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 see the zoo’s 20 life-sized dinosaurs.
A silent auction featuring more than 80 items is available online via GiveSmart. Bidding 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.
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 akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
Photo courtesy Akron Zoo
