The Akron Zoo will expand its Pride of Africa exhibit by 16 acres in order to make room for new animals including giraffes, ostriches and wildebeests.
Though the final plans for the expansion have yet to be finalized, it’s set to be the Akron Zoo’s largest expansion in quite some time.
“Every time we do a major expansion, we go out to our community and survey them to see what they want to see at the Akron Zoo, and they told us they would love to see giraffes,” said Elena Bell, director of marketing and events. “So we’re very excited to be able to make that a possibility. We’re also very happy and excited for this expansion at the zoo, as it will help drive attendance and revenue.”
Bell explained that a large portion of the expansion is funded through the zoo’s revenue, in addition to philanthropic support and funding from the Summit County levee. Bell also said the Akron Zoo does not take out loans for major projects but pays for all renovations in advance…