The Akron Zoo is preparing for new residents — from Ripley, a South American monkey whose species is known for its leaping ability, to the aquatic salamander duo of Neo and Xochi (zo-chee) that can regrow limbs, hearts and parts of their brains.  

The primates and amphibians, as well as birds, are scheduled to debut Saturday, May 16 at the Sherbondy Hill animal park. Three species are new to the zoo, while three others are returning species. Their move-in dates coincide with renovations to the Legends of the Wild area. 

Four of the species are endangered. 

Find out a little more about the species before they make their Akron debut.

Toumi, the White-faced saki.
Toumi, a male white-faced saki monkey. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo)

New species at the Akron Zoo

White-faced saki

Endangerment level: least concern

The white-faced saki is a South American monkey. It is known for its leaping ability — it’s been dubbed “The Flying Monkey.” They typically weigh about four to five pounds and live in social groups. 

The Akron Zoo will welcome a male white-faced saki named Toumi, a female named Clementine and their one-year-old, Ripley.

Archimedes, a sun conure whose new home is the Akron Zoo.
Archimedes, a sun conure whose new home is the Akron Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo)

Sun conures

Endangerment level: endangered

Sun conures, native to northern Brazil and its surrounding areas, are bright yellow, orange and green parrots. These birds are more than colorful; they’re social and vocal. The zoo is preparing to welcome Vega and Archimedes.

Green aracari

Endangerment level: least concern

These long-billed toucans are small, multicolored birds found in Brazil, the Guianas and Venezuela. The green aracari is known for being one of the smallest toucan family members. The Akron Zoo will be home to two females.

Green aracari at the Akron Zoo.
A green aracari will be a new species at the Akron Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo)

Returning species at the Akron Zoo

Axolotl

Endangerment level: critically endangered

Starting next month, two axolotls — a male named Neo and a female known as Xochi (zo-chee) will call the Akron Zoo home. An axolotl is an aquatic salamander from Mexico that is known for its regenerative abilities. 

Xochi, a female Axolotl salamander, will reside at the Akron Zoo.
Xochi, a female axolotl salamander, will reside at the Akron Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo)

Cotton-top tamarins

Clark, a cotton-top tamarin, will reside at the Akron Zoo.
Clark, a cotton-top tamarin, will reside at the Akron Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo)

Endangerment level: critically endangered

Native to the tropical forests of Columbia, these monkeys are recognizable by their white hair and small size. Two brothers, Chestnut and Clark, will join Akron’s primate lineup.

Golden lion tamarins

Endangerment level: endangered

The Akron Zoo will welcome two siblings, Mico, a male, and Coco, a female. The small monkeys, which weigh around one and a half pounds, are native to Brazil’s Atlantic coastal forest. They’re known for their striking orange fur and long, lion-like manes. 

🗓️ New events calendar! From block parties to concerts and kids’ activities, find fun around Akron and Summit County all year long. Dive into the calendar and start planning.

How to go to the Akron Zoo

The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year at 500 Edgewood Ave. in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood. Current hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $11 to $21. Children under two are free, and parking is free. For more information, visit www.akronzoo.org or call 330-375-2550.

Mico and Coco are two golden lion tamarins that will soon be living at the Akron Zoo.
Mico and Coco are two golden lion tamarins that will soon be living at the Akron Zoo. (Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo)

Culture and Arts Reporter (she/her)
Kelsei centers arts and culture, food and identity in her storytelling. She uses her professional experience and editorial skills to focus a community-first mindset and a strategic approach to her reporting. Kelsei’s previous reporting experiences include food, community and culture coverage at 225 Magazine in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kelsei is a recent alumna of Northwestern University and a 2023 graduate of Jackson State University.