Editing Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

{{short description|Zoo and aquarium in Ohio, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2011}}
{{Infobox zoo
| zoo_name         = Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
| logo             = ColsZooLogocurrent.png
| logo_width       = 184px
| image            = Columbus Zoo - 51284639854.jpg
| image_width      = 270px
| image_caption    = Central plaza and Celebration of Giving Fountain
| area             = {{Convert|234|ha|abbr=on}}<ref name="waza_details"/>
| date_opened      = {{start date and age|1927}}
| location         = [[Powell, Ohio]], United States
| num_animals      = More than 10,000<ref name="wrsol.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrsol.com/usatravelguide/2009/02/top10zoosinamerica/ |title=The Top 10 Zoos in America &#124; USA Travel Guide |access-date=2010-01-26 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105161943/http://www.wrsol.com/usatravelguide/2009/02/top10zoosinamerica/ |archive-date=January 5, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>
| num_species      = Over 800<ref name="waza_details"/>
| coordinates      = {{Coord|40.156266|-83.118403|region:US-OH_type:landmark_scale:2500|display=it}}
| exhibits         = North America Trek, Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, Shores & Aquarium, Polar Frontier, Australia and the Islands, Adventure Cove and Congo Expedition<ref name="zoo_map"/>
| annual_visitors  = 2+ million<ref>{{cite news |last1=Caperton |first1=Alex |title=Columbus Zoo attendance in 2022 tops 2 million |url=https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/columbus-zoo-attendance-in-2022-tops-2-million-tom-schmid-revenue-invest-programming-zoombezi-bay-projection-above-average-visit-guest-animals |agency=Fox 28 |publisher=WTTE}}</ref>
| members          = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]], [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]],<ref name="waza_list"/> [[Zoological Association of America|ZAA]] 
| website          = {{URL|http://www.columbuszoo.org}}
| publictransit    = {{bus icon}} {{rint|COTA}} Zoo Bus
}}
The '''Columbus Zoo and Aquarium''' is a non-profit [[zoo]] located near [[Powell, Ohio|Powell]] in [[Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio]], United States, north of the city of [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]]. The land lies along the eastern banks of the [[O'Shaughnessy Dam (Ohio)|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 the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrsol.com/usatravelguide/2009/02/top10zoosinamerica/|title=The Top 10 Zoos in America|work=wrsol.com|publisher=USA Travel Guide|date=February 10, 2009|access-date=November 23, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105161943/http://www.wrsol.com/usatravelguide/2009/02/top10zoosinamerica/
|archive-date=January 5, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It was also ranked number one best zoo in 2012 by Besties Readers Choice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.10best.com/TravelAwards/Vote/best-zoos/|title=Best Zoo Award Winners  |work=10best.com  |access-date=September 22, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103081916/http://www.10best.com/TravelAwards/Vote/best-zoos  |archive-date=November 3, 2012 }}</ref>

The Columbus Zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals<ref name="wrsol.com"/> representing over 800 species and sees over 2 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 the Safari Golf Club which encompasses {{convert|56.656|ha|0}}. The zoo also owns [[Zoombezi Bay]] which encompasses {{convert|9.187|ha}}. In total, the zoo owns {{convert|234|ha}} of land, with {{convert|164.424|ha}} dedicated to the zoo itself.{{update inline|date=July 2020}}

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 contributed over $3.3&nbsp;million to more than 70 projects in 30 countries.<ref>{{cite web|title=Columbus Zoo Conservation Funds |publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |url=http://www.colszoo.com/Conservation/2005rpt/funds.html |year=2006 |access-date=2007-07-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060614/http://www.colszoo.com/Conservation/2005rpt/funds.html |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref> The zoo also has a close working relationship with [[The Wilds (Ohio)|the Wilds]], a {{Convert|9154|acre|km2|adj=on}} animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio and featured on the Columbus Zoo's website.<ref>{{cite web |title=the Wilds History  |publisher=the Wilds  |year=2007  |url=http://www.thewilds.org/about/history.asp  |access-date=2007-07-26  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070712015339/http://www.thewilds.org/about/history.asp  |archive-date=July 12, 2007  |url-status=dead  |df=mdy }}</ref>

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and by extension The Wilds, are prominently featured in the [[Nat Geo Wild]] series ''Secrets of the Zoo'', a series focusing on various activities done with the animals in the zoo.
{{TOC limit|3}}

==History==

=== Early history ===
[[File:Columbus Zoo aerial photograph - DPLA - 2a0c9853ddfe6a4dc9d4430d014bb46a.jpg|thumb|left|Columbus Zoo aerial photograph, {{Circa|1940}}]]
The first zoo in Columbus, known as "the Zoo" was operated by the Columbus Zoological Company (not affiliated with today's Columbus Zoo). It was located in the present-day [[Old Beechwold Historic District]] in [[Clintonville, Columbus, Ohio|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 West Beechwold Boulevard where it is used as a barn. The zoo's original brick entrance can also be seen on North High Street at Beechwold Road.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://clintonvillehistory.com/wp-content/uploads/zoo-winter-87.pdf|title=From Evolution to Extinction: An Early Zoo in Columbus|work=clintonvillehistory.com|publisher=Shirley Hyatt|access-date=November 23, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.clintonville.com/history/h_zoo.html|title=The Columbus Zoo|work=clintonville.com|publisher=Clintonville Online|access-date=November 23, 2011}}</ref>

The present Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 as '''Riverside Park''' on 21-acres by the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir.<ref name=":0"/> The zoo was initially conceived by Harry P. Wolfe, owner of the ''[[The Columbus Dispatch|Columbus Dispatch]]'', and the Columbus Mayor on a trip to the St. Louis in 1920 where they visited the zoo. Wolfe began purchasing exotic animals for the zoo and kept them in the [[Franklin Park Conservatory]] until the park was ready. Its first building housed lions and tigers and was completed in 1932.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-08-18|title=Curious Cbus: What Is The Early History Of The Columbus Zoo?|url=https://news.wosu.org/2021-08-18/curious-cbus-what-is-the-early-history-of-the-columbus-zoo|access-date=2021-12-03|website=WOSU News|language=en}}</ref>

In 1937, the zoo's name changed to the '''Columbus Municipal Zoo''' and utilized membership fees to fund its growth but by 1950 was struggling financially.<ref name=":0" />

=== 1950 to present ===
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.<ref name="report">{{cite web|title=2004 Columbus Annual Report |publisher=The Columbus Zoo |year=2005 |url=http://www.colszoo.com/news/rept2004/future.htm |access-date=2007-07-26 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060608/http://www.colszoo.com/news/rept2004/future.htm |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref>

[[File:Jack Hanna feeds a giraffe - DPLA - ea8f6f51431e0680ffef975de42e6abc.jpg|thumb|Zoo director [[Jack Hanna]] offers food to a giraffe, c. 1992]]
[[Jack 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 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&nbsp;million visitors annually by 1992.<ref>{{cite web | title      = The Columbus Zoo: Jack Hanna | publisher=The Columbus Zoo| year= 2006  | url  = http://www.colszoo.org/jhannah/jhanna.html| access-date = 2007-07-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070711143216/http://www.colszoo.org/jhannah/jhanna.html |archive-date = July 11, 2007}}</ref> Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993 and continued to be the public face for the zoo in its marketing campaigns until 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/article/wildlife-animals-jack-hanna-celebrity-columbus-f289177a395963391963c2a4e6b00ba7|title=Celebrity zookeeper Jack Hanna diagnosed with dementia|date=April 7, 2021 |publisher=Associated Press|access-date=April 7, 2021}}</ref>

In 2004, voters passed a measure that would raise an estimated $180&nbsp;million to expand the zoo over 10 years. The {{convert|120|acre|km2|1|adj=on}} expansion includes additional parking, Polar Frontier, an exhibit including polar bears and Arctic foxes as well as Heart of Africa, the most recent exhibit, which includes lions, antelope, cheetahs, giraffe, zebras, etc. 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 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 outdoor [[water park|water]]-[[amusement park]], Zoombezi Bay.<ref name="megazoo">{{cite news | last =Tullis| first =Matt | title = Out with the old, in with THE MEGAZOO | pages =A1| publisher=The Columbus Dispatch| date = 2006-11-30| access-date =2007-07-26| url = http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2006/11/30/20061130-A1-00.html}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On June 28, 2009, Jeff Swanagan, the executive director of the zoo, died suddenly at the age of 51.<ref name="director_dies">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2009/06/29/Swanagan.ART_ART_06-29-09_B1_24EAQ2E.html|title=Heart attack fells zoo director|first=Jim|last=Woods|work=dispatch.com
|publisher=Columbus Dispatch|date=June 29, 2009|access-date=November 23, 2011}}</ref> Dale Schmidt, the zoo's chief operating officer, was named executive director on November 20, 2009.<ref name="new_director">{{Cite web|url=http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2009/11/20/zoo-names-new-director.html|title=Columbus Zoo Names New director|first=Kathy|last=Gray|work=dispatch.com|publisher=Columbus Dispatch|date=November 20, 2009|access-date=November 23, 2011}}</ref>

==== Loss and restoration of accreditation ====
Additionally, zoo executives were reported by ''The Columbus Dispatch'' as having inappropriate businesses practices that used zoo resources for personal use.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Columbus Zoo loses its appeal with Association of Zoos and Aquariums to keep accreditation|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/12/13/columbus-zoo-loses-its-accreditation.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-14|website=www.bizjournals.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211213231419/https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/12/13/columbus-zoo-loses-its-accreditation.html |archive-date=December 13, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Shaffer|first=Jennifer Smola|title=Columbus Zoo loses accreditation appeal with Association of Zoos & Aquariums|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/12/13/columbus-zoos-loss-accreditation-stands-after-appeal-aza/6497018001/|access-date=2021-12-14|website=The Columbus Dispatch|language=en-US}}</ref> Zoo officials addressed the allegations, admitting to mistakes and cut ties to institutions involved but did not clarify specific issues.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smola|first=Alissa Widman Neese and Jennifer|title=Columbus Zoo drops some animal vendors after Jack Hanna's inclusion in 'The Conservation Game' documentary|url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/2021/07/01/columbus-zoos-jack-hanna-included-the-conservation-game/7819812002/|access-date=2021-12-03|website=The Columbus Dispatch|language=en-US}}</ref> On October 7, 2021, the Columbus Zoo was to lose its [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] accredited status for financial mismanagement and animal endangerment.<ref name="Columbus Zoo Loses Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums Over Business Practices">{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/pets/columbus-zoo-loses-accreditation-over-its-business-practices-failed-to-meet-gold-standard/|title=Columbus Zoo Loses Accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums Over Business Practices|first=Abigail|last=Adams|work=people.com|date=2021-10-07}}</ref> The zoo appealed the decision, and kept its accreditation provisionally.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/columbus-zoo-provides-update-to-members-will-keep-accreditation-during-appeal-process-10-8-2021|title = Columbus Zoo provides update to members; will keep accreditation during appeal process|date = October 8, 2021}}</ref> In December 2021 this appeal was denied, with an option to reapply in autumn 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shaffer |first1=Jennifer Smola |title=Columbus Zoo loses accreditation appeal with Association of Zoos & Aquariums |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/12/13/columbus-zoos-loss-accreditation-stands-after-appeal-aza/6497018001/ |access-date=14 December 2021 |work=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref>

In December 2021, Tom Schmid became the president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo. Schmid came to Columbus from the [[Texas State Aquarium]] in Corpus Christi, Texas, and planned to improve the zoo's image and restore its accreditation.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hohbach|first=Julanne|title=New Columbus Zoo CEO Pledges to Restore Public Trust and Regain National AZA Accreditation|url=https://www.columbusalive.com/story/lifestyle/features/2021/12/15/columbus-zoo-new-ceo-tom-schmid-restore-trust-aza-accreditation/8903923002/|access-date=2021-12-15|website=Columbus Alive|language=en-US}}</ref>

The zoo regained AZA accreditation in March 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Earns Accreditation From the Association of Zoos & Aquariums {{!}} Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |url=https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/columbus-zoo-and-aquarium-earns-accreditation-association-zoos-aquariums#:~:text=Mar%2027%202023&text=POWELL,%20OHIO%20-%20Today,%20the,over%20the%20last%2018%20months. |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=www.columbuszoo.org}}</ref> It is also accredited by the [[Zoological Association of America]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zoological Association of America - Accredited Facilities |url=https://zaa.org/accredited-facilties |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=zaa.org}}</ref>

==Exhibits==
The Columbus Zoo is divided into regions, 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 three modes of transportation through the zoo other than walking.  These include a train that circles the North America region, a tram that borders the southern part of the North America Region that takes visitors to Polar Frontier, and a boat ride around the Islands of Southeast Asia region.

===Adventure Cove===
Adventure Cove opened in 2020. This region contains a pool for California sea lions and harbor seals, Jack Hanna's Animal Encounter Village, and the Stingray Bay.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}}

Featured animals include:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[California sea lion]] (''Zalophus californianus'')
*[[Harbor seal]] (''Phoca vitulina'')
*[[Serval]] (''Leptailurus serval'') 
*[[Blue-and-yellow macaw]] (''Ara ararauna'')
*[[Scarlet macaw]] (''Ara macao'')
*[[Laughing kookaburra]] (''Dacelo novaeguineae'')
*[[Toco toucan]] (''Ramphastos toco'')
*[[Red ruffed lemur]] (''Varecia rubra'')
*[[Capybara]] (''Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris'') 
*[[Linnaeus's two-toed sloth]] (''Choloepus didactylus'')
*[[Indian crested porcupine]] (''Hystrix indica'')
*[[Crested porcupine]] (''Hystrix cristata'')
*[[African spurred tortoise]] (''Centrochelys sulcata'')
*[[Leopard tortoise]] (''Stigmochelys pardalis'')
*[[Radiated tortoise]] (''Astrochelys radiata'')
*[[Red-footed tortoise]] (''Chelonoidis carbonarius'')
*[[Domestic duck]] (''Anas platyrhynchos domesticus'')
*[[Geoffroy's cat]] (''Leopardus geoffroyi'')
*[[Abyssinian ground hornbill]] (''Bucorvus abyssinicus'')
*[[Red-legged seriema]] (''Cariama cristata'')
*[[Southern three-banded armadillo]] (''Tolypeutes matacus'')
*[[Brazilian porcupine|Prehensile-tailed porcupine]] (''Coendou prehensilis'')
*[[White cockatoo]] (''Cacatua alba'')
*[[Northern greater galago]] (''Otolemur garnettii'')
*[[Virginia opossum]] (''Didelphis virginiana'')
*[[Striped skunk]] (''Mephitis mephitis'')
*[[Big hairy armadillo]] (''Chaetophractus villosus'')
*[[Sand cat]] (''Felis margarita'')
*[[Southern tamandua]] (''Tamandua tetradactyla'')
*[[American crow]] x [[Common raven]] (''Corvus brachyrhynchos'') x (''Corvus corax'')
*[[Cownose ray]] (''Rhinoptera bonasus'')
*[[Southern stingray]] (''Hypanus americanus'')
*[[Red drum]] (''Sciaenops ocellatus'')
*[[Pinfish]] (''Lagodon rhomboides'')
*[[Bluestriped grunt]] (''Haemulon sciurus'')
{{div col end}}

===North America Trek===
The North America region of the Columbus Zoo is the second-largest and the oldest.<ref>{{cite web| title = North America Quick Tour| publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url = http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/northam.html|year=2006| access-date = 2007-07-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070715191222/http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/northam.html |archive-date = July 15, 2007}}</ref> In total, North America contains large exhibits featuring an {{convert|10000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} migratory [[songbird]] aviary containing over 40 species.{{cn|date=May 2024}} In addition to the exhibits, the North America region contains the train ride that circles the region. The first phase of the region went through extensive construction for a renovation in 2024, and will reopen in June 2025.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

Featured animals include:<ref>{{cite web|title=North America Animal List |publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://www.colszoo.com/animalareas/namerica/namerica.html|year=2006 |access-date=2007-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820114616/http://www.colszoo.com/animalareas/namerica/namerica.html |archive-date=August 20, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref>{{update-inline|date=May 2024}}
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[American golden plover]] (''Pluvialis dominica'')
*[[Cedar waxwing]] (''Bombycilla cedrorum'')
*[[Baltimore oriole]] (''Icterus galbula'')
*[[American robin]] (''Turdus migratorius'')
*[[Rose-breasted grosbeak]] (''Pheucticus ludovicianus'')
*[[Orchard oriole]] (''Icterus spurius'')
*[[Red-winged blackbird]] (''Agelaius phoeniceus'')
*[[Wood thrush]] (''Hylocichla mustelina'')
*[[Ovenbird]] (''Seiurus aurocapilla'')
*[[White-faced ibis]] (''Plegadis chihi'')
*[[American goldfinch]] (''Spinus tristis'')
*[[Brown-headed cowbird]] (''Molothrus ater'')
*[[Painted bunting]] (''Passerina ciris'')
*[[Sora (bird)|Sora]] (''Porzana carolina'')
*[[Indigo bunting]] (''Passerina cyanea'')
*[[Northern cardinal]] (''Cardinalis cardinalis'')
*[[Eastern bluebird]] (''Sialia sialis'')
*[[Killdeer]] (''Charadrius vociferus'')
*[[Snow goose]] (''Anser caerulescens'')
*[[Virginia rail]] (''Rallus limicola'')
*[[White-throated sparrow]] (''Zonotrichia albicollis'')
*[[Ruddy duck]] (''Oxyura jamaicensis'')
*[[Wood duck]] (''Aix sponsa'')
*[[Bufflehead]] (''Bucephala albeola'')
*[[Trumpeter swan]] (''Cygnus buccinator'')
*[[North American river otter]] (''Lontra canadensis'')
*[[Bald eagle]] (''Haliaeetus leucocephalus'')
*[[Mexican wolf]] (''Canis lupus baileyi'')
*[[American black bear]] (''Ursus americanus'')
*[[Hellbender]] (''Cryptobranchus alleganiensis'')
*[[Plains garter snake]] (''Thamnophis radix'')
*[[Spotted turtle]] (''Clemmys guttata'')
*[[American burying beetle]] (''Nicrophorus americanus'')
*[[Freshwater bivalves|Freshwater mussels]]
*[[Wolverine]] (''Gulo gulo'')
*[[Alaska moose]] (''Alces alces gigas'')
*[[Reindeer]] (''Rangifer tarandus'')
*[[Cougar]] (''Puma concolor'')
*[[Canada lynx]] (''Lynx canadensis'')
*[[Dexter cattle]] (''Bos taurus'') 
*[[Jacob's sheep]] (''Ovis aries'') 
*[[Barbados Blackbelly sheep]] (''Ovis aries'')
*[[Hampshire sheep]] (''Ovis aries'')
*[[Nigerian Dwarf goat]] (''Capra hircus'')
*[[Angora goat]] (''Capra hircus'')
*[[San Clemente Island goat]] (''Capra hircus'')
*[[American Pygmy|African Pygmy goat]] (''Capra hircus'')
{{div col end}}

===Polar Frontier===
[[File:Who's that bear trying to steal my toy? (34446100352).jpg|thumb|upright|Polar bear Nora]]
Polar Frontier opened in May 2010 as an extension of the North America region, featuring animals native to colder climates including [[Arctic fox]]es and [[brown bear]]s.  The region also marked the return of [[polar bear]]s to the zoo, whose habitat includes a {{convert|167000|USgal|L}} pool and an underwater viewing area. The center of the exhibit includes a Conservation/Education Building and a new play area. The zoo added a third polar bear in 2013 and further expanded Polar Frontier in 2014.

In 2015, one of the bears in the Polar Frontier, Aurora, gave birth to a bear cub, which the zoo named Nora.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Williams|first1=Kale|title=The Loneliest Polar Bear |url=https://projects.oregonlive.com/projectnora/1-3/ |website=The Oregonian}}</ref> Nora, born on November 6, 2015, was the first polar bear born and raised at the zoo since the opening of Polar Frontier. She now resides at the [[Hogle Zoo]] in Utah.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hollenhorst |first1=John |title=For Nora the polar bear, there is Hope |url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900012107/for-nora-the-polar-bear-there-is-hope.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209125216/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/900012107/for-nora-the-polar-bear-there-is-hope.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 9, 2018 |website=DeseretNews.com |access-date=9 December 2018 |language=en |date=5 March 2018}}</ref>

Featured animals include:
*[[Alaska Peninsula brown bear]] (''Ursus arctos gyas'')
*[[Arctic fox]] (''Vulpes lagopus'')
*[[Polar bear]] (''Ursus maritimus'')

===Asia Quest===
[[File:Beco with mom (4505622877).jpg|thumb|Elephants strolling through the zoo]]
[[File:Columbus zoo (2302714711).jpg|thumb|Tiger at the zoo]]
[[File:Capra falconeri at the Columbus Zoo-2011 07 11 IMG 0786.JPG|thumb|A female Markhor with a young. [[Markhor]] is the national animal of [[Pakistan]] and is considered an endangered species by [[IUCN]].]]
Asia Quest opened two phases in 2006. The region is an attempt to more fully immerse visitors into the exhibits, not only building larger and more attractive exhibits, but also melding them together with the scenery. Visitors entering Asia Quest pass a waterfall flanked by two habitats, travel through a cave containing the indoor habitats, exit into a Chinese forest, and finally enter an Asia Quest aviary designed to look like an abandoned Asian garden. Instead of fences, habitats are either recessed and separated via rock walls, or on ground level and separated by the rock walls and glass. Asia Quest also promotes donations for animal conservation, as many of the region's animals are threatened in the wild.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asia Quest Quick Tour |publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |url=http://www.columbuszoo.org/animalareas/carnivr/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020610062712/http://www.columbuszoo.org/animalareas/carnivr/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 10, 2002 |year=2006 |access-date=2007-07-26 }}</ref>

Featured animals include:

*[[Tufted deer]] (''Elaphodus cephalophus cephalophus'')
*[[Reeves's muntjac]] (''Muntiacus reevesi'')
*[[Red-crowned crane]] (''Grus japonensis'')
*[[Silvery lutung|Silvered leaf langur]] (''Trachypithecus cristatus'')
*[[Asian water monitor]] (''Varanus salvator'')
*[[Reticulated python]] (''Malayopython reticulatus'')
*[[Little golden-mantled flying fox]] (''Pteropus pumilus'')
*[[Large flying fox]] (''Pteropus vampyrus'')
*[[Blue-faced honeyeater]] (''Entomyzon cyanotis'')
*[[Greater Malay chevrotain]] (''Tragulus napu'')
*[[Asian forest tortoise|Burmese mountain tortoise]] (''Manouria emys'')
*[[Radiated tortoise]] (''Astrochelys radiata'')
*[[Aldabra giant tortoise]] (''Aldabrachelys gigantea'')
*[[Sloth bear]] (''Melursus ursinus'')
*[[Indian elephant]] (''Elephas maximus indicus'')
*[[Red panda]] (''Ailurus fulgens'')
*[[Smew duck]] (''Mergellus albellus'')
*[[Azure-winged magpie]] (''Cyanopica cyanus'')
*[[Chinese hwamei]] (''Garrulax canorus'')
*[[Northern bald ibis]] (''Geronticus eremita'')
*[[Reeves's pheasant]] (''Syrmaticus reevesii'')
*[[Javan pond heron]] (''Ardeola speciosa'')
*[[Black-throated laughingthrush]] (''Pterorhinus chinensis'')
*[[Western cattle egret]] (''Bubulcus ibis'')
*[[Magpie goose]] (''Anseranas semipalmata'')
*[[Nicobar pigeon]] (''Caloenas nicobarica'')
*[[Markhor]] (''Capra falconeri'')
*[[Pallas's cat]] (''Otocolobus manul'')
*[[Amur tiger]] (''Panthera tigris tigris'')

===Shores & Aquarium===
[[Image:Tutle-Columbus-Zoo.JPG|thumb|right|Buddy the turtle in Manatee Coast indoor habitat]]
[[Image: Columbus Zoo Flamingo.jpg|thumb|right|Two flamingos drinking in their habitat]]

The shores region is most well known for the [[fish]] and [[manatee]] aquariums, known as "Discovery Reef" and "Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center". In addition to the indoor aquariums, the shores region also features exhibits of [[Caribbean flamingo]]s, [[American alligator]]s, [[Humboldt penguin]]s, and [[Aldabra giant tortoise]]s.<ref name="shores">{{cite web|work=colszoo.com|title=Shores Quick Tour|publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/shores.html |year=2006|access-date=July 26, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070715195543/http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/shores.html |archive-date = July 15, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|work=colszoo.com |title=Columbus Zoo Shores |publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |url=http://colszoo.com/animalareas/shores/shores.html |year=2006 |access-date=July 26, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928060546/http://colszoo.com/animalareas/shores/shores.html |archive-date=September 28, 2007 }}</ref>

Featured outdoor animals include:
*[[Caribbean flamingo]] (''Phoenicopterus ruber'')
*[[American alligator]] (''Alligator mississippiensis'')
*[[Humboldt penguin]] (''Spheniscus humboldti'')
*[[Aldabra giant tortoise]] (''Aldabrachelys gigantea'')

'''Discovery Reef''' is an {{convert|88000|USgal|L|adj=on}} saltwater aquarium and houses numerous species of [[fish]], [[seahorse]]s, [[shark]]s, and [[garden eel]]s. It also houses a live coral exhibit, one of the largest in the United States although the coral in the largest tank is synthetic.<ref name="shores" />

Featured animals include:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Yellowbar angelfish]] (''Pomacanthus maculosus'')
*[[Golden trevally]] (''Gnathanodon speciosus'')
*[[Whitemargin unicornfish]] (''Naso annulatus'')
*[[Semicircled angelfish]] (''Pomacanthus semicirculatus'')
*[[Sailfin snapper]] (''Symphorichthys spilurus'')
*[[Orbicular batfish]] (''Platax orbicularis'')
*[[Yellowface angelfish]] (''Pomacanthus xanthometopon'')
*[[Titan triggerfish]]  (''Balistoides viridescens'')
*[[Yellow tang]] (''Zebrasoma flavescens'')
*[[Bonnethead]] (''Sphyrna tiburo'')
*[[Chaetodontidae|Butterflyfishes]] 
*[[Apogonidae|Cardinalfishes]] 
*[[Acanthuridae|Surgeonfishes]] 
*[[Clownfish]]
*[[Rabbitfish]] 
*[[Zebra shark]] (''Stegostoma fasciatum'')
*[[Lined seahorse]] (''Hippocampus erectus'')
*[[Spotted garden eel]] (''Heteroconger hassi'')
*[[Leopard moray eel]] (''Enchelycore pardalis'')
{{div col end}}

'''Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center''', which opened in 1999, is the cornerstone of the region, supporting the endangered [[Florida manatee]]s, [[fish]], [[stingray]]s, a [[sea turtle]], and [[pelican]]s in a {{convert|192000|USgal|L|adj=on}} indoor habitat. This habitat is one of only two outside of Florida to keep manatees, making it an especially popular exhibit. The building is also covered by a retractable roof, which creates an outdoor environment for up to five manatees during warm weather.<ref name="shores" />

Featured animals include:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Florida manatee]] (''Trichechus manatus latirostris'')
*[[Hawksbill sea turtle]] (''Eretmochelys imbricata'')
*[[Southern stingray]] (''Hypanus americanus'')
*[[Brown pelican]] (''Pelecanus occidentalis'')
*[[Permit (fish)|Permit]] (''Trachinotus falcatus'')
*[[Bermuda chub]] (''Kyphosus sectatrix'')
*[[French grunt]] (''Haemulon flavolineatum'')
*[[Bluestriped grunt]] (''Haemulon sciurus'')
*[[Haemulon melanurum|Cottonwick grunt]] (''Haemulon melanurum'')
*[[Atlantic spadefish]] (''Chaetodipterus faber'')
*[[Lookdown]] (''Selene vomer'')
*[[Porkfish]] (''Anisotremus virginicus'')
*[[Acanthurus coeruleus|Blue tang]] (''Acanthurus coeruleus'')
*[[Doctorfish tang]] (''Acanthurus chirurgus'')
*[[Atlantic needlefish]] (''Strongylura marina'')
{{div col end}}

The '''Reptile Habitat''' is the first building encountered heading west after exiting the tunnel under Riverside Drive and is located within the shores region. It is a fully indoor facility, containing numerous [[snake]]s, [[terrapin]]s, [[lizard]]s, and [[tortoise]]s. The Columbus Zoo has also bred many threatened reptile species, including [[Jamaican boa]]s, [[Madagascar ground boa]]s, [[yellow-spotted river turtle]]s, [[Roti Island snake-necked turtle]]s, and eastern [[plains garter snake]]s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reptiles Quick Tour|publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/reptiles.html |year=2006|access-date=2007-07-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070715195349/http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/reptiles.html |archive-date = July 15, 2007}}</ref>

Featured animals include:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Roti Island snake-necked turtle]] (''Chelodina mccordi'')
*[[Spotted turtle]] (''Clemmys guttata'')
*[[Yellow-spotted river turtle]] (''Podocnemis unifilis'')
*[[Barbour's map turtle]] (''Graptemys barbouri'')
*[[Yellow-blotched map turtle]] (''Graptemys flavimaculata'')
*[[Pig-nosed turtle]] (''Carettochelys insculpta'')
*[[Alligator snapping turtle]] (''Macrochelys temminckii'')
*[[Pancake tortoise]] (''Malacochersus tornieri'')
*[[Spider tortoise]] (''Pyxis arachnoides'')
*[[Coahuilan box turtle]] (''Terrapene coahuila'')
*[[Indian star tortoise]] (''Geochelone elegans'')
*[[Malaysian giant turtle]] (''Orlitia borneensis'')
*[[Madagascar ground boa]] (''Boa madagascariensis'')
*[[Leioheterodon madagascariensis|Malagasy giant hognose]] (''Leioheterodon madagascariensis'')
*[[Jamaican boa]] (''Epicrates subflavus'')
*[[Rainbow boa]] (''Epicrates cenchria'')
*[[Burmese python]] (''Python bivittatus'')
*[[Python curtus|Blood python]] (''Python curtus'')
*[[Ball python]] (''Python regius'')
*[[Amethystine python|Scrub python]] (''Simalia amethistina'')
*[[Liasis mackloti savuensis|Savu python]] (''Liasis mackloti savuensis'')
*[[West African burrowing python]] (''Calabaria reinhardtii'')
*[[Macklot's python]] (''Liasis mackloti'')
*[[Pituophis melanoleucus|Pine snake]] (''Pituophis melanoleucus'')
*[[Plains garter snake]] (''Thamnophis radix'')
*[[Western cottonmouth]] (''Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma'')
*[[Black rat snake]] (''Pantherophis obsoletus'')
*[[Eastern green mamba]] (''Dendroaspis angusticeps'') 
*[[King cobra]] (''Ophiophagus hannah'')
*[[Red spitting cobra]] (''Naja pallida'')
*[[Eastern copperhead]] (''Agkistrodon contortrix'')
*[[Crotalus cerastes|Sidewinder]] (''Crotalus cerastes'')
*[[Timber rattlesnake]] (''Crotalus horridus'')
*[[Massasauga]] (''Sistrurus catenatus'')
*[[Plumed basilisk]] (''Basiliscus plumifrons'')
*[[Correlophus ciliatus|Crested Gecko]] (''Correlophus ciliatus'')
*[[Hydrosaurus weberi|Weber's Crested Lizard]] (''Hydrosaurus weberi'')
*[[Smallwood's anole]] (''Anolis smallwoodi'')
*[[Solomon Islands skink]] (''Corucia zebrata'')
*[[Chinese crocodile lizard]] (''Shinisaurus crocodilurus'')
*[[Gila monster]] (''Heloderma suspectum'')
*[[Smooth-fronted caiman]] (''Paleosuchus trigonatus'')
*[[San Esteban chuckwalla]] (''Sauromalus varius'')
*[[Grand Cayman blue iguana]] (''Cyclura lewisi'')
*[[Black spiny-tailed iguana]] (''Ctenosaura similis'')
*[[Titicaca water frog]] (''Telmatobius culeus'')
*[[Panamanian golden frog]] (''Atelopus zeteki'')
*[[Blue poison dart frog]] (''Dendrobates tinctorius "azureus"'')
*[[Axolotl]] (''Ambystoma mexicanum'')
*[[Hellbender]] (''Cryptobranchus alleganiensis'')
{{div col end}}

===Congo Expedition===
[[Image:Gorilla-Columbus-Zoo.JPG|thumb|right|A female [[western lowland gorilla]]]]
The African forest region, "Congo Expedition", opened in 2000 and showcases animals from the Central African rainforest, which includes numerous [[primate]]s, [[Ungulate|hooved mammal]]s, [[Big cat|large cat]]s, and many [[bird]]s housed in an [[aviary]].  The highlight of the region is the primate area featuring three generations of [[western lowland gorilla]]s, the progeny of [[Colo (gorilla)|Colo]], the first [[gorilla]] to be born in captivity in the world.<ref>{{cite web|title=African Quick Tour|publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/african.html |year=2006|access-date=2007-07-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070715191359/http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/african.html |archive-date = July 15, 2007}}</ref>

The Columbus Zoo has a rapidly expanding group of [[bonobos]], also known as pygmy chimpanzees.  Bonobos are the closest living relative to [[human]]s and are only found at eight U.S. zoos and less than 20 worldwide zoos outside their native [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]], where they are [[critically endangered]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zoochat.com/22/north-americas-bonobo-exhibits-71230/|title=North America's Bonobo Exhibits}}</ref>

On May 18, 2012, one of the zoo's gorillas, Mumbah, died of heart failure at the age of 47. Mumbah had been part of the Columbus Zoo since 1984, when he was acquired from an animal park in England.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/may/18/9/zoos-gorilla-patriarch-collapses-dies-friday-ar-1041490/ |title=Columbus Zoo's Gorilla Patriarch Collapses, Dies &#124; NBC 4i |website=www2.nbc4i.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129200716/http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/may/18/9/zoos-gorilla-patriarch-collapses-dies-friday-ar-1041490/ |archive-date=29 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Image:Columbus Zoo Leopard.jpg|thumb|right|A leopard at the zoo]]

Featured animals include:<ref>{{cite web|title=African Forest Animal List |publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |url=http://colszoo.com/animalareas/aforest/index.html |year=2006 |access-date=2007-07-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820114539/http://www.colszoo.com/animalareas/aforest/index.html |archive-date=August 20, 2007 }}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Mantled guereza]] (''Colobus guereza'')
*[[Grey parrot]] (''Psittacus erithacus'')
*[[Common bulbul]] (''Pycnonotus barbatus'')
*[[Hadada ibis]] (''Bostrychia hagedash'')
*[[Blue-bellied roller]] (''Coracias cyanogaster'')
*[[Superb starling]] (''Lamprotornis superbus'')
*[[Black crowned crane]] (''Balearica pavonina'')
*[[White-headed buffalo weaver]] (''Dinemellia dinemelli'')
*[[Black crake]] (''Zapornia flavirostra'')
*[[Violet-backed starling]] (''Cinnyricinclus leucogaster'')
*[[Green wood hoopoe]] (''Phoeniculus purpureus'')
*[[Marbled duck]] (''Marmaronetta angustirostris'')
*[[Buff-crested bustard]] (''Lophotis gindiana'')
*[[Speckled pigeon]] (''Columba guinea'')
*[[Hamerkop]] (''Scopus umbretta'')
*[[Radiated tortoise]] (''Astrochelys radiata'')
*[[Aldabra giant tortoise]] (''Aldabrachelys gigantea'')
*[[African leopard]] (''Panthera pardus pardus'')
*[[Western lowland gorilla]] (''Gorilla gorilla gorilla'')
*[[Bonobo]] (''Pan paniscus'')
*[[Mandrill]] (''Mandrillus sphinx'')
*[[Okapi]] (''Okapia johnstoni'')
{{div col end}}

===Australia and the Islands===
[[File:The Columbus Zoo (36553289490).jpg|thumb|Kangaroo with staff member during a Summer Experience Camp]]
[[File:Kangaroo-Columbus-Zoo.JPG|thumb|right|Red kangaroo in the Walkabout Exhibit]]
The Australia region is located on the far west side of the zoo, lying along the east bank of the Scioto River. The "Roadhouse" nocturnal exhibit opened in November 2003, while the kangaroo walkabout, [[koala]] habitat, and [[Lorikeet]] Aviary opened in 2004. "Bob and Evelyn's Roadhouse" is an indoor nocturnal exhibit displaying animals from Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The Roadhouse features animals including [[Indian crested porcupine]], [[North Island brown kiwi]], and [[southern hairy-nosed wombat]]. The final section of the Roadhouse is an indoor flight aviary displaying over twenty species of Asian and Australian birds. The regions feature habitat is the kangaroo walkabout exhibit, which houses [[red kangaroo]]s and [[eastern grey kangaroo]]s. The habitat is at ground-level, which allows visitors to walk through the actual habitat along with the kangaroos. The Columbus Zoo is one of only nine US zoos to permanently house [[koalas]] and is one of the few US zoos to display the species in both outdoor and indoor habitats. The exhibit in the region is Lorikeet Garden featuring [[rainbow lorikeet]]s, [[coconut lorikeet]]s, and [[marigold lorikeet]]s. The exhibit allows visitors to purchase a cup of nectar and feed the birds. In 2019, the Tasmanian devil exhibit opened, featuring the [[Tasmanian devils]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Australia Quick Tour| publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/australia.html|year=2006| access-date = 2007-07-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070715191005/http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/australia.html |archive-date = July 15, 2007}}</ref>

Featured Roadhouse animals include:<ref name="Australia Species List">{{cite web|title=Australia Species List|publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://colszoo.com/animalareas/animalareas/austral/austr.html|year=2006|access-date=2007-07-26}}{{dead link|date=August 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

*[[Weedy seadragon]] (''Phyllopteryx taeniolatus'')
*[[North Island brown kiwi]] (''Apteryx mantelli'')
*[[Northern greater galago]] (''Otolemur garnettii'')
*[[Southern hairy-nosed wombat]] (''Lasiorhinus latifrons'')
*[[Pygmy slow loris]] (''Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus'')
*[[Matschie's tree-kangaroo]] (''Dendrolagus matschiei'')
*[[Feathertail glider]] (''Acrobates pygmaeus'')
*[[Tawny frogmouth]] (''Podargus strigoides'')
*[[Indian crested porcupine]] (''Hystrix indica'')
*[[Luzon bleeding-heart]] (''Gallicolumba luzonica'')
*[[Masked lapwing]] (''Vanellus miles'')
*[[Freckled duck]] (''Stictonetta naevosa'')
*[[Metallic starling]] (''Aplonis metallica'')
*[[Magpie goose]] (''Anseranas semipalmata'')
*[[Chestnut teal]] (''Anas castanea)'')
*[[Straw-necked ibis]] (''Threskiornis spinicollis'')
*[[Victoria crowned pigeon]] (''Goura victoria'')
*[[Pied imperial pigeon]] (''Ducula bicolor'')
*[[Nicobar pigeon]] (''Caloenas nicobarica'')
*[[Bali myna]] (''Leucopsar rothschildi'')
*[[Southern masked weaver]] (''Ploceus velatus'')
*[[Red-billed leiothrix]] (''Leiothrix lutea'')
*[[Black-naped fruit dove]] (''Ptilinopus melanospilus'')
*[[Crested wood partridge]] (''Rollulus rouloul'')
*[[Scarlet-faced liocichla]] (''Liocichla ripponi'')

{{div col end}}

Featured outdoor animals include:<ref name="Australia Species List"/>

*[[Koala]] (''Phascolarctos cinereus'')
*[[Tasmanian devil]] (''Sarcophilus harrisii'')
*[[Eastern grey kangaroo]] (''Macropus giganteus'')
*[[Red kangaroo]] (''Osphranter rufus'')
*[[Rainbow lorikeet]] (''Trichoglossus moluccanus'')
*[[Coconut lorikeet]] (''Trichoglossus haematodus'')
*[[Marigold lorikeet]] (''Trichoglossus capistratus'')

[[File:Orangutan-Columbus-zoo.JPG|thumb|Orangutan at the exhibit]]
The Islands of Southeast Asia region opened in 2003. Similarly to Asia Quest, Islands of Southeast Asia attempts to be more immersive, melding the exhibits and scenery to create the feeling that the visitor is walking through one continuous exhibit.  This is done mostly with [[Artificial flower|man-made]] scenery and vegetation.  Included in the man-made scenery is a waterway that flows around the region and carries the boat ride from which visitors can view the region's exhibits.<ref>{{cite web| title = Islands of Southeast Asia Quick Tour|publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url=http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/islands.html|year=2006|access-date=2007-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715195740/http://www.colszoo.org/visitorinfo/quicktour/islands.html|archive-date=July 15, 2007}}</ref>

Featured animals include:<ref>{{cite web|title=Islands of Southeast Asia Animal List |publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |url=http://colszoo.com/animalareas/islands/index.html |year=2006 |access-date=2007-07-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070730175901/http://www.colszoo.com/animalareas/Islands/index.html |archive-date=July 30, 2007 }}</ref>
*[[White-handed gibbon]] (''Hylobates lar'')
*[[Siamang]] (''Symphalangus syndactylus'')
*[[Bornean orangutan]] (''Pongo pygmaeus'')
*[[Asian small-clawed otter]] (''Aonyx cinereus'')
*[[Yellow-headed temple turtle]] (''Heosemys annandalii'')
*[[Komodo dragon]] (''Varanus komodoensis'')


===Heart of Africa===
[[File:Columbus Zoo - 51284624854.jpg|thumb|Heart of Africa region]]
The "Heart of Africa" region opened in 2014 and is located to the north and east of the zoo . The area encompasses {{convert|43|acres|m2}} of land, and feature many African plains animals. One exhibit in the new region are [[lion]]s, which were moved in order to accommodate Asia Quest, as well as [[giraffe]]s, [[cheetah]]s, [[zebra]]s, and [[vervet monkey]]s. Following the design of recent exhibits such as the Islands of Southeast Asia, the African savanna attempts to merge habitats and scenery to make visitors feel as if they are on the plains. Other features including giraffe feedings, as well as dining facilities.<ref>{{cite web|title = African Quick Tour|publisher=The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium|url = http://www.colszoo.com/visitorinfo/quicktour/heart.html|year = 2015|access-date = 2015-05-27}}{{dead link|date=August 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Featured animals include:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*[[Donkey]] (''Equus africanus asinus'')
*[[Common ostrich]] (''Struthio camelus'')
*[[African lion]] (''Panthera leo'')
*[[Cheetah]] (''Acinonyx jubatus'')
*[[Vervet monkey]] (''Cercopithecus aethiops'')
*[[Masai giraffe]] (''Giraffa tippelskirchi'')
*[[Reticulated giraffe]] (''Giraffa reticulata'')
*[[Grant's zebra]] (''Equus quagga boehmi'')
*[[Dama gazelle]] (''Nanger dama'')
*[[Thomson's gazelle]] (''Eudorcas thomsonii'')
*[[Rhim gazelle]] (''Gazella leptoceros'')
*[[Greater kudu]] (''Tragelaphus strepsiceros'')
*[[Blue wildebeest]] (''Connochaetes taurinus'')
*[[Grey crowned crane]] (''Balearica regulorum'')
*[[Saddle-billed stork]] (''Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis'')
*[[Helmeted guineafowl]] (''Numida meleagris'')
{{div col end}}

The centerpiece of the Heart of Africa exhibit is the Watering Hole, an open rotational enclosure containing a large pond. The exhibit is designed to accommodate many different species, and different animals rotate in and out throughout the day. Some of the zoo's species can only be viewed at the Watering Hole.

Featured Watering Hole animals include:
*[[Cheetah]] (''Acinonyx jubatus'')
*[[Spotted hyena]] (''Crocuta crocuta'')
*[[Common warthog]] (''Phacochoerus africanus'')
*[[Aardvark]] (''Orycteropus afer'')

==Notable animals==
[[File:Colo Posing (4718948943).jpg|thumb|upright|150px|left|[[Colo (gorilla)|Colo]] (1956–2017) was the first [[gorilla]] born in captivity and lived to be the oldest gorilla in captivity.]]
On December 22, 1956, [[Colo (gorilla)|Colo]], a [[western lowland gorilla]], became the world's first captive-born [[gorilla]] at the Columbus Zoo. When she died in January 2017, at the age of 60, she was the oldest gorilla in [[human]] care.<ref>''Columbus Dispatch'' December 11, 2016)</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.columbuszoo.org/home/about/press-releases/press-release-articles/2017/01/17/columbus-zoo-announces-the-death-of-colo|title=Columbus Zoo Announces the Death of Colo, World's Oldest Zoo Gorilla|website=www.columbuszoo.org|access-date=2017-04-14|archive-date=May 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519141600/https://www.columbuszoo.org/home/about/press-releases/press-release-articles/2017/01/17/columbus-zoo-announces-the-death-of-colo|url-status=dead}}</ref> Colo's extended family includes one child, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren living in zoos throughout the country. The Columbus Zoo currently houses fifteen gorillas, six of which are related to Colo. The Columbus Zoo has a gorilla breeding program, with 31 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gorilla Born to First Time Parents|publisher=Columbus Zoo|year=2013|url=http://contribute.columbuszoo.org/news_room/press_releases/gorilla_born_to_first_time_parents.aspx |access-date=2013-12-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224094120/http://contribute.columbuszoo.org/news_room/press_releases/gorilla_born_to_first_time_parents.aspx|archive-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref> Colo was named after [[Columbus, Ohio|Columbus]], the city of her birth.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Guinness World Records 2014|last=Glenday|first=Craig|year=2013|isbn=978-1-908843-15-9|pages=[https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_r3e7/page/38 38]|publisher=Guinness World Records Limited |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessworldrec0000unse_r3e7/page/38}}</ref>

[[File:FluffySnake.JPG|thumb|150px|Fluffy at the Columbus Zoo]]
In March 2007, Fluffy, a [[reticulated python]] (''Malayopython reticulatus'') and [[Guinness World Records]] holder for the longest snake in captivity, measuring {{Convert|24|ft}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.nationalgeographic.org/2010/10/27/worlds-longest-zoo-snake-dies/|title=World's Longest Zoo Snake Dies|date=2010-10-27|website=National Geographic Society Newsroom|language=en-US|access-date=2019-01-09}}</ref> was put on display at the zoo.

In September 2007, the zoo purchased Fluffy from her owner,<ref>{{cite news|last=Tullis|first=Matt|title=A Really Big Snake|pages=Metro and State E1|publisher=The Columbus Dispatch|date=2007-03-30|access-date=2007-07-26|url=http://www.dispatch.com/dispatch/contentbe/dispatch/2007/03/30/20070330-E1-02.html}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and she was on permanent display afterwards. On October 26, 2010, the {{Convert|300|lb|adj=on}}, 18-year-old snake died. A [[necropsy]] found a tumorous mass on one of her ovaries.<ref name="Fluffy">Potthoff, Gina, ''Crowd-pleaseing Fluffy dies at zoo'', The Columbus Dispatch, October 28, 2010, Pg. B4</ref> The zoo has since acquired her daughter named Hanna.

==Other attractions==

===Mangels-Illions Carousel===
[[Image:Mangel Illions Carousel.jpg|thumb|right|The Mangels-Illions Carousel, post-restoration]]
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, Columbus, Ohio|Clintonville]]. When the park closed in 1937 and the land and rides sold 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, two [[chariot]]s, and a [[Wurlitzer]] #153 [[fairground organ|band organ]] (which plays upon request), this rare "grand carousel" in the [[Coney Island]] style is one of only a few manufactured by the [[William F. Mangels]] Company with wooden horses carved by [[Marcus Illions|M. C. Illions]] and Sons Carousell Works, and is thus known 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.<ref>
{{cite web
|url=http://colszoo.org/pressreleases/carousel.htm 
|title=The Columbus Zoo Carousel Spins its One Millionth Rider
|work=colszoo.com
|publisher=The Columbus Zoo
|date=July 29, 2004
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715091342/http://www.colszoo.org/pressreleases/carousel.htm
|archive-date=July 15, 2007
|access-date=November 23, 2011
}}</ref>

===Zoombezi Bay===
{{main|Zoombezi Bay}}
[[File:Columbus Zoo - 51284926245.jpg|thumb|A view of part of the [[Zoombezi Bay]] water park]]
The zoo purchased Wyandot Lake at the end of 2006 and have renovated the park into "[[Zoombezi Bay]]".  The water park opened in May 2008 and contains 17 major slides and attractions.

===Rides At Adventure Cove===
{{main|Rides At Adventure Cove}}
When the zoo bought Wyandot Lake, it split the park into two sections. They used "Jungle Jack's Landing" as the name for the dry ride section of the park when it first opened in May 2008 alongside Zoombezi Bay, it features 14 rides and attractions, including the historical [[Sea Dragon (roller coaster)|Sea Dragon]] roller coaster. In 2020, "Jungle Jack's Landing" was renamed to "Rides At Adventure Cove" to tie into the neighboring Adventure Cove area of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium which opened for the first time on the same year.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/-nKhrTrp3A8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210804170326/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nKhrTrp3A8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nKhrTrp3A8| title = Columbus Zoo Adventure Cove | website=[[YouTube]]| date = July 15, 2020 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.columbuszoo.org/home/visit/explore-your-columbus-zoo/rides-attractions|title = Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Rides and Attractions}}</ref>

==Conservation==
[[File:Columbus Zoo conservation.jpg|thumb|Scenery in Asia Quest making visitors aware of illegal animal trades]]
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium runs a conservation program that funds multiple projects outside of the zoo.  In 2010, the zoo provided more than $2 million worth of [[grant (money)|grant]]s to support conservation projects worldwide.  These monies come from fundraisers, visitor donations and privately raised funds. Projects the zoo supports include the ''[[Dian Fossey]] Gorilla Fund'', the ''International Elephant Foundation'', and the ''Ohio Wildlife Center.''

In an effort to increase funding for, and public awareness of, the conservation projects around the world, the Columbus Zoo has in recent years incorporated information about [[threatened species|threatened]] and [[endangered species]] into exhibits.  In addition to helping visitors become more aware, the zoo has also added donation boxes that help fund the many projects the Columbus Zoo supports.

The Columbus Zoo is also involved in conservation programs internally.  Manatee Coast, while built as an exhibit, is also a [[Wildlife rehabilitation|rehabilitation]] facility for injured manatees. Due to the threatened status of manatees in the wild, Manatee Coast attempts to inform its visitors of the manatee's situation, with an entire room dedicated to manatee conservation.  This room includes a video describing the manatee's natural habitat and what can be done to protect them.

The Columbus Zoo also runs a breeding program for [[Mexican wolves]].  This program has the goal of having a population of at least 100 wolves living in what was once their natural range. Mexican wolves became [[extinct]] in the wild in the mid-20th century due to being trapped, poisoned, and shot. Since the zoo became involved in 1992, 29 pups have been born at their facility.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mexican Wolf Captive Management  |publisher=United States Fish and Wildlife Service  |url=http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/cap_manage.shtml  |date=2006-05-24 
 |access-date=2007-07-26  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701194132/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/cap_manage.shtml  |archive-date=July 1, 2007  |url-status=dead  |df=mdy }}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist |colwidth=30em |refs=
<ref name="zoo_map">{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbuszoo.org/assets/zoo/user_files/file/CZA%202011%20Gate%20Map_BACK.pdf|title=Columbus zoo and Aquarium|work=columbuszoo.org|publisher=Columbus Zoo|access-date=August 1, 2012}}</ref>

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<ref name="waza_details">{{Cite web|url=http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums?id=138|title=Columbus Zoo|work=waza.org|publisher=[[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]]|access-date=November 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422201343/http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums?id=138|archive-date=April 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website|http://www.columbuszoo.org}}

{{Zoos of Ohio}}
{{Columbus, Ohio}}
{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Columbus Zoo And Aquarium}}
[[Category:Protected areas of Delaware County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Zoos in Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Delaware County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Educational organizations established in 1927]]
[[Category:Zoos established in the 1920s]]
[[Category:1927 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Aquaria in the United States]]