Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its collection

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, opened in 1927, is a mixed in Powell, United States.

It stands on the Scioto River, along the east bank of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir. Its public profile owes much to promotion by the director emeritus, Jack Hanna, and in 2009 the USA Travel Guide ranked it the top zoo in the United States.

Animals and collection

Colo, a western lowland gorilla, was born there on 22 December 1956, the first gorilla born in captivity anywhere, and died in January 2017 aged 60 as the oldest gorilla in human care. Her living descendants are one child, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Exhibits

Dating from the spring of 1985, North America Trek is the oldest of the regions and the second largest. Cold-climate residents including brown bears and Arctic foxes arrived with Polar Frontier in May 2010, Asia Quest was delivered in two phases during 2006, Heart of Africa followed in May 2014 on the north-eastern part of the site, and Adventure Cove opened in July 2020. The Shores and Aquarium section is noted for the Discovery Reef tanks and a rehabilitation centre for manatees.

Things to do

Things to do include Tidal Twist, Mission Macaw, Flying Clipper, Havoc Harbor and The Grand Carousel.

Conservation and approach

Conservation grants exceeding $2 million were awarded in 2010, the money raised through donations and fundraising events. Recipients have ranged from the Ohio Wildlife Center to the International Elephant Foundation and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

What the venue says

• Tidal Twist
• Mission Macaw
• Flying Clipper
• Havoc Harbor
• The Grand Carousel
• We have GREAT customized food and drink menus throughout the Zoo! Village Tap. Shareables like fries and pork belly burnt ends Wildburger. Shareables like pot stickers and bang bang shrimp, plus burgers and sampler options!
• Parking is an additional $12 per vehicle.
• The facility is designed to be accessible, featuring ADA-compliant slopes (such as around the eagle habitat), family restrooms, and nursing stations.
• Manual wheelchairs and electric scooters are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis at the main entrance.
• the zoo offers sensory-friendly maps and rents sensory kits (including noise-canceling headphones and fidget devices) at Guest Relations