In the latest Beastly Banner, the zoo shed a little light on their new master plan. Spring 2020 - Adventure Cove: seals, sea lions, 250-seat amphitheater, indoor/outdoor Animal Encounter Village featuring sloths, penguins, cheetahs, and toucans. 2020 Orangutan: "You will soon be able to visit the Zoo's orangutan troop year-round as we construct a bright, two-story dayroom with lots of space for primates to swing, play, and relax." 2025 Congo Expedition: "Our bonobo and gorilla habitats will be renovated, expanded, and enriched..."
A cinematic celebration of the overwhelming feeling this exhibit creates... In other words, my greatest creation.
I welcome these improvements. In my opinion, Columbus' gorilla habitat could use a little zhooshing mostly due to its roof and partly because it appeared a bit short in height. As for the bonobos, I recall theirs being a wonderful open exhibit, especially innovative in my eyes due to its ability of the apes to access the red river hog enclosure. Hopefully, they work on the indoor gorilla and bonobo areas.
The zoo will be gaining two more gorillas from the Milwaukee County Zoo. 2 western lowland gorillas at Milwaukee Co. Zoo to relocate to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Three African Lion cubs hav been born at Columbus Zoo! Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! 3 African lion cubs born at Columbus Zoo
They will most likely not be utilized in the SSP. As the article mentions, Tomo is over-represented anyways. They will probably be sterilized and then females will probably stay at Columbus, while males might start a bachelor pride or move out of the AZA.
According to Zooinstitutes, this Zoo exhibits Melanochaita subspecies of Lion, Gyas subspecies of Brown bear and South African vervet. Is this true?
Yes. The lions are listed in ZIMS as Melanochaita. The zoo currently has 2 females born in Denver whose parents were imported by Denver Zoo from Cango Wildlife Ranch (South Africa) - these 2 females came from Denver to Columbus in 2007, and 3 females born in Columbus in 2015. There are also 3 cubs born this spring. The father of all cubs (2019 and 2015 litters) came to Columbus from San Diego Safari Park and died recently - he is listed in ZIMS as Krugeri subspecies which I believe is currently considered a synonym to Melanochiata. The brown bears (no subspecies listed in ZIMS) came from Alaska, but didn't look like Kodiak bears when I saw them, so Gyas is likely. Vervets are listed as South African. Some of them were born at EndoFaun Zoo and Tygerberg Zoo (both in South Africa)
A cartoon weekend will be taking place at the park. Joining the event will be YouTuber and impressionist Brian Hull, who will be joined by Director and Animator, Tony Bancroft.
Question for you Columbus Zoo regulars: Am planning on visiting this week while there on business. How long would seeing everything that's open this time of year likely take? Thanks!
Not a regular, but visited last year even later in the year (end of December). I saw everything in 2:30-3 hours, although presumably it'll take you longer as the weather will be better. Lots of the zoo will be closed, with some parts not being accessible at all (African Savanna, most of Australia).
Louis and Clark the Cougars will be moved to the West Virginia State Wildlife Center: Rescued cougars moved from Columbus Zoo to West Virginia State Wildlife Center How many Cougars will be left at zoo after this? Carmen and Heavy Falcon the manatees were be transferred to SeaWorld Orlando for eventual release: Two manatees from Columbus Zoo return to Florida
Two Yellow-headed Temple Turtles have hatched: Ohio zoo welcomes two rare turtles in first indoor zoo hatching
