Release Date: February 24,2020
Akron Zoo to Host Inclusion Day
AKRON, Ohio – The Akron Zoo, in partnership with Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will host Inclusion Day on Monday, March 2 to help kick-off National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Any guest who wears orange to the zoo will receive free admission.
Summit DD will be on-grounds with different activities and the zoo will be offering up-close animal encounters throughout the day. Guests are encouraged to
share photos on social media wearing orange at the zoo on Inclusion Day using #includeME #akronzooinclusion to be entered to win an Akron Zoo family membership.
Inclusion Day was created by Summit DD as a way to spread the message of inclusion and show support for people of all abilities.
“We are looking forward to celebrating Inclusion Day with the Zoo this year,” said Summit DD Superintendent John Trunk. “Our impact goes beyond the support we provide to people with disabilities and their families. Partnerships like this [with the Akron Zoo] help us reach and influence all citizens, ultimately making Summit County an inclusive community for all citizens and visitors.”
“We strive to make the Akron Zoo accessible to all guests,” said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo. “The Akron Zoo has been a sensory inclusive facility since 2017, and partnering with Summit DD is a wonderful opportunity to continue to reach out to our community. We’re thrilled to work with Summit DD to offer Inclusion Day at the Akron Zoo.”
Additionally, Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro and other county officials will present two proclamations to Summit DD and the Akron Zoo on Inclusion Day. The presentation will take place at the Akron Zoo on March 2 at 10:30 a.m., prior to the zoo opening to the public at 11 a.m.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Winter hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and admission is $8 per person. Children under two are free and parking is $3. 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 over 1,000 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.