From Facebook: Meet Odie - our new male river otter! Odie is now in the river otter habitat daily. In 2007, Odie was found abandoned in his native habitat as a pup before his eyes had opened, so his exact birthdate is unknown. He was rescued and raised by animal care staff at the Texas State Aquarium. Odie then lived at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium before coming here to Akron. Odie came here to the Akron Zoo based on breeding recommendations from the River Otter Species Survival Plan (SSP). Over the coming weeks, our animal care staff will introduce Odie to our current female Molly. While introductions are being made, Odie and Molly will alternate days out in their habitat. Once the duo is familiar with each other, they will enjoy the habitat together daily. Wondering how you can tell Odie and Molly apart? Odie is our big boy! He weighs in at about 24 pounds, whereas Molly weighs 13 ½ pounds.
Lions Tamarr and Mandisa are getting ready to move to their new home. Their last time on exhibit will be Sunday. They are relocating to Pride of Africa which opens in June. After their relocation, the rest of Tiger Valley that is being removed can be leveled.
Pride of Africa opening might be changing to later in June because the website only says June 2019 now. If I hear anything, I will let everyone know.
Akron Zoo: We will be getting more lions, but they will not be with Tamarr and Mandisa. They will be a separate pride and each group will alternate time spent in the habitat.
Yes. There is a twenty year plan. Pride is first. Wild Asia is under construction to replace Tiger Valley. More Africa themed sections appear to be coming as are more primates. I have heard rhinoceros, orangutan, zebra, and giraffe as potential species going forward. Everything after Wild Asia will grow the zoo except Curious Creatures redress which comes every three to five years. The levy will also have to be renewed again around 2021. It usually passes by big margins.
Donovan from Columbus will lead Akron’s second pride of lions. His pride will rotate with Tamarr and Mandisa.
