“We may be able to survive in a world where the giant panda, the California condor and the black rhino exist only as pictures in a book. But do we want to?”

-Director Emeritus “Jungle Jack” Hanna

Often overlooked in the flurry of publicity surrounding the major metropolitan menageries such as the L.A. Zoo, the Bronx Zoo and the Royal Zoological Society of London, is central Ohio’s own local Zoological Garden of Eden; the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Not just the archetypal row on row of cages with neurotic-looking beasts pacing fitfully, the Columbus Zoo is a learning experience, bringing home the proverbial “wild” in microcosm, from the corners of the world to central Ohio with a focus on education, conservation and resource management.

Though comparatively small (and painfully under-funded), this world-renowned facility has drawn upon the intellect and innovation of its dedicated and devoted staff to come up not only with singularly inventive programs and displays, but the creative means by which to generate the funding to implement and maintain them; aside from admissions and memberships, a portion of the Zoo’s operating capital reportedly comes from its brand-new adjacent waterpark, Zoombesi Bay.  

The old adage about good things coming in small packages is particularly apt here; though not particularly large, the Zoo’s naturalistic layout, connected by a labyrinth of interwoven trails (signs indicate wheelchair-accessible routes around the particularly hilly terrain), packs an incredible number of birdies and beasties into a remarkably well-ordered, and remarkably compact, location. Though traffic tends to be heavy, the paths are narrow and the turns are tight so that the feeling of being alone in the wild is deep and profound, even with a crowd lurking around the next corner.

Covering roughly 90 acres, the Zoo provides natural habitats for more than 700 species of reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and fish, as well as hundreds of species of exotic plants and flowers to make animals more comfortable in their new homes. Among the animals are elephants, the familiar “big cats,” the lions, tigers, leopards, lynxes and bobcats; primates, including gorillas, Bonobos (the primate most closely related to humans) and orangutans; a variety of vipers and an ocean of fish. Generally arranged by region of origin where possible (the reptiles are housed in their own herpetorium), the knowledge and information gleaned from the Zoo’s own research projects, and that of others supported by the Zoo, are applied to present the inhabitants in settings most closely resembling their natural habitats. 

North America

The Zoo’s largest “region,” practically our own backyard, it includes cougars, bobcats, wolverines, otters (in their own glass-sided “pond”), the staid buffalo and the majestic moose. Visitors have the rare opportunity to hear wolves howl, to see our national emblem, the bald eagle, in flight and to witness the dignified saunter of a bear.
On a more domesticated note, “My Barn” is immediately adjacent, offering visitors a chance to meet and interact with barnyard animals (as rare a sight as a bison for an urban dweller) including goats, sheep and chickens. Next door is a slice of real prairie, wetland and forest habitat populated with Ohio’s native species.

Passing through the North American region is the Zoo’s train, an authentic, fully-operational narrow-gauge railroad whose open passenger cars are drawn by a 4-2-4 locomotive. It’s the perfect addition, or alternative, to hiking the compound.

Asia Quest

This exhibit features a replicated Himalayan village with interactive cultural exhibits and the remarkable fauna of this continent, including sun bears, red pandas (which are not actually pandas at all), giant fruit bats with four-foot wingspans and the splendid and endangered Siberian tiger.

While visiting the Asia Quest, herpetophobes are going to want to avoid a visit with “Fluffy,” a reticulated python who, at over 24 feet long and weighing over 300 pounds, is the world’s largest in captivity (she’s on a diet; down to ten rabbits a week. Sleek, isn’t she?).

African Forest

This exhibit is home to endangered lowland gorillas, rare Bonobos and Colobus monkeys, red river hogs, leopards and over 700 exotic species of plant life.

Perhaps one of the most profound moments of This Reporter’s visit occurred outside the Bonobo yard, as one visitor, upon approaching the glass wall, noted the approach of several Bonobos and remarked, “look! Here come the primates to check out who’s on the other side!”

One must pause to wonder who was checking out whom.     

Among the most impressive exhibits is the “Gorillas in the Round,” a singularly unique habitat featuring Colo, the world’s first great ape born in captivity (he turned 51 last December!).

“The Shores”

This attraction features the Tidepool Touchtank where young and old alike can truly get a “feel” for aquatic life. Just beyond is “Discovery Reef,” a 100,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and Manatee Coast, one of only three manatee facilities outside of Florida. The cast of “characters” goes on and on, with alligators, flamingoes and penguins.

Australia

…and, in all fairness, New Zealand, too. The bird sanctuary offers a peek at the brilliant plumage and a chance to hear the strange cries of the indigenous fowl of the lands “Down Unda.” Lorikeets circle, landing on visitors for a sip of nectar, kiwis flit back and forth across the ground (like the penguin and the ostrich, they are unable to fly)

The Kangaroo Walkabout, a uniquely designed outdoor exhibit where the kangaroos hop around along and beside the visitors, affording each a chance to get an up-close-and-personal look at each other. Nearby is the Islands of Southeast Asia exhibit, replete with the great apes of the region –gibbons and orangutans—and the legendary Komodo dragons. A ride on the Indonesian water taxi is a treat indeed!

If the sun gets too hot or too bright, all are invited to pop ‘round to Bob and Evelyn’s Roadhouse, decorated with authentic Auzzie souvenirs including license plates from all seven states, for a “tinny” (and a quick stop at the “dunny”) before a “night hike” among the indigenous nocturnals including clouded leopards, a tree kangaroo and one of the world’s largest porcupines. Of course, no trip would be complete without watching the koalas munching contentedly on their favorite meal; eucalyptus leaves. Cute little blighters, aren’t they, mate?

Entertaining and educating visitors from throughout Ohio, from Indiana and Kentucky, from across the country and around the world, the humans present as diverse an array as the animals. Members of every culture and society imaginable wander the paths, each enjoying their own favorites, chatting with their children, awestruck at the wonders of nature so accurately reproduced on the edge of this bustling city.

“I was born in Sri Lanka,” says Anu Vishnumurti, a computer programmer from Indiana, visiting with his wife and son, “and I grew up in the Mentawai Islands, off the coast of Sumatra, in Indonesia. I recall hearing the tales of the tigers and even saw one once when I was very young. My son was born here. I cannot take him home to see these tigers but I can bring him here and share part of my childhood experience. It is a most wonderful thing, this Zoo.”

International projects

A local resource with global effects, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is everything that a zoo should be, just a few miles down the road from our own back yards.

The Zoo is dedicated to providing fun and educational opportunities for all ages and skill levels, including programs for educators which meet (or exceed) Ohio Content Standards, summer programs designed for children and families and programs geared for Scout and community groups.

The Zoo is currently calling attention to the plight of the Panamanian Golden Frog, a tiny amphibian which is disappearing from the Central American ecosystem. The celebration of the “Year of the Frog” in conjunction with Operation Golden Frog, is an attempt to bring this species back from the brink of extinction.

This is only one example of the Zoo’s outreach conservation efforts: during 2006, the Zoo supported more than 70 wildlife conservation projects in 34 countries with nearly $700,000 in grants through the Zoo’s ‘Partners In Conservation’ projects. A grassroots research and conservation organization seeking to help Africa’s endangered primates, West Indian manatees and Siberian tigers, they know that charity begins at home and also apply their efforts to Ohio’s endangered freshwater mussels,

For the record, the Columbus Zoo isn’t really in Columbus (much the way that Cincinnati Airport really isn’t in Cincinnati); it’s actually in nearby Powell, at 4850 West Powell Road, which is off Sawmill Road, Exit 20 from I-270.

Ticket prices, hours of operation and details of special programming are available online at: www.columbuszoo.org or by phone at: (614) 645-3550. Discounts are available to groups of 25 or more (by prior arrangement) at: (614) 645-3466. The Zoo is open 365 days a year.

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