Step out onto neat walkways enveloped by carefully maintained gardens that surround a myriad of state-of-the-art enclosures. The Akron Zoo is home to far more than just animals from the farthest reaches of the planet. It also happens to have a heart. Here are some of the reasons the Akron Zoo should be on your bucket list.

It Provides a Social Calendar That Keeps Akron on Its Toes

In a city such as Akron, it’s hard to believe the zoo is the place to be for social gatherings. This is the location of choice for beer drinking aficionados looking for the next tastebud explosion with a selection of finely crafted artisan brews. If you’re a nocturnal animal lover, you can have great fun in your favorite PJs as you take to the walkways to find out what goes bump in the night around the zoo. It’s also the ideal retreat for those who aren’t able to handle large crowds or too much noise for medical reasons, as the zoo allows entrance at special times.

It Encourages the Well-Being of Wildlife Outside the Zoo

Although the animals in the zoo enjoy tender care and clean enclosures, the zoo also has its eye on animals in the wild. The Akron Beacon Journal took a closer look at the environmental endeavors of the zoo and released details on its lobbying efforts for lions in the wild. Hope for the Wild allows the zoo to step out of its profit operations and provide a sustainable future for these animals.

It Portrays Animals as the Creative and Complex Creatures They Are

From talks on conservation to other educational programs on the zoo’s agenda, there’s no topic too lowly to deserve attention where animals are concerned. When you visit the zoo, you have the option of taking part in the ordinary information snippets during a regular visit to the zoo, or you can opt for special evenings. One of these types of gatherings is the Summer Safari Fundraiser. During the event, you have the chance to see animal artwork and learn more about the topics chosen for this period. You’ll likely have the opportunity to interact with the animals as well.

It Allows You to Get Closer

There are many reasons why you should consider signing up for one of these programs. The most notable reason, however, is that the zoo provides various initiatives for those who would like to go into conservation themselves or work with animals in the future. Some of the programs available include a Behind the Scenes Tour, Keeper for a Day, Zoo Veterinarian for a Day, or Trainer for a Day. These programs are mostly suitable for those aged 13 and older. However, the Behind the Scenes Tour can take on participants from the age of 8.

More than just a fun place for kids to visit, the Akron Zoo is a nice attraction for adults as well. Despite these types of initiatives potentially costing millions, they’re necessary to ensure the upkeep of the zoo. They also create awareness among people, which allows the conservation of these animals for future generations.

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