AKRON, Ohio — The Akron Zoo announced it's building a new animal hospital to care for more than 2,000 of its furry friends. 

What You Need To Know

  • The hospital is expected to cost $11.95 million, with construction slated to begin in 2025
  • To help with costs, the zoo was recently selected to receive $2 million from the State of Ohio House Bill 2 to go toward the new hospital

  • The 11,949 square-foot hospital will be behind the Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa area along Diagonal Road, the zoo said

The hospital is expected to cost $11.95 million, with construction slated to begin in 2025. The goal is to have it open in 2026. 

To help with costs, the zoo was recently selected to receive $2 million from the State of Ohio House Bill 2 to go toward the new hospital. 

“Providing the animals we all care so deeply about with exceptional medical care is one of our top priorities at the Akron Zoo,” said Doug Piekarz, president and CEO at the Akron Zoo, in a press release. “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. We are grateful to the Summit County delegation for their mentorship and continued support.”

The 11,949 square-foot hospital will be behind the Landon & Cynthia Knight Pride of Africa area along Diagonal Road, the zoo said. The hospital will help with regular check-ups, surgeries, end-of-life care and more. 

The current hospital, the Roger J. Sherman Center for Animal Care, opened in 1995.