Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Next door at Zoombezi Bay, the safety and wellbeing of their guests is at the core of everything they do. We are proud to announce that their dedicated lifeguard team has excelled in three recent unannounced audits conducted by Ellis & Associates, a global leader in aquatic safety. These outstanding results are a testament to their ongoing commitment to operational excellence and guest safety. During these comprehensive audits, the team was evaluated across three critical areas: ✔️ Individual Lifeguard Evaluation: Lifeguards were commended for their vigilance, professionalism, and readiness, under the watchful eye of the auditors. ✔️ Simulated Emergency Evaluation: In simulated emergency scenarios, the team not only met but exceeded the rigorous operating criteria, demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork. ✔️ Administration Evaluation: All administrative processes and safety equipment were found to be in impeccable order, ensuring that the team is always prepared to protect guests. We are especially proud to highlight that one of their exceptional lifeguards, Quinn M., received the prestigious Golden Guard Award from Ellis & Associates. This award is given to only a select few lifeguards worldwide who demonstrate exemplary professionalism, rescue readiness, and adherence to the highest safety standards. Quinn’s achievement reflects the strength of Zoombezi Bay's safety culture and her commitment to going above and beyond in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors. We extend our gratitude to Ellis & Associates for their world-class training and ongoing support, which empowers our lifeguards with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. As part of the Columbus Zoo family, Zoombezi Bay remains dedicated to setting the standard in aquatic safety. Congratulations to our entire team for their hard work and dedication to maintaining a safe environment for our guests!

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud to announce the grand opening of the Claudine André Bonobo Indoor Habitat, which marks a significant milestone in the Zoo's ongoing commitment to animal wellbeing, wildlife conservation, and education. The new indoor bonobo habitat is more than just a space; it’s a dynamic, living environment that fosters natural behaviors and encourages exploration. Highlights of the new indoor habitat include: ▪️ Increased vertical space (26 feet total) with pathways and climbing/swinging opportunities ▪️ Three-foot-deep mulch biofloor for the bonobos’ additional comfort ▪️ Increased HVAC capacity and building modifications to provide high humidity, the ideal condition for bonobos ▪️ Redesigned behind-the-scenes rooms to accommodate the complex social structure of the species and their preferences throughout the day The official opening was celebrated on August 27 with a ceremony featuring Zoo leadership and other community leaders, as well as Claudine André, founder of Friends of Bonobos. Because of her significant contributions to the conservation of bonobos, the Columbus Zoo has dedicated this new space in her name. Please join us in celebrating this accomplishment for bonobo conservation and be sure to visit the new habitat on your next visit to the Zoo!

Ever wish you could go behind the scenes at the Columbus Zoo and feel like a marine life expert? If so, check out our NEW Manatee Conservation Center Tour! On the Manatee Conservation Center Tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see firsthand how the Columbus Zoo is making a difference for Florida’s manatee population, including manatees like Stubby, the beloved “Aquatic Queen” of the Zoo. Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy an exclusive glimpse into the dedicated care provided to our pelicans, fish, rays, and cherished resident sea turtle; all animals who share their habitat with manatees. This new tour is proudly presented by Nationwide and will leave you endlessly inspired by seeing our conservation efforts in action. To learn more, visit https://lnkd.in/gCr4md9w

We’re thrilled to welcome Chris Brown to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds as our new Project Manager for Planning and Design! Chris brings with him an impressive 34-year career in Retail Design and Construction and has been a Columbus resident for over 40 years. The Columbus Zoo has always been special to his family and now he's helping to shape the future of the Zoo by contributing to wildlife conservation and positively impacting our community. Chris's background is as diverse as it is extensive. He studied Industrial Design at Ohio State University and has held key roles across the retail, restaurant, and hospitality industries. Most recently, he served as Director of Facility Design, Construction, and Maintenance at Safelite AutoGlass, where he led initiatives to enhance the customer experience, reduce environmental impact, and expand the company’s footprint with over 150 new locations across the U.S. While Chris doesn’t have a single favorite animal, he admits to being particularly captivated by penguins. Their unique behaviors and agility in water, coupled with their charming courtship rituals, have always fascinated him. Welcome to the pack, Chris!

The wait is over…the Columbus Zoo’s new Claudine André Bonobo Indoor Habitat is opening next week! Make plans to visit the Zoo’s Congo Expedition region on August 27, and be one of the first guests to marvel at this new indoor habitat, as well as the bonobos’ existing outdoor habitat, starting at noon. Bonobos, known for their reconciliation behaviors and cooperative female-led social structures, are among the rarest great apes in the world, with only 5,000 to 50,000 estimated to remain in the wild. Native to the equatorial forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, these endangered great apes are facing severe threats in their native range, from habitat destruction to bushmeat hunting. The Columbus Zoo is one of only a few organizations in North America to house bonobos and is actively involved in global conservation projects aimed at protecting this species in their native range. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has a long-standing partnership with Friends of Bonobos, the conservation organization that created the world’s only bonobo sanctuary, located in the DRC. Since 2000, the Zoo has provided over $500,000 in support of the organization’s rescue, rehabilitation, rewilding, and educational programs. In 2013, Claudine André, the organization’s founder, received the Columbus Zoo’s inaugural Commitment to Conservation Award. Because of her contributions to bonobos, the Columbus Zoo has also dedicated the new indoor habitat in her name and honor. This is also your first chance to meet the youngest bonobo in the troop, Bob, who was born in November 2023, as well as two new bonobos to the Columbus Zoo, Nadine and Kibibi! Want to learn more about them all during your visit? Find the sign in the habitat and scan the QR code to learn about each bonobo on your mobile device. Get your Day Pass to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at www.columbuszoo.org

Protect what’s precious and join us in our efforts to conserve East Central Africa’s wildlife and uplift its communities. 🌏 Over the years, our annual Rwandan Fête event has been fundamental to funding the Columbus Zoo’s Partners In Conservation and the pillars they support, which are: ◼️ Gorilla and Wildlife Conservation ◼️ Community Empowerment ◼️ Habitat Conservation and Protection In fact, in 2023 alone, we were able to raise funds to further our conservation efforts through: the International Gorilla Conservation Programme ($25,000), Nyungwe National Park ($35,000), Akagera National Park ($15,125), Gorilla Doctors ($45,000), as well as additional conservation programs. By joining us for the Rwandan Fête on September 21, you’ll have the opportunity to support this impactful work and further our efforts in East Central Africa. Tickets are limited, so grab yours now and be part of investing in the future! Head to https://lnkd.in/gKHWVqCA to reserve your spot.

After a little less than a year away, two beloved male gorillas, JJ and Kamoli, have returned to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! In early November 2023, JJ and Kamoli moved to Zoo Atlanta while some construction was underway at the Columbus Zoo. When they were in Atlanta, JJ and Kamoli were very well cared for and continued their growth as adolescent males who will eventually become silverbacks that may eventually lead troops of their own. Here in Columbus, they will continue to remain as a bachelor troop as they continue this process. From the beginning, it has always been the hope to welcome JJ and Kamoli back to the Columbus Zoo, and we are so happy to have them here again! We cannot thank Zoo Atlanta enough for taking such great care of these boys. We have enjoyed collaborating as collective organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to prioritize the wellbeing of these incredible animals. Next time you’re visiting our Congo Expedition region, be sure to welcome back JJ and Kamoli!

One of our NEW animal experiences is with an animal who is often sleepy, smells like eucalyptus, and has a stout body and large paws … Did you guess koala? If so, you’re correct! During our new Koala Experience at the Columbus Zoo, you will have the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes and learn about the meticulous care our koalas receive, from training and enrichment to their specialized nutrition. Then, after an exclusive tour of the zookeeper area, you'll even get to step inside the koala habitat to get an up-close view of a koala! For more information and to book your unforgettable experience, visit https://lnkd.in/g7EBba4x. This tour is proudly presented by Nationwide.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Vice President of Conservation, Dr. Michael Kreger, was recently recognized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for five years of dedication and service to the Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) North American Songbird Program! Dr. Kreger serves as a Co-Program Leader for the program, whose goal is to reduce threats to North American songbirds and secure sustainable wild populations by harnessing the collective strengths of zoos, aquariums, and their conservation partners. You can learn about every AZA SAFE program at https://lnkd.in/ec6-Wh2S. Please help us in congratulating Dr. Kreger on this recognition!

Jump into our NEW animal experience … with our kangaroos! Step behind the scenes to discover the importance of kangaroo training and welfare, as well as learn about aspects of their care, like enrichment and nutrition. Then, venture into our kangaroos’ habitat to enjoy an up-close encounter with our lively kangaroo mob! Our unique Kangaroo Experience at the Columbus Zoo, presented by Nationwide, is available to book now and is sure to give you memories to last a lifetime. For more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/gKzzR_N2.