Two hundred fifty animal lovers ignored a tornado warning and headed to the Akron Zoo for the 2007 Summer Safari.  As if on cue, the rains ceased as the crowd converged on the grounds.  The evening started with a patron party inside the Barnhardt Family Welcome Center.  Staff members from the Columbus Zoo were present and they brought such exotic animals as clouded leopards, African black footed penguins, an Australian dingo and a Burmese albino python.  The party goers were allowed to get up close to the animals and interact with them.

 

Guests were invited to explore the facility to check out the Akron Zoos wide array of animals.  Food stations and bars were set up in the Madagascar Building and also in the Komodo Kingdom.  Three different bands entertained the guests and both a silent auction (which included actual artwork created by some of the zoos animals) and a raffle that highlighted a Caribbean cruise were held.

 

If one hasn't had the opportunity to experience the Akron Zoo, a trip down there is definitely worth the drive!