Have you ever wanted to be a zookeeper?

Join the Carnivore Team for their morning rounds to open Grizzly Ridge, assist with habitat prep and feed grizzly bears Jackson and Cheyenne. You will get a behind the scenes look at the kitchens, keeper areas and the indoor bedrooms for these incredible animals. While shadowing our knowledgeable keepers you will learn interesting facts and animal care best practices. This experience will take place 1-2 hours before the zoo opens.

Valid September 30, 2026 - September 30, 2027. Subject to availability. Please schedule 4 weeks in advance on a mutually agreed upon date.

Experience is limited to a maximum of four guests ages six and above.

Get ready for an otterly unforgettable experience at Akron Zoo! Come meet our playful otters, Molly and Stratton, up close and personal. In this exclusive Get Closer experience, you'll have the chance to feed these adorable otters and learn all about their wild ways, how we care for them and how we conserve their local waterways. But that's not all! Take a special tour of their indoor space and see where they live, swim, and play. And for the grand finale? Watch Molly and Stratton chow down on their favorite treat: a delicious fish-sicle! It's a truly otterly magical experience that you won't want to miss.

This package includes:

• One certificate for two guests (ages 8+). Guests are asked to walk up stairs for the tour.
• Schedule between January-Eve of Thanksgiving - Offered Sundays or Fridays at 1:30 PM.

Transform your backyard into a feathered paradise! This complete birding starter kit includes everything needed to attract and enjoy nature's most beautiful visitors. Perfect for creating peaceful moments and connecting with the natural world right outside your window.

This package includes:

• 2 Bird feeders
• Bird Seed Blend
• Bird Seed Cylinder

Experience and learn about your local Humane Society with this special one-of-a-kind package!

Private Behind-the-Scenes Tour at the Humane Society of Summit County for up to 4 guests. Explore the shelter operations, meet our team, and get an inside look at the work that helps animals and Summit County every day. Advanced scheduling required. Tour date and time based on staff availability. Expires August 30, 2027.

The package includes:

• Private Behind the Scenes certificate for 4
• $20 gift card to Pet Supplies Plus
• Kong Seatbelt Safety
• Chuck it Ball toy
• Nitehowl Safety Rechargeable Neck Light
• Fruitable treats
• Oinkies treats
• Watermelon toy
• Rope toy
• Meow Mix treats x2
• Cat Nip Bubbles
• Laser Pointer
• HSSC T-shirt XL
• Cat Collar with Bell
• Dog Bowl
• Lick Mat
• Collapsable travel water bowl

"Otter" original acrylic on canvas painting, framed and ready to hang - 8x10.

Robert Knapp, Akronite and longtime supporter of the Akron Zoo, is a member of Akron Society of Artists, Artists of Rubber City, American Impressionist Society, and Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, and strives to capture meaningful moments, and wonderful memories, emotions, or milestones which are important to him and resonate with viewers.

Waddle on over to meet the world's smallest penguin! Standing about a foot tall, our Little Blue Penguins are ready to make a big splash with this encounter.

During this experience, groups will go behind-the-scenes to meet some Little Blue Penguins from our colony. A member from their care team will help guide this experience as you learn all about these pint-sized penguins!

This package includes:

• One certificate for a Little Blue Penguin Experience for 6
• One (1) - $50 BP/Amoco Gift Card

Certificate does not include admission. Blackout dates and an age requirement of ages 8+ do apply. Certificates expires: 10/31/2027. Note: This certificate cannot be used for zoo entry.

If you win this package, you get to pick your own adventure for 4 at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium!

This package includes:

• One certificate for one session for four (4) people of the following exclusive tours and experiences:
• Cheetah Experience
• Behind-the-Scenes Giraffe Feeding Experience
• Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters
• Village Experience
• Kangaroo Experience
• Koala Experience
• Manatee Conservation Center Tour
  OR
• Seal and Sea Lion Experience.
• All tours are subject to availability, season, capacity limits and public health recommendations.
• All tours need to be booked at least 30 days in advance.
• Valid for up to 4 participants.
• Parking and admission are included in this package and will be processed at redemption.
• Expiration Date: September 1, 2027

Cheetah Experience: During the Cheetah Experience, you'll get close enough to hear, see and smell the Columbus Zoo's quickest residents in this never-before-offered tour! From diets and dishes to training sessions and enrichment, guests will get to see everything that goes into caring for these fast felines. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters Village Experience: Be one of the first to enjoy their newest, most exclusive experiences! Guests will have unique opportunities to connect with a variety of wildlife species, which may include meeting the Village's friendly fox, taking a "slothie" with one of our two-toed sloths, training and feeding grapes to an acrobatic kinkajou or encountering any of the many other incredible Village animals! All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kangaroo Experience: Step behind the scenes to discover the importance of kangaroo training and welfare, then venture into their habitat. Learn about aspects of their care, like enrichment and nutrition, firsthand as you enjoy an up-close encounter with their lively kangaroo mob. All guests must be at least 5 years old and any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Koala Experience: Witness the meticulous care they receive, from training and enrichment to their specialized nutrition. After an exclusive tour of the Keeper area, you will get to step inside the habitat to get an up-close view of a Koala! All guests must be at least 5 years old and any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Manatee Conservation Center Tour: Discover all aspects of long-term manatee rehabilitation while exploring the rich diversity of species that share their habitat. Enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the dedicated care provided to pelicans, fish, rays, our cherished resident sea turtle, and, of course, the manatees themselves! As a protected species returning to their ecosystem, you will not interact with the Manatees. All guests must be at least 10 years old and any guest under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Seal and Sea Lion Experience: See the sea lions and seals the way the trainers do! Take a guided behind-the-scenes tour of their sea lion and seal facility for a closer look at these amazing animals and enjoy personal interactions with their trainers. Learn more about what the animals eat, how they are trained and how we care for their unique needs. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Take home this very special piece of the Akron Zoo, African Lion, Tamarr's model clay paw print.

Tamarr was 20 years old when he passed away in 2025, and he was the second oldest male lion in a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The median life expectancy for lions is 16 years, 9 months.

Tamarr was born on August 25, 2005 at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He moved to the Akron Zoo in 2007, which he quickly become a fan favorite and icon. He was known for his fun personality, loud roars and his beautiful mane.

"I remember when Tamarr first arrived at the Akron Zoo with just a mohawk," said Doug Piekarz, president & CEO at the Akron Zoo. "He grew into an amazing lion who captured the hearts of both staff and guests. Tamarr was a wonderful ambassador for lions and the Akron Zoo. I am grateful to our animal and vet care staff who provided Tamarr with exceptional care through the years. He will be missed by us all."