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EspañolCOLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM
(Redirected from Columbus Zoo)
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.[1] It has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna.
The Columbus Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing over 700 species and sees over 1.5 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, and the former Wyandot Lake water/amusement park, which is scheduled to reopen in 2008 as Zoombezi Bay. Both are located just south of the zoo. In total, the zoo owns of land, with just under half dedicated to the zoo itself.[2]
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.[3] The zoo also has a close working relationship with the Wilds, a 10,000 acre (40 km²) animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio.[4]
The original Columbus Zoo was located in the north Columbus 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.[5]
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.[6]
Main articles: 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 third 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 15 gorillas, 8 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 over 30 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956.[7]
Main articles: Jack Hanna
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 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.[8] Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993.
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 and 2 chariots 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-Illiions 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.[9]
In 2004 voters passed a measure that would raise an estimated $180 million to expand the zoo over the next 10 years. The 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 will also be relocated around the eastern and southern border of the zoo. A new entrance gate will also be constructed along the new roadway, and is expected to be in use by 2007. Long term plans include the possibility of a resort-style hotel to attract tourists along with its neighboring outdoor water/amusement park, Zoombezi Bay.
Out with the old, in with THE MEGAZOO Matt Tullis
Main articles: Zoombezi Bay
In June 2006, the Columbus Zoo announced that it would be purchasing Six Flags-operated Wyandot Lake. The zoo will take over the park beginning in 2007 and has chosen to oversee day to day operations rather than contract with a third party. Wyandot Lake will be closed all of 2007 due to renovations, but will open in 2008 with a new name and a zoo-themed atmosphere to complement its next-door neighbor.[10] On July 12, 2007, the zoo announced that after an online vote, the new name of the park will be Zoombezi Bay.[11]
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 2010.
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 84,000 ft³ 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.[12]
'The 13 exhibits and featured species:'[13]
★ 4 large mammal exhibits (American Bison and Pronghorn, Moose, Brown Bear, Black Bear)
★ 2 cat exhibits (Mountain Lion, Bobcat)
★ 2 wolf exhibits (Mexican Wolf, Gray Wolf)
★ 2 small mammal exhibits (Black Tailed Prairie Dog, Wolverine)
★ 2 large bird habitats (Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle)
★ 1 wetlands habitat (North American River Otter)
The pachyderm region is the home of Asian Elephants and Black Rhinoceroses and is located just west of the North America region. It features a large outdoor habitat for both species, as well as a 41,000 ft² indoor facility which houses the animals during inclement weather. The indoor facility is the largest indoor exhibit of its kind in North America and the 2nd in the world, with the capacity to house 10 elephants and 3-4 rhinos simultaneously.[14]
Asia Quest is the newest completed region at the Columbus Zoo, opening in 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 a pheasant 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.[15]
Phase one opened on June 21, featuring 5 animal habitats and the aviary, and phase two opened November 3, completing the region with 3 more exhibits and 8 more species.
'Featured phase one species:'
★ Sun Bear
★ Red Panda
★ Markhor
★ Pallas Cat
★ Amur Tiger
★ Pheasant aviary
'Featured phase two species:'
★ White-naped Crane
★ Tufted Deer
★ Red-crowned Crane
★ Reeve's muntjac
★ Silvery Lutung
★ Golden Mantled Flying Fox
★ Malayan Flying Fox
★ Black Water Monitor
''From April through September 2007, Fluffy, the largest reticulated python in captivity, will be on display.''[16]
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 snakes, turtles and tortoises. The Columbus Zoo has also bred many threatened reptile species, including Jamaican Boas, Madagascar Ground Boas, yellow-spotted river turtles,Roti Island Snake-necked Turtles and Eastern plains garter snakes.[17]
'Featured reptile species:'[18]
★ 20-23 snakes featuring: burmese python, pine snake, king cobra, timber rattlesnake
★ 12-15 shelled species featuring: long necked turtle, pancake tortoise
★ 10 lizards featuring: chameleon, Chuckwalla, Chinese crocodile lizard, gila monster, Solomon Islands skink
The shores region is most well-known for the fish and manatee aquariums, known as "Discovery Reef" and "Manatee Coast". In addition to the indoor aquariums, the shores region also features exhibits of greater flamingos, American alligators, and humboldt penguins.[19][20]
'Discovery Reef' is a 110,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and houses numerous species of fish, sting rays, sharks and sea turtles. It also houses a live coral exhibit, one of the largest in the United States although the coral in the largest tank is synthetic.19
'Manatee Coast', which opened in 1999, is the cornerstone of the region, supporting the endangered West Indian Manatees in a 190,000 gallon indoor habitat. This habitat is one of only three 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 5 manatees during warm weather.19
The African Forest region opened in 2000 and showcases animals from the Central African rainforest, which includes numerous primates, hooved mammals, large cats, and many birds housed in an aviary. The highlight of the region is the primate area featuring three generations of Western Lowland Gorillas, the progeny of Colo.[21]
The Columbus Zoo has a rapidly expanding group of bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees. Bonobos are the closest living relative to humans and are only found at six U.S. zoos and about a dozen worldwide zoos outside their native Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they are critically endangered.
'Featured African mammals:'[22]
★ Primates: Western Lowland Gorillas, bonobos, Angola Colobus Monkeys, Drills
★ Hooved mammals: Okapi, Red-flanked Duiker
★ Cats: Leopards
★ Pigs: Red River Hogs
The Australia region is located on the far west side of the zoo, lying along the east bank of the Scioto River. Its feature habitat is the walkthrough kangaroo exhibit, which houses red kangaroos. The habitat is at ground-level, which allows visitors to walk through the actual habitat along with the kangaroos. Also included in the region is a lorikeet garden, koala exhibit, a tropical aviary housing over 30 Australian bird species, and the "Roadhouse", an indoor facility displaying Australia's nocturnal species.[23]
'Featured Australian species:'[24]
★ Western Gray Kangaroo
★ Koala
★ Lesser Malayan Chevrotain
★ Brown Kiwi
★ Fishing Cat
★ Prevost's Squirrel
★ Tiger Quoll
★ Banded Palm Civet
★ Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat
★ Feathertail Glider
★ Rainbow Lorikeet
The Islands of Southeast Asia region, opening in 2003, was the newest region at the Columbus Zoo until Asia Quest opened. 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 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.[25]
'Featured Southeast Asian species:'[26]
★ Orangutan
★ Komodo Dragon
★ Siamang
★ Oriental Small-clawed Otter
★ Black Swan
★ Lesser Whistling Duck
★ Cattle Egret
★ Gibbon
The Polar Frontier region will be an extension of the North America region and will feature animals native to colder climates including dall sheep and arctic foxes. The region will also mark the return of polar bears to the zoo, whose habitat will include an underwater viewing area.[27]
The African Savannah region will be located to the north and east of the zoo land as it sits today. The area will encompass 70 acres of land, and will feature many African plains animals. Returning will be zebras and giraffes, which were moved in order to accommodate Asia Quest. Though it is not final, the zoo has also said that they may move the Black Rhino from the Pachyderm building to the African Savannah in exchange for an Indian Rhinoceros. Additionally, antelope, hyenas, hippos, and African Elephants will be added to the zoo's species list.
Following the design of recent exhibits such as the Islands of Southeast Asia, the African Savannah will attempt to merge habitats and scenery to make visitors feel as if they are on the plains. Included in this will be a simulated Zambezi River, which will contain a paddle boat ride for visitors to travel the region. A rail line will also provide alternate transportation around the region.
This exhibit, featuring animals from South and Central America may include canopied walkways, a tropical rainforest building, and a zip-line. The animals featured in this region may include toucans, spider monkeys, tapirs, tamarins, spectacled bears, king vultures, vampire bats, and jaguars.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium runs a conservation program which funds multiple projects outside of the zoo. In the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the zoo provided $690,641 worth of grants to fifteen separate projects.[28] The majority of these funds come directly from the zoo's operating budget, but they also come from gift shop proceeds and visitor donations. Projects the zoo supports include the ''Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund'', the ''International Elephant Foundation'', and the ''Ohio Wildlife Center''.[29]
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 and endangered species into exhibits. In addition to helping visitors become more aware, the zoo has also added donation boxes which 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 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. As of 2003, the zoo has successfully rehabilitated and reintroduced three manatees into the wild.[30]
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.[31]
1.
Google Map of the Columbus Zoo
2.
Zoos and Aquariums of the World
3.
Columbus Zoo Conservation Funds
4.
the Wilds History
5.
Clintonville History: The Columbus Zoo
6.
2004 Columbus Annual Report
7.
Ohio History Central: Colo
8.
The Columbus Zoo: Jack Hanna
9.
The Columbus Zoo Carousel Spins its One Millionth Rider
10.
Zoo to keep Wyandot Lake afloat Marla Matzer-Rose
11.
Park Rechristened Zoombezi Bay: Former Wyandot Lake to Reopen in May Suzanne Hoholik
12.
North America Quick Tour
13.
North America Animal List
14.
Pachyderms Quick Tour
15.
Asia Quest Quick Tour
16.
'A Really Big Snake' Matt Tullis
17.
Reptiles Quick Tour
18.
Columbus Zoo Reptiles
19.
Shores Quick Tour
20.
Columbus Zoo Shores
21.
African Quick Tour
22.
African Forest Animal List
23.
Australia Quick Tour
24.
Australia Species List
25.
Islands of Southeast Asia Quick Tour
26.
Islands of Southeast Asia Animal List
27.
Polar attraction Marla Matzer-Rose
28.
2005-2006 Conservation Report
29.
Projects Funded by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
30.
Today's Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
31.
Mexican Wolf Captive Management
★ http://www.columbuszoo.org
★ Columbus Zoo bonobo site
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.[1] It has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna.
The Columbus Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals representing over 700 species and sees over 1.5 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, and the former Wyandot Lake water/amusement park, which is scheduled to reopen in 2008 as Zoombezi Bay. Both are located just south of the zoo. In total, the zoo owns of land, with just under half dedicated to the zoo itself.[2]
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.[3] The zoo also has a close working relationship with the Wilds, a 10,000 acre (40 km²) animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio.[4]
History
The original Columbus Zoo was located in the north Columbus 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.[5]
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.[6]
Colo
Main articles: 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 third 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 15 gorillas, 8 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 over 30 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956.[7]
Jack Hanna
The Mangels-Illions Carousel, post-restoration, on the grounds of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Main articles: Jack Hanna
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 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.[8] Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993.
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 and 2 chariots 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-Illiions 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.[9]
Recent Events
Expansion
In 2004 voters passed a measure that would raise an estimated $180 million to expand the zoo over the next 10 years. The 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 will also be relocated around the eastern and southern border of the zoo. A new entrance gate will also be constructed along the new roadway, and is expected to be in use by 2007. Long term plans include the possibility of a resort-style hotel to attract tourists along with its neighboring outdoor water/amusement park, Zoombezi Bay.
Out with the old, in with THE MEGAZOO Matt Tullis
Zoombezi Bay amusement park
Main articles: Zoombezi Bay
In June 2006, the Columbus Zoo announced that it would be purchasing Six Flags-operated Wyandot Lake. The zoo will take over the park beginning in 2007 and has chosen to oversee day to day operations rather than contract with a third party. Wyandot Lake will be closed all of 2007 due to renovations, but will open in 2008 with a new name and a zoo-themed atmosphere to complement its next-door neighbor.[10] On July 12, 2007, the zoo announced that after an online vote, the new name of the park will be Zoombezi Bay.[11]
Regions and attractions
Map of the current Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay amusement park (currently under construction), as well as planned expansion.
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 2010.
Current exhibits
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 84,000 ft³ 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.[12]
'The 13 exhibits and featured species:'[13]
★ 4 large mammal exhibits (American Bison and Pronghorn, Moose, Brown Bear, Black Bear)
★ 2 cat exhibits (Mountain Lion, Bobcat)
★ 2 wolf exhibits (Mexican Wolf, Gray Wolf)
★ 2 small mammal exhibits (Black Tailed Prairie Dog, Wolverine)
★ 2 large bird habitats (Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle)
★ 1 wetlands habitat (North American River Otter)
Pachyderms
Entrance to the Asia Quest exhibit.
The pachyderm region is the home of Asian Elephants and Black Rhinoceroses and is located just west of the North America region. It features a large outdoor habitat for both species, as well as a 41,000 ft² indoor facility which houses the animals during inclement weather. The indoor facility is the largest indoor exhibit of its kind in North America and the 2nd in the world, with the capacity to house 10 elephants and 3-4 rhinos simultaneously.[14]
Asia Quest
Asia Quest is the newest completed region at the Columbus Zoo, opening in 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 a pheasant 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.[15]
Phase one opened on June 21, featuring 5 animal habitats and the aviary, and phase two opened November 3, completing the region with 3 more exhibits and 8 more species.
A Pallas Cat sleeping in its habitat at the Columbus Zoo.
'Featured phase one species:'
★ Sun Bear
★ Red Panda
★ Markhor
★ Pallas Cat
★ Amur Tiger
★ Pheasant aviary
'Featured phase two species:'
★ White-naped Crane
★ Tufted Deer
★ Red-crowned Crane
★ Reeve's muntjac
★ Silvery Lutung
★ Golden Mantled Flying Fox
★ Malayan Flying Fox
★ Black Water Monitor
''From April through September 2007, Fluffy, the largest reticulated python in captivity, will be on display.''[16]
Reptile habitat
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 snakes, turtles and tortoises. The Columbus Zoo has also bred many threatened reptile species, including Jamaican Boas, Madagascar Ground Boas, yellow-spotted river turtles,Roti Island Snake-necked Turtles and Eastern plains garter snakes.[17]
'Featured reptile species:'[18]
★ 20-23 snakes featuring: burmese python, pine snake, king cobra, timber rattlesnake
★ 12-15 shelled species featuring: long necked turtle, pancake tortoise
★ 10 lizards featuring: chameleon, Chuckwalla, Chinese crocodile lizard, gila monster, Solomon Islands skink
Shores
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 Coast". In addition to the indoor aquariums, the shores region also features exhibits of greater flamingos, American alligators, and humboldt penguins.[19][20]
'Discovery Reef' is a 110,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and houses numerous species of fish, sting rays, sharks and sea turtles. It also houses a live coral exhibit, one of the largest in the United States although the coral in the largest tank is synthetic.19
'Manatee Coast', which opened in 1999, is the cornerstone of the region, supporting the endangered West Indian Manatees in a 190,000 gallon indoor habitat. This habitat is one of only three 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 5 manatees during warm weather.19
African Forest
The African Forest region opened in 2000 and showcases animals from the Central African rainforest, which includes numerous primates, hooved mammals, large cats, and many birds housed in an aviary. The highlight of the region is the primate area featuring three generations of Western Lowland Gorillas, the progeny of Colo.[21]
The Columbus Zoo has a rapidly expanding group of bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees. Bonobos are the closest living relative to humans and are only found at six U.S. zoos and about a dozen worldwide zoos outside their native Democratic Republic of the Congo, where they are critically endangered.
A leopard sleeping on a log at the Columbus Zoo.
'Featured African mammals:'[22]
★ Primates: Western Lowland Gorillas, bonobos, Angola Colobus Monkeys, Drills
★ Hooved mammals: Okapi, Red-flanked Duiker
★ Cats: Leopards
★ Pigs: Red River Hogs
Australia
The Australia region is located on the far west side of the zoo, lying along the east bank of the Scioto River. Its feature habitat is the walkthrough kangaroo exhibit, which houses red kangaroos. The habitat is at ground-level, which allows visitors to walk through the actual habitat along with the kangaroos. Also included in the region is a lorikeet garden, koala exhibit, a tropical aviary housing over 30 Australian bird species, and the "Roadhouse", an indoor facility displaying Australia's nocturnal species.[23]
'Featured Australian species:'[24]
★ Western Gray Kangaroo
★ Koala
★ Lesser Malayan Chevrotain
★ Brown Kiwi
★ Fishing Cat
★ Prevost's Squirrel
★ Tiger Quoll
★ Banded Palm Civet
★ Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat
★ Feathertail Glider
★ Rainbow Lorikeet
Islands of Southeast Asia
The Islands of Southeast Asia region, opening in 2003, was the newest region at the Columbus Zoo until Asia Quest opened. 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 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.[25]
'Featured Southeast Asian species:'[26]
★ Orangutan
★ Komodo Dragon
★ Siamang
★ Oriental Small-clawed Otter
★ Black Swan
★ Lesser Whistling Duck
★ Cattle Egret
★ Gibbon
Exhibits under development
Polar Frontier (2008)
The Polar Frontier region will be an extension of the North America region and will feature animals native to colder climates including dall sheep and arctic foxes. The region will also mark the return of polar bears to the zoo, whose habitat will include an underwater viewing area.[27]
African Savannah (2010)
The African Savannah region will be located to the north and east of the zoo land as it sits today. The area will encompass 70 acres of land, and will feature many African plains animals. Returning will be zebras and giraffes, which were moved in order to accommodate Asia Quest. Though it is not final, the zoo has also said that they may move the Black Rhino from the Pachyderm building to the African Savannah in exchange for an Indian Rhinoceros. Additionally, antelope, hyenas, hippos, and African Elephants will be added to the zoo's species list.
Following the design of recent exhibits such as the Islands of Southeast Asia, the African Savannah will attempt to merge habitats and scenery to make visitors feel as if they are on the plains. Included in this will be a simulated Zambezi River, which will contain a paddle boat ride for visitors to travel the region. A rail line will also provide alternate transportation around the region.
South/Central America (TBA)
This exhibit, featuring animals from South and Central America may include canopied walkways, a tropical rainforest building, and a zip-line. The animals featured in this region may include toucans, spider monkeys, tapirs, tamarins, spectacled bears, king vultures, vampire bats, and jaguars.
Conservation efforts
Scenery in Asia Quest making visitors aware of illegal animal trades.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium runs a conservation program which funds multiple projects outside of the zoo. In the 2005-2006 fiscal year, the zoo provided $690,641 worth of grants to fifteen separate projects.[28] The majority of these funds come directly from the zoo's operating budget, but they also come from gift shop proceeds and visitor donations. Projects the zoo supports include the ''Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund'', the ''International Elephant Foundation'', and the ''Ohio Wildlife Center''.[29]
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 and endangered species into exhibits. In addition to helping visitors become more aware, the zoo has also added donation boxes which 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 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. As of 2003, the zoo has successfully rehabilitated and reintroduced three manatees into the wild.[30]
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.[31]
References
1.
Google Map of the Columbus Zoo
2.
Zoos and Aquariums of the World
3.
Columbus Zoo Conservation Funds
4.
the Wilds History
5.
Clintonville History: The Columbus Zoo
6.
2004 Columbus Annual Report
7.
Ohio History Central: Colo
8.
The Columbus Zoo: Jack Hanna
9.
The Columbus Zoo Carousel Spins its One Millionth Rider
10.
Zoo to keep Wyandot Lake afloat Marla Matzer-Rose
11.
Park Rechristened Zoombezi Bay: Former Wyandot Lake to Reopen in May Suzanne Hoholik
12.
North America Quick Tour
13.
North America Animal List
14.
Pachyderms Quick Tour
15.
Asia Quest Quick Tour
16.
'A Really Big Snake' Matt Tullis
17.
Reptiles Quick Tour
18.
Columbus Zoo Reptiles
19.
Shores Quick Tour
20.
Columbus Zoo Shores
21.
African Quick Tour
22.
African Forest Animal List
23.
Australia Quick Tour
24.
Australia Species List
25.
Islands of Southeast Asia Quick Tour
26.
Islands of Southeast Asia Animal List
27.
Polar attraction Marla Matzer-Rose
28.
2005-2006 Conservation Report
29.
Projects Funded by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
30.
Today's Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
31.
Mexican Wolf Captive Management
External links
★ http://www.columbuszoo.org
★ Columbus Zoo bonobo site
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