AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo is starting construction on a new animal hospital, an $11.95 million project.

What You Need To Know

  • The Akron Zoo is breaking ground on a new animal hospital

  • The project is $11.95 million

  • They received some state funding for the project

According to a zoo press release, the hospital is expected to open in 2026. It will be along Diagonal Road, behind the Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa.

“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 release reads. “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 zoo received $2 million toward this project thanks to House Bill 2. The Akron Zoo president and CEO, Doug Piekarz, said providing quality medical care is one of their top priorities.

“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,” he said in the release. “We are grateful to the Summit County delegation for their mentorship and continued support.”

Here are photos from the groundbreaking Friday: