POWELL, OH – Ninety-nine years ago today, on September 17, 1927, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium opened in Central Ohio. Now, the Zoo is officially beginning the countdown to a milestone a century in the making.
The Columbus Zoo today announced plans to celebrate its Centennial throughout 2027. The yearlong celebration will recognize the people, wildlife, milestones, and memories that have shaped the Zoo while celebrating its continued commitment to animal wellbeing, conservation, education, and connecting people with wildlife.
The Zoo’s story began with an idea to create a place where the Columbus community could connect with animals. After a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo in the 1920s, “Columbus Evening Dispatch” publisher Harry “H.P.” Wolfe and Columbus Mayor James J. Thomas envisioned something similar for their growing city. In 1926, Wolfe brought six Alaskan reindeer to Columbus for a Christmas celebration. Their popularity helped build enthusiasm for a zoo, and after the city agreed to establish one at Riverside Park, Wolfe donated the reindeer for the public to enjoy.
For nearly 100 years, the Columbus Zoo has grown alongside the community it serves. Generations of families have made memories here, employees and volunteers have helped shape the Zoo, and community support has helped turn that early idea into the world-renowned zoological and conservation organization it is today. Some of those connections have even spanned generations, including the Zoo’s relationship with the Wolfe family, which expands from H.P. Wolfe’s role in its earliest beginnings to the upcoming John F. Wolfe Aquarium that will help shape the Zoo’s future.
“A 100th anniversary is an incredible opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come while remembering that none of it would have been possible without the people who have believed in and supported the Columbus Zoo along the way,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo. “Our community has been part of the Zoo’s story from the very beginning, and we’re excited to spend 2027 celebrating this milestone together while continuing the work that has defined the Columbus Zoo for generations.”
What began with six reindeer has grown over nearly a century, shaped by generations of people who have cared for animals, advanced conservation, welcomed guests, supported the Zoo, and created memories of their own.
As part of today’s announcement, the Zoo is also unveiling its official Centennial logo, which guests will begin seeing throughout the Zoo and across Centennial communications leading into 2027.
Created by the Zoo’s in-house graphic design team, the Centennial logo celebrates the Columbus Zoo’s past while looking toward its future. Featuring the Centennial theme, “100 Years Wild,” and the years 1927–2027, the design brings back familiar elements from fan-favorite Zoo logos through the years and features animals that represent defining moments in the Zoo’s history, beloved species, and the breadth of its conservation work. Even the shape carries a piece of Zoo history, with its outline inspired by an iconic former Zoo logo and the Zoo’s current Asian Elephant Conservation Center. The shield also symbolizes the Zoo’s role as a guardian of wildlife, while the animals move forward together, reflecting the Zoo’s continued commitment to conservation into the future.
A Year to Celebrate
While additional details will be announced in the months ahead, guests can already mark their calendars for several Centennial experiences and events.
The celebration will begin as 2026 comes to a close during Zoo Year’s Eve, when the Zoo’s Character Ambassadors will debut special Centennial attire to help welcome the anniversary year.
Beginning January 1, 2027, guests visiting Wildlights will get an early look at a new Centennial-themed light spectacular at Conservation Lake, featuring lights choreographed to music and narration. The special experience will run January 1–3, 2027 before returning as part of Wildlights later in the Centennial year.
On May 22, 2027, RendeZOO will return for its third year with a Centennial twist. The 21-and-over fundraising event will celebrate 100 years of the Columbus Zoo through pop culture, entertainment, and moments from Zoo history spanning the 1920s through today. Proceeds from the event will support the Zoo’s conservation work locally and around the world.
The Centennial year will culminate on the Zoo’s 100th anniversary, September 17, 2027, with Untamed, the Zoo’s annual conservation gala. The festivities will continue with a special Centennial Celebration Weekend for the community September 18–19, 2027. Additional details will be announced closer to the anniversary.
Throughout 2027, guests can also expect Centennial stories highlighting moments and people from the Zoo’s history, special merchandise and experiences, and additional opportunities to celebrate.
From its beginnings in 1927 to the conservation organization it is today, the Columbus Zoo’s history has been shaped by generations of employees, volunteers, supporters, community partners, and guests, as well as the animals who have inspired millions of people to care about wildlife.
As the Zoo prepares to celebrate its first 100 years, its mission continues to guide its future: Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
More Centennial celebrations, stories, historic features, and ways to participate will be announced throughout the coming year. For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s events, conservation initiatives, educational programs, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
