The Akron Zoo broke ground on the Tom and Shelley Koutnik Animal Hospital, which is set to open in 2026.
Akron Zoo president & CEO, Doug Piekarz, along with U.S. Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, State representatives Bill Roemer, Veronica Sims, Derrick Hall and other elected officials took part in the ceremonial groundbreaking of the $11.95 million project. 
The Akron Zoo provides in-house care for thousands of animals on a daily basis, including regular check-ups, management of diseases and chronic conditions, surgeries and end-of-life care. The 11,949 square-foot building will include a state-of-the-art surgery suite, intensive care unit and specialized spaces for the different species, including birds, hoofstock, primates and large carnivores.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, the zoo announced its next capital campaign, Reaching New Heights. This campaign will support the zoo’s next major expansion, which will include giraffes, that will open in the next few years.
“Reaching New Heights is about our commitment to this community,” says Pam Holtz, chief external affairs officer at the Akron Zoo. “We cannot reach these goals alone and we invite the community to join us on this historic journey.”