Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo & Aquarium News 2024

Short Interview with CEO Tom Schmid from the North America Trek groundbreaking.

New Takeaways

-Confirmed year round restaurant in North America Trek.
-New details/species list on Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (repurposed Habitat Hollow building)

 

At the end of the video there is also an updated region map! Viewing this, it can now be confirmed that the songbird aviary will occupy the former small public elephant yard, and it appears to be connected to the swan habitat.
Another interesting detail, it appears that the behind the scenes elephant yard will be demolished as part of NA phase one.

 

What is happening to the current songbird aviary? Will this be the first of @pachyderm pro's 100 must-see exhibits to become a former exhibit?

Also- watched the video, it looks like they may exhibit burying beetles in the new Ohio Conservation Center!? If so, that's very exciting!

 

It is one of the several older NA exhibits being emptied due to the revamp, and will most likely be either leveled or adapted into a different exhibit come phase two (much like the current Bear and Otter exhibits).
The general design of the new aviary from the map looks similar to the old one (a pond in the center for instance), but just spruced up! Hopefully not too many core elements are changed!

 

Zoo regains WAZA membership:

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Welcomes Columbus Zoo and Aquariums as Member of Global Zoological Community | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

In addition to being a member of WAZA, the Columbus Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoological Association of America (ZAA), the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks & Aquariums (AMMPA),and certified by American Humane.

 

A docent confirmed with me today that the old GOHR yard will be converted to an elephant yard, and the indoor rhino space will be made into elephant space as well.

 

Makes a lot of sense when you consider Columbus plan to acquire a further two bulls in the coming years!

 

As for future plans, I found this very interesting. In a video posted to Facebook on January 29th titled "Celebrating Success: Our Highlights From 2023" I grabbed this screenshot. If you look very closely you can see in the top middle of this screenshot it says "Future Elephant Expansion". So it looks like they are planning on expanding the elephant exhibit.

 

Facebook- Ivy the Bat-eared Fox (0.1) passed away.

 

The zoo posted on Facebook that Heart of Africa reopens on April 12th.

 

The zoo has received a Plume Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Avian Scientific Advisory Group for the recognition for their efforts to breed and care for North American songbirds.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

 

From the zoo's Facebook - (0.1) Wolverine Guillotine passed away.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of beloved wolverine Guillotine, fondly known as Gui by her devoted care team. Gui had resided in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's North America region since October 2014, arriving as a symbol of hope and resilience from La Reserve Zoologique de Calviac in France, where she marked the first wolverine birth born in professional care in the country.

At 11 years old, Gui leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate within the hearts of those who knew her. As the largest member of the weasel family, wolverines embodied the spirit of the wild, thriving in remote mountainous terrain with a tenacious nature and remarkable adaptations for snowy landscapes. Wolverines like Gui represent not only the beauty of nature but also the fragile balance of ecosystems worldwide. Their presence in their native ranges signifies healthy habitats and thriving biodiversity.

Gui was more than just a wolverine; she was a spirited individual with a voice that echoed her unique personality. From playful growls of excitement to moments of impatience or frustration, Gui communicated her feelings with unmistakable clarity, endearing herself to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A few weeks ago, Gui began showing a decreased appetite and low energy. A full diagnostic workup was performed and Gui was diagnosed with Addison's disease, a rare adrenal disease that requires intensive care and close monitoring. Every attempt was made to treat this disease, including treatments under anesthesia and daily oral medications. Despite everyone's best efforts, Gui developed other complications and her condition began to decline. Due to the challenges of managing this disease longterm in this species, as well as concerns for Gui's overall quality of life, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her.

Gui was always fiercely independent, yet her trust in her keepers blossomed over the years, forging a strong bond. Her care team says that Gui's presence brought joy to all who crossed her path and that her zest for life was infectious, whether she was rolling in wood shavings or indulging in her favorite pastime of crawling down logs in her habitat with unmatched enthusiasm

 

The zoo's female manatee "Mary Kate" was released into the wild in February.
Mary Kate's Journey | We are excited to finally premiere our little video in collaboration with Columbus Zoo and Aquarium featuring Mary Kate's journey. Mary Kate was rescued... | By Save the Manatee ClubFacebook

 

The zoo's 6-year-old 0.1 lar gibbon named Sienna has moved to the Albuquerque BioPark in New Mexico.

ABQ BioPark

 

North America Trek updated map (4/14) by Frankie_number_1_fan posted 16 Apr 2024 at 10:22 PM

The zoo has placed new signage near the front of North America that shows what is presumably the most updated version of the North America Trek map.

 

2.0 Humboldt Penguin chicks were recently born according to the zoo's Facebook page. Both chicks were fostered after a challenging start but have since been reunited with their foster parents.
While their parents care for them, the chicks will remain behind the scenes for now.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium