Willard is a new hire at the zoo and his boss Myra is evaluating his performance as he does animal training. Willard must pass his evaluation to continue his work. With the help of the audience, Willard walks a fine line of whether he can still work at the zoo or not.  The show last about twenty minutes and features animals such as a kinkjou, tarantula, birds of prey, ground hog, snakes and many more.

For the first time in its history the Akron Zoo will be offering a live animal show, “It a Wild World Animal Show,” Tuesdays through Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The show takes visitors on a trip around the world and showcases 12 animals. It is performed indoors at the Time Warner Nature’s Theatre in the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens and will run through the summer. The cost of the show is $1.00 and tickets can only be purchased at the zoo the day of the show.  

For an extra wild experience the zoo is offering an opportunity for people 12 years of age and older to become part of the show. This new program, Trainer–for-a-Day, allows guests to meet some of the animals that appear in the show up-close, take a behind-the-scenes tour and help the education staff get ready for the show and appear in the show. The cost for this program, which is one full day from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., is $175 for Akron Zoo members and $200 for non-members. The fee also includes admission to the zoo, a Trainer-for-a-Day t-shirt and lunch.