Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Our new ADOPT Spotlight animal is “otterly” adorable. The Columbus Zoo recently welcomed three new North American river otters to our family! Mayhem, River, and Wilford are our adventurous one-year-old boys who call the beloved North America region of the Zoo "home". They are adapting wonderfully to their new home, enjoy exploring their large yard, and have been busy scent-marking everything! Donating will positively affect Mayhem, River, and Wilford’s wellbeing, and it is a unique gift for a special occasion or special someone! Visit our website for more information about the ADOPT program and adoption packages: https://lnkd.in/g5KMchrE

The 30th Annual Rwandan Fête is just around the corner! Can't make it in person? Well, no worries. You can still support wildlife and the Columbus Zoo's Partners In Conservation (PIC) by purchasing items through our online auction! The Rwandan Fête online auction features stunning items that are handmade by artisans in Rwanda, as well as by some of our amazingly talented Columbus Zoo staff, with all proceeds going towards supporting PIC's key pillars, which are gorilla and wildlife conservation, community empowerment, and habitat conservation and protection. Browse a few of the items that will be available for purchase and be sure to check out the rest of the amazing items for sale through our online auction, which starts on Monday, September 16. https://lnkd.in/gKHWVqCA

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced a major step forward in its commitment to wildlife conservation by appointing Greg Lipps as its first-ever Conservation Biologist. This newly created position highlights the Zoo's dedication to biodiversity, habitat protection, and species recovery, and strengthens its partnership with The Ohio State University. Greg Lipps, a renowned leader in conservation biology, has been instrumental in protecting Ohio’s amphibians and reptiles. His work with the Ohio Hellbender Partnership and Captina Conservancy has united scientists, landowners, and government agencies to safeguard vulnerable species like the eastern hellbender and Massasauga rattlesnake. In his new role at the Zoo, Greg will lead the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (OCWC) (https://bit.ly/3MEJm6G), that opens in 2025 as part of the Zoo’s North America Trek region, and will drive impactful conservation projects across Ohio. His efforts will include developing and implementing strategies to improve the status of Ohio’s most vulnerable wildlife species through securing funding, delivering educational workshops, and maintaining an active role in the Ohio chapter of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (OHPARC). Through the Zoo-OSU partnership, Lipps will also continue his statewide research, public awareness programs, and efforts to recover amphibian and reptile populations across Ohio. At OSU, he will generate projects through the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership (OBCP). The OBCP is a partnership between the Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University in the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife that seeks to advance science-based management and conservation of the diversity of animals in Ohio to ensure sustainable ecosystems into the future. Lipps was honored with the Zoo’s 2023 Commitment to Conservation Award, recognizing his outstanding lifetime achievements in wildlife conservation. The award, established in 2011, celebrates conservation heroes who have made measurable impacts on global wildlife preservation and have had a long-term working relationship with the Zoo. We look forward to the significant contributions that Greg will continue to make as he leads efforts to protect our state’s wildlife! Read more at https://bit.ly/3zhXkZk. Welcome to the pack, Greg!

Have you heard the story of bonobo Gander? On September 11th, 2001, the world stood still as tragedy struck. But amidst the chaos, a small town became a beacon of hope—not just for humans, but for two very special bonobos on a journey to their new zoo homes in the United States. That day, Unga and Kosana, two bonobos flying from Belgium, were only an hour away from U.S. airspace when American skies were closed. Their plane, along with 38 others, was redirected to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. With only 10,000 residents, the community rallied to provide food, shelter, and care for over 6,500 stranded passengers—and the bonobos were no exception. Unga and Kosana spent five days there, accompanied by their keepers, while Gander’s residents showed extraordinary compassion to everyone on board. One of those bonobos, Unga, found her forever home here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where she lived until her passing in March 2021 at age 29. But her legacy lives on in the most touching way…Two years after arriving at the Zoo, Unga gave birth to a baby boy, named "Gander" by the Columbus Zoo team in honor of the town that welcomed the bonobos with open arms. Today, Gander thrives at the Columbus Zoo and has a child of his own. This beautiful story is a testament to the power of kindness and the connections that unite us all, no matter the species.

Great things are happening in our beloved North America region, including the future transformation of "My House", next to the big red barn, into the new Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (OCWC)! In the OCWC, Zoo guests will be able to learn about the Zoo and The Wilds' local conservation initiatives, like projects dedicated to saving hellbenders (seen here), plains garter snakes, freshwater mussels, and American burying beetles. Guests will also be able to see the staff in action as they raise and nurture these endangered species in the hopes of one day reintroducing them to their native ranges. How exciting! Bonus: As of August 22, 2024, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium released our 1000th hellbender back into the wild! Releasing hellbenders back into their natural habitats is one of many initiatives of the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, which also includes the Toledo Zoo and Penta Career Center. In addition to hitting 1000 released hellbenders for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we also hit 2000 released hellbenders for the Ohio Hellbender Partnership.

Congratulations to Columbus Zoo team member Chase M. for being nominated by the Wild Encounters team as the Zoo's Seasonal Employee of the Month! Her team, located in the Zoo's Animal Encounters Village, is proud of her hard work, passion, and dedication to animal care, training, and guest engagement. Chase tackles every task with 100% effort, from deep cleaning and organizing to creating enrichment opportunities for our animals – always ensuring everything runs smoothly. Chase is a true team player, always willing to help others by sharing her knowledge, offering valuable tips, and providing support whenever needed. Her thoughtful attention to detail and adaptability have made her a key resource on our team. Whether it's collaborating with colleagues or jumping in where she’s needed most, Chase never hesitates to put the team and animal wellbeing first. Please help us in congratulating Chase!

Did You Know: In 2023, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium supported 70 conservation projects and organizations in over 25 countries, including 2 emergency projects? 2024 has seen even more efforts to support our mission of empowering people and saving wildlife! Learn about several of those conservation and sustainability projects at https://lnkd.in/gbhxANiF or by reading our 2023 Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/gWpkQHj5

Raise your glass to protect local wildlife—where every sip helps save a species! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of delicious wine, smooth bourbon, and making a real difference for our local endangered species! Mark your calendars for Friday, November 8, 2024, as we gather at the Columbus Zoo for Wine for Wildlife, one of the premier fundraising events of the year. From 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., you’ll have the opportunity to: ?? Stroll through an exclusive preview of Wildlights ?? Watch playful seals and sea lions at Adventure Cove ?? Enjoy unique animal encounters at Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village ?? Savor a gourmet dinner and delectable drinks ?? Participate in a lively auction supporting vital conservation efforts This year, we’re focusing on local conservation initiatives, including the upcoming Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation and the North American Center for Bison Conservation. Your participation directly supports these efforts, helping to protect the native species we all cherish. Whether you’re a dedicated donor, a retiree looking to give back, a professional eager to get involved with philanthropy, or someone who simply loves a great night out, this event is for you! Come, sip, savor, and support—together, we can make a difference. Secure your spot today and be part of something truly impactful! https://lnkd.in/gMrV6MZ8

Did you know that the Columbus Zoo first opened its doors near the intersection of Morse Road and High Street in Columbus back in 1927? With help from the city, the Zoo moved to its current location in Delaware County (largely rural back then!) so it could expand! Because of that, we still have a great working relationship with the City and its residents, who see the Zoo as a vital part of the Central Ohio community. To thank them for almost 100 years of support, we are offering half-price Zoo admission to Franklin County, OH residents on September 15 and 16. Guests from Franklin County, OH will need to show a valid ID at the Zoo gates to receive the discount. And while you’re there, please visit with the community programs present in our Entry Village! We look forward to seeing you at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

We are excited to invite you to the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan Fete on September 21 at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! This special event has become a highlight for attendees year after year, and we would love for you to be part of this milestone celebration. Your support (to the tune of money over 30 years!) has enabled us to achieve remarkable accomplishments, including: ? Building a library with computer access at the Bisate Primary School ? Paying the annual salaries for three veterinarians who provide lifesaving medical care to eastern gorillas in their native ranges ? Providing over 40 scholarships for community members who help with gorilla conservation efforts to attend college. Join us for an evening of: Exquisite Dining: Enjoy a curated dinner experience. Unique Marketplace: Explore a variety of fair-trade items from Rwanda. Inspiring Atmosphere: Network in a beautiful setting with fellow supporters and leaders. Impactful Insights: Hear directly from our Partners In Conservation team about their ongoing work in East Central Africa. This event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with our mission and strengthen your commitment to global conservation efforts. Tickets are limited, so we encourage you to reserve yours by visiting https://lnkd.in/gKHWVqCA Your participation helps us continue to make a difference. We look forward to celebrating with you!