Nearly 100 years ago, a group of Columbus leaders returned home from St. Louis, inspired by the simple joy of watching children marvel at animals at a local zoo. That moment sparked an idea—one that would grow into something extraordinary: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

From our early days as a small menagerie near Morse Road and High Street to the thriving 610-acre campus north of Columbus that we reside on today, one thing has never changed: the heart of this Zoo has always been the people of Central Ohio.

This week, Franklin County residents, once again, showed that unwavering support by voting to renew the Zoo’s operating levy. Your YES vote ensures that the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will continue to be a place where families connect with wildlife, where children discover their love for animals, and where conservation begins close to home.

Your Support at Work

Your renewed support provides about 25 percent of the Zoo’s annual operating budget—roughly $20.5 million each year. These funds help care for more than 6,000 animals representing 600 species, maintain 147 exhibits, and keep 610 acres of grounds beautiful and safe for more than 2.2 million guests each year.

Here’s how those dollars make a difference every day:

• Animal Care – 48%. From elephants to eagles, nearly half of levy funding supports the daily care of animals. Our team of 130 full-time animal care professionals work 365 days a year to provide nutrition, enrichment, and safe, engaging habitats.
• Facilities – 29%. The beauty and cleanliness of the Zoo are a source of community pride. Our facilities team maintains buildings, landscapes, exhibits, and those hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights that make Wildlights a cherished holiday tradition.
• Animal Nutrition – 10%. Behind the scenes, our animal nutrition staff prepare more than 825 different types of food and supplements each year—including over 300 tons of hay and straw, 13 tons of carrots, and 23 tons of apples.
• Education – 8%. Each year, more than 2,500 children participate in summer camps, while Zoo educators lead thousands of tours and outreach programs for schools throughout Franklin County.
• Animal Health – 5%. The Zoo’s veterinary team includes five of Ohio’s eight zoo veterinarians certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, providing world-class preventive and emergency care to all species that call the Zoo home.

Levy funds do not cover administrative expenses, global conservation efforts, or major construction projects. They go directly toward essential daily operations that keep the Zoo running smoothly and safely year-round.

Building an Economic Engine for Central Ohio

Your Columbus Zoo is a place to see animals, but it’s also a powerful driver of tourism, education, and economic growth. Together with The Wilds, Safari Golf Club, and Zoombezi Bay, the Columbus Zoo contributes millions of dollars to the Central Ohio economy each year.

When Zoombezi Bay opened in 2008, it reiterated the Zoo’s footprint as a true destination for families across the region. Since then, the Zoo and its family of parks have continued to expand local tourism, create thousands of jobs, and support countless local businesses.

Today, that impact includes:

• Thousands of seasonal and full-time jobs across animal care, education, guest services, landscaping, lifeguarding, maintenance, and food and beverage operations.
• More than 2 million annual visitors who dine, shop, and stay in the area—benefiting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses throughout Franklin and Delaware Counties.
• Partnerships with local vendors and contractors, ensuring that every dollar spent supports Central Ohio families and businesses.
• Community service and volunteerism, with over 720 volunteers donating nearly 100,000 hours each year to enhance guest experiences and education programs.

Every membership, ticket, and partnership helps the Zoo reinvest in the region—making it one of Central Ohio’s most impactful and beloved institutions.

A Legacy Nearly a Century in the Making

Through the decades, Franklin County’s investment has helped make possible historic milestones like:

• The birth of Colo, the first gorilla born in professional care (1956).
• The arrival of Jack Hanna in 1978, whose passion transformed the Zoo into an international ambassador for wildlife.
• The creation of The Wilds in 1993, protecting endangered species and their habitats on thousands of acres of reclaimed land in southeastern Ohio.
• The opening of Heart of Africa (2014) and Adventure Cove (2020), providing immersive experiences that inspire wonder and awareness.
• The redevelopment of the Zoo’s oldest region, North America Trek, which opened in June 2025. 

As we approach our 100th anniversary in 2027, this renewed levy ensures that the Zoo can continue building on that legacy—empowering people and saving wildlife for generations to come.

Our Community, Our Zoo

The Columbus Zoo remains deeply rooted in the city that first imagined it. Though our address has changed, our land is still owned by the City of Columbus, and our bond with Franklin County families remains strong.

Your continued belief in this institution is more than financial—it’s a reflection of the shared pride we all feel in calling this our Zoo. Together, we’ll continue to build a future where wildlife thrives, families make lasting memories, and Central Ohio leads the way in conservation, education, and care.

Thank you, Franklin County, for standing beside us—for nearly a century and counting.

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