Akron Zoological Park

Programs: Facilities & groundsthe purpose of the facilities and grounds program is to create a positive guest-centered experience and to ensure the safety and integrity of all natural and manmade structures, including the property. This is accomplished through an extensive horticulture collection that includes many lush plantings and gardens that create beautiful habitats and accentuate the animal exhibits and pathways by creating an immersive experience for guests as they stroll through the zoo. Several gardens and landscaped areas were designed to attract native wildlife and support butterfly conservation efforts. Besides creating beautiful spaces, the facilities & grounds program also creates interactive, educational exhibits that showcase specific species. In addition, the facilities & grounds department conducts a comprehensive preventative maintenance program annually to enhance and maintain the life of buildings and their environs, life support systems and mechanical/geothermal/electrical/plumbing/other systems. Provided 365 days of facility maintenance.

animal carefrom african lions to microscopic coral, the akron zoo provides care to over 2,400 animals representing approximately 240 species. Participation in conservation programs, includes field work, sustainability efforts and citizen science projects is critical to accomplishing the zoo's mission. Field projects include coral reef restoration, research on white-winged wood ducks, support of projects like rebuilding the pride and the red panda network. The zoo took part in the reintroduction of an endangered snail back into its native habitat. This reintroduction put an animal that was extinct in the wild back into the wild - a huge accomplishment. Through these programs and projects, the zoo is actively saving wildlife and their habitats, as well as, taking a leader-ship role in the management of endangered species programs (i. E. Red wolf, freshwater stingrays, partula snails, capybara). In conjunction with the specified survival efforts, the animal care program provides individualized husbandry, veterinary care, and training to each animal. Advances are continually being made to enhance and increase animal training in order to facilitate veterinary care, promote natural behavior in animals and enhance the guest experience. Provided 365 days of animal care.

educationthe education program is vital to the mission of the zoo. Through education we are able to connect people to wildlife and foster appreciation for our natural world, all of these efforts can have a positive impact in saving wildlife for future generations. The zoo presents over 750 science-based programs to over 50,000 people each year. Both on and off site programs are offered to adults and children. Many of these formal programs are fee based to generate revenue to support the zoo. Along with formal programs, the education program also focuses on how to connect with the average zoo visitor. Exhibit signage, animal shows and presentations, discover carts, learning lab and interactive areas are ways the program educates guests while they are at the zoo and helps accomplish our mission. In 2017, the zoo design team created an exhibit called "curious creatures. " this exhibit focuses on animals with unique and unusual adaptations and is education focused with scientific information presented on biodiviersity, climate change and biomimicry. 50,000 participants served.

membership and guest services, group events, and other.