Time is running out to visit a beloved Akron Zoo exhibit.
The zoo will be closing its Curious Creatures exhibit tucked inside of Komodo Kingdom building on Aug. 3.
The area has been home to a number of exhibits since the building opened that is also home to the zoo’s restaurant over the years including the Journey to the Reef and Jellies: Rhythm in the Blue.
Zoo spokesperson Elena Bell said the plans are to redesign the space and open a new experience in summer 2027.
Bell said the zoo isn’t ready just yet to say what will replace the space that is home to everything from a Puerto Rican boa to moon jellies to spotted turtles.
“This is an area that is meant to change every few years,” she said.
The existing critters will find new homes once Curious Creatures closes.
And this includes the scores of naked mole rats and the absurd number of leaf-cutter ants.
Some of the animals in the exhibit − including the star fish − have called Akron home since the Journey to the Reef exhibit opened.
Bell said the Akron Zoo works with partner zoos to relocate animals when exhibits change.
The electric eels that called the Curious Creatures exhibit home have already been relocated to a new zoo.
“Our animal care managers have been working hard on this,” Bell said.
As part of renovations, the zoo’s VR experience will also close on Aug. 3.
Bell said they have quietly been working and planning over the last three years to redo the space and even asked zoo visitors for their thoughts on what they would like to see.
“I think folks are going to like it,” Bell said.
More changes at the Akron Zoo
There has been a sea of change throughout the zoo in recent months.
Work has started on its biggest expansion project ever with the addition of a giraffe habitat and construction is wrapping up on a new animal hospital.
The Akron Zoo also recently reopened its Legends of Wild area after renovations and the introduction of some new animals including mountain lion cubs and golden lion tamarins.
And in the coming weeks another new habitat will be opening inside of the Komodo Kingdom building not far from the Curious Creatures exhibit.
The exhibit that features animals from the South American rainforest is being switched to depict the Indonesian rainforest.
Bell said the animals are already in Akron and getting used to the space before making their public debut.
There are small peepholes in the covered exhibit where guests can catch a glimpse of the new animals that include the beautiful fruit dove, the Indian pygmy goose, northern tree shrew and the giant gourami and clown knifefish.
“We are just trying to keep things up to date and fresh for our visitors,” Bell said. “And doing what is best for our animals.”
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Zoo closing Curious Creatures exhibit to make way for new experience
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
