Events

From saving the critically endangered white-winged wood duck to helping rescue spotted turtles from the black market pet trade, the Akron Zoo’s reach goes far beyond its gates. 

Learn more about the zoo’s conservation efforts, as well as its expansion plans here at home, during a special Earth Day event hosted by the Akron Press Club April 22.

Panelists Bob Lessnau, chief life sciences officer for the Akron Zoo, and Elena Bell, director of marketing and events, will answer questions from moderator Cheryl Powell, Akron Press Club board president and Akron Beacon Journal executive editor.

There also will be time for questions from the audience.

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Time: Doors open 11 a.m. Buffet lunch served at 11:30 a.m. Program begins at noon.
Location: The East End, 1201 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44305
Cost: $35 for individual tickets | $210 per table of 6
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be received no later than 48 hours before the event. After that time, there will be no refunds and an invoice will be issued for payment.

Bob Lessnau is chief life sciences officer for the Akron Zoo. Bob comes to Akron from New Orleans, where he was the vice president/general curator for the Audubon Nature Institute. Previously, Bob served as director of animal operations for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Additionally, Bob was curator of mammals for the Detroit Zoological Society. He spent 17 years as the senior primatologist/zoologist for the Wildlife Conservation Society working in tandem with the Bronx Zoo. Bob was based out of their research and conservation station on St. Catherine’s Island off the coast of Savannah, Georgia.

Bob has spent nearly 30 years conducting extensive research in the field of primatology. His involvement in these conservation-based field projects involved the oversight of the capture teams for projects in Kenya, Madagascar, Costa Rica and Panama. Bob holds a BS in Biology from Dallas Baptist University and a MS in Zoology from Wayne State University. He has also been an adjunct professor for the past 30 years and currently has a research appointment with the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany. In addition to his position at the Akron Zoo, Bob also serves on the board of directors for the Zoo Conservation Outreach Group, which is an affiliate of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Elena Bell has been with the Akron Zoo since December 2014. As director of marketing and events, she oversees the zoo’s comprehensive marketing strategy, including advertising campaigns, media buying, social media and media relations.

Her role also includes leadership of the zoo’s graphic design, video production, website and email marketing efforts.

In addition, Elena manages the zoo’s special events team, strategically developing and executing high-profile events that drive attendance and revenue, including Boo at the Zoo, Wild Lights and other events.

In 2017, Elena organized and implemented the Akron Zoo’s sensory inclusion program, giving the Akron Zoo the honor of becoming the country’s second zoo to be certified sensory inclusive. She continues to lead and expand the program, including the development of an Akron Zoo-specific Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Board.

Earlier in her career, Elena served as a communication intern at the Akron Zoo and later worked on the public relations team at Akron Children’s Hospital. She is an alumna of Torchbearers.

Elena holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Kent State University and currently resides in Barberton