Akron Zoo Akron Zoo News 2024
- Thread starter TigerValley98
- Start date
Spent a few hours at Akron today -
- Saw Jasper the smaller Komodo Dragon
- Snow Leopard, Snowy Owls, and Fruit Bats were all no shows
- There's no longer a barrier in front of the Snow Leopard exhibit.
- The Africa II sign has been moved to the corner by the Lion exhibit. Previously it was on the main Africa pathway
- Lots of construction was going on at Zoo Gardens. Looked like they were refurbishing the area.
- Curious Creatures is likely permanent, according to an employee. Previously they had rethemed it every 3-4 years.
- Wild Asia's bird exhibit will likely be built next year
Curious Creatures staying doesn’t surprise me. They can easily add and remove stuff without closing the exhibit down for renovation. Its general theme allows this.
I expect the Wild Asia construction to begin after Wild Lights when the zoo is less busy. Not sure on species though. That may have changed.
The zoo has changed to their winter hours, 11am - 4pm.
From the zoo's website - The Tufted Deer and White Naped Cranes will be off exhibit temporarily starting 9/23 for habitat work.
Milja, the 0.1 Snow Leopard will be moving to a new zoo on Nov. 3rd. Snow Leopard habitat changes will happen next year.
Goodbyes are never easy. Our female snow leopard, Milja, will be moving to a new home soon. Visit the Akron Zoo on odd days* by Nov. 3 to say your goodbyes.
While we’ll miss Milja here in Akron, this move is based on breeding recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to establish a genetically diverse population of snow leopards in The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities.
Our elderly male, Tai Lung, will remain here in the snow leopard habitat daily. We’ll have some exciting news on some changes to our snow leopard habitat to share in 2025!
*Odd days are dependent on Milja and Tai Lung choosing to make the switch.
Goodbyes are never easy. Our female snow leopard, Milja, will be moving to a new home soon. Visit the Akron Zoo on odd days* by Nov. 3 to say your goodbyes.
While we’ll miss Milja here in Akron, this move is based on breeding recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to establish a genetically diverse population of snow leopards in The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities.
Our elderly male, Tai Lung, will remain here in the snow leopard habitat daily. We’ll have some exciting news on some changes to our snow leopard habitat to share in 2025!
*Odd days are dependent on Milja and Tai Lung choosing to make the switch.
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Baryonyx
Well-Known Member
Cool. By changes I assume they mean expanding the Snow Leopard into the former Himalayan Tahr exhibit.
That would be the smart move. Probably means bringing in new Leopards since Tai Lung is elderly and he chooses to stay inside alot, as a zoo employee told me over the summer.
This could also involve the jaguar habitat. They share a back area. Legends of the Wild turns 20 years old next year. Komodo Kingdom does too.
I do wonder what they could possibly do with both the Jaguar and Snow Leopard exhibits since they're pretty land locked. The kid area by the Jaguars could be removed and turned into exhibit, but it's unlikely.
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Milan the Jaguar (0.1) will be leaving the zoo on November 11th. Changes to the Jaguar habitat are coming, much like the Snow Leopard.
Come bid farewell to our jaguar, Milan! Milan will be to another AZA-accredited zoo soon. You can visit daily, weather-pending, before Nov. 11 to wish her goodbye.
This move is due to recommendations from the Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to establish a genetically diverse population of jaguars in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities.
After Milan’s departure, we will be making some changes to the jaguar habitat. Look for more details in the coming months!
Come bid farewell to our jaguar, Milan! Milan will be to another AZA-accredited zoo soon. You can visit daily, weather-pending, before Nov. 11 to wish her goodbye.
This move is due to recommendations from the Jaguar Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to establish a genetically diverse population of jaguars in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities.
After Milan’s departure, we will be making some changes to the jaguar habitat. Look for more details in the coming months!
Baryonyx
Well-Known Member
Me personally, I think the Jaguar exhibit would work better for Ocelots instead of Jaguars, plus there isn't much space to expand.
Request for Qualifications for the Akron Zoo's Pride of Africa Expansion
Request for Qualifications | Akron Zoo
Request for Qualifications | Akron Zoo
Wow! Surprised they're getting Rhinos, as I don't believe that was mentioned anywhere when disccusing Africa II.
Baryonyx
Well-Known Member
From what I see, this will most likely be an Africa Phase III.
I have heard rhinos mentioned a couple times in the past. I am assuming rhinos are part of Pride of Africa III. It is nice to see wildebeests being a highlighted species.
From the zoo's Facebook -
Milja's departure has been slightly delayed, so you now have more time to get your goodbyes in! Visit on odd days* before Nov. 17 to bid farewell to our female snow leopard.
Milja is moving to a new zoo based on breeding recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to establish a genetically diverse population of snow leopards in The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities.
Our elderly male, Tai Lung, will remain here in the snow leopard habitat daily. We’ll have some exciting news on some changes to our snow leopard habitat to share in 2025!
*Odd days are dependent on Milja and Tai Lung choosing to make the switch.
Milja's departure has been slightly delayed, so you now have more time to get your goodbyes in! Visit on odd days* before Nov. 17 to bid farewell to our female snow leopard.
Milja is moving to a new zoo based on breeding recommendations from the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan (SSP), which works to establish a genetically diverse population of snow leopards in The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) facilities.
Our elderly male, Tai Lung, will remain here in the snow leopard habitat daily. We’ll have some exciting news on some changes to our snow leopard habitat to share in 2025!
*Odd days are dependent on Milja and Tai Lung choosing to make the switch.
From the zoo's Facebook-
We're looking into the possibility of changing our Curious Creatures area into something new in years to come. We'd like your input of what you would like to see in this area in the future.
If interested in providing feedback, please fill out the survey, which should take about 10-15 minutes to complete: Microsoft Forms.
The survey will be open through Nov. 12.
We're looking into the possibility of changing our Curious Creatures area into something new in years to come. We'd like your input of what you would like to see in this area in the future.
If interested in providing feedback, please fill out the survey, which should take about 10-15 minutes to complete: Microsoft Forms.
The survey will be open through Nov. 12.