Hammond Construction has updated their Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge page with photos of the new exhibit area.
Hammond Construction
Hammond Construction
Akron Zoo Akron Zoo News 2013
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Panels have been added to the front of the coyote viewing area to prevent sunlight glare.
New Article From The Suburbanite
Bears roar at spacious, new Akron Zoo home
By Andy Harris
The Suburbanite
Posted Aug 08, 2013 @ 04:00 PM
Last update Aug 08, 2013 @ 04:39 PM
Akron, Ohio — Two large attractions are at the center of the biggest expansion in the history of the Akron Zoo.
Jackson and Cheyenne, a pair of 2-year-old grizzly bears, are the residents of Grizzly Ridge – the centerpiece of a 4-acre expansion. The project, funded primarily through county funding and private donations, opened to the public July 20.
Jackson and Cheyenne currently weigh about 300 pounds. The bears will eventually weigh between 600 and 800 pounds.
They lived at the Cleveland Zoo before arriving in Akron and came to Ohio after being orphaned in Wyoming. Their enclosure at the Akron Zoo is 17,000 sq.ft., making it the largest exhibit at the zoo. It sits atop a hill overlooking not only the zoo itself, but the skyline of downtown Akron.
The enclosure includes a 4-foot-deep pool for the bears to swim in and two heated rocks that extend under the barrier between visitors and the animals. That will allow visitors to occupy the same rock as Jackson and Cheyenne, Director of Marketing and Guest Services David Barnhardt said.
Visitors can also get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes work between zoo keepers and the bears through a training wall that will be open at certain times during the day and for behind-the-scenes tours.
The enclosure is located on the same site as a bear exhibit that opened in 1918, 35 years before the zoo was founded. The original exhibit closed several years later. The design of the bear porch at the new exhibit is based on the design of the Mustill Store building, located near the Towpath Trail and built in the 1850s.
MORE THAN BEARS
Four other types of animals are part of the new exhibit: Bald eagles, red wolves, coyotes and river otters. The coyotes are not expected to arrive until late August or September because the pups are part of a late litter and are not old enough to be transported to the zoo yet.
Five bald eagles, three river otters and two red wolves are on display. For the eagles – Unity, Wayne, Lakota, Petry and Spirit – their new home is five times larger than the previous space for eagles at the zoo. The quintet represents the most bald eagles ever exhibited at the zoo at one time.
"Hunger Games" fans will be able to appreciate the red wolf exhibit, where Rue and Katniss reside. The pair, which are 2-years-old, come from Miller Park Zoo in Illinois. They will have minimal direct contact with humans during their time at the zoo so they will not become domesticated, Barnhardt said.
In the event they are released into the wild, they will then be able to make a smoother transition from life in captivity.
A trio of river otters named Emme, Molly and Porthos have their own slice of Grizzly Ridge to call home. Their 30,000-gallon tank features an acrylic slide through the water that visitors can slide down for the feeling of swimming with the otters.
Those looking for a closer experience with the wild have that chance at the aviary, where 65 birds from 15 species fly around freely, with a net over the top of the area to keep them inside. Blue jays, cardinals and bobwhite quails are among the species living inside the aviary.
FAMILIAR FAVORITES
The traditional favorites among the zoo's collection of animals remain popular with visitors. The Humboldt pengiuns remain in their regular spot at Penguin Point, near the main entrance, and Tiger Valley offers African lions, Sumatran tigers and sloth bears.
In Farmland, animals such as goats and chickens reside and visitors can buy special crackers to feed the goats as the animals approach the fence and show off for anyone walking by. Farmland also has a short train loop where children can go for a ride and learn fun facts about life on the farm.
The zoo offers free tickets to local communities during its Community Days celebration. Tickets are made available to local governments, which then distribute their allotted tickets to residents as they choose. The $2 parking fee is not included with the free tickets. Community days for Clinton, Coventry, Green, Lakemore, Mogadore, New Franklin and Springfield residents are Sept. 1-5.
Read more: Bears roar at spacious, new Akron Zoo home - Akron, OH - The Suburbanite
Bears roar at spacious, new Akron Zoo home
By Andy Harris
The Suburbanite
Posted Aug 08, 2013 @ 04:00 PM
Last update Aug 08, 2013 @ 04:39 PM
Akron, Ohio — Two large attractions are at the center of the biggest expansion in the history of the Akron Zoo.
Jackson and Cheyenne, a pair of 2-year-old grizzly bears, are the residents of Grizzly Ridge – the centerpiece of a 4-acre expansion. The project, funded primarily through county funding and private donations, opened to the public July 20.
Jackson and Cheyenne currently weigh about 300 pounds. The bears will eventually weigh between 600 and 800 pounds.
They lived at the Cleveland Zoo before arriving in Akron and came to Ohio after being orphaned in Wyoming. Their enclosure at the Akron Zoo is 17,000 sq.ft., making it the largest exhibit at the zoo. It sits atop a hill overlooking not only the zoo itself, but the skyline of downtown Akron.
The enclosure includes a 4-foot-deep pool for the bears to swim in and two heated rocks that extend under the barrier between visitors and the animals. That will allow visitors to occupy the same rock as Jackson and Cheyenne, Director of Marketing and Guest Services David Barnhardt said.
Visitors can also get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes work between zoo keepers and the bears through a training wall that will be open at certain times during the day and for behind-the-scenes tours.
The enclosure is located on the same site as a bear exhibit that opened in 1918, 35 years before the zoo was founded. The original exhibit closed several years later. The design of the bear porch at the new exhibit is based on the design of the Mustill Store building, located near the Towpath Trail and built in the 1850s.
MORE THAN BEARS
Four other types of animals are part of the new exhibit: Bald eagles, red wolves, coyotes and river otters. The coyotes are not expected to arrive until late August or September because the pups are part of a late litter and are not old enough to be transported to the zoo yet.
Five bald eagles, three river otters and two red wolves are on display. For the eagles – Unity, Wayne, Lakota, Petry and Spirit – their new home is five times larger than the previous space for eagles at the zoo. The quintet represents the most bald eagles ever exhibited at the zoo at one time.
"Hunger Games" fans will be able to appreciate the red wolf exhibit, where Rue and Katniss reside. The pair, which are 2-years-old, come from Miller Park Zoo in Illinois. They will have minimal direct contact with humans during their time at the zoo so they will not become domesticated, Barnhardt said.
In the event they are released into the wild, they will then be able to make a smoother transition from life in captivity.
A trio of river otters named Emme, Molly and Porthos have their own slice of Grizzly Ridge to call home. Their 30,000-gallon tank features an acrylic slide through the water that visitors can slide down for the feeling of swimming with the otters.
Those looking for a closer experience with the wild have that chance at the aviary, where 65 birds from 15 species fly around freely, with a net over the top of the area to keep them inside. Blue jays, cardinals and bobwhite quails are among the species living inside the aviary.
FAMILIAR FAVORITES
The traditional favorites among the zoo's collection of animals remain popular with visitors. The Humboldt pengiuns remain in their regular spot at Penguin Point, near the main entrance, and Tiger Valley offers African lions, Sumatran tigers and sloth bears.
In Farmland, animals such as goats and chickens reside and visitors can buy special crackers to feed the goats as the animals approach the fence and show off for anyone walking by. Farmland also has a short train loop where children can go for a ride and learn fun facts about life on the farm.
The zoo offers free tickets to local communities during its Community Days celebration. Tickets are made available to local governments, which then distribute their allotted tickets to residents as they choose. The $2 parking fee is not included with the free tickets. Community days for Clinton, Coventry, Green, Lakemore, Mogadore, New Franklin and Springfield residents are Sept. 1-5.
Read more: Bears roar at spacious, new Akron Zoo home - Akron, OH - The Suburbanite
A green heron is now living in the Aviary at Grizzly Ridge. Call ducks and domestic rabbits were out in the cabin porch educational animal exhibit area. Attendance is still crazy. Employees are parking in the grass area adjacent to C lot.
TeamTapir223
Well-Known Member
Can't wait for school to start so we can spend some real time at Grizzly Ridge and enjoy it !
Team Tapir223
Record Attendance
Akron Zoo sees record crowds in first month since the opening of Grizzly Ridge exhibit
Published: August 23, 2013 9:00AM
Akron, Ohio – The bears have been all the buzz at the Akron Zoo. Since the Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit opened on July 20, 2013, over 109,000 people have visited the new exhibit in the first month. That is 69,000 people, a 59% increase, more than last year during the same time frame.
On July 24, 6,304 people visited making it the largest single attended day in the zoo’s history. In addition to Grizzly Ridge being opened, on the record setting day, the zoo partnered with Akron Public Schools for Backpack Adventure and kids were able to get school supplies at the zoo that day. Eight of the zoo’s top ten attended days in their 60-year history have taken place since the new exhibit has opened. The zoo has had 19 days in the first month with over 3,000 people visiting. In comparison the zoo had 12 days with 3,000 or more visitors in all of 2012.
“We are just thrilled that our community is enjoying the new expansion at the zoo,” commented L. Patricia Simmons, President & CEO of the Akron Zoo. “This exhibit is one they have asked for, and with their support, we were able to build. It is just great to see them reap the benefits of their support for the zoo.”
The new exhibit features grizzly bears, river otters, red wolves, bald eagles and a walk-in aviary. Coyotes are expected to be on exhibit this fall as part of the new expansion. One of the most popular spots in Grizzly Ridge has been the otter slide, which is a fully enclosed acrylic tube that goes through the otter exhibit.
“Grizzly Ridge is a fun and interactive space for visitors, a recreated natural habitat for animals like grizzly bears and bald eagles and a place where kids of all ages come learn about endangered species like red wolves,” added Simmons. “It has been wonderful to see kids get nose-to-nose with the otters in the slide. We hope it provides families memories for years to come.”
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. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Akron Zoo sees record crowds in first month since the opening of Grizzly Ridge exhibit - Hudson Hub-Times | Hudson & Summit County, OH
Akron Zoo sees record crowds in first month since the opening of Grizzly Ridge exhibit
Published: August 23, 2013 9:00AM
Akron, Ohio – The bears have been all the buzz at the Akron Zoo. Since the Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge exhibit opened on July 20, 2013, over 109,000 people have visited the new exhibit in the first month. That is 69,000 people, a 59% increase, more than last year during the same time frame.
On July 24, 6,304 people visited making it the largest single attended day in the zoo’s history. In addition to Grizzly Ridge being opened, on the record setting day, the zoo partnered with Akron Public Schools for Backpack Adventure and kids were able to get school supplies at the zoo that day. Eight of the zoo’s top ten attended days in their 60-year history have taken place since the new exhibit has opened. The zoo has had 19 days in the first month with over 3,000 people visiting. In comparison the zoo had 12 days with 3,000 or more visitors in all of 2012.
“We are just thrilled that our community is enjoying the new expansion at the zoo,” commented L. Patricia Simmons, President & CEO of the Akron Zoo. “This exhibit is one they have asked for, and with their support, we were able to build. It is just great to see them reap the benefits of their support for the zoo.”
The new exhibit features grizzly bears, river otters, red wolves, bald eagles and a walk-in aviary. Coyotes are expected to be on exhibit this fall as part of the new expansion. One of the most popular spots in Grizzly Ridge has been the otter slide, which is a fully enclosed acrylic tube that goes through the otter exhibit.
“Grizzly Ridge is a fun and interactive space for visitors, a recreated natural habitat for animals like grizzly bears and bald eagles and a place where kids of all ages come learn about endangered species like red wolves,” added Simmons. “It has been wonderful to see kids get nose-to-nose with the otters in the slide. We hope it provides families memories for years to come.”
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. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Akron Zoo sees record crowds in first month since the opening of Grizzly Ridge exhibit - Hudson Hub-Times | Hudson & Summit County, OH
WKSU news story on the Akron Zoo grizzly bears that includes the article, the audio from the news story from on air, extra audio, and photos.
WKSU News: The care and feeding of grizzly bears at the Akron Zoo
WKSU News: The care and feeding of grizzly bears at the Akron Zoo
The baby seahorses are now on exhibit with the adults in Journey to the Reef. The birds are still not currently in the waterfowl exhibit in Legends of the Wild. Several species are in the gorge exhibit in Tiger Valley. The rest are off exhibit at this time. TNT is currently is the only Komodo dragon on exhibit since the new females, Draco and Charlie, started climbing the trees in the exhibit and getting to close to the vents and lighting. They are currently spending their time, when not in the indoor back area, in the behind-the-scenes outdoor yard.
Akron Zoo seeking levy renewal
Akron Zoo seeking levy renewal
9/12/2013 - West Side Leader
By Kathleen Folkerth
WEST AKRON — Summit County residents will be asked to support the Akron Zoo’s renewal levy in the Nov. 5 General Election.
This is the third time the 0.8-mill levy is on the ballot, according to zoo President and CEO Patricia Simmons.
“The original levy in 2000 passed by 1 percent,” Simmons said. “We asked this community, do you even want a zoo? We were thinking maybe we couldn’t fund it at a level that wasn’t professional. After it passed, we spent the next six years or so working to build the zoo they asked us for.”
In 2006, the first renewal of the levy passed with 62 percent of voters in favor of it, Simmons said.
“We moved the dial,” she said. “That was very, very important to us, to validate the fact that we were doing the right things for the community. We’ve continued to meet all of our promises, and we are hoping Summit County will come out and support us again.”
Simmons said the levy collects $8 million a year to fund the zoo’s operations. It costs residents $23 annually for each $100,000 in property value, she added.
The levy provides funding for about half of the zoo’s annual operating budget, Simmons said. The other half comes from fundraising and earned income from admission fees, membership and gift shop and concession sales.
The zoo has about 80 full-time employees, a number that expands to about 150 during its busy summer months, Simmons said. There are also more than 100 volunteers who serve a variety of roles.
Prior to the approval of the property tax levy, the zoo was supported by an annual grant from the city of Akron, Simmons said. She added that having the levy in place has enabled the zoo to make many improvements.
“It’s made us one of the finest small zoos in the country,” she said. “We could not have done this without Summit County’s citizens.”
The ballot issue comes at a time when the zoo is riding a wave of popularity brought on by its newest addition, Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge. It opened July 20 and has resulted in record-breaking attendance numbers for the zoo.
David Barnhardt, director of marketing and guest services, said the zoo set an attendance record July 24 with more than 6,300 people. He added that eight of the 10 days with the zoo’s highest attendance in history came in the month after Grizzly Ridge opened.
“Grizzly Ridge is the largest improvement we’ve ever done,” Simmons said. “It’s been very, very well received.”
She said the exhibit was created as other recent additions at the zoo have been, through a process of surveying members of the community and zoo members about what they want to see.
The past 10 years have seen the zoo move its main entrance from Edgewood Avenue to Euclid Avenue and open the new Barnhardt Family Welcome Center and Lehner Family Zoo Gardens, the exhibit Legends of the Wild and the Komodo Kingdom Education Center, which has hosted two popular ocean-based exhibits. The zoo also renovated the Farmland and added a solar-powered train, and opened the Conservation Carousel.
Should the renewal levy pass in November, Simmons said the zoo plans to embark on another major project during the next seven-year levy cycle.
“We will do some renovations or a complete reworking of an area of the zoo, plus something that is new and exciting,” she said.
The zoo has about 20 acres available to expand if that’s the direction it decides to go, Simmons said.
As for renovations, she noted that the tiger exhibit, which was state-of-the-art 20 years ago, is no longer acceptable for the zoo to participate in breeding programs, so that may be addressed.
“Some of our older stuff, although we keep it neat and tidy and well maintained, is not serving at the professional level we would like,” Simmons said.
The levy also supports the zoo’s education efforts through programming, she said.
The Akron Zoo is similar to Ohio’s other major zoos as far as its funding goes, Simmons said.
“All of the major zoos in Ohio — Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland — have property tax levies and operate the same way we do,” she said.
She added that a 35-member Board of Trustees manages the operations and growth of the zoo and serves as stewards of the levy dollars. The board is self-electing, but some members are appointed through the city and county. The trustees meet between six and eight times a year, Simmons said.
Once the issue number is assigned for the levy, Simmons said a campaign to promote the levy will get underway, with yard signs, mailers and endorsements.
Should the levy not pass this time, Simmons said the board would likely work to place it on the ballot again. The renewal levy is slated to begin collection in 2015.
For information on the levy, go to voteforakronzoo.org.
Akron Ohio News - Akron Zoo seeking levy renewal
Akron Zoo seeking levy renewal
9/12/2013 - West Side Leader
By Kathleen Folkerth
WEST AKRON — Summit County residents will be asked to support the Akron Zoo’s renewal levy in the Nov. 5 General Election.
This is the third time the 0.8-mill levy is on the ballot, according to zoo President and CEO Patricia Simmons.
“The original levy in 2000 passed by 1 percent,” Simmons said. “We asked this community, do you even want a zoo? We were thinking maybe we couldn’t fund it at a level that wasn’t professional. After it passed, we spent the next six years or so working to build the zoo they asked us for.”
In 2006, the first renewal of the levy passed with 62 percent of voters in favor of it, Simmons said.
“We moved the dial,” she said. “That was very, very important to us, to validate the fact that we were doing the right things for the community. We’ve continued to meet all of our promises, and we are hoping Summit County will come out and support us again.”
Simmons said the levy collects $8 million a year to fund the zoo’s operations. It costs residents $23 annually for each $100,000 in property value, she added.
The levy provides funding for about half of the zoo’s annual operating budget, Simmons said. The other half comes from fundraising and earned income from admission fees, membership and gift shop and concession sales.
The zoo has about 80 full-time employees, a number that expands to about 150 during its busy summer months, Simmons said. There are also more than 100 volunteers who serve a variety of roles.
Prior to the approval of the property tax levy, the zoo was supported by an annual grant from the city of Akron, Simmons said. She added that having the levy in place has enabled the zoo to make many improvements.
“It’s made us one of the finest small zoos in the country,” she said. “We could not have done this without Summit County’s citizens.”
The ballot issue comes at a time when the zoo is riding a wave of popularity brought on by its newest addition, Mike and Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge. It opened July 20 and has resulted in record-breaking attendance numbers for the zoo.
David Barnhardt, director of marketing and guest services, said the zoo set an attendance record July 24 with more than 6,300 people. He added that eight of the 10 days with the zoo’s highest attendance in history came in the month after Grizzly Ridge opened.
“Grizzly Ridge is the largest improvement we’ve ever done,” Simmons said. “It’s been very, very well received.”
She said the exhibit was created as other recent additions at the zoo have been, through a process of surveying members of the community and zoo members about what they want to see.
The past 10 years have seen the zoo move its main entrance from Edgewood Avenue to Euclid Avenue and open the new Barnhardt Family Welcome Center and Lehner Family Zoo Gardens, the exhibit Legends of the Wild and the Komodo Kingdom Education Center, which has hosted two popular ocean-based exhibits. The zoo also renovated the Farmland and added a solar-powered train, and opened the Conservation Carousel.
Should the renewal levy pass in November, Simmons said the zoo plans to embark on another major project during the next seven-year levy cycle.
“We will do some renovations or a complete reworking of an area of the zoo, plus something that is new and exciting,” she said.
The zoo has about 20 acres available to expand if that’s the direction it decides to go, Simmons said.
As for renovations, she noted that the tiger exhibit, which was state-of-the-art 20 years ago, is no longer acceptable for the zoo to participate in breeding programs, so that may be addressed.
“Some of our older stuff, although we keep it neat and tidy and well maintained, is not serving at the professional level we would like,” Simmons said.
The levy also supports the zoo’s education efforts through programming, she said.
The Akron Zoo is similar to Ohio’s other major zoos as far as its funding goes, Simmons said.
“All of the major zoos in Ohio — Toledo, Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland — have property tax levies and operate the same way we do,” she said.
She added that a 35-member Board of Trustees manages the operations and growth of the zoo and serves as stewards of the levy dollars. The board is self-electing, but some members are appointed through the city and county. The trustees meet between six and eight times a year, Simmons said.
Once the issue number is assigned for the levy, Simmons said a campaign to promote the levy will get underway, with yard signs, mailers and endorsements.
Should the levy not pass this time, Simmons said the board would likely work to place it on the ballot again. The renewal levy is slated to begin collection in 2015.
For information on the levy, go to voteforakronzoo.org.
Akron Ohio News - Akron Zoo seeking levy renewal
From the zoo's Facebook page:
The carousel will be closed Monday - Wednesday this week. Also part of Asian Trail will also be closed for routine maintenance Monday - Thursday. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
The carousel will be closed Monday - Wednesday this week. Also part of Asian Trail will also be closed for routine maintenance Monday - Thursday. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Endangered Humboldt penguin chicks born at the zoo
Endangered Humboldt penguin chicks born at the zoo
September 18, 2013 at 10:28am
Two endangered Humboldt penguins were born at the Akron Zoo in June and they are now on exhibit. The chicks have been inside their burrows most of the summer but are now on exhibit with the other 21 Humboldt penguins at Penguin Point. There have now been 13 chicks born at the Akron Zoo since Penguin Point opened in 2003.
The chicks, named Bisnieto, which means “great-grandson” in Spanish, and Regalo, which means “gift” in Spanish, were born June 8 and June 11 respectively. Their biological parents are Zulimar, age 4, and Nina, age 2, but since they are young penguins and would have been first time parents, the zoo had the chick’s great-grandparents, Tweedle and Una, foster them to ensure successful hatching of the eggs.
Come see them at the zoo!
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akro...guin-chicks-born-at-the-zoo/10151694084323042
Endangered Humboldt penguin chicks born at the zoo
September 18, 2013 at 10:28am
Two endangered Humboldt penguins were born at the Akron Zoo in June and they are now on exhibit. The chicks have been inside their burrows most of the summer but are now on exhibit with the other 21 Humboldt penguins at Penguin Point. There have now been 13 chicks born at the Akron Zoo since Penguin Point opened in 2003.
The chicks, named Bisnieto, which means “great-grandson” in Spanish, and Regalo, which means “gift” in Spanish, were born June 8 and June 11 respectively. Their biological parents are Zulimar, age 4, and Nina, age 2, but since they are young penguins and would have been first time parents, the zoo had the chick’s great-grandparents, Tweedle and Una, foster them to ensure successful hatching of the eggs.
Come see them at the zoo!
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akro...guin-chicks-born-at-the-zoo/10151694084323042
The upper portion of the red panda wooden fence with glass barrier has been replaced. The duplicated the looks of the original. The wood and the upper glass have been replaced. The waterfall exhibit in Legends is still empty. The alpacas, Ranger and Sabe, are not in their exhibit in Legends, but at the Pony Barn in Wild Prairie. The animals on the big sign by the road entrance are not longer images since they have faded over the years. They are now all black silhouettes.
I found out some more information from the zoo:
The alpacas have been moved temporarily for minor exhibit construction. The return of the waterfowl to the waterfall is still TBD and there is no new news yet on the aviary*.
*The aviary mention is the aviary between Tiger Valley and Wild Prairie.
The alpacas have been moved temporarily for minor exhibit construction. The return of the waterfowl to the waterfall is still TBD and there is no new news yet on the aviary*.
*The aviary mention is the aviary between Tiger Valley and Wild Prairie.
Thanks to you we have set a new all-time attendance record!
October 2, 2013 at 8:27am
The Akron Zoo set a new all-time annual attendance record on Friday, September 27, 2013, surpassing the previous annual attendance record of 332,960, which was set just last year. Since the zoo’s new exhibit, the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge, opened July 20, 2013, the zoo has seen record crowds visiting daily.
On July 24, 2013 the zoo shattered its all-time one day attendance record with over 6,300 people. The previous record was 5,714 set in 1957. Of the now over 336,000 people that have visited the zoo this year about 50% of those visitors have come since the opening of Grizzly Ridge. Nine of the zoo’s top 10 attended days in history have come since the new exhibit opened.
“We are so humbled by the community’s support of their zoo. Our staff and volunteers have worked hard to provide our visitors with more animals, more education and more exhibits,” said zoo President & CEO L. Patricia Simmons. “With the community’s support and feedback they have helped create up-close experiences with some of the world’s most amazing creatures.”
Grizzly Ridge is the largest exhibit to open in the zoo’s 60-year history. The new exhibit, which is about four acres, features grizzly bears, river otters, red wolves, bald eagles and a walk-in aviary. Coyotes are expected to be on exhibit this fall as part of the new expansion. One of the most popular spots in Grizzly Ridge has been the otter slide, which is a fully enclosed acrylic tube that goes through the otter exhibit.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akro...-all-time-attendnace-record/10151721546493042
October 2, 2013 at 8:27am
The Akron Zoo set a new all-time annual attendance record on Friday, September 27, 2013, surpassing the previous annual attendance record of 332,960, which was set just last year. Since the zoo’s new exhibit, the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge, opened July 20, 2013, the zoo has seen record crowds visiting daily.
On July 24, 2013 the zoo shattered its all-time one day attendance record with over 6,300 people. The previous record was 5,714 set in 1957. Of the now over 336,000 people that have visited the zoo this year about 50% of those visitors have come since the opening of Grizzly Ridge. Nine of the zoo’s top 10 attended days in history have come since the new exhibit opened.
“We are so humbled by the community’s support of their zoo. Our staff and volunteers have worked hard to provide our visitors with more animals, more education and more exhibits,” said zoo President & CEO L. Patricia Simmons. “With the community’s support and feedback they have helped create up-close experiences with some of the world’s most amazing creatures.”
Grizzly Ridge is the largest exhibit to open in the zoo’s 60-year history. The new exhibit, which is about four acres, features grizzly bears, river otters, red wolves, bald eagles and a walk-in aviary. Coyotes are expected to be on exhibit this fall as part of the new expansion. One of the most popular spots in Grizzly Ridge has been the otter slide, which is a fully enclosed acrylic tube that goes through the otter exhibit.
https://www.facebook.com/notes/akro...-all-time-attendnace-record/10151721546493042
The London Zoo has announced that former Akron Zoo resident Sumatran tiger Jae-Jae has become a father. Congratulations Jae-Jae!