Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Powell Zoos and Aquarium

Full Amenity List

• Strollers Available
• Picnic Tables
• Gift Shop
• Wheelchair Accessible
• Restrooms
• Hands-On Interaction

Descriptions from Across the Web

• Mission is to promote awareness and understanding ... more on Museum Stuff
• This world-famous 400-acre zoo is among the city's top ... more on tripadvisor.com
• The original Columbus Zoo was located in the north Columbus neighborhood of Beechwold in Clintonville. The zoo opened in May, 1905 but closed for unknown reasons only five months later in October, 1905. The former monkey house can still be seen on the property of 150 Beechwold Road where it is used as a barn. The zoo's original brick entranceway can also be seen on North High Street at Beechwold Road. The present Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 as the Columbus Zoological Gardens. The city of Columbus took over management of the Zoo in 1951, but later gave up ownership to the Zoological Park Association, Inc., a non-profit organization, in 1970. The city continued providing funds from the city's General Fund, however, until 1986. Colo Main article: Colo (gorilla) On December 22, 1956, Colo, a Western lowland gorilla, became the world's first captive-born gorilla at the Columbus Zoo. She is the third oldest gorilla in captivity, and in 2006 celebrated her 50th birthday. Colo's family is now very extended, with 1 child, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren still living in zoos throughout the country. The Columbus Zoo currently houses 16 gorillas, 8 of which are related to Colo. Thanks in large part to the efforts with Colo, The Columbus Zoo has become a leader in breeding gorillas with over 30 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956. Jack Hanna Main article: Jack Hanna Jack Hanna became the director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978 and remained director until 1993. The zoo benefited greatly from his oversight, rising to national recognition during his tenure. Prior to his arrival, the zoo saw an average annual attendance of about 360,000. In addition, the zoo grounds were dirty and the animal facilities were in need of renovation. Hanna put an extensive amount of effort into turning the Columbus Zoo into a model facility, including personally picking up trash after hours. Cage enclosures were also removed during his time and replaced with more natural looking habitats. His enthusiasm, along with his national television recognition, helped attract more visitors to the zoo, with over 1.4 million visitors annually by 1992. Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993. In 2004 voters passed a measure that would raise an estimated $180 million to expand the zoo over the next 10 years. The 120 acres (0.5 km²) expansion is planned to include additional parking, Polar Frontier, an exhibit including polar bears and Arctic Foxes, as well as an African savannah. There is also a South American exhibit planned for the near future. To make room for these new exhibits, bordering Powell Road has been relocated around the eastern and southern border of the zoo. A new entrance gate was constructed along the new roadway, which opened in early 2008. Long term plans include the possibility of a resort-style hotel to attract tourists along with its neighboring outdoor water / amusement park, Zoombezi Bay. Attractions and regions The zoo operates 6 attractions that are separate from Zoombezi Bay and Jungle Jack's Landing. These rides cost a small fee, usually $1-2. The zoo announced that at the beginning of the 2008 season, they would switch from the token/punch card system to a more modern reloadable ride card system, similar to a gift card. Also, a wristband can be purchased for $15 that ... more on Wikipedia

Directions

From east of Columbus: Take Interstate 70 West to 270 North. Follow 270 North to Sawmill Road (Exit 20) and go North (or right) to Hard Road. Turn left onto Hard Road. Hard Road dead-ends into Riverside Drive. Turn right onto Riverside Drive. The Zoo entr

Hours

Labor Day to Memorial Day Weekend — Open Daily — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day — Open Daily — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Miscellaneous

• Admission: Adults ages 12 - 59 $10.00 Children ages 2 - 11 $6.00 Children under 2 Free Senior ages 60 & up $8.00
• Events: http://www.columbuszoo.org/calendar/calendar.html
• Year Built: 1905

Other Web Resources

• Read more about Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Yahoo! Travel
• www.colszoo.org