When you step into the new songbird and swan aviary at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a world that is peaceful, colorful, and alive with sound. This newest addition to the North America Trek region was created as a place where guests can slow down, breathe deeply, and experience some of the most beautiful birds of our continent—right here in Central Ohio. The aviary is one of many features that make the Columbus Zoo a destination for all ages, all year long.
A Celebration of Native Wildlife
Many of the birds who now call the aviary home are species that Ohioans may already recognize from their own backyards, parks, and neighborhoods. The familiar calls of robins, the vibrant yellow flashes of goldfinches, and the striking songs of rose-breasted grosbeaks fill the space. Cedar waxwings perch on branches, while red-winged blackbirds signal the changing of the seasons with their distinctive markings and calls.
Each of these birds has its own story, and through interpretive signs placed along the wooden plank path, guests can learn more about their habits, migration patterns, and the important roles they play in our ecosystems. It’s an opportunity to recognize just how much wonder can be found in Ohio’s own backyard, and how the Zoo is helping connect people to the wildlife that surrounds them every day.
Conservation Stories that Inspire
Beyond familiar species, the aviary also highlights remarkable stories of resilience and recovery.
- Trumpeter Swans – Once nearly lost due to overhunting and habitat destruction, trumpeter swans have made an incredible comeback. With the help of partners like the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, The Wilds, and other conservation organizations, Ohio now has nearly 900 swans nesting across 26 counties. The aviary provides guests with the chance to see these magnificent waterfowl up close, while also learning how collaborative conservation efforts can change the trajectory of a species once on the brink.
- Socorro Doves – These rare birds tell a very different story. Extinct in the wild and found only in professional care, Socorro doves are now part of a carefully managed breeding program overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). With only 213 individuals left in the world, each dove is a vital link in the survival of its species. Hosting Socorro doves at the Columbus Zoo is both a privilege and a responsibility, and it allows guests to see firsthand how zoos play a global role in protecting wildlife that might otherwise disappear forever.
Designed with Birds, and Guests, in Mind
The aviary itself is as much a part of the experience as the birds within it. Every design choice reflects a balance between animal care, sustainability, and the guest journey.
For the swans, the habitat features an island for nesting, a protective pond, and carefully lined ponds that safeguard their sensitive feet. Submerged plants, native vegetation, and river rock provide natural spaces for feeding and resting. For songbirds, fine-mesh netting keeps the birds safely inside, while larger overhead netting protects the entire aviary from wild waterfowl—one of the main carriers of avian flu.
Within their indoor habitat, which is not accessible to guests, skylights and natural lighting create a calm environment, while the living green roof contributes to the Zoo’s ongoing sustainability initiatives. Newly planted trees will one day offer shade and shelter, but until then, shade sails provide immediate comfort for both birds and guests. Benches placed throughout the space invite visitors to sit, pause, and take in the tranquil surroundings.
An Experience to Savor
The songbird and swan aviary isn’t designed to be rushed through. As guests stroll the winding path, they’re encouraged to pause and notice the small details: a goldfinch’s rollercoaster-like flight, the whisper-soft call of a cedar waxwing, or the sight of a robin perched confidently on a branch. These are the same birds that Ohioans can encounter outside their own front doors, but here, they are presented in a way that helps deepen our appreciation for the beauty and importance of local wildlife.
Supporting Songbirds Beyond the Aviary
The songbird and swan aviary is also a reflection of the Columbus Zoo’s involvement in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program for North American songbirds. Through SAFE, accredited zoos and aquariums across the country work together to support native bird species by reducing threats, protecting habitats, and inspiring people to take action in their own communities.
For guests, this effort comes full circle. The same robins, goldfinches, and waxwings you might see during your visit are the same species that could be nesting in your neighborhood or visiting your backyard feeders. By learning more about them here at the Zoo—and by supporting the Zoo’s conservation work—you’re also helping protect the future of these birds across North America.
Simple steps like planting native flowers, keeping feeders clean, or making windows safer for migrating birds all contribute to their survival. When guests leave the aviary with new knowledge and inspiration, they carry home both memories and the tools to make a difference.
Learn More about AZA SAFE programs
Built for Today, With the Future in Mind
The North America Trek, including this new aviary, represents the Zoo’s commitment to creating spaces that not only meet the needs of today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow. From sustainable building choices to flexible habitat designs, every detail reflects a long-term vision of growth, innovation, and care for both wildlife and the community.
A Community Treasure
As one of Central Ohio’s most beloved year-round destinations, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium continues to bring meaningful experiences like this to life. The Songbird and Swan Aviary is more than just a place to see birds—it’s a place to connect with nature, to celebrate conservation success stories, and to reflect on the beauty of wildlife close to home. With every visit, guests are reminded that the Zoo is not just a place to explore but a partner in protecting the natural world we all share.
