Columbus Zoo Amphitheater

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Asia Quest is the newest completed region at the Columbus Zoo, opening in two phases in 2006. The region is an attempt to more fully immerse visitors into the exhibits, not only building larger and more attractive exhibits, but also melding them together with the scenery. Visitors entering Asia Quest pass a waterfall flanked by two habitats, travel through a cave containing the indoor habitats, exit into a Chinese forest, and finally enter a pheasant aviary designed to look like an abandoned Asian garden. Instead of fences, habitats are either recessed and separated via rock walls, or on ground level and separated by the rock walls and glass. Asia Quest also promotes donations for animal conservation, as many of the region's animals are threatened in the wild.[14]
Phase one opened on June 21, featuring 5 animal habitats and the aviary, and phase two opened November 3, completing the region with 3 more exhibits and 8 more species.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

History

The original Columbus Zoo was located in the north Columbus neighborhood of Beechwold in Clintonville. The zoo opened in May, 1905 but closed for unknown reasons only five months later in October, 1905. The former monkey house can still be seen on the property of 150 Beechwold Road where it is used as a barn. The zoo's original brick entranceway can also be seen on North High Street at Beechwold Road.[5]

The present Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 as the Columbus Zoological Gardens. The city of Columbus took over management of the Zoo in 1951, but later gave up ownership to the Zoological Park Association, Inc., a non-profit organization, in 1970. The city continued providing funds from the city's General Fund, however, until 1986.[6]

[edit] Colo

Main article: Colo (gorilla)

On December 22, 1956, Colo, a Western lowland gorilla, became the world's first captive-born gorilla at the Columbus Zoo. She is the third oldest gorilla in captivity, and in 2006 celebrated her 50th birthday. Colo's family is now very extended, with 1 child, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren still living in zoos throughout the country. The Columbus Zoo currently houses 16 gorillas, 8 of which are related to Colo. Thanks in large part to the efforts with Colo, The Columbus Zoo has become a leader in breeding gorillas with over 30 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956.[7]

[edit] Jack Hanna

Main article: Jack Hanna

Jack Hanna became the director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978 and remained director until 1993. The zoo benefited greatly from his oversight, rising to national recognition during his tenure. Prior to his arrival, the zoo saw an average annual attendance of about 360,000. In addition, the zoo grounds were dirty and the animal facilities were in need of renovation. Hanna put an extensive amount of effort into turning the Columbus Zoo into a model facility, including personally picking up trash after hours. Cage enclosures were also removed during his time and replaced with more natural looking habitats. His enthusiasm, along with his national television recognition, helped attract more visitors to the zoo, with over 1.4 million visitors annually by 1992.[8] Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993.

[edit] Expansion

In 2004 voters passed a measure that would raise an estimated $180 million to expand the zoo over the next 10 years. The 120 acres (0.5 km²) expansion is planned to include additional parking, Polar Frontier, an exhibit including polar bears and Arctic Foxes, as well as an African savannah. There is also a South American exhibit planned for the near future. To make room for these new exhibits, bordering Powell Road has been relocated around the eastern and southern border of the zoo. A new entrance gate was constructed along the new roadway, which opened in early 2008. Long term plans include the possibility of a resort-style hotel to attract tourists along with its neighboring outdoor water/amusement park, Zoombezi Bay.[9]

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User Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The zoo has spent a small fortune renovating the entrance, adding the new rides section and water park, but many of the standard zoo attractions seem grossly outdated and in need of renovation.

The penguins and manatee tank were favorites of the group I traveled with (6 to 8 year olds). We enjoyed the boat ride and train ride, both $1 per person. Food court and snacks were available, but many of the drink kiosks were closed, forcing us to walk long distances to find a place selling cold drinks. Made for a long hot day and the kids grew irritated.

The Mexican Grey Wolf, Brown Bear attractions look like they were built in 1980 and haven't been visited since. Although we enjoyed the bird sanctuary and kangaroo exhibit, it was sad to see some of the classic animals in such old outdated habitats.

The boys loved the petting zoo, reptile room, Australian Outback, African Safari. The adults loved the covered lunch pavilion where we could eat pre-packed lunches and avoid costly zoo bought meals. All in all this is a good family oriented zoo, but when compared to Cincinnati and Cleveland and Indianapolis I had to rate it average.

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