The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is an exciting and popular destination for anyone visiting the area. Set in Powell, Ohio, this zoo brings a spark of wonder and natural flair to the community by showcasing beautiful and exotic creatures that the entire family can enjoy. It is not somewhere you want to miss on your trip to Ohio!
What is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was created in 1927 under the name Columbus Zoological Gardens, but it was renamed to what we recognize today a few years later when the Zoological Park Organization, a nonprofit, was given ownership.
What Attractions does the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Have to Offer?
Their exhibits include:
- Adventure Cove- Animals featured here include the California sea lion, harbor seal, serval, bat-eared fox, and red-ruffed lemur.
- North America- This is the oldest part of the Columbus Zoo, and it has a total of fifteen exhibits. The animals housed here include but are not limited to the American beaver, cougar, bald eagle, reindeer, Mexican wolf, black-tailed prairie dog, and the American bison.
- Polar Frontier- This region of the zoo is smaller than the others, but this is simply because it is an extension of the North America section of the zoo. The most notable animals featured here are the polar bear and the arctic fox.
- Asia Quest- This section of the zoo once held a prized Guinness World Records holder, Fluffy the python. This reptile was the longest snake in captivity at 24 feet in length. The zoo now houses her daughter, Hanna. Asia Quest also showcases notable animals such as the Malaysian giant turtle, water monitor, Amur tiger, Indian elephant, and the Eastern black rhinoceros.
- Shores & Aquarium- Popular for its numerous amounts of fish and its wonderful manatee exhibit, this area of the zoo is expansive and encompasses most of the aquatic life of the zoo. It is split into the Discovery Reef, Manatee Coast, and Reptile Habitat.
- Congo Expedition- This region of the zoo houses animals native to the rainforests of Central Africa. This includes gorillas, the African grey parrot, the Okapi, and more!
- Australia and the Islands- This part of the Columbus Zoo houses animals such as the red kangaroo, the crested gecko, the koala, and many other unique animals native to Australia and beyond.
- Heart of Africa- As the name suggests, animals from the throngs of Africa reside here, such as the cheetah, ostrich, African lion, and Grant’s zebra.
What Sets This Place Apart From Other Similar Zoos and Aquariums?
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a nonprofit organization geared toward the preservation of the natural world and the education of kids and adults alike. They donate zoo funds to charitable organizations throughout the year, and they use any additional funds to keep their own conservation efforts up and running so their animals are fed, cared for, and given the comforts they need. More than that, it has been ranked as one of the top zoos in America many times over the years!
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is another great place to visit!
Learn more here.
