Guide to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

This Columbus destination is home to more than 10,000 animals—and your next great family adventure! Each section of the zoo is a re-creation of native, natural environments from around the globe. This gives visitors the chance to learn about the animals and their habitats and learn about the zoo's groundbreaking conservation efforts (educational programs are offered year-round.

Tough Choices—Smart Strategy

The zoo covers more than 130 acres—impossible to see in just one visit. So pick your favorite part of the world, lace up your comfortable shoes and set out to encounter animals in the "wild." Geographic areas with complex animal habitats include Australia and the Islands, the Congo Expedition, the Shores and Aquarium, Asia Quest, North America and Heart of Africa. Weather and the seasons affect exhibit access, and baby animals may be on view only at certain times. Check the zoo's website for current hours, fees, park rules and special events before you set out.

Early Bird Catches the Action

Rustle the family out of bed to be first in line when the zoo opens for the best views of active animals and the shortest lines. It's also prime time to feed the animals, so be sure to stop by giraffe habitat and treat them to their favorite romaine lettuce leaves. Flamingos are busy strutting and preening by the fountain, or napping on one leg. Tigers are on the prowl early in the day when the most popular exhibits, like the Heart of Africa, have the shortest lines. Summer days get hot in Columbus, but the mornings are cool enough for you and the zoo residents to get acquainted.

What to See

The Heart of Africa is 43 acres of savannah with roaming zebras, gazelles, wildebeests, lions, ostriches, cheetahs and baby vervet monkeys. Asia Quest puts you up close to tigers, elephants, rhinos and red pandas. The Manatee Coast Boat at the Shores offers above- and below-water views of these endangered giants, along with sea turtles, stingrays, rainbow-colored fish and spotted zebra sharks which call the waters home. Wander into the Kangaroo Walkabout and hang out in their grassy habitat. Check out the koalas chomping on eucalyptus leaves in the Australia and the Islands exhibit, and don't miss Colo in the Congo Expedition—the first gorilla born in captivity, in 1958, and the oldest living zoo gorilla.

New Adventures

You'll wear out your feet before you've seen it all, but leave some time for a cruise to Pirate Island, where you sail past 150 moving, singing animatronic characters in a quest for "green" treasure. Swing through the trees on the 13 rides at Jungle Jack's Landing and hop across lily pads while you bump, bounce and glide like a zoo creature. Next-door Zoombesi Bay Water Park offers plenty of splashing, dunking, sliding and cool-down thrills for a separate admission fee that includes entry to the main zoo. Visiting the zoo during the holidays? Don’t miss Wildlights, the acclaimed winter celebration where the zoo magically twinkles at night as Santa welcomes young and old.

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