Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we’re committed to keeping our guests, staff, and wildlife safe and healthy.
This page is your go-to resource for important community updates—whether it’s changes to our hours, weather-related alerts, health and safety protocols, or anything else that may impact your visit. We believe in transparency and proactive communication so you can enjoy your experience with confidence and peace of mind.
Please check back here regularly for the most current information.
We’ve made a big decision—and we wanted you to hear it from us first.
Just last week, we announced that North America Trek would open on May 23. But sometimes, life throws us a curveball leading to a better path forward.
We’ve decided to delay the opening of North America Trek to late June, and here’s what led up to our decision: During final stages of construction, a large glass panel in the black bear habitat was accidentally cracked. Stevie the black bear has not moved into the habitat, and no animals were at risk. However, this setback, along with the cumulative effects of persistent rain from December through early May, led us to take a step back and reassess. And through those conversations, one priority rose to the top: giving the animals the time they need to acclimate to their new habitats.
This additional time will give Stevie and the other animals—bald eagles, river otters, Mexican wolves, and songbirds—the chance to settle in comfortably and on their timeline.
We know this is a change from what we originally shared, and we appreciate your patience and support.
The project has been years in the making, and we’ll share the official opening date as soon as we can. When the time is right, we can’t wait to welcome you to North America Trek!
