Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit facility in Powell, Ohio. The zoo has a worldwide reputation, due largely in part to efforts and promotions by Jack Hanna, wildlife champion and director emeritus. The Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals which represent more than 700 species and welcomes some 1.5 million visitors each year. The animal exhibits at the zoo are divided into regions of the world, and the zoo also has an 18-hole golf course and is situated on 580-acres of land.

The Columbus Zoo runs its own conservation program and donates money to outside programs as well. The original zoo facility opened in 1905, stayed open for approximately 5 months and closed for unknown reasons. The current zoo was reopened in 1927, and was renamed Columbus Zoological Gardens, with the City of Columbus taking over operations in 1978.

In 2004, voters passed a measure that would allow for $180 million in expansions of the zoo over the next ten years. Exhibit areas at the zoo cover African Forest, African Savannah (coming in 2010), Asia Quest, Australia, Islands of Southeast Asia, North America, Pachyderms, Polar Frontier, Reptiles and Shores. Long term plans for the zoo also include the addition of a resort-style hotel to be added to the already existing Zoombezi Bay water/amusement park.

The Zoo is divided into 8 regions, with the North American region being one of the largest and oldest exhibits. The North American region contains 13 large exhibits showcasing a wetland area, as well as an 84,000 ft. aviary which has more than 40 bird species. Animals that can be seen in the North American region are American bison, moose, Brown Bears, Mexican wolves, Trumpeter swans, Wolverines and North American river otters.

Located north of the North American region is the Pachyderm region, which features Asian elephants and Black rhinoceros. The area has a large outdoor habitat for both species and a 41,000 square foot indoor facility. The exhibit is the largest indoor facility of its kind in the world and has the capacity to house 10 elephants and 3-4 black rhinos.

The Asia Quest is the newest region at the zoo and opened in two phases, beginning in 2006. When entering Asia Quest, visitors will pass through a waterfall flanked by two habitat areas and then travel via a cave entrance and exit into a Chinese forest. The pheasant aviary is designed to resemble an abandoned Asian garden and there are no fences, instead rock walls separate the habitats. Featured in the Phase I area of the exhibit are; Sun bears, Panda bears, Pallas cat, Amur tigers and Markhor. Inside Phase II, visitors can see Tufted deer, Malayan Flying fox, Black Water monitors, Red-crowned cranes, Reticulated pythons and many other types of animals.

The reptile habitat is a totally indoor exhibit facility containing many snakes, turtles and tortoises. Reptiles featured in the exhibits are Burmese pythons, Pine snakes, King cobras, Timber rattlesnakes, Long-necked turtles, Chameleon, Chinese Crocodile lizards, Gila Monsters and Solomon Island skinks. The zoo has also bred many endangered reptile species over the years, such as, Jamaican boas, Yellow-spotted river turtles, Madagascar Ground boas and the Eastern plains garter snake.

The shores region habitat is well-known for its fish and manatee aquariums, in addition to other exhibits. Animals included are greater flamingos, American alligators and Humboldt penguins. The Discovery Reef is a 10,000-gallon saltwater aquarium which is home to sting rays, sharks, sea turtles and various other species of fish and a large live coral exhibit. The Manatee Coast opened in 1999, and is one of only 3 located outside of Florida to house manatees. The exhibit is a 190,000-gallon indoor habitat and supports endangered West Indian manatees; the habitat also has a retractable roof and an outdoor area that can contain up to 5 manatees during warmer weather.

African Forest was first opened in 2000, and highlights exhibits devoted to animals from the Central African Rainforest. The exhibit contains many hoofed mammals, large cats and birds housed in the aviary. The Columbus Zoo has one of the largest populations of critically endangered Bonobos, a pygmy chimpanzee, which is the closest living relative to human beings and only found in 6 other zoos through the U.S.

Lying along the east bank of the Scioto River is the Australia region. The habitat contains a walkthrough kangaroo exhibit which is home to 12 red kangaroos and 1 Eastern Grey Kangaroo. The ground-level habitat allows visitors to walk through the habitat along with the kangaroos, and includes a garden for lorikeets, a Koala bear exhibit and an aviary with over 30 species of Australian birds.

The Islands of Southeast Asia exhibit was opened in 2003, and attempts to be more immersive by melding together exhibits and scenery to give the visitor the feeling of walking through one large continuous exhibit. Also included in the exhibit are lush vegetation and man-made scenery, visitor's board a boat and ride around to view the various displays. Animals featured in the area are Komodo dragons, Siamang, Black swan, Lar Gibbons, Orangutans, Oriental small-clawed otters and Sulphur Crested cockatoos.

The Polar Frontier region is an extension of the North America region and houses animals native to colder climates. Animals featured are Arctic foxes and Brown bears, and mark the return of Polar bears to the zoo. The exhibit has a 165,000-gallon pool, complete with underwater viewing areas.

Located north of the zoo, is the African Savannah region which consists of 70-acres of land devoted to African plains animals. The animals featured in the exhibit are hyenas, antelope, hippos, zebras, giraffes and African elephants. Also contained in the region are a simulation of the Zambezi River with paddle boat rides for visitors to travel through the exhibit, and a rail station.

Planned for the future is an exhibit dedicated to South and Central America. The plans call for the habitat to feature canopied walkways, a tropical rainforest building and a zip-line. Some of the animals planned for the exhibit include toucans, Spider monkeys, tapirs, King Vultures, Spectacled bears, jaguars and Vampire bats.

The Columbus Zoo is opened 365 days per year, from Labor Day through Memorial Day from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm; with extended hours June 25th through August 20th the zoo is open until 8:00 pm. A visit to the Columbus Zoo will give guests a chance to view one of the largest and most unique collections of animals in the United States and will raise awareness about animal conservation and education.