Akron Zoo New Animal Hospital

Serving over 100 species of animals and participating in more than 40 species survival plan programs, the Akron Zoo found that their aging animal hospital no longer met their needs. The new 12,000 sf Animal Hospital gives them the space needed to become leaders in animal health, conservation, research and sustainability.

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When developing the program, it was immediately noted that access to the current hospital from a number of animal habitats was a challenge. The selected site for the new hospital allows for better access to all animals in a central location along the northwest edge of the park. 

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The administrative suite serves as the public face to the hospital. Oriented to the northwest, large windows flood the office spaces with natural light providing connectivity to nature. Included are private offices, an open collaborative work area as well as a conference zone. A café opens to the office area providing connectivity between the staff and encourages collaboration at all levels. A small multi-purpose room provides the staff with a private place to get away.

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Organized along a 2-story central spine with natural light flooding from above, the clinical zone features a large treatment room with integrated imaging to allow the staff to provide preventative care and quickly diagnose emergent care. It is located immediately opposite an enclosed garage where all animals will be transported through. A separate surgical suite with direct access to clean supplies and soiled utility is located adjacent to the treatment room. The ICU is located directly off the treatment room to allow the staff to easily check in on patients. A clinical lab and pharmacy provide the space needed to support the diagnostic and treatment needs of the animals.   

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The diverse animal population required the design of multiple animal holding units. With safety at the forefront, all holding units are designed to AZA and AAZV standards and will provide the zoo with the flexibility they need to serve their patients during recovery. Included are a room for reptiles and amphibians with specialty heating, cooling and humidity requirements, a unit for aquatic animals with built-in pools for therapy, a unit for medium sized animals with overhead connecting transfer tunnels, a unit for small animals and avian, a unit for hoofstock, and a unit for large and dangerous animals. The units are designed with indoor and outdoor spaces, provide natural light and flexibility for enrichment and the creation of different habitats to assist in patient recovery.