The Akron Zoo surpassed its all-time annual attendance record, attracting 398,878 visitors in 2016. The new attendance record eclipsed the previous attendance record of 389,508 set in 2013.

The Akron Zoo also set two other attendance records in 2016. The zoo set a new single day attendance record on Sunday, October 23, during Boo at the Zoo, when 7,550 guests visited, making it the highest attended day in Akron Zoo history. The zoo also set a new record for Boo at the Zoo of 29,938 people who visited the 6-day popular Halloween event.

The zoo had several exciting things for visitors to enjoy in 2016, including for the first time ever a Chilean flamingo chick that hatched in 2015, but went on exhibit last year in late May and also another first, when snow leopard triplets were born and were introduced to their exhibit in early June. Visitors also came in abundance to view the popular Journey to The Reef exhibit one last time before it closed in November. In addition, after 16 years, the zoo brought back its holiday lighting event, Wild Lights, which ran for 19 nights from late November through the end of 2016.

“We are honored to engage the people of Summit County and Northeast Ohio through up-close and personal experiences with nature that create connections between our community and some of the most endangered animals on Earth,” commented Doug Piekarz, president & CEO.  “We are humbled and truly thankful to be a part of such a supportive, and caring community as we continue to advance our mission to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action.”

The zoo saw their largest crowds in June, July and May, when 62,244, 57,521 and 55,068 people visited respectively.