Akron Zoo Opens New $10 Million Veterinary Center

The 11,949-square-foot hospital replaces the zoo’s aging facility to provide advanced care for over 2,000 animals.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Pet Health

Gouache-painted illustration of a clean, modern veterinary examination room with an examination table, reflecting the facility's new medical capabilities. — The Akron Zoo has opened the $10 million Tom and Shelley Koutnik Center for Veterinary Care, modernizing medical services for its 2,000 animals. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you support the investment of $10 million into a new zoo veterinary hospital?

The Akron Zoo has officially opened the Tom and Shelley Koutnik Center for Veterinary Care, a new $10 million medical facility. This expansion replaces the smaller Sherman Center, which had served the zoo since 1994.

Why it matters

The new hospital addresses critical space limitations that the zoo faced while managing the health of its population of more than 2,000 animals. It is designed to modernize medical services and support operations for the next 30 to 40 years.

The facility covers 11,949 square feet and represents a $10 million investment. It is staffed by two full-time veterinarians and three veterinary technicians.

The players

Akron Zoo

This accredited institution in Akron, Ohio, manages a diverse collection of more than 2,000 animals.

Tom and Shelley Koutnik

These donors provided the support for the new veterinary center that bears their names.

The details

The new center features a surgical suite, intensive care unit, pharmacy, and necropsy room to provide comprehensive medical services on-site. Design teams incorporated specialized enclosures with heated floors, pools, and outdoor access by benchmarking against other recently completed zoo hospitals.

1994: The original Sherman Center building was constructed.
Early 2000s: An addition was built to expand the Sherman Center.
October 15, 2026: The Tom and Shelley Koutnik Center for Veterinary Care officially opened.

Culture Shift

Modern zoos are increasingly moving toward expansive, specialized medical infrastructure to meet evolving veterinary accreditation requirements. This project positions the Akron Zoo to align with high-level animal care standards used by leading institutions across the country.

Local visitors to the Akron Zoo will notice the transition of the former Sherman Center, which is now being repurposed to provide temporary housing for animals during exhibit maintenance. These infrastructure changes ensure that the zoo can maintain high-quality care for its animals without disrupting public viewing experiences.

The takeaway

Investment in modern veterinary infrastructure is essential for zoos tasked with the long-term health of diverse animal populations. Advanced medical suites allow for improved surgical outcomes and better daily monitoring of zoo residents.