Home >
The Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is acclaimed nationally and internationally as a year-round recreational and educational facility, as well as a conservation center, contributing to the preservation of the world's wildlife and habitats.
Originally the zoo was housed at Franklin Park. It was founded in 1927 with a small menagerie of donated animals. Later it moved to its present location near the O'Shaughnessy Dam. Over the next four decades the city and community worked together to acquire animals and construct new exhibits and buildings.
In 1956, the zoo made history with the birth of Colo, the world's first captive-born, Western lowland gorilla. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Zoo added major exhibits including a reptile house, the Children's Zoo, and the herbivore/carnivore and pachyderm buildings. The Zoo received accreditation by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AZA) in 1980. During the same decade, the Zoo gained recognition nationally for housing four generations of a lowland gorilla family, one of the largest collections in the country. Since 1994 the following master plan projects have been implemented:
Open 365 days a year, the Zoo is the number one rated cultural attraction in central Ohio receiving more than 1.3 million visitors each year. The success of the Zoo has been based on a blend of private and public support and the enthusiasm of Jack Hanna.
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is divided into areas based on the natural habitat of the animals on display. Those areas include:
-
North America
-
Asia Quest
-
Shores
-
African Forest
-
Voyage to Australia & the Islands
-
Polar Frontier (scheduled to open in the fall of 2009)
There are a number of pavilions and exhibit areas throughout the park dedicated to various species. Another area is called Habitat Hollow that specializes in environmental awareness exhibits. First time visitors should pick up a map of the park at the front gate, and there are also numerous large maps located throughout the park just in case you get lost. If you can't find anything, just ask anyone; everyone working at the zoo will be able to give you good directions.
The Grand Carousel
One of the features at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is the Grand Carousel. This particular Grand Carousel was manufactured in 1914 by the William I. Mangels Company with wood horses carved by the Marcus Illions Company. It didn't start out at the Columbus Zoo, but was first located at the Olentangy Amusement Park just off North High Street in Clintonville. In 1938 the Olentangy Amusement Park closed and the carousel was then relocated to the Scioto Ranch Park which was also known as the Zoo Amusement Park and Wyandot Lake.
In 2000, the restored carousel, with it's original 52 horses and 2 chariots, began operation again at it's current location in the park. There were almost 5000 Grand Carousels in operation at the beginning of the 20th Century. Today there are fewer than 200 remaining in operation.
Wild Lights photo by M. Pogany courtesy of the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Wildlights at the Zoo
Every year for the last 20, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium gets turned into a wonderland of lights. It takes 4 months to string all the lights. The Central Ohio Model Railroad Club also gets into the act by laying over 6000' of wire and 600' of train track for the Wildlights exhibit that runs starting about mid November, through December. The first week of January, they begin taking down the lights to get ready for Spring— taking the lights down only takes about 3 months.
Besides the Model Train Railway, there is also an ice rink (skate rental is available), reindeer, Santa Claus and plenty of photo opts.
New Water Park to Open May 26, 2008
The new water park that has been under construction for several years will open in May 2008. The new 22.7 acre water park will be called Zoombezi Bay, a name chosen by Central Ohio residents. The water park will be part of the park grounds and will be located just south of the zoo.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Labor Day to Memorial Day Weekend — Open Every Day — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day — Open Every Day — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
June 13, 2007 to August 22, 2007 — Open late on Wednesdays — 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Regular Admission Adults ages 12 - 59 $10.00
Children ages 2 - 11 $6.00
Children under 2 Free
Senior ages 60 & up $8.00
Parking $5.00
Franklin County Residents: Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Wednesday and receive a 50% discount off regular admission prices. Photo ID Required.
NOTE: because of the Zoo's renovation, the Riverside Dr. entrance is closed. Use the new Powell Road entrance on the east side of the zoo grounds.
Colobus
See also: