AKRON, Ohio — Summit County residents have renewed and increased the Akron Zoo’s operating levy, with nearly 60 percent approval. 

The zoo asked the community to renew its 0.8 mill property tax levy with a 0.4 mill increase, and extend the levy cycle from every seven years to every 10 years. The tax will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $2.92 per month, or $35 a year.

The money the tax generates represents about 50 percent of the zoo’s funding, CEO Doug Piekarz has said. It will enable the zoo to expand its habitats areas and continue its STEM-focused programming for schools. https://www.akronzoo.org/our-habitats

The pandemic forced the zoo to close its doors for three months, from March through May, effectively cutting off the facility’s ability to generate revenue. When it reopened, it was at 25 percent capacity.

Zoo staff worked to create online programming to keep the zoo and its animals connected with them community, Piekarz said. Through those programs, and recreating its popular Summer Camp program, the zoo was able to engage 3.4 million people while it was closed, he said.

Offering nearly 900 educational programs each year, the zoo serves 81 school districts. It provides habitats for more than 250 species and 1,000 animals. The zoo reports its economic impact is more than $580 million in Summit County, generating $8 for every $1 of public support.

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo works to save animals from extinction through the international Species Survival Program, participating 46 survival programs and 21 conservation projects.