The Zoo in Columbus is the most renowned attraction in Columbus, apart from its vibrant arts scene and famous universities. Welcome to Columbus, Ohio, where wildlife enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers come together to experience the wonder of some of the most well-known and adored zoos in the world.

These animals are nestled between the rolling plains and the busy cities. Zoo in Columbus not only allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, but they also offer special educational opportunities and support environmental protection. A visit to one of the renowned Columbus zoos is a must-do for locals and visitors alike.

1. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

1.1. Overview 

Ohio Liberty Township is home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a sizable zoological park that spans around 588 acres.

Although it is one of the biggest zoos in the world, its influence goes beyond this one particular location. This park is home to more than 11,000 different animal species, including about 600 different international species. 

It has a global reputation, partly because of the efforts made by its management. It was given the no. 1 rank in the United States in 2009 by The USA Travel Guide.

Besties Readers Choice named it the greatest zoo in 2012.

1.2. History of the Columbus Zoo 

Columbus Zoo was built on 21 acres near the O’Shaughnessy Reservoir and debuted as Riverside Park in 1927. 

In 1951, the city of Columbus assumed control of the zoo’s management, but in 1970, it transferred ownership to the nonprofit Zoological Park Association, Inc.

1.3. Zoo in Columbus: Must-Visits!

Each area of the Columbus Zoo is home to creatures from that region of the world. Each region has a theme appropriate to the region of the world it represents, albeit older areas have fewer themes than recently built ones. 

In addition to going to the zoo, there are three more options. These include a train that rings the continent of North America and a tram that runs beside the continent’s southern boundary.

It also transports guests to the Polar Frontier and a boat excursion that circles Southeast Asian islands.

1.3.1. Adventure Cove

The Zoo’s newest section introduces you to various unique wildlife species. With a 360-degree viewing experience influenced by the Pacific Northwest, sea lions and seals take center stage.

Discover Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village, a unique indoor-outdoor ecosystem created for encounters between people and wildlife. There are up to 50 species in this dynamic environment.

1.3.2. North America

The second-largest and oldest sector of the Columbus Zoo is North America. There are 15 substantial displays dedicated to North America. This includes a wetlands section and a migrating songbird aviary measuring 10,000 square feet (930 square meters) and housing over 40 species.

The North American zone includes both exhibitions and a train excursion. The train circles the area and passes by the open plains exhibits.

If you would like to know more about this region, Click here.

1.3.3. Polar Frontier

Explore the zoo’s “coolest” habitat and meet three brand-new polar bear cubs at the Polar Frontier. In this cutting-edge interactive exhibit, observe polar bears swimming, eating, and playing.

Viewed from above, at eye level, or from below underwater, observe polar bears dive into the 167,000-gallon pool and watch them grab trout and other delights!

If you would like to know more about this region, click here.

1.3.4. Asia Quest

In 2006, Asia Quest debuted its second phase. By constructing more expansive and eye-catching exhibitions and fusing them with the surrounding landscape, the region aims to immerse visitors into the exhibits more completely.

Upon arrival at Asia Quest, visitors pass a waterfall flanking two habitats, pass through a cave containing an interior habitat, enter a Chinese forest, and finally enter Asia Quest, which resembles an abandoned Asian garden. In place of fences,

Habitats are either recessed and separated by rock walls or positioned on the ground and separated by glass and rock walls. As many of the animals in the area are endangered in the wild, Asia Quest also encourages donations for animal conservation.

1.3.5. Fluffy

The longest snake ever kept in captivity, Fluffy, a reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) reaching 24 feet, was displayed at the zoo in March 2007.

Fluffy is the world’s longest-reigning snake held in captivity, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The zoo acquired Fluffy in September 2007 after being owned by her owner.

1.3.6. Shores & Aquarium

The fish and manatee aquariums called “Discovery Reef” and “Manatee Coast” are what the beach area is most widely known for. 

The Discovery Reef saltwater aquarium contains a variety of species of fish, sea horses, sharks, garden eels, and other aquatic organisms. The aquarium’s capacity is 88,000 U.S. gallons or 330,000 L. It also has one of the biggest live coral exhibits in the country, albeit the coral in the biggest tank is artificial.

Manatee Coast has an indoor habitat that can hold up to 730,000 liters of water. It opened in 1999 and is home to some of Florida’s most endangered wildlife, including manatees and fish, stingrays, sea turtles, and pelicans.

This environment is particularly well-liked because it is one of only two outside of Florida where manatees are kept.

After emerging from the tunnel under Riverside Drive, the first structure in the coastal neighborhood is The Reptile Habitat. The facility is entirely enclosed and is home to many snakes, terrapins, lizards, and tortoises.

1.3.7. Congo Expedition

A vast collection of primates, hooved mammals, big cats, and countless birds kept in an aviary are displayed in the Congo Expedition area of the African rainforest. It first opened in 2000.

The show’s real star is the primate area, home to three generations of Western lowland gorillas from Colo, the world’s first gorilla born in captivity.

The Columbus Zoo is home to a rapidly expanding bonobos population, commonly called “pygmy chimpanzees.”

Only eight zoos in the United States and fewer than 20 zoos globally house bonobos, which are the closest living relatives of humans and are therefore critically endangered in their home, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

1.3.8. Australia and the Islands

You’ll find the Australia section on the far western edge of the zoo, along the Scioto River’s east bank.

Kangaroo Walkabouts provide visitors with the opportunity to observe and interact with a variety of kangaroo species. Witness gibbons swinging from one tree to another and take in the scent of the Komodo Dragon.

If you would like to know more about this region, click here. 

In 2003, the Islands of Southeast Asia region was established. The Islands of Southeast Asia makes an effort to be more immersive, similar to Asia Quest, by fusing the scenery and exhibits to give the impression that the viewer is walking through one uninterrupted show. The majority of the scenery and plants used for this are artificial.

1.3.9. Heart of Africa

You’ll find the “Heart of Africa” section to the north and east of the zoo. Numerous African plains animals can be found in the 43 acres (170,000 m2) of land that make up the area. The Heart of Africa, the largest area of the Zoo, was opened in 2014 and provides a range of interactive activities, such as cheetah running, giraffe feeding, and camel rides.

This allows visitors to interact with various African animals, including zebras, giraffes, lions, wildebeest, and gazelles.

Visit the Mapori Restaurant for lunch and take in the savanna views. To find out more about this area, go here. 

1.4. Conservation Efforts Taken by Columbus Zoo

A conservation program run by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium funds numerous initiatives beyond the zoo. The zoo contributed more than $2 million in 2010 to worldwide conservation initiatives. This money is raised privately, through donations from site visitors, and through fundraisers.

The Columbus Zoo has recently added information about endangered and threatened species to its displays to raise funds for and public awareness of global conservation programs. The Columbus Zoo has added contribution boxes to raise awareness among visitors and money for the numerous projects it supports.

Additionally, Columbus Zoo participates in internal conservation initiatives. Manatee Coast makes an effort to educate its tourists about the manatee’s plight by dedicating an entire room to manatee conservation due to the fragile position of manatees in the wild. A movie outlining the manatee’s native environment and what can be done to conserve it can be found in this room.

Additionally, the Columbus Zoo has a Mexican wolf breeding program. The goal of the program is to establish a population of at least one hundred wolves in the area formerly occupied by wolves.

Mexican wolves were captured, poisoned, and shot to extinction in the wild in the middle of the 20th century. Twenty-nine pups have been delivered at their facilities since the zoo got involved in 1992.

2. Final Words 

The Columbus Zoo has established itself as one of the premier national zoos, not only in Columbus. It is simple to understand why, given the variety of species it houses, the participatory activities it offers, and its dedication to conservation.

While supporting significant conservation activities, the Columbus Zoo allows visitors to learn about and interact with species from around the world.

So, whether you live in Columbus or are just visiting, visit the famed Columbus Zoo. You will get an experience you won’t soon forget.