Akron Zoo sets attendance record for sixth year

WEST AKRON — The Akron Zoo again has set a new attendance record, surpassing the 2007 record by 25 percent. In 2008, the Akron Zoo hosted 328,953 visitors compared to 2007’s total of 262,217.

According to zoo officials, the increase in summer attendance is mostly attributed to the new exhibit, Jellies: Rhythm in the Blue, which opened June 7.

This exhibit, shown at right, is the first saltwater exhibit at the zoo and features seven different species of jellyfish in 10 different aquariums. It also includes a touch tank, where visitors can touch sea urchins, crabs and starfish.

Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo

In 2008, the zoo also debuted a live animal show, “It’s a Wild World.” The show featured 12 different animals from around the globe and will be offered again in 2009.

The zoo saw some of the largest crowds in history in June, July and August, with 59,074, 65,718 and 70,562 visitors, respectively. A contributing factor to making August the most attended month of the year was Community Days, according to zoo officials. On certain days in August, residents of Summit County were admitted for free.

The Akron Zoo is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6, but free for children younger than 2, and parking is $2.

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