Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Last month, The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) recognized a few of our Animal Care team members at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for their professionalism, dedication, and achievement in their work. Among award winners were Josh Keller and Kevin Kollar, who received the Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award. The Janet McCoy Excellence in Public Education Award recognizes individuals, institutions, and organizations in the zoological community most actively promoting educational programs. Josh and Kevin specifically received this award for their creation and implementation of the “Zoo School Training Program” at the Columbus Zoo. With a combination of classroom learning and practical application, students are able to learn how to assess behavior, overcome roadblocks, and cater a variety of training techniques for different species and individuals. Partnering with the primary instructor, this program has developed into an opportunity for students for years to come. Congratulations, both Josh and Kevin, on receiving this exciting award, and thank you for your continued dedication in your work! Stay tuned as we continue to announce the rest of our AAZK Award winners throughout this week.

Last month, The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) recognized a few of our Animal Care team members at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for their professionalism, dedication, and achievement in their work. Among award winners was Ramon Villaverde, who received the Jean M. Hromadka Excellence in Animal Care Award. The Jean M. Hromadka Excellence in Animal Care Award recognizes achievement and determination of an individual or team in the animal care field and in fostering professionalism. Ramon specifically received this award for his passion and skills for dive safety and aquaculture. Specifically noted is his participation and dedication to the Florida Reef Tract Conservation Program and Rising Tide Conservation. Not only does he actively contribute to conservation projects, but is also skilled in building necessary habitats and in sharing the information among the zoological and aquarium communities. Congratulations, Ramon, on receiving this exciting award, and thank you for your continued dedication in your work! Stay tuned as we continue to announce the rest of our AAZK Award winners throughout this week.

In 2002, the river otter was removed from the Ohio Endangered Species List. River otters have been sighted in all but four of Ohio's 88 counties, and young otter family groups have been seen throughout eastern Ohio! You can help by remembering to throw your trash in proper receptacles and picking up trash you see on the ground. Garbage can make its way into waterways, making them unsuitable for river otters. Visit our website for more information about how to symbolically adopt an otter and other species that need our help! Get started: https://lnkd.in/g5KMchrE

Congratulations to our Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Employee of the Quarter, Jesse Motz! As a member of our Events and Promotions team at the Columbus Zoo, Jesse has consistently exceeded expectations, leading a team of 45 seasonal staff and ensuring every event, from setup to teardown, runs smoothly and efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment to maintaining costumes, décor, and character ambassador suits reflects their dedication to the Zoo and their role. Jesse’s creativity and teamwork shines through in all they do, from organizing the Events Street Team to creating sustainable animal awareness materials. If you’ve visited the Zoo recently for Boo at the Zoo, you may have seen Jesse’s Jack-O-Lantern Journey, which Jesse has been invaluable to creating. Jesse’s Jack-O-Lantern Journey features over 100 hand-carved styrofoam pumpkins that they’ve carved and is a true tribute to their creativity. Our recent social media video shown below dives into their dedication and expertise to bringing this element of Boo at the Zoo to life. Outside of their daily roles and responsibilities, what truly sets Jesse apart is their empathy—whether it’s connecting with children at sensory-friendly events or stepping into underserved communities, they lead with compassion and a genuine desire to make everyone feel seen and valued. Jesse’s leadership, adaptability, and willingness to roll up their sleeves inspires their team and embodies the values we stand for at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. We are so proud to celebrate Jesse for their contributions and leadership as our Employee of the Quarter. Congratulations, Jesse!

Exciting news, Columbus Zoo guests! Starting October 28, the Zoo is going cashless to make your visits smoother, safer, and even more fun. This change isn’t just about faster checkouts – it’s a step toward a more sustainable future as we continue our mission of empowering people and saving wildlife. Here’s what to keep in mind: 😊 Pay Your Way: Use your favorite payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. 💲 Still Have Cash? No worries! We’ve got pre-paid debit card machines on-site, so you can swap cash for a prepaid card at no extra cost (and you can use the card after you leave the Zoo, too!) 🌎 Why Go Cashless? It’s quicker, more secure, and helps us take a step toward a greener, more sustainable Zoo. We’re here to help every step of the way, and we know change can be a bit of an adjustment. But together, we’re making the Zoo experience better than ever. If you’ve got any questions or just want to learn more, click the link and we’ll fill you in: https://lnkd.in/gSBfYMGE Can’t wait to see you here soon – there’s always something new to discover!

Today, team members from the Columbus Zoo had the honor of attending Empowerment Day, hosted by the Columbus Urban League. It was an inspiring event that brought together leaders, advocates, and changemakers to celebrate and recognize those who champion equal opportunity, civil rights, and social justice in our community. Thank you for the impactful conversations, inspiring stories, and for reminding us of the important work that still needs to be done. We look forward to furthering our partnership and commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is thrilled to host an upcoming International Marine Animal Trainers Association's (IMATA) Regional Workshop on November 21-22! This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for animal care specialists in the Midwest to connect, learn, and grow together. It's designed to mirror IMATA's annual conference, but on a smaller, more intimate scale, making it accessible and beneficial for everyone in the region. Here's what to expect: ✨ Informational Presentations – Learn from the experiences and insights of fellow trainers. 🤝 Discussion Groups – Engage in thought-provoking conversations on best practices in animal training and care. ❓ Training Q&A Sessions – Bring your toughest training questions and collaborate on creative solutions. 🏛️ Facility Tours – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Columbus Zoo. The workshop is designed to be informal and low-cost, maximizing the opportunity for everyone to participate. And don't forget, the timing couldn't be better—Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo opens on November 22, adding a festive touch to the event! 🎄 Don't miss this chance to network and gain valuable insights with fellow professionals. Mark your calendars and register here: https://lnkd.in/gKbUVr8b

To wrap up Hispanic Heritage month, our team members at the Columbus Zoo took the opportunity to participate in some activities related to Dia de los Muertos, which included some treats for them, as well as some of the animals in our care! On October 16, team members painted sugar skulls as well as created and painted animal friendly “sugar” skulls for an enrichment activity. Additionally, they made paper flowers, did some crossword puzzles, listened to music, and learned more about Hispanic culture. As team members stayed engaged in the activities, we heard stories, shared in some laughter, and saw a lot of very focused faces as the intense work of painting and flower-making progressed. It was a great day revolving around curiosity, community, collaboration, and learning, and a great last activity to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. In case you missed it, here’s some of the other events our team members participated in to celebrate this Hispanic Heritage month: 🔸 A presentation by Dr. Andreas Chavez on his experience and background as a Hispanic-Asian scientist 🔸 Tasting different Hispanic/Latino traditional foods 🔸 A “Facts vs Fictions” virtual, interactive discussion 🔸 A presentation by Kristina Robinson, Vice President of Information Technology at Cardinal Health It was a fun and enriching month, and we know that including and valuing our Hispanic and Latine team members must be a priority every day of the year. These activities serve as a reminder of the importance of celebrating diversity and fostering an inclusive culture that allows every voice to be heard and celebrated year-round.

Congratulations are in order for President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds, Tom Schmid, for being named one of the Top 50 zoo and aquarium influencers by Blooloop! A well-deserved recognition. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eU2EsrjJ

Happy National Vet Tech Week! We’re shining a spotlight on the amazing vet techs at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, whose hard work and dedication help keep wildlife healthy and thriving! Vet techs in a zoo setting play a crucial role in caring for animals of all shapes and sizes—from the tiniest reptiles to the mightiest elephants. Here’s a peek at what they do: 🩺 Health Check-Ups: Vet techs assist with regular exams to monitor the wellbeing of all our animals. 💉 Administering Medicine: Whether it's giving vitamins, preparing medications, or even assisting with surgeries, they ensure every animal gets the care they need. ❤️ Emergency Care: If an animal faces an unexpected health issue, our vet techs are quick to respond, providing critical care and comfort. 🐾 Assisting with Training: For specific procedures, like ultrasounds and blood collections, vet techs work with animal care teams on voluntary, positive reinforcement training with our animals. 🦒 Working Behind the Scenes: From prepping medical equipment to working closely with veterinarians, their support is essential to the health and happiness of our Zoo residents. Join us in thanking our incredible vet tech team for their compassion and dedication! We are so grateful for the love and care they provide to our animals every single day.