Some families pass down recipes. Others pass down vacation traditions.

For Kelly, Steven, and Sydney Weber, they pass down days at the Columbus Zoo.

Kelly's connection to the Zoo began when she was a child growing up just minutes away. Visits were part of everyday life, shaped by a family friendship with Jack Hanna and a lifelong appreciation for wildlife. Those early experiences planted the seeds for a tradition that continues today with her own family.

Now, the Zoo has become part of the Weber family's story.

Every visit includes one special tradition. Sydney stops at the Australia map and points to "Sydney," celebrating the place that shares her name. It's a simple photo that has become a treasured keepsake, capturing how a familiar place continues to grow alongside their family.

The Aquarium at Discovery Reef and elephant habitats remain favorite stops, each holding memories made together through the years. One evening stands out above the rest. During a Legacy Society dinner in the Aquarium, the family experienced the habitats in a completely different way. The quiet atmosphere and the beauty of the animals created a moment they still talk about today.

For the Webers, those moments are what make the Columbus Zoo so special.

The Zoo creates opportunities for families to slow down, explore together, and discover something new. It sparks conversations, encourages curiosity, and inspires people to care about wildlife long after they leave.

That lasting impact is why Kelly and Steven chose to support the Zoo's future.

"Contributing to the Zoo's future feels like a way of preserving those experiences for others to discover and cherish," Kelly said.

Some of the Weber family's favorite memories have come from something wonderfully simple: walking the Zoo with people they love. Welcoming out-of-town friends and relatives has become a tradition of its own, creating opportunities to share favorite animals, favorite paths, and favorite stories.

Their story is one of many that unfold here every day.

For generations, the Columbus Zoo has been a place where families gather, traditions take root, and lifelong memories begin. Each visit becomes another chapter, connecting people with wildlife and with one another in ways that last long after the day is over.