Columbus Zoo | Untamed

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.

Join community, corporate, and philanthropic leaders in celebrating and advancing 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.

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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!

Octopus, credit Joel Sartore, National Geographic

Florida panther, credit Joel Sartore - National Geographic

Tickets

**TICKET OPTIONS**
One Ticket	$350
Host Committee Ticket	$500
Table	$3,500
Premium Table	$5,500

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Pictures from Untamed at the Columbus Zoo

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.

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!