Summer Safari 2026

Celebrate with us at Summer Safari, presented by The Lehner Family Foundation! 

Meet the new "Legends" of the Wild as you enjoy live entertainment, fabulous food, and up-close encounters with remarkable animals throughout the park. From curious cubs to spectacular species, you'll meet the zoo's newest animal residents and reconnect with familiar favorites as you party for a purpose at Summer Safari!

By supporting Summer Safari, you are helping provide best-in-class care for Akron Zoo's animal residents, expand STEM education throughout Northeast Ohio, and support wildlife conservation projects across the globe. Thank you for helping enrich our community and protect wildlife for generations to come - we hope to see you at Summer Safari!

Honorary Chairs Lori & Collin Trehan invite you to party with the pumas at Summer Safari!

Throughout the event, you will enjoy:

- Keeper-led trainings and up-close encounters with remarkable animals

- Live music by Fabulous Voices Band

- 15 heavy hors d'oeuvres and open bar serving beer, wine, seltzer & spirits

- Vibrant entertainment and additional fun ways to further support your zoo!

Patron Party* 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.   General Admission 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

*As Champions of the Akron Zoo, Patron ticket holders enter Summer Safari an hour early for an intimate pre-party in Legends of the Wild! Patron Party guests will enjoy a specialty bar & hors d'oeuvres, exclusive animal experiences, live music by Michael Osborne, and the opportunity to mingle with Akron Zoo's animal care professionals.

Please note that there are no physical tickets issued for the event.

Summer Safari is for adults 21 and above   |   Recommended Attire: Safari Chic

Auction opens Friday, July 31 at 5:00 p.m.

 Unable to make it to Summer Safari, but still want to support your Akron Zoo? You can participate in the online auction from any computer or mobile phone, and you don't have to be present at the event to win!

The online auction will feature incredible items & experiences provided by generous supporters, including:

- Exclusive behind the scenes animal experiences

- One-of-a-kind animal art

- Goodyear Blimp Airship ride for two

- Create your own custom, small batch flavor at Chill Artisan Ice Cream

- Club seats to the Banana Ball - Party Animals vs. Indianapolis Clowns at Progressive Field

- OSU vs. Kent State football tickets, and so much more!

Thank you to our dedicated event committee for making Summer Safari a roaring success!

Vish Bhatt  |  Patrick Bravo  |  Angelica George  |  Danielle Hupp  |  Ron Imbrogno

Mary Ann Lutz  |  Kelsey Minosky  |  Heather Morrow  |  Sonja Pagniano  |  Amy Patton

Collin Trehan  |  Lori Trehan  |  Mary Williams  |  Michael Wilson