Nestled in the heart of Central Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not merely a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and champions of conservation; it stands as a testament to inclusivity and connections with diverse communities.
Since its establishment in 1927, the Columbus Zoo has proudly called Columbus home, becoming an integral part of the city's fabric. This commitment to the community extends beyond the financial reciprocity offered with discounted admission tickets to Franklin County (OH) residents as a thank you for taxpayer support…The Zoo actively engages with various programs aimed at ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to marvel at the wonders it holds.
Here are eight impactful ways in which the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium continues to forge meaningful connections within the diverse tapestry of Central Ohio.
- Scholarship Program for Aspiring Zoo Professionals: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is committed to breaking barriers by offering a scholarship program aimed at individuals from underserved communities who aspire to pursue careers in zoo-related professions. The RISE scholarship program, generously provided by Battelle, provides internship experiences, with focuses from business to biology, for students interested in potential careers in animal care, guest services and mission-driven careers. Internships are awarded to students within underserved and underrepresented populations - including race/ethnicity, sex, gender identify/expression, and low-income or socio-economically disadvantaged.
- Ticket Donations to Community Organizations: Recognizing the importance of community partnerships, the Columbus Zoo extends its reach by donating tickets to organizations like St. Stephen’s Community House, Columbus Urban League Headstart, and Central Community House. This initiative ensures that individuals who may face financial constraints still have the opportunity to enjoy the enriching educational experiences that the Columbus Zoo offers.
- Field Trip Scholarships for Educational Experiences: Approximately 6500 students and teachers utilize the Columbus Zoo's field trip scholarship program each year. This initiative not only provides financial assistance for admission but also covers transportation costs. The scholarships are specifically designed for Central Ohio public schools with a significant percentage of students on the free or reduced lunch program, as well as non-public schools where a substantial portion of the student population attends on scholarship.
- Dedicated Public Transportation Route with COTA: Breaking down transportation barriers, the Columbus Zoo collaborates with the city's public transport system, COTA, and has historically offered a dedicated bus route that provided discounted transport to the Zoo. This helps to make the Zoo easily accessible to individuals who may not have personal transportation, ensuring that more in the community can partake in the Zoo's offerings or employment opportunities.
- Free Admission Through Library Partnership: In a collaborative effort with the Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Columbus Zoo offers free admission for visitors who borrow a Culture Pass from their local branch. This partnership not only encourages a love for reading but also provides an avenue for families to enjoy the Zoo without feeling financial burden. While there are a limited number of passes that are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, the program has allowed many Columbus-area families to enjoy their Zoo. It's a testament to the Zoo's commitment to making wildlife education and conservation accessible to all.
- Providing Educational Opportunities for Home: Recently, The Columbus Zoo worked with both COSI and the Franklin County Board of Commissioners to share over 4,000 zoo-themed “COSI Connects” kits with local nonprofit organizations. Each kit contained six activities and games focused on conservation and animal wellbeing. Furthering their commitment, the boxes are also available in each organization’s gift shops for guests to purchase, and schools and nonprofits can continue to purchase the kits on COSI’s website for a discounted price.
- Leading the Way in Accessibility. The Columbus Zoo welcomes guests with all abilities. From providing social stories to maps of sensory-friendly locations within the Zoo, from offering Communication Boards for those with language barriers to hosting customized events for guests with sensory needs, the Columbus Zoo keeps accessibility in the forefront of its offerings, further supporting their mission of "Empowering People. Saving Wildlife."
- Recruiting Partnerships: The Columbus Zoo has established working partnerships with educational organizations that serve Central Ohio communities, like Columbus State Community College, and with Central State University as well outside of Xenia, OH, sharing job and training opportunities with interested students. The Zoo also actively share job opportunities with the local chapter of the NAACP, National Center for Urban Solutions, and the Columbus Urban League. Employment opportunities are also featured on professional media networks with a focus on diverse communities, including iHispanico, BlackCareerNetwork, HBCUConnect, and more.
In essence, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's initiatives transcend the boundaries of traditional outreach, embracing a holistic approach to inclusivity. By fostering connections with diverse communities, the Zoo is not just a place to witness incredible wildlife; it's a space where everyone, regardless of background, can come together to learn, explore, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
