AKRON, Ohio — People who live near Akron soon won’t have to travel far to see animals from Asia.

What You Need To Know

  • "Wild Asia" in Akron is currently under construction

  • Six new animals, including two tigers, will be on display

  • Wild Asia should be open to the public by spring of 2021

The Akron Zoo is building a new area called "Wild Asia" and it will be opening in spring of 2021.

Currently under construction, the new attraction at the Akron Zoo will feature a pair of red pandas, a pair of gibbons, and a pair of tigers. 

One of the tigers, Echo, has already arrived from Oklahoma City.

Eric Albers, the curator of animal operations said, “the cool thing about him is that his dad used to be here in Akron back in 2013 and moved to Oklahoma City for a breeding recommendation and Echo was a product of that. So, it’s cool to get the son back in Akron.” 

The Akron Zoo hopes having these animals will inspire the public to learn more about conservation efforts. 

“Let people know about what is involved with the tigers in the wild and how they can help. There are ways to help from right here in Akron that will help tigers in the wild, by the choices we make will actually help them,” explained Albers.

And to help people learn, the Wild Asia exhibit aims to let guests get as close to the animals as possible. 

“We will have two tiger habitats — one that is enclosed and has multiple levels to it. The other one is actually a hillside with a cave and other things in it. In between in the Tiger Lodge where guests can go in and they will be surrounded by tigers they might have tigers behind them, above them, in front of them, depending on which way they are looking.” 

Echo and the other animals from the Wild Asia exhibit will not be available for public viewing until this spring.