Akron Zoo lands state funding to help build a new medical care building for its animals

The animals and critters at the Akron Zoo may soon have new digs when they need a little TLC or even a routine check up.

Thanks to some political muscle from state Rep. Bill Roemer, R-Richfield, and other Greater Akron politicians, the Akron Zoo has landed $2 million in state funding for a new animal care building.

The funding is part of the latest two-year construction bill for capital projects across the state. Signed late last month by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the bill set aside the funds to help the zoo develop a more modern veterinary hospital to provide continuing care and emergency medical treatment for its animals.

“The veterinary hospital currently provides regular check-ups to over 2,000 animals,” Roemer said in a statement. “These funds will help the organization renovate their building so they can continue to provide quality care to their patients.”

The project is expected to cost $11.95 million with construction starting next year.

As the Akron Zoo continues to grow, zoo President and CEO Doug Piekarz said so does the need to help care for the animals.

“Providing the animals we all care so deeply about with exceptional medical care is one of our top priorities at the Akron Zoo,” Piekarz said. “The funds allow us to build the kind of medical facility that can best meet the needs of our animals as the zoo continues to grow.”

The zoo's current hospital opened in 1995 and is near the carousel and picnic area. The new hospital will be situated behind the zoo's Pride of Africa area and is expected to open in 2026.

The nearly 12,000-square-foot new care center will have a surgery suite, an intensive care unit along with specialized spaces for a variety of animals, from birds to primates.