Recent Announcements from the Erie Zoo

Major Attraction Will Draw Visitors from Across Great Lakes Region

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ERIE, PA (February 19, 2025)— The Erie Zoo will present the region’s first-ever Chinese Lantern Festival, Glow Wild, produced by Hanart Culture. The zoo announced today that the nationaly-renowned event will be at the zoo from April 17th until June 15th, illuminating every Thursday through Sunday evening from 6pm to 10pm. The awe-inspiring event will transform the Erie Zoo into a stunning display of unique, hand-crafted and spectacularly illuminated art, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

ERIE, PA (November 1, 2024) – The Erie Zoo is proud to announce it has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) today. The RACP grant is a competitive state grant awarded to projects with economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical value. 

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[Erie-PA]— Today, the Erie Zoo proudly unveiled its new centennial logo, kicking off a year-long celebration of its 100th anniversary. With 2024 marking 100 years of connecting the community with wildlife and nature, the zoo is planning an array of special events and programs that will continue into 2025, ensuring the celebration extends well beyond this momentous year.

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[Erie-PA]— The Erie Zoo is heartbroken to announce the passing of beloved senior resident, Caax (pronounced Cah-sh), the jaguar. After a sudden decline in health, Caax was humanely euthanized on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, while surrounded by many of his devoted caregivers.

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[Erie-PA]— The Erie Zoo is thrilled to announce the arrival of two Canada lynx kittens, born on Friday, May 17, 2024. This is the first litter from parents Hunter and Roxy, which marks a significant milestone for the zoo's efforts in conservation and education.                                                                                                                                                                   

Hunter is a six-year-old male who was born at Erie Zoo. His parents, Russell and Martina, were the zoo's first pair of Canada lynx. In March of last year, Roxy, a three-year-old female, joined the Erie Zoo from Hershey, Pennsylvania's Zoo America. Their introduction was thoroughly planned, and the process began in September 2023. By the end of the year, they were able to be housed together, just in time for breeding season, which takes place from February to April in this region.                                                                                    

Both mother and kittens are doing well and are currently being monitored through closed-circuit cameras under the attentive care of expert veterinary and animal care staff. While the new family bonds and grows, Hunter will remain on exhibit while Roxy tends to the needs of her kittens behind the scenes. This provision gives them the privacy and security they need to thrive.                                                                                                                                                                                      

"We are overjoyed to welcome the new lynx kittens to the Erie Zoo family," said Roo Kojancie, President and CEO of the Erie Zoo. "Their birth is a testament to our commitment to conservation and provides a unique opportunity for our community to learn more about these fascinating animals."                                                                                                  

The birth of these kittens underscores zoos' vital role in wildlife conservation and education. The AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) established a specialized Canada Lynx Management Group to advise zoos in the species' husbandry, breeding, education, behavioral training, and enrichment needs. Coordinating breeding pairs is critical in ensuring the genetic diversity and sustainability of the population. Erie Zoo's Animal Curator, Jennifer Salandra, currently serves as an advisor in the group.                                                                      

The Erie Zoo invites the public to stay tuned for updates on the kittens' development and future opportunities to see them. The zoo will provide regular updates on its social media channels and website in the coming weeks.                                                                                                                                                               

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[Erie-PA]— The Erie Zoo is delighted to announce that its local conservation efforts have reached a national audience. On Wednesday, May 8^th, Christopher Booker from PBS NewsHour visited the Zoo to learn more about its Last Chance Lagoon. The footage they captured aired last night during the PBS NewsHour program.

Erie Zoo’s Last Chance Lagoon Program
was established in September 2023 to help mitigate ecological damage caused by releasing goldfish and koi into the Great Lakes Watershed. The initiative offers a permanent sanctuary for relinquished goldfish and koi, providing owners with a responsible alternative to releasing them into the wild. Upon surrendering a fish, owners complete an intake form and schedule a drop-off date for a mandatory 30-day quarantine period. During this time, all fish undergo thorough vet checks, necessary treatments, and exit exams to ensure their health before being introduced to the lagoon.

"The Last Chance Lagoon Program aims to prevent or diminish the influx of unwanted pet goldfish and koi into the Great Lakes Watershed," says Heather Gula, Education Director and Conservation Committee Chair. "Through education, awareness, and responsible rehoming, we can protect our watershed and preserve the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems."

Despite being in operation for less than a year, the Last Chance Lagoon program has successfully rehomed 52 goldfish. Community assistance is vital in protecting local watersheds and preserving the natural beauty of Lake Erie for future generations.

The PBS NewsHour segment is available to stream at https://youtu.be/-lhjJODJ77M?si=H1WiUBVJsC1cAN72. For more information about the Last Chance Lagoon program, ways to help, or to schedule an appointment to surrender goldfish or koi, please visit https://www.eriezoo.org/conservationprojects.

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Erie Zoo Appoints Roo Kojancie, Chief Executive Officer

Fmr. Zookeeper, COO will lead the zoo’s centennial anniversary, strategic plan, reaccredidation efforts

ERIE, PA (December 5, 2023) - The Erie Zoo announced Melissa “Roo” Kojancie as its new chief executive officer today, after a robust months-long search to replace Scott Mitchell, who continues to serve as the zoo’s director of development. Kojancie has more than twenty years of industry experience, serving as an animal keeper, educator, and the chief operating officer of the Erie Zoo.

Your Erie Zoo will be closing early on Friday, August 11th at 3pm to prepare for the Felines & Wines Fundraiser. 
To get more details or purchase tickets visit the Event Page. 

On the morning of July 7th a layer of glass in one of the panels at the outdoor lion habitat cracked in several areas. The cracking of this middle layer was caused by a rock that one of the lions unearthed and was playing with in their habitat. Erie Zoo staff took quick and appropriate action to recall the lionesses into their indoor enclosure to ensure the safety of the animals. Our guests were never in danger due to the specific design and engineering of the glass. This zoo-grade barrier is used in lion habitats throughout the zoological world and is made up of three (3) layers of both glass and laminate. The lionesses, Eva and Desta, are safe, unharmed, and for now can be viewed from their indoor habitat in the Main Building while we work to replace the panel.