When the Olentangy Amusement Park closed in 1938 the carousel was relocated to what was then called the Scioto Ranch Park. This beautifully handcrafted carousel didn't start out at the Columbus Zoo, but was first located at the Olentangy Amusement Park just off North High Street in Clintonville. Mangels Company with wood horses carved by the Marcus Illions Company. This particular Grand Carousel was manufactured in 1914 by the William I. One of the features at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is the Grand Carousel. If you can't find anything, just ask anyone everyone working at the zoo will be able to give you good directions. First time visitors should pick up a map of the park at the front gate, and there are also numerous large maps located throughout the park just in case you get lost. Another area is called Habitat Hollow that specializes in environmental awareness exhibits. There are a number of pavilions and exhibit areas throughout the park dedicated to various species. The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is divided into areas based on the natural habitat of the animals on display. The success of the Zoo has been based on a blend of private and public support and the enthusiasm of Jack Hanna. Open 365 days a year, the Zoo is the number one rated cultural attraction in central Ohio receiving more than 1.3 million visitors each year. During the same decade, the Zoo gained recognition nationally for housing four generations of a lowland gorilla family, one of the largest collections in the country. The Zoo received accreditation by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AZA) in 1980. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Zoo added major exhibits including a reptile house, the Children's Zoo, and the herbivore/carnivore and pachyderm buildings. In 1956, the zoo made history with the birth of Colo, the world's first captive-born, Western lowland gorilla. Over the next four decades the city and community worked together to acquire animals and construct new exhibits and buildings. Later it moved to its present location near the O'Shaughnessy Dam. It was founded in 1927 with a small menagerie of donated animals. Originally the zoo was housed at Franklin Park. The new exhibit will include lions, rhinos, giraffe, zebras, ostrich, monkeys, cheetahs, meerkats and other hoofed animals. This exciting new exhibit not only gives the animals even more room, but it also offers visitors a more intimate view of the African wildlife. These sea creatures have had their deadly barbs removed for safety reasons.Īlso n 2012 plans for a new 43 acre African Safari exhibit were approved and expected to open in mid 2014. For an additional fee (WHY?) visitors can interact with the infamous stingrays.

In 2012, the zoo opened Stingray Bay, a new attraction located in Jungle Jack's Landing. It was under Jack Hanna's guidance that the zoo moved forward from almost being non-existence to one of the worlds best zoo destinations with more than 2 million visitors each year. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium currently is home to more than 10,000 animals, including almost 600 species from around the world and Jack Hanna, animal superstar.

While much of the park still has many of the trappings of the old zoo, it is definitely embracing the magical animal kingdom. The designers and engineers of the Columbus Zoo have begun a multi-phase transformation of the park into a combination of amusement rides, safari exploration, wild-life and excitement where visitors can experience Mother Nature up close without bars getting in the way. For anyone that has been to Disney's Animal Kingdom in Orlando, you'll have a feel for what the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is becoming. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is acclaimed nationally and internationally as a year-round recreational and educational facility as well as a conservation center contributing to the preservation of the world's wildlife and habitats.

Buckeye and Brutus frolicking in their new pool, oblivious to zoo visitors viewing them from below Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Wildlights columbus zoo