservatory
AT HOME WITH NATURE: A Giant Habitat Experience | Gardens and Grounds, May-Oct.
BEAUTY IN FLIGHT: Butterflies of North America - Late June-Early Sept.
Sponsored by The J.M. Smucker Co.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
The zoo has announced Grizzly Ridge's opening date of July 20th on Facebook. See the Facebook entry below:
The Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge, which will be one of the largest openings in our history, will open July 20, 2013!!! The area will feature grizzly bears, otters, bald eagles, wolves, coyotes and more!! If you are an Akron Zoo member you get to see it first on July 19. Join now to get the sneak peek!
http://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo
The Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge, which will be one of the largest openings in our history, will open July 20, 2013!!! The area will feature grizzly bears, otters, bald eagles, wolves, coyotes and more!! If you are an Akron Zoo member you get to see it first on July 19. Join now to get the sneak peek!
http://www.facebook.com/AkronZoo
Grizzly Ridge Opening Date Press Release From ABJ
Grizzly Ridge to open July 20 at Akron Zoo
Beacon Journal staff report
Published: March 6, 2013 - 11:51 AM
The Akron Zoo announced Wednesday that its new exhibit, Grizzly Ridge, will open July 20.
The attraction will include grizzly bears and five other species.
Below is the announcement from the zoo:
• • • • •
The Akron Zoo now has an opening date for their newest addition.
Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit will open to the public on July 20, 2013.
Grizzly Ridge will be one of the largest openings in the zoo’s 60 year history and will include over six different animal species, highlighted by grizzly bears.
In addition to grizzly bears, Grizzly Ridge will include some animals never seen before at the Akron Zoo including red wolves and coyotes. River otters and bald eagles, which were previously at the zoo, will make their return with brand new exhibits. The space will also include a walk-in aviary with native Ohio birds.
The zoo will incorporate some state-of-the art experiences in the new exhibit space. The grizzly bear exhibit will include a training wall which will enable people to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at how the keepers facilitate training a grizzly bear. A fully enclosed slide will be built that runs through the otter pool and kids will have the chance to slide through with otters swimming around them.
The exhibit will bear the names Mike and Mary Stark, after two of the zoo’s most ardent supporters and friends. Mike has been a zoo board member since 1994 and is the past Chairman of the Board.
The new exhibit will be nestled on the hillside of the zoo near the Conservation Carousel and extends up to the Farmland Exhibit. The area previously was home to Monkey Island, otters, waterfowl, tortoises, and bald eagles and the old bear exhibit that was not operable anymore and was built in 1918.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 11 a.m. to 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.
Grizzly Ridge to open July 20 at Akron Zoo - News - Ohio
Grizzly Ridge to open July 20 at Akron Zoo
Beacon Journal staff report
Published: March 6, 2013 - 11:51 AM
The Akron Zoo announced Wednesday that its new exhibit, Grizzly Ridge, will open July 20.
The attraction will include grizzly bears and five other species.
Below is the announcement from the zoo:
• • • • •
The Akron Zoo now has an opening date for their newest addition.
Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit will open to the public on July 20, 2013.
Grizzly Ridge will be one of the largest openings in the zoo’s 60 year history and will include over six different animal species, highlighted by grizzly bears.
In addition to grizzly bears, Grizzly Ridge will include some animals never seen before at the Akron Zoo including red wolves and coyotes. River otters and bald eagles, which were previously at the zoo, will make their return with brand new exhibits. The space will also include a walk-in aviary with native Ohio birds.
The zoo will incorporate some state-of-the art experiences in the new exhibit space. The grizzly bear exhibit will include a training wall which will enable people to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at how the keepers facilitate training a grizzly bear. A fully enclosed slide will be built that runs through the otter pool and kids will have the chance to slide through with otters swimming around them.
The exhibit will bear the names Mike and Mary Stark, after two of the zoo’s most ardent supporters and friends. Mike has been a zoo board member since 1994 and is the past Chairman of the Board.
The new exhibit will be nestled on the hillside of the zoo near the Conservation Carousel and extends up to the Farmland Exhibit. The area previously was home to Monkey Island, otters, waterfowl, tortoises, and bald eagles and the old bear exhibit that was not operable anymore and was built in 1918.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Zoo hours are 11 a.m. to 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.
Grizzly Ridge to open July 20 at Akron Zoo - News - Ohio