When you hear the word “matchmaker,” you may think of Fiddler on the Roof, the opening of Mulan or even one of the hundreds of dating sites that guarantees to “find you your soulmate, or your money back!” However, this National Matchmaker Day, we wanted to highlight some of the unsung relationship gurus who work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) - our Species Survival Plans (SSP) coordinators!

SSP coordinators oversee the population management of a wide variety of SSPs. The purpose of an SSP is to coordinate species conservation, husbandry, management, research and education initiatives for a certain species across all participating AZA institutions. Currently, there are almost 500 SSP programs within the AZA. Your Akron Zoo participates in 46 of these programs, including snow leopard, capybara, Humboldt penguin and Speke’s gazelle! Read on to learn more about each of these species and how they have found success through our SSP programs.

Snow Leopard

The snow leopard SSP is coordinated by Jay Tetzloff of the Miller Park Zoo, who works hard to “match up” snow leopards and increase the population of these endangered big cats within AZA institutions. Since the Akron Zoo’s Legends of the Wild opened in 2005, the Akron Zoo has been an active participant in the snow leopard SSP, and we have had a remarkable amount of success with the species. In that time, our female snow leopard, Shanti, has given birth to eight healthy snow leopard cubs: seven with her previous mate, Roscoe, and Baya, who was born to Shanti and her current mate, Tai Lung.

Not only does Tetzloff make breeding recommendations, but he also finds space for cubs once they are full-grown. In their native habitat, snow leopards are solitary, so cubs naturally leave their mother’s side when they are old enough to fend for themselves. Cubs in AZA institutions need a bit more help “moving out,” so Tetzloff does research to determine which zoos can provide the cub with an ideal home, as well as whether or not they should be matched for breeding. Baya is almost old enough now to find a new home, and will soon be placed at another zoo. Though we will sincerely miss her, we know she is in great hands and that her new home will love and care for her just as much as we do!

Capybara

As mentioned before, one goal of an SSP is husbandry. However, because not every individual wants to have a relationship, it is also important that SSP coordinators care for the needs of individual animals within their program in addition to the species as a whole. The Capybara SSP offers an excellent example of this balance.

The Capybara SSP is managed here at the Akron Zoo by Shelley Orloski! However, despite having a “home field advantage” in her SSP, you may have noticed that our capybara, Atlantis, does not live with a mate. This is because Atlantis has an individual preference to live alone. Years ago, Atlantis was partnered with a male capybara in hopes of a blossoming love connection. Unfortunately, Atlantis made it clear that she was not willing to share her habitat, and the male was moved to another zoo to spend time with more welcoming company.

The goal of the Capybara SSP is still to maintain a population of roughly 200 individuals. However, to best care for Atlantis, she has been removed from the SSP’s breeding program and instead enjoys the single life at the Akron Zoo. She now has her own habitat and private pool, where she can relax and be cared for individually by her keepers. 

Humboldt Penguin

The Akron Zoo began its first penguin colony in 1998 with just five penguins. Penguin Point, their newest habitat, opened in 2003. Since then we have celebrated 17 births, mourned a few deaths, and anticipated the arrival of several new penguins from other AZA institutions. All of these changes occurred under the guidance of the Humboldt Penguin SSP coordinator. Today, this program is overseen by Alex Waier of the Milwaukee Zoo. Our most recent change under his guidance was the addition of five new penguins to our colony: Zeke, Markona, Huevo, Pluma and Anchovetta. All five have been settling in nicely, and we are optimistic that we will continue to see new chicks from these new members of the colony, as well as our long-time residents!

Speke’s Gazelle

Our Speke’s gazelles have had a home at the Akron Zoo since 2019, when we opened our most recent expansion, Pride of Africa. Though they made their debut only a year ago, our Speke’s gazelles have already found success as part of their SSP. Though they were somewhat hesitant during their first introductions, Gondar and Gambella bonded quickly and even gave birth to a daughter, Aluna, in early January 2020! Thanks to the ideal pairing of our gazelles by SSP coordinator Christy Poelker of the St. Louis Zoo, the Akron Zoo is looking forward to continuing to grow the population of this endangered species, and welcoming many more calves in the years to come!

You know who else is a great match? Your Akron Zoo and Summit County! The Akron Zoo is one of the most visited attractions in Summit County with over 400,000 guests each year. Despite the Akron Zoo being one of the county’s largest attractions, our levy is the smallest of any tax-supported organization in Summit County, and we will once again be on the ballot this November.

         We thank readers like you for your continued support! With your help, we will continue to provide outstanding animal care, engaging educational programs and exciting habitats for the more than 1000 animals in our care. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon!