Independent study highlights the organization’s role as an economic driver, supporting thousands of jobs, and strengthening communities statewide.
POWELL, Ohio – The Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club generated more than $612 million in statewide economic activity in 2025, according to a new independent economic impact study conducted by Silverlode Consulting. The study found the organization supported more than 4,700 jobs and generated nearly $39 million in state and local tax revenue, highlighting the significant role of destination attractions plan in strengthening Ohio’s economy.
The study found that the Zoo welcomed more than 1.7 million guests from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including approximately 233,000 visitors from outside Ohio. Those visitors not only experienced the Zoo but also contributed an estimated $88.2 million to local businesses through spending on hotels, restaurants, retail, fuel, and other services throughout central Ohio.
"When guests choose to visit one of our parks, they are creating memories with their families while also supporting businesses, jobs, and communities throughout Ohio,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo. "While our mission is to empower people and save wildlife, we recognize the profound economic impact we generate, which reflects the extraordinary role our organization plays in Liberty Township, the city of Powell, Delaware and Franklin Counties, and across the State of Ohio.”
The economic study found the Zoo’s, Powell campus attractions:
- Generated $612.6 Million in statewide economic activity
- Supported 4,703 Ohio jobs, with 99 percent located within the Columbus metropolitan area
- Supported 3,124 Ohio households
- Welcomed 2.2 million guests across the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club, from all 50 states and D.C., including 293,000 out-of-state visitors who spent $102.5 million at local businesses.
- Produced $194.9 million in labor income.
- Generated an estimated $38.9 million in state and local tax revenues, and $41.3 million in federal tax revenues.
- Invested $22.8 million in park improvements
- Contributed more than $775,000 back to the community through complimentary admission, tours, and other experiences.
"The Columbus Zoo is one of Ohio's premier destinations, drawing visitors from across the country and creating economic opportunities for businesses and communities throughout our state. The impact highlighted in this study shows us more than the Zoo's success as an attraction; it reflects the organization's substantial role in supporting jobs, driving tourism and helping keep Ohio's economy strong,” said Steve Stivers, President of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
While the economic impact is significant, it is a result of the organization’s greater purpose: Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
When the Columbus Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club succeed, the benefits extend beyond their boundaries, creating a ripple effect that supports businesses, families, communities across Ohio while supporting wildlife conservation efforts locally and around the world.
The economic impact study was conducted by Silverlode Consulting, LLC using IMPLAN, one of the nation's most widely accepted economic impact modeling methodologies. The analysis measured the Zoo's operational spending, capital investments, visitor spending, and their combined effects on Ohio's economy during 2025.
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