Latest news with #Kojancie
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annual Equipment Day returns to Erie Zoo this weekend
(WJET/WFXP) – A family-favorite event is making its return to Erie this weekend. On Saturday, June, the Erie Zoo will host their annual Equipment Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All An Act Theatre looks for new venue after CSS board votes to end lease The event will feature trucks, tractors and construction equipment, providing an up-close look for kids as well as plenty of photo opportunities for families. Equipment Day activities are free with paid admission, and the event will take place rain or shine. Pet owners will soon be able to honor pets at new Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden The zoo's president and CEO, Roo Kojancie, said this event continues to be a community favorite. 'Equipment Day is always a highlight of our summer season,' said Kojancie. 'It's a family favorite that brings hands-on fun for all ages, giving guests a chance to touch, explore, and learn.' For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City officials commit to resuming talks on Erie Zoo ownership transfer
Tuesday, we told you conversations surrounding the Erie Zoo and a potential partnership with Erie Events had stalled as the situation gets more and more urgent for the future of the zoo. But on Wednesday, city government officials said they'll resume meetings on the issue as soon as this week and remain committed to finding a solution. Erie Zoo asks city to transfer 106 acre property to Erie Events Tuesday morning, the president and CEO of the zoo, along with other supporters, advocated for the transition of ownership before city council and the mayor's administration. Advocates of action involving the Erie Zoo are feeling hopeful after hearing from public officials at Wednesday morning's Erie City Council meeting. We reported on Tuesday that conversations surrounding a transfer of land ownership to Erie Events had fizzled out, but parties are agreeing to come back to the table. 'The comments we were hearing from city council and the administration today were very encouraging. It shows that people are willing to come to the table to discuss and find that path forward. We have presented a very clear and viable solution and it's great that we're hearing comments that people want to come to the table to continue those discussions,' said Roo Kojancie, president & CEO of the Erie Zoo. Paul Miller Law goes into effect soon, here's what to know The proposition requests that 106 acres of land be sent to Erie Events at no cost. It includes the Glenwood Golf Course, ice arena, Glenwood Park, horseshoe pits, and the Marsh Street areas. Zoo advocates said it's needed to improve the size of the land-locked zoo for years to come, but also to earn back accreditation. 'To be able to expand the zoo up to about 30 acres would allow us to expand some of the exhibits that we have at the zoo, and be able to not only meet AZA standards, but also exceed those standards,' Kojancie said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News But asking for all of the adjacent property is deemed risky by the city. . . Saying they need to do their diligence with these public assets before committing to this. 'Anytime you transfer that property, you lose that control. I'm not saying anybody has bad intentions; that's not at all the case. It's just that city council and the mayor are treading very carefully,' Edward Betza, the City of Erie Solicitor, explained. 'We would need to have some protections as to know what would happen. Also, what happens if it doesn't work financially?' After a spotlight was put on the situation, both the city solicitor as well as the mayor's staff said they're scheduling meetings with board members of the zoo and Erie Events representatives to work on an agreement. 'The zoo is doing everything it can to keep its head above water. The staff are working above and beyond and going above and beyond for the animals and to make sure that the region has this great asset,' Erie City Council Member Tyler Titus went on to say. Lawsuit moves forward against Project NePTWNE lease Zoo officials said they've been operating on a shoestring budget for years now and are confident that Erie Events can help them develop a stronger infrastructure and long-term strategic support. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Erie Zoo welcomes guests to kick off centennial season
It was a zoo-rific day at the Erie Zoo as they welcomed the public back onto the grounds. This is a day many people look forward to, including me! And this year's season is extra special. Q:'Did you know that today's their centennial celebration?' 'No, I did not,' said Marlene Jewell, a visitor. 'Do you know what that means?' 'No,' she answered. 'That means the zoo is celebrating 100 years!' 'Oh!' she said. 'Glow' wild at the Erie Zoo's Chinese lantern festival this spring It's sort of an unwritten rule in the Jewell household to come to the Erie Zoo for their grand re-opening at the beginning of each season. And the overnight snowfall and chilly temperatures didn't stop them from being one of the first to line gates before 10:00 a.m. 'We always have come here every year and honestly it's one of our traditions,' Jewell said. A tradition that Marlene and many other Erieittes look forward to every year. The Erie Zoo officially opened for the 2025 season, kicking off its centennial celebration. For their first day, they offered free admission along with food and beverages. All of this provided by UPMC Health Plan and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Mill Creek Coffee Company, and Mighty Fine Donuts. 'Megalodon' goldfish found at Presque Isle State Park 'We love seeing the guests come through the gates, the animals love interacting with people, especially our orangutans they love to interact and play and see people again,' said Roo Kojancie, president & CEO of the Erie Zoo For this milestone, the staff wanted to make sure this was an unforgettable season. One Saturday every month, the first 100 guests will receive a special surprise, they're calling this Centennial Saturdays. They will also be presenting Glow Wild, it's a Chinese lantern festival from April 17 until June 15, illuminating every Thursday through Sunday evening. Glow Wild is the region's first-ever Chinese lantern festival that Kojancie said they have been wanting to bring to the zoo for the last few years. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'We're bringing it in the springtime season and erie tends to seem a little bit quieter around that time of year so this is a really great way to engage and really promote tourism in the area,' she said. On top of all the exciting things happening during their 100th year, construction is scheduled to be completed for their renovated red panda habitat and the viewing area for the African painted dog. Kojancie explained they're making strides to regain accreditation from the association of zoos and aquariums after losing it in November of 2021. 'You might have seen the support letter than came the president of aza really commending us on our efforts as we work very diligently to regain accreditation,' she said. The president also added that this season will be full of exciting new memories and reflections of the years gone by. Prayer gathering in support of Ukraine held in Perry Square Saturday And even though our friend Marlene was completely shocked by the zoo's age, she's looking forward to spending the rest of the season on the grounds along with every other zoo lover. 'It's really fun,' Jewell went on to say. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
