Untamed: An Evening of Conservation Impact at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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Powell, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds are excited to announce Untamed: An Evening of Conservation, a new signature fundraiser happening on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. This event will celebrate the Zoo and The Wilds’ conservation initiatives while offering supporters the opportunity to make an even bigger impact for wildlife locally and around the world.

Hosted at the Columbus Zoo’s scenic Water’s Edge Pavilion, Untamed will feature an unforgettable evening of exclusive tastings, inspiring wildlife encounters, and a live auction offering one-of-a-kind experiences. Guests will also have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival, adding a magical element to the night.

Conservation in Action

Every day, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are making a difference for wildlife, with the support of donors and the community helping to advance this critical work. The impact of these efforts can be seen locally and globally, including:

Rearing and reintroducing endangered hellbender salamanders into Ohio’s rivers and streams through the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation
Rehabilitating manatees and returning them to Florida through the Zoo’s participation in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, while also co-founding the Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance—spanning 20 countries—to protect these gentle giants.
Bringing together experts from elephant range countries to protect Asian elephants through the Asian Elephant Center for Species Survival
Collaborating with partners in East Central Africa through Partners In Conservation—establishing and maintaining trusted relationships that support the raising and distribution of funds to benefit people while helping save gorillas.

Untamed will help continue these efforts, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to experience and be inspired by wildlife and the natural world.

“Untamed marks an exciting new opportunity for our organization, bringing together the passion of our conservation supporters for one extraordinary evening of impact,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. “Through this event, participants can join us in advancing our mission of empowering people and saving wildlife, helping to ensure a future where both wildlife and communities can thrive.”

Guests are encouraged to dress in their best cocktail chic attire for this conservation-focused evening, which will include a cocktail reception, dinner, a keynote address by Dr. Ramer, and the opportunity to bid on unique live auction experiences that directly support wildlife conservation.
Funds raised through Untamed will directly support the Zoo and The Wilds’ commitment to making a difference for wildlife through on-the-ground conservation projects, exceptional animal care, and community-based initiatives.

In the past year alone, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds provided funding to support more than 55 projects, advancing wildlife conservation work on six continents and providing exceptional care for over 600 species—many of which face serious threats in their native ranges. Events like Untamed are essential in sustaining this critical work, ensuring that the Zoo and The Wilds can continue to protect wildlife, deepen the impact of conservation efforts, and inspire future conservationists.

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Water’s Edge Pavilion, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Tickets: Available now on the Zoo’s website

Support From the Community

The Columbus Zoo and The Wilds are grateful to the sponsors whose generosity is making Untamed possible: Battelle (Conservation Champion Sponsor); EMH&T (Dinner Sponsor); Cardinal Health Foundation (Animal Encounter Sponsor); Diamond Cellar (Auction Sponsor); and Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation (Wine Tasting Sponsor). Their support helps advance critical conservation efforts and inspires others to join in protecting wildlife around the world.

Untamed is chaired by Sandy Doyle-Ahern, President of EMH&T, and Michael Ahern, whose family’s longstanding connection to the Zoo and The Wilds reflects the commitment and passion that will shape this new event.

“This event is so close to my heart—not just because of the incredible work it supports, but because it brings together people who truly care. My husband and I are honored to serve as chairs for Untamed, and what inspires us most is seeing how our community shows up with generosity, compassion, and action. When you support these projects, you’re part of protecting something meaningful for generations to come,” said Sandy Doyle-Ahern.

For those unable to attend, additional opportunities to support conservation initiatives will be available online through the event’s auction or by making a donation. To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit the Zoo’s website.

For additional information 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.