NOTE TO MEDIA: Images and b-roll for both North America Trek and Conservation Tower are available through this link. Photo credits are provided in the file names (example: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). Video credit can be provided to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 
 

POWELL, OH—Today, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay officially celebrated the grand openings of two major new attractions: North America Trek and Conservation Tower. Opening on the same day, these ambitious projects reflect a shared commitment to immersive guest experiences, conservation storytelling, and community connection.

Whether walking the trails of a reimagined national park or racing down a world’s-first waterslide, guests now have even more reasons to visit and more ways to connect with the Zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.

“Today is an exciting day for our institution, and we debut two major new attractions, representing nearly $50 million in capital investment, all in support of our conservation mission,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “North America Trek and Conservation Tower are bold examples of Columbus Zoo 3.0, incorporating innovative design, with a strong commitment to sustainability, and all in the pursuit of saving wildlife.”

Located next to the Columbus Zoo at Zoombezi Bay, Conservation Tower is already making waves. The first attraction of its kind in the world, the new three-slide tower ties thrills to a deeper purpose—highlighting conservation efforts around pollinators, stream health, and aquatic species. Revenue from Zoombezi Bay supports the Zoo’s operations and conservation efforts, making the waterpark a powerful extension of the Zoo’s impact.

“We’re proud to offer unforgettable fun that fuels an even greater cause,” said Anthony Sabo, Vice President of Zoombezi Bay and Guest Services. “Every splash at Zoombezi Bay helps support the important work of the Columbus Zoo, funding daily operations and advancing our commitment to inspire, engage, and protect wildlife.”

North America Trek at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The most significant regional expansion in recent history, North America Trek invites guests to explore:

• Eight acres of immersive landscapes, inspired by the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains, western canyons, and northern wetlands
• Expansive habitats for black bears, Mexican wolves, bald eagles, North American river otters, and more—many of whom are non-releasable, orphaned, or rehabilitated
• The new Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, which features local species such as the eastern hellbender, Plains gartersnake, and freshwater mussels, while educating guests about ecosystem restoration efforts
• Designs rooted in sustainability, including ADA-accessible trails, repurposed soil, rescued trees, natural rockwork, and green roofs to support environmental responsibility. North America Trek was designed by PGAV Destinations and constructed by Pepper Construction, with animal wellbeing, guest engagement, and environmental impact carefully considered at every step. 
• A “national park” feel, complete with lantern-inspired lighting, stacked-stone overlooks, and interpretive storytelling elements designed to deepen guest connection to wildlife

Coming Soon: Final Touches on the Aviary. While North America Trek is officially open, the aviary is not quite ready for guests just yet. Because songbirds and swans do not require the same acclimation period as their new neighbors—including black bears, Mexican wolves, bald eagles, and North American river otters—a little extra time is being taken to complete the final details. This thoughtful approach reflects the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to animal wellbeing and helps ensure the best possible experience for both the animals and guests of this dynamic new space.

The Columbus Zoo is deeply grateful to the community and the following lead donors whose generosity made this project possible:

• Battelle
• The Columbus Foundation
• Emma “Lou” Chapman Koester
• The Lamme Family Foundation
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Suzi Pfening
• The Reinberger Foundation
• The Schumacher Foundation
• The Southard Foundation
• Connie and Clyde Woodburn

Conservation Tower at Zoombezi Bay

This exciting new attraction—designed by global water ride innovator ProSlide—features three first-of-their-kind slides that combine waterpark adventure with powerful conservation storytelling:

• The Hive – World’s first! Guests swirl through translucent, sky-lit beehive chambers on a two-person raft while learning about the vital role of pollinators in healthy ecosystems.
• Captina Falls – World’s first RallyRACER with FlyingSAUCER elements! A multi-lane mat race from 51 feet up with rally zones and timers, named after an Ohio watershed where Zoo-led stream conservation is underway.
• Mussel Mayhem – Midwest exclusive! A face-to-face tube ride featuring funnel elements and halfpipe cutbacks, themed around freshwater mussels and their importance to aquatic environments.

Other features include:

• Educational theming throughout the queue experience, featuring original artwork and conservation facts that bring each story to life
• Multiple thrill levels suitable for a wide range of guests (42”+)
• A celebration of Zoombezi Bay as a “waterpark with a purpose,” where every ride helps support the Columbus Zoo’s operations and global conservation mission

Special thanks to the following supporters for bringing this one-of-a-kind water attraction to life:

• Delaware County Finance Authority – for approving a sales tax exemption for this project
• Pepper Construction
• ProSlide Technology, Inc.
• Adena Corporation

Zoombezi Bay: Where Purpose Meets Thrill

Zoombezi Bay—Ohio’s largest waterpark—is a vibrant summer destination that combines family fun with a powerful purpose. Spanning 23 acres, the waterpark features a variety of attractions for all ages, including wave pools, action and lazy rivers, kid-friendly play zones, and themed slides like SoundSurfer and Otter Banks. Every visit helps make a difference. As part of the Columbus Zoo properties, revenue from Zoombezi Bay directly supports the Zoo’s daily operations, educational programming, and global conservation efforts. From pollinators to freshwater ecosystems, these stories are now creatively woven into the slides themselves, making Conservation Tower the most mission-driven addition to date.Whether guests are making memories with their families, enjoying character meet-and-greets, or learning more about wildlife between rides, Zoombezi Bay continues its commitment to being a “waterpark with a purpose.”

Plan Your Visit

Guests who purchase a Zoombezi Bay ticket enjoy same-day admission to the Columbus Zoo, making it easy to explore both parks in a single visit. For guests who wish to spend more time at each park, two-day passes are available to extend the fun. Details are available on Zoombezi Bay’s website.