Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Powell, Ohio - Zoos on Waymarking.com

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opened in 1927 and was known as the Columbus Zoological Gardens. In the 1950's ownership was given to the city of Columbus, who later gave ownership to the Zoological Park Association in 1971. The city of Columbus continued to help fund the zoo until 1986.

The Columbus Zoo owns approximately 580 acres. Half of that is actual zoo property, and the other half consists of Zoombezi Bay waterpark, and the Safari Golf Club. The zoo is divided into regions, such as North America, Asia Quest, African Forest, and others. Each section has animals representative of that area. It currently houses about 6,000 animals, from 700 different species.

This zoo is well known for several reasons. The main reason is because of Jack Hanna. He became director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978 where he remained until 1993. When he became director, attendance was only about 350,000 people per year. Over time he oversaw several big projects to renovate the zoo. He also made many public appearances on national television, which he still does today. By the time that his role as director ended in 1993, visitorship was up to 1.5million people per year. Hanna is still associated with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as director emeritus. He still makes many appearances there, and holds many different programs.

The Columbus Zoo is also known for Colo, the gorilla. Colo was the first gorilla born in captivity, in December of 1956. The zoo has become one of the world's leaders in captive bred gorillas. Since 1956 there have been 30 gorillas born here.

Parking is $5.00, and admission runs $10.00 for adults. Children 2-9 and seniors 60+ are $7, with children under 2 free.

Zoo Website address: [Web Link] Admission Cost: 10.00 (listed in local currency)

Visit Instructions:
Please tell us a story about your visit to the zoo and the date of your visit. Additional photos, especially animals, are appreciated, but not required.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   06/04/2015 2-2 wheelers visited it 08/03/2014 petendot visited it 12/26/2011 Marine Biologist visited it 09/04/2011 uccacher visited it 09/01/2011 TheBeastieFamily visited it 06/25/2009 cmpw visited it 07/27/2008 Team RAGAR visited it

View all visits/logs