Each year, Animal Welfare Day is celebrated on October 4. This holiday began in 1925 as a way to celebrate the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was the patron saint of animals. Today, the purpose of World Animal Day is to improve welfare standards for animals around the world. By providing opportunities for education, and dedicating our resources to providing the highest possible standard of care for our animals, your Akron Zoo is working hard to help build a world where animal welfare is a top priority.

The Akron Zoo is one of only 238 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). As part of the AZA, we are held to the highest standards of animal care, welfare and professional operations of a zoo or aquarium. Not only that, but as part of the AZA, your Akron Zoo is helping to save endangered species from extinction by participating in 46 species survival plans and 21 conservation and recovery projects, in partnership with other AZA institutions.

Since 2012, the Zoo has increased the number of animals and species in its care, including endangered red wolves, Speke’s gazelles, octopus, naked mole rats, tree monitors, snowy owls, red breasted geese, musk deer and grizzly bears. In 2019, the Zoo opened Pride of Africa, featuring amazing animals, including Africa lions, Speke's gazelles and white storks, and we look forward to the opening of Wild Asia in 2021, which will feature endangered tigers, red pandas and gibbons. Despite the increased population at our Zoo, all of our animals continue to receive the same level of care and are given individual attention from their keepers to ensure their welfare.

This November, the Akron Zoo levy will once again be on the ballot. Passage of this levy allows us to continue to provide excellent animal care and realistic habitats for the more than 250 species and 1,000 animals in our care. Animal welfare is incredibly important to us, and levy support helps us continue to provide world-class habitats and care for the animals you know and love. We thank you for your support, and we hope you visit us soon!