Release Date: July 23,2025
Akron Zoo to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Summer Safari
July 21, AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo is hosting the 20th anniversary of its largest annual fundraiser, Summer Safari, on Friday, Aug. 1 from 7 – 10 p.m. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit the zoo’s animals, conservation efforts and education programs.
This year’s event will be bigger than ever before, with food from 15 local restaurants and caterers, an open bar, up-close animal encounters and animal experiences. Entertainment includes live music, stilt walkers, fire spinners, dino show and more. Plus, guests can enjoy 20 life-sized dinosaurs.
A silent auction featuring more than 80 items is available online via Givesmart. Bidding opens Friday, July 25 at 5 p.m. and closes on Friday, Aug. 1 at 9:30 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win. Items include a Kennedy Space Center astronaut training, vacation getaways to Napa Valley, Jamaica and Riveria Maya, exclusive zoo experiences and more.
An online raffle is also available. Raffle tickets are $50 each and a limited number of tickets are available. The raffle prize is a Lions, Tigers and Bears experience, which includes behind-the-scenes tours to each animal area, feeding opportunities and more.
To purchase event and raffle tickets, and to bid on items online, visit akronzoo.org/summer-safari. General admission tickets are $100 each and patron tickets are $250. Patron tickets include invitations to the Patron Party from 6 – 7 p.m.
Summer Safari is presented by The Lehner Family Foundation.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Peak season hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission rates are $11 – $21. Children under two are free and parking is free. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Founded in 1953, the Akron Zoo is a non-profit, world conservation zoo with more than 2,000 animals from around the world. Located just west of Downtown Akron, the zoo strives to connect your life to wildlife while inspiring lifelong learning and conservation action. The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.