Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
Often times, Columbus Zoo employees visit their local grocery store or gas station after work, still in uniform, and it’s not uncommon to be approached. “Do you work at the Zoo?!”, they ask excitedly. “Why, yes. I do!”
“Cool! I haven’t been there since I was a child!”
“I haven’t been there since my kids were little.”
And we say: It’s time to change that.
We all have fond memories of visiting the Zoo in our formative years…perhaps it was on a school field trip, as a birthday gift from our parents, or a family outing to see Wildlights around the holidays.
We’re here to let you know…there’s so much more to discover as an adult!
Do Your Zoo Homework
In our opinion, you’ll have the best experience with a little bit of preparation. Visit the Zoo’s website to learn more about the species you want to see, the events going on, and the experiences you can have while you’re here.
Then, download the Zoo’s free mobile app. You can purchase your ticket and parking pass there, and you can pre-select the animals you want to see. Why? The app can provide you with walking directions once you arrive! Hint: Make sure you have enabled Bluetooth and Notifications on your device so you can receive in-app alerts about cool things happening around you during your visit.
See It In a Different Light
Don’t think of the Columbus Zoo as just a place for an outing—it’s actually a hub for wildlife conservation. Your visit helps provide world-class care for the animals who live here. And the knowledge our teams gain in caring for them doesn’t stop at the Zoo—it’s shared with the wider scientific community to benefit wildlife everywhere. How cool!
Pack Your Bag, and Prepare for Your Visit
If you walk the entire Zoo, you’ll get your steps in and trek about 3.5 miles! Because of that, here’s what we would suggest for your visit:
- Dress for the elements! The Zoo is open rain or shine, all year long.
- Wear good walking shoes!
- Bring a small bag for your sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and any items you want to purchase as a souvenir.
- The Zoo is cashless but does have pre-paid debit card machines as a backup.
- Bring water in a reusable water bottle…there are fill-up stations throughout the Zoo!
- There are also adult beverage options at the Zoo, so bring your valid state I.D. for purchase.
- While there are delicious dining options here, you’re welcome to bring a packed lunch with you for that true field trip experience.
- A charging pack for your mobile device may be a good idea (you’ll be taking a lot of pictures!), and we rent them at the Zoo’s entrance if you forgot yours.
Bonus Tip: If you’re visiting solo, create a zoo-themed playlist for your visit! We suggest songs and bands with animals in the name (of course).
Time for your Adult Field Trip!
Start your day out early and arrive when the Zoo opens. Our tip: Grab a Starbucks drink and snack at Village Coffee, and head back to the Congo Expedition region. This forested region is home to gorillas, bonobos, okapi, leopards, and more, and it’s at the farthest point from the Zoo’s entrance. By starting there, you can minimize walking and still see everything!
Meander over to Australia and the Islands next. Kids and adults alike LOVE the Dinosaur Island boat ride, available for guests to enjoy for most of the year!
Check these animals off your list by visiting this region: orangutans, weedy seadragons, koalas.
Let's Stop for a Second.
Are you just walking around, or are you stopping to read the signs at each habitat?
The signage at the Zoo provides an incredible amount of information about each species you see, what the Zoo is doing to protect them, and what YOU can do in your everyday life to help save wildlife. If you have additional questions, chat with a volunteer! They wear red shirts and coats, and you can find them throughout the Zoo.
Regardless of what season it is, Zoo guests always appreciate an opportunity to step indoors. Luckily for you, your next stop is the historic Reptile Building and the Shores & Aquarium region.
Home to hellbenders, snakes, an aquarium, manatees that are being rehabilitated before they return to Florida, and even a rescued sea turtle, you’ll have plenty to see and a lot to learn. There are signs everywhere, and videos playing, too. Take a seat, look around, chat with a volunteer, and take it all in! Many of the species you’ll see are our neighbors in North America, but others live around the globe.
After you head back under the infamous Zoo tunnel (Hint: Slow down and check out the art!), you’ll turn left and head towards the Asia Quest region. If you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll be near restaurants now, too: Get your mobile app back out to find them!
Asia Quest is home to tigers, Pallas’ cats, Asian elephants, red pandas, and many other incredible species. Enjoy the tree canopy, the serene music, and the stroll. Don’t forget to look down… you’ll see animal prints in the concrete!
Did You Know: Animals Choose Their Location!
At the Columbus Zoo, animal wellbeing comes first. Many animals have access to both indoor and outdoor spaces, and during hot days, they may choose the comfort of air conditioning indoors. Some indoor areas are behind the scenes and not viewable to guests, but we encourage you to circle back later, as animals often move throughout the day.
Take a left around the front yard of the Asian elephant habitat, and you’ll be transported to the Zoo’s newest region: North America Trek. If you’ve ever visited a national park, this region should feel familiar. After all, that’s what it was designed to represent! From the waterfall to the mulch, every element you see was carefully selected to represent that species' native range and our local ecosystem. There’s a lot to take in, but there are rest stops along the way!
Lovingly referred to as “the portal” by our team members, you’ll then cross under the arch for our Heart of Africa region. You’ll be greeted by a statue of Jack and Suzi Hanna, and you’re welcome to take a picture with it! After that, you’ll hear the sound of beating drums, and you’ll know you’ve arrived. A staff favorite is the repurposed airplane in the lion habitat. Not only is it a great place for lions to lounge, it is also outfitted with air conditioning to give them a cooling option in the summer heat!
Nearby is the Polar Frontier region. You may see polar bears chasing fish, brown bear brothers wrestling, and Arctic foxes changing colors with the season. This is another great spot to rest and read the signs. The Columbus Zoo is heavily involved in conservation efforts for these animals, and there is a ton of information available for you to learn during your visit!
Phew! It's Been a Full Day.
During summer months, a shuttle, courtesy of Medical Mutual, will take you back to your starting point. During cooler months, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll past reindeer, moose, and barn animals during your walk back to the front of the Zoo!
One more region to go!
Near Entry Village, where you entered the Zoo, is a fun and immersive region called Adventure Cove. Touch a stingray (and feed them if you’d like! Food is sold at the gift shop in the building), see a capybara, and enjoy the seals and sea lions! Hint: Sea lion Sunshine LOVES to interact with guests, and we sometimes even provide items that guests can use to play with her through the viewing window! Not only is it super cute, but it also serves as enrichment for her and the others.
What are You Waiting For?
The Columbus Zoo can absolutely be enjoyed as an adult with a TON to learn around every corner.
If you don’t live near the Columbus Zoo, no worries! Visit your local zoo with the same sense of wonder and excitement. You can find a list of other zoos and aquariums, also accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, here.
We’ll see YOU at the Zoo!
Events Animal Experiences Tours and Experiences Plan Your Visit
