The Akron Zoo will construct a new animal hospital, which will help the zoo continue to provide top-notch veterinary care for the more than 2,000 animals. 

The hospital is a $11.95 million project and construction is slated to begin in 2025, with a 2026 opening. The new hospital will be located behind the Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa area along Diagonal Road. 

The Akron Zoo provides in-house care for thousands of animals on a daily basis, including regular check-ups, management of diseases and chronic conditions, surgeries and end-of-life care. The 11,949 square-foot building will include a state-of-the-art surgery suite, intensive care unit and specialized spaces for the different species, including birds, hoofstock, primates and large carnivores.

The Akron Zoo was recently selected to receive $2 million from State of Ohio House Bill 2 for the new hospital. 

“Providing the animals we all care so deeply about with exceptional medical care is one of our top priorities at the Akron Zoo,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo. “The funds from the State of Ohio allow us to build the kind of medical facility that can best meet the needs of our animals as the zoo continues to grow. We are grateful to the Summit County delegation for their mentorship and continued support.”         

The Roger J. Sherman Center for Animal Care, zoo’s current animal hospital, opened in 1995.