Akron Zoo Akron Zoo News 2025

[EagleScout610]

We know officially know that the Madagascar Building will become the Rainforest Building. Sakis, tamarins, birds, tortoises, and a South American rodent species. I think this is to make Legends of the Wild a South American and Asian exhibit area. Especially since Africa is getting bigger. We could someday see lemurs up there in the future to fit in geographically.

Going to put my money on the rodent being Agouti as they're small and can fit into that exhibit space. Also it's interesting that they'll have Legends nearly split down the middle for South America and Asia with this renovation (South America in red, Asia in blue):

That leaves a question - Are there plans to change the mara and nocturnal building? Because if the species coming to the jaguar exhibit really is an Amur leopard, that leaves a section of South America right in the middle of Asia.

 

[TigerValley98]

Going to put my money on the rodent being Agouti as they're small and can fit into that exhibit space. Also it's interesting that they'll have Legends nearly split down the middle for South America and Asia with this renovation (South America in red, Asia in blue):
View attachment 814274
That leaves a question - Are there plans to change the mara and nocturnal building? Because if the species coming to the jaguar exhibit really is an Amur leopard, that leaves a section of South America right in the middle of Asia.

I believe agouti is an option along with paca and pacarana. Another species that could be included in chinchilla. I think each habitat will end up with one species.

 

[TigerValley98]

The current rainforest habitat is getting redone as well. It might go with an Asian theme to go with the neighboring Komodo dragons.

 

[EagleScout610]

I believe agouti is an option along with paca and pacarana. Another species that could be included in chinchilla. I think each habitat will end up with one species.

They could also take over the existing Python exhibit, although they would also fit the rainforest theme.

 

[EagleScout610]

The current rainforest habitat is getting redone as well. It might go with an Asian theme to go with the neighboring Komodo dragons.

I wonder if whatever Curious Creatures is rethemed to will impact the exhibit.

 

[TigerValley98]

I wonder if whatever Curious Creatures is rethemed to will impact the exhibit.

I think changes could come to habitats in Curious Creatures, but not a complete renovation while parts of Legends is closed or around the African expansion opening. So it would be for 2027 or 2029 and after. The zoo is already working on the hospital. They are not going to want too many projects going on at once.

 

[EagleScout610]

A naming contest is underway for the baby gibbon. The options are:

Leuco (pronounced Loo-koh): from white-cheeked gibbon's scientific name, Nomascus leucogenys.
Kien (pronounced Kee-en): means strong in Vietnamese. In southeast Asia, gibbons are seen in folklore as guardians of the forests, symbols of strength and protection.
Coda: In music, a coda is a passage at the end of a musical piece, bringing it to a close. Male gibbons end their duets with females with a musical coda.
Khai: means to begin/new opportunities in Vietnamese.
Rain: There are different myths throughout Asia that a gibbon's song will bring rain.

Here's the link to the contest: Naming Contest | Akron Zoo

 

[EagleScout610]

From the zoo's Facebook-

Our gibbon baby has a name - Leuco!

Thanks to all who voted in our naming contest. This morning, we presented the top two names, Leuco and Coda, to our gibbon family on enrichment. Dad, Milo, with an assist from big sister, Lolani, knocked over Leuco first, making that the final selection.

Leuco is pronounced Loo-koh, which is from the white-cheeked gibbon's scientific name, Nomascus leucogenys. He was born on June 27 to mom, Parker. The gibbon family of four is on habitat daily!

 

[EagleScout610]

Notes from todays visit (9/9)

• The legend signage around Legends of the Wild has all been removed. A real shame as I always liked the stories on them. (Photos are from the Madagascar and Jaguar exhibits)
• A green crested basilisk is now in the green tree Python exhibit in Madagascar.
• The signage calling the building Madagascar has been removed, so from today on I'll be calling it RainForest (as the zoo called it)
• Emperor geese have moved out of the former Jaguar exhibit and the exhibit is signed as empty. The geese aren't signed in the Asian mixed exhibit so I wonder if they've left the zoo.
• Signage around Legends of the Wild has all been updated to a more consistent style (Something I've thought they needed for years)
• Wayfinder posts around the zoo have been updated to a very sleek and modern design. As a design student this made me happy to see.
• The sea anemones in Curious Creatures will soon be moving to a new zoo according to a sign on their exhibit.
• The giant prickly stick insect exhibit in Curious Creatures is now empty and signed as off exhibit.
• Panamanian golden frogs are now on exhibit in Komodo Kingdom in the old tomato frog tank.

 

[Persephone]

That was the best part of Legends. Extremely disappointed to hear it’s been removed.

 

[EagleScout610]

From the zoo's Instagram- Legends of the Wild will be closing on Sept. 15th for pathway construction. In addition the Penguins will be moving to the animal hospital in the coming weeks for their habitat renovation.

Akron Zoo on Instagram: "The Akron Zoo is committed to upholding our status as a world class zoo for both our guests and our animal residents. On September 15, the Legends of the Wild area will be closing for concrete replacement work. Barricades will be in place blocking impacted pathways. This work will take a few weeks. In addition, penguins will be moved to the animal hospital in the coming weeks for habitat maintenance. This work will take several months so make sure you come visit them before they are moved! We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to ensure our zoo meets the highest standards."

 

[TigerValley98]

Notes from todays visit (9/9)

• The legend signage around Legends of the Wild has all been removed. A real shame as I always liked the stories on them. (Photos are from the Madagascar and Jaguar exhibits)
• A green crested basilisk is now in the green tree Python exhibit in Madagascar.
• The signage calling the building Madagascar has been removed, so from today on I'll be calling it RainForest (as the zoo called it)
• Emperor geese have moved out of the former Jaguar exhibit and the exhibit is signed as empty. The geese aren't signed in the Asian mixed exhibit so I wonder if they've left the zoo.
• Signage around Legends of the Wild has all been updated to a more consistent style (Something I've thought they needed for years)
• Wayfinder posts around the zoo have been updated to a very sleek and modern design. As a design student this made me happy to see.
• The sea anemones in Curious Creatures will soon be moving to a new zoo according to a sign on their exhibit.
• The giant prickly stick insect exhibit in Curious Creatures is now empty and signed as off exhibit.
• Panamanian golden frogs are now on exhibit in Komodo Kingdom in the old tomato frog tank.

View attachment 822505 View attachment 822506 View attachment 822510 View attachment 822498

Since the Madagascar Building is going to be themed to a South American rainforest, basilisk is a good choice.

Various habitats in Komodo Kingdom and Curious Creatures are getting new species as part of a refresh since Curious Creatures will likely be around until after the African expansion, the new hospital, and Legends of the Wild renovations.

The emperor geese might be in transition of moving back. They need to do re-introductions. Plus the new tufted deer has not lived with them before.

 

[TigerValley98]

I will be interesting to see where the zoo’s remaining lemurs will be relocated. I am assuming in Africa (current or expansion areas).

 

[TigerValley98]

The theme of the rainforest habitat in Komodo Kingdom will change in the spring. Likely to an Asian theme.

 

[EagleScout610]

The theme of the rainforest habitat in Komodo Kingdom will change in the spring. Likely to an Asian theme.

I wonder if that means the tortoises will move at some point as then they would be the odd species out, being the only South American exhibit in a mainly Asian building.

 

[TigerValley98]

I wonder if that means the tortoises will move at some point as then they would be the odd species out, being the only South American exhibit in a mainly Asian building.

Komodo and the Galapagos are island in the Pacific. They are still connected. The new frogs are Central American and the lobster is from New England, so I do not think it will matter.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

Komodo and the Galapagos are island in the Pacific. They are still connected. The new frogs are Central American and the lobster is from New England, so I do not think it will matter.

I still do not see where the expansion area on the Pride of Africa will be .....!

Any design outlays or plans for the Pride of Africa extension for giraffe and other Savannah hoofstock? Or even info on when the works are planned to start?

 

[EagleScout610]

I still do not see where the expansion area on the Pride of Africa will be .....!

Any design outlays or plans for the Pride of Africa extension for giraffe and other Savannah hoofstock? Or even info on when the works are planned to start?

The area Africa II will go:



And the layout posted by @TigerValley98 last year -

 

[TigerValley98]

The area Africa II will go:

View attachment 824159

And the layout posted by @TigerValley98 last year -
View attachment 824158

There will be additional species not mentioned to fill out the habitat, but they are not breeding programs. I know a concession stand has been added.

 

[TigerValley98]

The waterfowl habitat species will be moving off habitat 9/29. The penguins will be moving off habitat 9/30 for habitat maintenance. This work will take a few months.

The Conservation Carousel will be closed 10/1-10/9 for refinishing work.

Legends of the Wild area is currently closed to the public for concrete work.

Zoo Map | Akron Zoo