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Untamed: An Evening for Conservation

September 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Untamed, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s signature fundraising gala, returns on September 18 for an evening where conservation takes center stage.

Community, corporate, and philanthropic leaders will be gathering to advance wildlife conservation here in Ohio and around the world. After a sold-out inaugural event that raised more than $600,000, Untamed returns with an even greater opportunity to make an impact. Guests will enjoy extraordinary animal encounters, exceptional dining, and powerful storytelling that connect them directly to the Zoo’s conservation mission. Together, we can protect wildlife today and inspire hope for generations. 


Untamed is SOLD OUT! Thank you for your incredible support of wildlife conservation efforts at the Columbus Zoo. 

Keynote Speaker: Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore is an award-winning photographer, speaker, author, conservationist, and the 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. He is also the founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark, which celebrates 20 years this year! Throughout this project, Joel has traveled to zoos, aquariums, and wildlife centers around the world, creating his signature portraits of species in professional care and inspiring people to learn more about and help protect them. He has now photographed more than 18,000 species, including several right here at the Columbus Zoo!

Thank You, Sponsors!

Conservation doesn’t move forward without those who make the impossible possible. Many thanks to these sponsors for making Untamed a roaring success!


Event Production Sponsor

Mills James logo

VIP Reception Sponsor

EMH&T logo

 

Dinner Sponsor

  Bath and Body Works logo

 

Auction Sponsor

diamond cellar logo

Conservation Cabana Sponsor

Cardinal Health Foundation logo

 

Artisan Marketplace Sponsor

Keybank logo

 

Can't Make It? Donate Instead!
 
Ahern Family youtube thumbnail

Untamed Honorary Chairs

Our sincere gratitude goes to Sandy Doyle-Ahern, President of EMH&T, and Michael Ahern. 

Sandy and Michael have been personally committed to wildlife conservation for decades and powering the mission of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds for over 18 years. With a passion for our local institutions and global habitat protection, Sandy and Michael's leadership for Untamed and conservation work is unmatched. 

"The work around conservation and the vision of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds is personally important to us. We are so lucky to have these huge resources in our community, and to be part of the thought process for the future is exciting!" said Sandy.

Live Auction Packages

Bid big, dream bigger! Explore this year’s Untamed Live Auction packages, featuring unforgettable experiences, incredible getaways, and one-of-a-kind opportunities worth raising your paddle for.

This auction is for guests of Untamed only.

Aldabra Tortoise Birthday Party VIP Guest

Happy Birthday, Bubba!

Donated by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Be the guests of honor at this one-of-a-kind celebration! Our Aldabra Tortoise, Bubba, celebrates his 80th birthday next year and you can be at his party! 

This experience for up to four guests starts with a behind-the-scenes manatee tour, where you will learn about the care and rehabilitation of these gentle water giants from our knowledgeable Animal Care staff. Then, you will enjoy a delicious lunch in Discovery Reef, relaxing and enjoying the view of colorful aquatic life. The grand finale will be meeting the two tortoises, Bubba and Sonny, and preparing Bubba’s birthday party! There, you will enjoy Bubba’s artistic talents as he prepares a painting for you marking the occasion. This package also includes an exclusive, signed photo print by our keynote speaker, Joel Sartore. 

If you are a lover of unique art, wildlife, and truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences, this is for you!

  • This experience is limited to four (4) guests, ages 10 and up.
  • This experience is not valid on holidays and must be booked one month in advance.
  • Available April 15 – July 31, 2027. (World Turtle Day is late May.)
  • Offer expires July 31, 2027.
  • Package is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

 

Aldabra tortoise
 

Meet the Zoo's Elephant Calves

Tiny Trunks, Big Memories

Donated by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Elephant lovers, this one is for you! A group of up to six guests will meet the adorable additions to our elephant herd, babies Rita Jean and Ollie! Your group (ages 12 and up) will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with the young elephants and their moms. Cue the cuteness! You will learn from our elephant keepers about the care and wellbeing of these incredible animals. After getting acquainted with your new best friends, you will dine on a delicious dinner while viewing the elephants in their yard. To commemorate the occasion, you will take home a cozy, colorful, one-of-a-kind elephant quilt.

Don't miss this chance to be up close and make forever memories with our baby elephants!

  • This experience is limited to six (6) guests, ages 12 and up.
  • This experience is not valid on holidays and must be booked one month in advance.
  • Available October 20, 2026 – September 12, 2027.
  • Offer expires September 12, 2027.
  • Package is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

 

Asian elephant calves
 

Vacation on Kiawah Island in South Carolina

Kiawah Island Vacation Stay

Donated by Heather Grant & Michael Petrecca

Relax and refresh by the sea in this beautifully-crafted Charleston beach home on Kiawah Island! Your next vacation home is located on gorgeous Kiawah Island on the 5th fairway of the Turtle Point Golf Course, just a short drive from the gate of the exclusive Vanderhorst Plantation. It’s the perfect family getaway to experience all that Kiawah has to offer: tennis, golfing, biking, fishing, water sports, wildlife, and more. With six bedrooms and six bathrooms, this home is perfect for multiple families, a reunion, or a week spent together with friends; it sleeps up to 14 guests.

The first level of the home has three bedrooms and bathrooms, an updated kitchen, and an open concept floor plan. The second level has three more bedrooms and another living room.

The property includes a private pool with spa, a view of the golf course and pond, and is ¾ mile to the beach – a 15-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride down ‘Allee of Oaks’ pathway.

You will have access to 5 Championship Golf Courses – including The Ocean Course – and Turtle Point Golf Course; The Kiawah Island Resort Tennis Center - and Local Property Management staff is on hand for assistance throughout your stay. (This property does not have access to the Kiawah Resort pools.)

  • This experience is limited to fourteen (14) guests
  • Valid for one (1) week between May 1, 2027 and mid-October 2027 (excluding July)
  • Subject to availability and not available Memorial Day weekend, the week of July 4th, and Labor Day weekend
  • No pets permitted
  • Package is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash
  • Airfare not included

house in wooded area
 

6-Night Stay in Portugal's Alentejo region

Timeless Portugal

Donated by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Discover the allure of Portugal’s celebrated Alentejo region with an unforgettable six-night stay for four guests in a luxury villa nestled within a boutique resort. Spend your days surrounded by nature lounging beside a private pool, enjoying sweeping valley views, and exploring charming villages and vineyards. A private winery tour, tasting, and lunch offer an authentic introduction to one of Europe’s most celebrated wine regions, while the resort’s exceptional dining and spa amenities provide the perfect setting to relax and recharge.

From cultural excursions to terrace lounging to stargazing beneath Portugal’s night skies, this extraordinary getaway blends adventure, luxury, and the slower pace of life that makes Alentejo so special.

  • This experience is limited to four (4) guests.
  • Winners have 12 months to book and 24 months to complete travel.
  • Subject to availability; blackout dates apply, including Christmas and New Year weeks. A Friday check-in is typically required.
  • Airfare not included.

 

Portugal
 

5-Nights on the Amalfi Coast

Amalfi Sunsets

Donated by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Experience the romance and timeless beauty of Italy’s legendary Amalfi Coast with a five-night escape for two in the heart of historic Amalfi. With a terrace overlooking Piazza dei Dogi, your charming private apartment provides the perfect home base for exploring one of the world’s most celebrated coastal destinations. Wander winding streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and seaside restaurants before returning to your apartment located steps from Piazza Duomo. 

The highlight of the experience awaits at golden hour, when the two of you will enjoy a private sunset boat cruise, taking in the dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and sparkling waters that have made the Amalfi Coast synonymous with romance and luxury. 

From leisurely mornings with espresso in the piazza to evenings under Mediterranean skies, this is Italian coastal living at its finest. 

  • This experience is limited to two (2) guests.
  • Winners have 12 months to confirm and 24 months to complete travel.
  • Subject to availability; blackout dates apply, including Christmas and New Year weeks.
  • Airfare not included.

 

Amalfi coast
 

Choose a Cruise Destination for Two

Choose Your Horizon

Donated by the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer

Set sail on the adventure of your choosing with a cruise experience for two. Whether your dream is to explore the glaciers of Alaska, relax in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, island-hop through the Bahamas, or venture to Australia, this package allows you to chart your own course. 

Enjoy 6-8 nights aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise while taking in breathtaking scenery, world-class entertainment, exceptional dining, and unforgettable destinations. With airfare assistance, all that’s left for you to do is decide where the journey begins. 

Package includes:

  • 6-8 night Royal Caribbean cruise for two.
  • One balcony stateroom.
  • Cruise fare, taxes, fees, and standard gratuities.
  • $2,000 airfare credit.
  • Choice of select itineraries in:
    • Alaska
    • Australia
    • Bahamas
    • Canada
    •  Caribbean

Subject to cruise availability and itinerary selection. Advance reservations required.

 

Cruise view
 

VIP Savanna Tour, Giraffe, and Jewelry

The Ginormous Giraffe Experience

Donated by Columbus Zoo and Diamond Cellar

Your adventure with some of the tallest animals on Earth awaits! Included in this unique wildlife experience is a private Zoo Savanna Tour in the Heart of Africa region, offering an insider’s look at one of the Zoo’s most dynamic habitats. You will also make a stop in the giraffe barn, and if you are lucky baby giraffe Jasper, born earlier this year, might make an appearance! To deepen your giraffe connection, this package also includes an opportunity to be among the first with an overnight stay in the new Giraffe Barn and Conservation Center at The Wilds, opening in 2027. Here you’ll experience these remarkable animals in a way few people ever will. You will also explore The Wilds with a Wildside Safari for your group.

To commemorate the experience, you will receive a stunning giraffe-inspired brooch generously provided by Diamond Cellar, which will help create a lasting reminder of your adventure among these impressive animals. This exclusive package is the ultimate giraffe experience at two parks!

  • This experience is limited to four (4) guests, ages 10 and up.
  • Experience at The Wilds is available midweek between October 2027 and April 2028.
  • Experience at the Zoo is available June-September 2027. Savanna tour is not ADA accessible.
  • The experiences are not valid on holidays and must be booked at least one month in advance.
  • Package is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

 

giraffe
 

Brunch in the Outback: Right Here in Columbus

Brunch in the Outback

Donated by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Journey to the heart of Australia without leaving Ohio! This exclusive experience invites you and your guests to first enjoy a delicious, private breakfast in the Water’s Edge area of the Zoo. Then your adventure begins in the Australia and the Islands region, with a behind-the-scenes kangaroo experience. Learn about the behaviors and habits of these adorable, furry animals! You will also learn from a zookeeper about the energetic Tasmanian Devils. From there, you will go to the Wild Encounters Animal Outreach building and help one of our dingos paint you a masterpiece! You will hear about their incredible skills and have the opportunity to take photos with our dingo while helping with his enrichment. Don’t miss your chance to connect with these Australian species!

  • This experience is limited to six (6) guests, ages 5 and up.
  • This experience is not valid on holidays and must be booked at least one month in advance.
  • Offer expires on October 31, 2027.
  • Package is non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

 

Kangaroo