The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located in Powell, Ohio (Liberty Township/Delaware County), just north of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Powell Road. It has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna. In 2009, it was named by the USA Travel Guide as the number one zoo in America.
The Columbus Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species and sees over 1.8 million visitors annually. The animal exhibits are divided into regions of the world, with the zoo currently operating eight such regions. In addition the zoo owns an 18-hole golf course, known as Safari Golf Club, Zoombezi Bay, and Jungle Jack's Landing. Both are located just south of the zoo. In total, the zoo owns 580 acres (2.3 km 2 ) of land, with just under half dedicated to the zoo itself.
The zoo operates its own conservation program, donating money to outside programs as well as participating in their own conservation efforts. Over the past five years the zoo has raised over $3.3 million from fifteen different sources. The zoo also has a close working relationship with the Wilds, a 10,000 acre (40 km²) animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio.
History
The original Columbus Zoo was located in the north Riverview 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 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 14 gorillas, 6 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 30 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956.
Jack Hanna
Main article: Jack HannaJack 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, and continues to be the public face for the zoo in its marketing campaigns.
Expansion
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 km 2 ) 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.
Death of Jeff Swanagan
On Sunday, June 28, 2009 Jeff Swanagan the current executive director of the zoo passed away suddenly at the age of 51. Dale Schmitt the zoos COO was named executive director on November 20, 2009.
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 $6 that gives unlimited rides at the zoo and Jungle Jack's Landing. All rides are open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Except for the Pony Ride and the Lorikeet Garden), weather permitting.
Mangels-Illions Carousel
In the spring of 2000 the zoo added its restored 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel. This carousel had originally been built for the former Olentangy Park in Clintonville. When the park closed in 1938 the carousel was moved to Wyandot Lake where it continued operating for sixty years, though in deteriorating condition. In 1999 the carousel was removed from Wyandot Lake and underwent a million dollar restoration before being moved to a new location at the zoo. With 52 hand carved horses, 2 chariots, and a Stinson (style "JB66M-1") band organ, this rare "grand carousel" in the Coney Island style is one of only a few manufactured by the William E. Mangels Company as a Mangels-Illions carousel. It was ridden 42,000 times in its first month of operation at the zoo, and celebrated its one millionth rider on July 28, 2004.
Zoombezi Bay
Main article: Zoombezi BayThe zoo purchased Wyandot Lake at the end of 2006 and have renovated the park into "Zoombezi Bay." The new water park contains 11 attractions, with almost all of them being brand new. The park opened in May of 2008 and is accompanied by Jungle Jack's Landing, the dry ride park.
Jungle Jack's Landing
Main article: Jungle Jack's LandingWhen the zoo bought Wyandot Lake, they split the park into two sections. The new dry park, called Jungle Jack's Landing (After Jack Hanna) will be open free of charge to zoo visitors. The rides themselves cost $1-2 or a wristband can be purchased for $6. The park features 16 rides and attractions, including the historical Sea Dragon Roller Coaster.
Regions
The Columbus Zoo is divided into 8 regions (10 after the current expansion is complete), each housing animals from a particular region of the world. Each region is themed for the particular area of the world they are representing, though older regions are themed less than the newly constructed ones. Food and souvenir shops are located throughout the zoo, each one also themed for the region the shop is in.
There are two modes of transportation through the zoo other than walking. These include a train which circles the North America region and a boat ride around the Islands of Southeast Asia region. Plans also call for a second rail line and water line to be built in the African Savannah region when it is constructed in 2014.
North America
The North America region of the Columbus Zoo is the largest and the oldest. It is currently located on the far east side of the zoo, but will become more central once expansion efforts are completed. In total, North America contains 13 large exhibits featuring a wetlands area and an 10,000 sq ft (930 m 2 ) migratory songbird aviary containing over 40 species. In addition to the exhibits, the North America region contains the train ride which circles the region and travels past the open plains exhibits.
Featured Animals Include:
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus )
Gray Wolf ( Canis lupus )
American Black Bear ( Ursus americanus )
Brown Bear ( Ursus arctos )
Wolverine ( Gulo gulo )
North American River Otter ( Lontra canadensis )
Bobcat ( Lynx rufus )
Cougar ( Puma concolor )
Moose ( Alces alces )
Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana )
American Bison ( Bison bison )
Trumpeter Swan ( Cygnus buccinator )
Bald Eagle ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus )
Pachyderms
The pachyderm region is the home of Asian Elephants and B
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