Columbus Zoo

• Address: 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065 (Map)
• Phone Number: (614) 645-3400
• Email Address: info@columbuszoo.org
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Date Founded: 1927
• Accreditation: Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
• Number of Animals: Over 10,000
• Number of Species: Over 800
• Park Size: 588 acres
• Website Link: https://www.columbuszoo.org/

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, located in Powell, Ohio, is one of the most renowned zoos in the world, with a history spanning over 90 years. Here’s a brief overview of its background and history:

The zoo was founded in 1927, when a group of local businessmen and civic leaders purchased a small collection of animals and established the Columbus Zoological Society.

Initially, the zoo was housed in a small area near Olentangy Park, but it quickly outgrew its location and moved to a larger site in Delaware County. Throughout the years, the Columbus Zoo has undergone many changes and renovations, including the addition of new exhibits, animals, and attractions. In 1978, Jack Hanna was hired as the zoo’s director, and he quickly became a beloved figure among visitors and staff alike. Under Hanna’s leadership, the zoo underwent a period of significant growth and expansion, becoming one of the most popular zoos in the country.

Today, the Columbus Zoo spans over 580 acres and is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 800 species. It has received numerous awards and recognitions for its conservation efforts, animal care, and educational programs, and continues to be a popular destination for families and animal lovers from around the world.

The Columbus Zoo is also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is a testament to its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and education. The AZA accreditation process is a rigorous one, requiring zoos to meet or exceed strict standards in areas such as animal care, exhibit design, and guest experience. Only a small percentage of zoos in the United States meet these standards, making the Columbus Zoo one of the top zoos in the country.

• The Columbus Zoo is home to over 800 species of animals, making it one of the largest and most diverse collections of animals in the country.
• The zoo is divided into several sections, including the African Forest, North America, and the Shores region.
• The zoo’s Polar Frontier exhibit is one of the largest polar bear habitats in the world.
• The zoo has a strong conservation program, working to protect endangered species and promote sustainability.
• Visitors can see a variety of animals up close, including lions, tigers, and bears.
• The zoo offers a variety of educational programs, including camps, classes, and workshops.
• There are several dining options located throughout the zoo, serving everything from snacks to full meals.
• The zoo is open year-round, with different events and activities offered throughout the year.
• The zoo has won numerous awards, including the prestigious AZA Exhibit Award for their Heart of Africa exhibit.
• The zoo is easily accessible, located just off of Route 23 and I-270.

• The Columbus Zoo was the home of Colo, the first gorilla born in captivity. She was born in 1956 and lived to be 60 years old.
• The zoo had its own TV show, called “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures,” which aired for over 20 years.
• The zoo is home to a variety of rare and unusual animals, including okapi, aye-ayes, and manatees.
• The zoo’s Heart of Africa exhibit features a replica of an African village, complete with shops, restaurants, and even a water playground.
• The zoo offers a variety of behind-the-scenes tours, including a “Zookeeper for a Day” program.
• The zoo’s Discovery Reef exhibit features over 100 species of fish and other aquatic animals, including sharks and rays.
• The zoo’s Asia Quest exhibit is home to several endangered species, including Sumatran tigers, red pandas, and clouded leopards.
• The zoo’s Animal Encounters Village allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including llamas, alpacas, and kangaroos.
• The zoo has a unique partnership with The Wilds, a nearby conservation center that offers safari tours and other wildlife experiences.
• The zoo hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including a Halloween “Boo at the Zoo” and a holiday “Wildlights” celebration.

• The Columbus Zoo has a special area called the Jungle Jack’s Landing, where kids can enjoy rides, games, and attractions.
• The zoo has a children’s petting zoo where kids can interact with and feed animals like goats, sheep, and llamas.
• The zoo offers a special “Zoo Clues” scavenger hunt game where kids can learn more about the animals while having fun exploring the park.
• The zoo’s Aquarium Adventure features a tunnel where kids can walk through and see sharks and other sea creatures swim overhead.
• The zoo’s Dinosaur Island exhibit features life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and make sounds, providing a fun and interactive learning experience for kids.
• The zoo’s Animal Encounters Village offers a chance for kids to get up close and personal with animals like sloths, armadillos, and porcupines.
• The zoo offers several interactive animal shows throughout the day, including “Dive!,” which showcases the amazing abilities of the zoo’s sea lions.
• The zoo’s “Manatee Coast” exhibit features a habitat where kids can learn about these gentle giants of the sea and even see them up close.
• The zoo’s “Giraffe Feeding” experience allows kids to feed these majestic animals and learn more about their habits and behaviors.
• The zoo’s “Penguin Playtime” exhibit lets kids see these adorable birds in action, swimming, waddling, and playing.