The Akron Zoo, officially the Akron Zoological Park, sits just west of downtown Akron, Ohio, on 77 acres of land, with 35 acres developed into animal habitats and guest amenities. Its roots trace back to the early 1900s, when Perkins Woods Park was gifted to the city for public enjoyment, but the zoo as most visitors know it dates to 1953, when the site expanded into the Akron Children’s Zoo.
Today the Akron Zoo cares for more than 1,000 animals representing over 90 species, drawing around 400,000 visitors annually and standing as the most visited attraction in Summit County. It has held continuous accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1989 and is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the American Public Gardens Association.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Akron, Ohio
- Opened: 1953
- Size: 77 acres (35 developed)
- Species: 90+ species, 1,000+ animals
- Annual visitors: About 400,000
- Famous for: Grizzly Ridge, Wild Asia, and Pride of Africa exhibits
What to See at the Akron Zoo
The zoo’s habitats have expanded steadily since the early 2000s, with capital projects like Penguin Point, home to Humboldt penguins, and Grizzly Ridge, a 4.2-acre habitat for grizzly bears that opened in 2013. More recent additions include the Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia habitat for Sumatran tigers and red pandas, and the Landon and Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa habitat featuring African lions.
The zoo also houses Legends of the Wild, home to snow leopards, jaguars, and lemurs, and the Komodo Kingdom Education Center. Since 2001, capital improvements have roughly doubled the number of animal exhibits and increased the zoo’s animal population by about 200%.
Conservation and Community Role
Beyond exhibits, the Akron Zoo participates in AZA-coordinated breeding and conservation programs for endangered species, partnering with organizations including the Red Panda Network, Red Wolf Coalition, and Fauna & Flora International.
The zoo transitioned to nonprofit status in 1980, becoming one of the first zoos in the country to privatize, and voters approved a property tax levy in 2000 that continues to support its operations. A new veterinary hospital, backed by an $11.95 million investment, is planned to open in 2026.
Explore more: Explore more Zoos & Aquariums.
Akron Zoo FAQs
When did the Akron Zoo open?
The Akron Zoo traces its origins to the early 1900s, but it became the Akron Children’s Zoo in 1953, the date generally cited as its founding.
How big is the Akron Zoo?
The zoo covers 77 acres, with about 35 acres developed for animal habitats and guest amenities.
How many animals live at the Akron Zoo?
The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 90 species, including grizzly bears, Sumatran tigers, red pandas, African lions, and Humboldt penguins.
Get More from Akron Zoo
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Akron Zoo, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Geographer365 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.