Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. This page was created to interact with the Zoo’s many supporters and continue our mission: "Empowering People.

Saving Wildlife." We welcome you to post questions, comments, photos and concerns. Please note, this is a moderated online discussion and our moderators use these guidelines to ensure community posts are suitable for all readers. We acknowledge and respect a range of opinions and points of view as long as they comply with the following rules.

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The beginning of the year has brought an exciting new addition to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, our first birth of the ...
03/07/2025

The beginning of the year has brought an exciting new addition to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, our first birth of the year, a baby prehensile-tailed skink! The hatchling was born on January 10, just ten days after the start of the new year.

Prehensile-tailed skinks are native only to the Soloman Islands and are rainforest animals that live in tall trees. The prehensile-tailed skink is remarkable in that it is the largest of all skinks and the only known species of skink to be entirely herbivorous.

When a mother skink gives birth to their baby, the baby is remarkably large at about 1/3 the size of the adult female! After the baby is born, it stays in its family group, receiving parental care from both the mother and father skink.

If you’re interested in visiting our prehensile-tailed skink family, don’t forget to stop by the Reptile Building during your trip to the Zoo and join us in celebrating this exciting new addition!🦎Plus, stay tuned for a few more exciting birth announcements from 2025 that will be shared soon!

Ever wonder how the staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium helps maintain the dental health of our animals? Just like pe...
03/06/2025

Ever wonder how the staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium helps maintain the dental health of our animals? Just like people, animals need dental care too! 🦷

At the Columbus Zoo, we ensure our animals’ teeth remain healthy through a variety of methods tailored to each species. These methods include:

▪️ Natural diets: We create diets that not only ensure optimal nutrition and overall health but also promote dental health! For example, gorillas and giraffes receive plenty of browse and vegetation to help clean their teeth, while rodents get high-fiber diets to naturally wear down their continuously growing teeth. Additionally, carnivores receive bones to help keep their teeth healthy and strong.
▪️ Open mouth training: Many Zoo animals are trained to voluntarily open their mouths when requested, allowing the Animal Care and Veterinary teams to perform detailed dental examinations and catch issues early.
Brushing and rinsing: Some animals allow us to brush their teeth with special brushes. Gorillas even rinse their mouths with an oral rinse, just like you do at home!
▪️ Tusk Care: Elephant tusks are modified incisors that grow continuously and are made of dentin, the same material inside human teeth. To care for their tusks, our elephants, like Frankie, are trained for voluntary tusk radiographs and trims.
▪️ Medical procedures: When necessary, dental procedures are performed under anesthesia. This can include anything from routine cleanings to more complex treatments like root canals, often with the help of veterinary dental specialists.

On this National Dentist Day, we celebrate the dedication of our amazing Zoo staff and veterinary dental specialists who keep our animals' smiles bright and healthy!

Happy birthday to our friends at Columbus Metropolitan Library! Since opening their doors in 1873, they’ve been a corner...
03/04/2025

Happy birthday to our friends at Columbus Metropolitan Library! Since opening their doors in 1873, they’ve been a cornerstone of learning, imagination, and community here in Central Ohio.

Did you know that your CML library card can unlock even more adventures? Through their Culture Pass Program, library cardholders can check out a pass for a free visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! That’s right—guests can enjoy a wild day at the Zoo, all thanks to this special partnership.

Here’s how it works:
📚 Check out a Culture Pass at select CML locations.
🎟️ Receive a yellow Zoo Culture Pass for day of checkout or the next.
🦁 Bring it to the Zoo’s entrance for free admission!
🐾 No need to return it—just hand it to a Zoo team member when you arrive.

Parking at the Zoo is $10.

This is our way of bringing learning to life—whether it’s in the pages of a book or the sights and sounds of wildlife! Stop by select Columbus Metropolitan Library branches and start your next adventure. Learn More: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/culture-pass/

📸: Columbus Metropolitan Library

For generations, guests at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have explored our North America region, a space filled with inc...
03/03/2025

For generations, guests at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have explored our North America region, a space filled with incredible wildlife that calls this part of the world home. Now, we’re excited to introduce a completely reimagined experience: North America Trek, opening in Summer 2025! Your visit will support critical conservation efforts right here at home.

Get the details of what you’ll be able to see here: https://www.columbuszoo.org/blog/get-ready-north-america-trek-columbus-zoo

Happy Birthday, Ohio!For nearly a century, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has called Ohio home, and we wouldn’t be who we...
03/01/2025

Happy Birthday, Ohio!

For nearly a century, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has called Ohio home, and we wouldn’t be who we are today without the millions of Ohioans who have visited, supported conservation efforts, and made memories with us over the decades. From family traditions to school field trips, your love for wildlife has shaped our journey, and we’re incredibly grateful.

In honor of Ohio’s birthday, here are three fun animal-related facts about the Buckeye State:

🐻 Ohio was once home to grizzly bears! While they no longer roam the state, fossil evidence shows that grizzlies once lived here thousands of years ago.

🦅 The bald eagle has made an incredible comeback in Ohio! Once on the brink of disappearing, bald eagle populations have soared, thanks to conservation efforts—and now they can be spotted across the state.

🐍 Ohio is the home for two species of rattlesnakes! The timber rattlesnake, one of only three venomous snakes in Ohio, plays a vital role in our ecosystems by keeping rodent populations in check.

Thank you, Ohio, for years of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable wildlife moments. Here’s to many more!

UPDATE: The Columbus Zoo will open at NOON today, March 1, 2025. The gas leak has been repaired, and we're ready to welc...
03/01/2025

UPDATE: The Columbus Zoo will open at NOON today, March 1, 2025. The gas leak has been repaired, and we're ready to welcome guests! Thank you for your support this morning.

*********************************************************************

Delayed Opening Today, March 1, 2025.

This morning, our teams are working on a gas leak that will cause a delay in the Columbus Zoo opening today. We're working diligently to resolve the issue.

Everyone - our animals, our staff, and our volunteers - is safe. We'll share updates as we have them and appreciate your patience and understanding.

02/28/2025

Someone commented on our last docent spotlight, “Docents are a big part of what makes the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium so special – speaking with one makes every visit more meaningful!”

As a docent who has been at the Columbus Zoo for over 22 years, Martino (also known as Marty) is another special member of our Zoo family who makes every visit more meaningful for so many families. As Marty shares, he is incredibly passionate about conservation and wildlife and as a teacher, is amazing at educating everyone around him about these topics. And, of course, we could not forget to mention that he has almost every fish species memorized in our Discovery Reef area – a true testament to his passion. 💙🐠

02/27/2025

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, our commitment to animal wellbeing spans far beyond what guests witness every day. Alongside caring for the animals while they’re in their habitats, our dedicated Conservation Medicine and Animal Care teams work behind the scenes to ensure every animal receives the best care possible.

Just one example of this is the recent comprehensive medical exam we conducted on Roary, a 400-pound adult male lion. This included bloodwork, a full abdominal ultrasound, and a CT scan. Roary's exam went smoothly, and we're thrilled to report that he's in excellent health.

Roary's checkup showcases the incredible bond between our animals and their caretakers. Thanks to our skilled team and state-of-the-art equipment, we can ensure Roary continues to thrive.

Watch to see how we care for our big cats and to see this amazing work happening behind the scenes at the Zoo! To learn more about our commitment to animal wellbeing, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/animal-wellbeing 🦁

In a warming Arctic, where polar bears face enormous challenges, the survival and protection of every single polar bear ...
02/27/2025

In a warming Arctic, where polar bears face enormous challenges, the survival and protection of every single polar bear is critically important. Today, as we celebrate International Polar Bear Day, we reflect on the single biggest threat to polar bears today: climate change.

Wild polar bears live in Arctic regions like Canada, Alaska, Russia, Greenland and Norway, and spend most of their time on sea ice that floats on the surface of polar oceans and seas. Polar bears are uniquely adapted to be able to live on the ice and swim in the Arctic ocean. However, the changing of sea ice, as it pertains when it forms and how much ice is forming, is making survival incredibly difficult for this species.

Heat-trapping gases, like methane and carbon dioxide, released by burning fossil fuels, have warmed the Arctic by almost six degrees Fahrenheit and rising. Climate change is shrinking the bear’s icy hunting grounds and threatening their very survival.

We’re committed to continuously protecting polar bears in every way we can, including through our involvement with Polar Bears International and The Association of Zoos and Aquariums SAFE program for polar bears. To learn more about this vulnerable species, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/animals/polar-bear

Quiet hours are expanding in 2025!The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to enhance our commitment to inclusion and sens...
02/27/2025

Quiet hours are expanding in 2025!

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to enhance our commitment to inclusion and sensory accessibility by now offering Quiet Hours the first Sunday of every month throughout the year starting March 2, 2025! For the first four hours of operation, guests will be able to enjoy a calmer, more sensory-friendly environment with reduced sounds, music, and visual stimuli.

During Quiet Hours, the following options are also available:
🎧 Sensory kits for rent with a refundable deposit
🎢 Select attractions with reduced noise and visuals (seasonally available)

In addition to Quiet Hours, the Zoo will also offer a few sensory-friendly events throughout the year, including:
🔹Sensory-Friendly Easter Bunny Experience – April 13, 2025
🔹Zoombezi Bay Quiet After Hours – August 22, 2025
🔹Blind, Deaf, and DeafBlind Accessibility Day – September 7, 2025
🔹Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll – November 18, 2025
🔹Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience – December 7, 2025

To plan a more sensory-friendly experience anytime of the year, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/accessibility.

Columbus is gearing up for an un-bear-lievable showdown as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Detroit Red Wings in th...
02/26/2025

Columbus is gearing up for an un-bear-lievable showdown as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Detroit Red Wings in their first-ever outdoor game at The 'Shoe on Saturday! And while the Jackets are battling to defend the ice, our polar bears are doing the same—but against a much tougher opponent: Climate Change.

Warming temperatures are shrinking Arctic sea ice, making it harder for polar bears to hunt and thrive. But just like a power play in the final minutes, we can still make a difference! Supporting conservation efforts—right here at the Columbus Zoo—helps protect these incredible bears and their frozen home.

So, whether you’re cheering on the Jackets, rocking out with twenty one pilots and O.A.R., or just here for the cool vibes, let’s all team up to protect the ice—on the rink and for the polar bears!

Tag a hockey fan, and let’s drop the puck on conservation! 🐻‍❄️🏒🌎

📸: Columbus Zoo polar bear Aurora

Exciting News! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is honored to be named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “10 Best Zoos in the Un...
02/26/2025

Exciting News! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is honored to be named one of Condé Nast Traveler’s “10 Best Zoos in the United States!”

This recognition highlights our commitment to conservation, education, and providing an unforgettable experience for all our guests. Thanks to the support of our community, we have a rich history of leading animal conservation initiatives locally and globally, including projects that benefit Asian elephants, manatees in the Caribbean, and more. As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027, our mission of “Empowering People. Saving Wildlife” continues to guide these impactful initiatives and our commitment to inspiring guests’ connection with wildlife.

Come explore state-of-the-art habitats (including in North America Trek, which opens later this spring!), meet incredible animals, and see firsthand why we're among the nation’s best. Plan your visit today! https://www.columbuszoo.org/

02/25/2025

Having been a docent at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for over 35 years, Debby is a treasured member of our Columbus Zoo family and has a lot of wisdom to share. Recently, we got the chance to speak with her about what fascinates and inspires her here.

Debby touches on the inspiration she finds from animals and nature, but she, herself, is such an inspiration to so many people as well. Thank you, Debby, for continuously sharing your wisdom and positive presence with us. ❤️

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to play a leading role in global elephant conservation! 🐘🌏This month, our Senior ...
02/24/2025

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to play a leading role in global elephant conservation! 🐘🌏

This month, our Senior Curator, Adam Felts, joined government representatives from 13 Asian elephant range countries and leading conservationists in Siem Reap, Cambodia, for the Fourth Asian Elephant Range States Meeting. This gathering brought together experts to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing endangered Asian elephants, from protecting migration corridors and reducing human-elephant conflicts to using cutting-edge technology—like AI, drones, and genetic databases—to better monitor elephant populations in their native range.

One of the most important outcomes? The adoption of the 2025 Siem Reap Declaration, a renewed commitment from Asian nations to work together for the long-term survival of wild elephants and their habitats.

Through our partnership in the Center for Species Survival (CSS) Asian Elephant with IUCN Species Survival Commission, the Wildlife Trust of India, and the Asian Elephant Specialist Group, the Columbus Zoo is directly supporting these conservation efforts on the ground in Asia. In fact, we’re ensuring a strong foundation for the CSS by fully funding its first five years—a critical investment in protecting elephants where they need it most.

Collaboration is key to saving this species, and we’re honored to stand alongside international leaders in this mission. Together, we can help secure a future for elephants.

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ICYMI- RendeZOO is coming SOON! Join us for a wickedly good time on May 17 for a night full of: 🎸 Live Music to dance to all night long 🍭 Complimentary food and drinks 🐧 Animal visits with our Wild Encounters team 🎭 Live comedy 🎨 Stunning art throughout the Zoo …and more! Get your tickets today at https://www.columbuszoo.org/rendezoo. Whether you're team pink or green, bubble or broom, this spellbinding evening promises a tremendous amount of fun for good! RendeZOO is proudly presented by Fifth Third Bank and is for guests 21+.

Smackdown!
Smackdown!

Our North American river otter siblings, Mayhem, Wilford, and River, are the epitome of brothers - including sometimes play wrestling worthy of a WWE belt. We hope you enjoy their shenanigans as much as we do, and don't forget to visit them in their new habitat when North America Trek opens this summer! https://www.columbuszoo.org/north-america-trek 🦦

Someone commented on our last docent spotlight, “Docents are a big part of what makes the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium so special – speaking with one makes every visit more meaningful!” As a docent who has been at the Columbus Zoo for over 22 years, Martino (also known as Marty) is another special member of our Zoo family who makes every visit more meaningful for so many families. As Marty shares, he is incredibly passionate about conservation and wildlife and as a teacher, is amazing at educating everyone around him about these topics. And, of course, we could not forget to mention that he has almost every fish species memorized in our Discovery Reef area – a true testament to his passion. 💙🐠

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, our commitment to animal wellbeing spans far beyond what guests witness every day. Alongside caring for the animals while they’re in their habitats, our dedicated Conservation Medicine and Animal Care teams work behind the scenes to ensure every animal receives the best care possible. Just one example of this is the recent comprehensive medical exam we conducted on Roary, a 400-pound adult male lion. This included bloodwork, a full abdominal ultrasound, and a CT scan. Roary's exam went smoothly, and we're thrilled to report that he's in excellent health. Roary's checkup showcases the incredible bond between our animals and their caretakers. Thanks to our skilled team and state-of-the-art equipment, we can ensure Roary continues to thrive. Watch to see how we care for our big cats and to see this amazing work happening behind the scenes at the Zoo! To learn more about our commitment to animal wellbeing, visit https://www.columbuszoo.org/animal-wellbeing 🦁

Having been a docent at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for over 35 years, Debby is a treasured member of our Columbus Zoo family and has a lot of wisdom to share. Recently, we got the chance to speak with her about what fascinates and inspires her here. Debby touches on the inspiration she finds from animals and nature, but she, herself, is such an inspiration to so many people as well. Thank you, Debby, for continuously sharing your wisdom and positive presence with us. ❤️

Now that Link has your attention, don’t forget to vote Columbus Zoo for USA TODAY’s Best Zoo in the nation! 👀🗳️🥇 https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-2025/columbus-zoo-and-aquarium-powell-ohio/

Snack time in the snow. ❄️ Did you know that red pandas spend most of their day foraging, snow or shine? In the wild, they rely on bamboo, but here at the Columbus Zoo, they get a well-balanced diet, including fruits and special treats. No matter the season, these fluffy foragers are always on the hunt for their next bite!

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