8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Daily
Come celebrate the beginning of a new day at the Columbus Zoo!
This is an exclusive opportunity for Zoo members to enter the park one hour early and experience first-hand how we start our day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Gates open at 8 a.m. for all Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Gold Members.
- Sustainable Zoo themed giveaways (while supplies last)
- Games and prizes (while supplies last)
- Character ambassador meet and greets
- Early access to the Carousel* and the Columbus Zoo Train, presented by Primrose Schools
- $3.00 off ZooMore wristbands
- Early access to Columbus Zoo Marketplace and Uncharted Waters
*Additional fee. Included with Gold memberships.
The following habitats will be open with the opportunity to view animals during early hours*:
Adventure Cove
- Pinniped tunnel
- Jack Hanna's Animal Encounters Village
North America Trek
- North American river otters
- Bald eagles
- Ohio Center for Wildlife Center
- Mexican wolves
- Black bear
Heart of Africa
- Donkeys, ostriches, vervet monkeys, and African lions (Monday only)
- Savanna
- Giraffes
Asia Quest
- Interpretive Center
- Asian elephants
Shores & Aquarium
- Reptile Building
- Discovery Reef Aquarium
- Penguins
- Aldabra tortoises
Australia and the Islands
- Nocturnal Building
*This list is subject to change.
