Something new is taking shape at the Akron Zoo, where officials broke ground Friday, April 11, for a new animal hospital.
Akron Zoo president & CEO, Doug Piekarz, along with U.S. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, State representatives Bill Roemer, Veronica Sims Derrick Hall and other elected officials took part in the groundbreaking ceremony.
The Tom and Shelley Koutnik Animal Hospital will open in 2026 and is an $11.95 million project.
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.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with more than 2,000 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron,
the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in globalwildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.
