One hundred years of animals, memories, conservation, and community. In 2027, we’re celebrating it all.

The countdown is officially on!

Ninety-nine years ago on September 17, 1927, the Columbus Zoo opened at our current location, just north of City of Columbus in a then-rural space in Delaware County, Ohio, owned by the City. Now, we’re just one year away from an incredible milestone: our 100th anniversary.

Throughout 2027, we’ll celebrate a century of the people, animals, milestones, and memories that have shaped the Columbus Zoo, along with the conservation, animal wellbeing, and education work that continues to guide us to where we’re headed next.

And because you only turn 100 once, we’re planning to make the entire year count.

From Six Reindeer to 100 Years

The Columbus Zoo’s story began with an idea and, surprisingly enough, six Alaskan reindeer.

After visiting the Saint Louis Zoo in the 1920s, Columbus Evening Dispatch publisher Harry “H.P.” Wolfe and Columbus Mayor James J. Thomas envisioned creating a place where their own growing community could connect with animals. In 1926, Wolfe brought six Alaskan reindeer to Columbus for a Christmas celebration. The reindeer quickly captured the community’s attention and helped build enthusiasm for creating a zoo. When the City agreed to establish one, Wolfe donated the reindeer for the public to enjoy.

The Columbus Zoo officially opened on September 17, 1927.

Read More about the Zoo’s Place In History in 1927

Nearly a century later, generations of families have visited the Zoo. Employees and volunteers have devoted their careers and time to the animals in our care. Community members and partners have supported our growth. And millions of guests have discovered animals, learned about wildlife, and made memories here. That connection with the Wolfe family has continued across generations, too. H.P. Wolfe helped shape the Zoo’s earliest beginnings, and the upcoming John F. Wolfe Aquarium will help shape its future.

What began with six reindeer has grown into a zoological and conservation organization with a story nearly 100 years in the making.

And we’re getting ready to celebrate it with you.

Meet Our Centennial Logo

You’re going to see a fresh look around here in 2027.

As we begin the countdown, we’re unveiling the Columbus Zoo’s official Centennial logo, created by our own in-house creative team. The design celebrates where we’ve been while looking toward where we’re going. It features the Centennial theme, “100 Years Wild,” along with the years 1927–2027 and animals representing defining moments in Zoo history, beloved species, and the breadth of our conservation work.

Look closely and you’ll find even more history tucked into the design.

Its shape was inspired by an iconic former Columbus Zoo logo and our current Asian Elephant Conservation Center. The shield represents the Zoo’s role as a guardian of wildlife, while the animals moving forward together reflect our continued commitment to conservation into the next century.

There’s much more to discover in the design, including some details long-time Zoo fans may recognize.

Discover the Story Behind Our Centennial Logo

Mark Your Calendar: 2027 Is Going to Be a Fun Year

We have more Centennial surprises to reveal in the months ahead, but you can already start filling in that 2027 calendar.

• Ring in the Centennial at Zoo Year’s Eve. We’re starting the celebration before the clock even strikes midnight. As 2026 comes to a close, our Character Ambassadors will debut special Centennial attire during Zoo Year’s Eve, helping us officially welcome the anniversary year.
• See the Centennial Light Up Wildlights. Beginning January 1, 2027, guests visiting Wildlights will get an early look at a new Centennial-themed light spectacular at Conservation Lake. Lights choreographed to music and narration will help bring the story to life January 1 – 3, 2027, before the experience returns as part of Wildlights later in our Centennial year. Consider it a very bright birthday candle.
• Travel Through the Decades at RendeZOO. Grab your dancing shoes and prepare for a trip through 100 years of pop culture! On May 22, 2027, RendeZOO returns for its third year with a special Centennial twist. This 21+ event will celebrate the decades from the 1920s through today with entertainment, pop culture, and moments from Columbus Zoo history. Even better, the celebration supports conservation. Proceeds from RendeZOO benefit the Zoo’s conservation work locally and around the world.
• Celebrate 100 Years With Us. Then comes the date we’ve been counting toward. On September 17, 2027, exactly 100 years after the Columbus Zoo opened, we’ll mark our official Centennial during Untamed, the Zoo’s annual conservation gala. 
• The celebration continues September 18–19, 2027, with a special Centennial Celebration Weekend for our community. We’ll have much more to share about the anniversary weekend as we get closer.

Columbus Zoo Event Calendar

And We’re Just Getting Started

Those are only the first Centennial plans we’re ready to share.

Throughout 2027, we’ll dig into our archives and share stories about the animals, people, places, and moments that helped shape the Columbus Zoo. Guests can also look forward to special Centennial merchandise, experiences, events, and additional opportunities to join the celebration. Some stories may bring back memories from childhood visits. Others may introduce you to people or moments you’ve never heard about before. Together, they’ll tell the story of a Zoo that has grown alongside its community for nearly a century.
Because this anniversary belongs to everyone who has been part of that story.

The employees and volunteers who dedicated their time and careers. The supporters and community partners who believed in what the Zoo could become. The generations of families who made a trip to the Zoo part of their own traditions. And the animals who inspired millions of people to learn about and care for wildlife.

On September 17, 1927, the Columbus Zoo began its first chapter.

One hundred years later, we’re ready to celebrate where that story has taken us and begin the next one together.