AKRON -- If you've ever wanted to visit Asia and Africa, the Akron Zoo is bringing you closer.
The zoo announced this week plans for a $17 million expansion project that will add two new experiences: Pride of Africa and Wild Asia.
Fundraising efforts have generated nearly $3 million of the zoo's $6 million fundraising goal. The remainder of funds for the expansion stem from $11 million in Summit County tax levy support, with $500,000 also coming from state appropriations.
Set to open in Summer 2019, the Pride of Africa experience will transport visitors to the savannas of Africa, complete with lions, gazelles and storks. Guests will also be able to feed goats at the boma, a special Maasai livestock enclosure.
The zoo hopes its new lion habitat will give it the opportunity to one day house a pair of breeding lions in order to strengthen the African lion gene pool.
The zoo's train will also journey through the new African expansion, and a special spray pad will give guests a chance to cool down on hot summer days.
The Wild Asia exhibit is scheduled for completion in Summer 2020.
The experience will recreate southeast Asian jungles and Himalayan forests with lush canopies.
A new tiger habitat will allow the zoo to contribute to the Tiger Species Survival Plan, an important piece of tiger conservation. The zoo also says it plans to house tiger cubs, which it has not done in nearly 20 years.
Two red pandas will also have an expanded home at the zoo and a pair of new white-cheeked gibbons will be added to the habitat.
