Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News -2016

From Facebook - At approximately 11:15 a.m. our seven month old female black bear cub breached her exhibit containment and gained access to Zoo grounds. The Zoo went into immediate lockdown as part of our normal protocol and all guests were moved to safety. The lockdown was quickly downgraded to only the area around the cub. The Zoo's Emergency Response Team went into immediate action to assess the situation and formulated a plan to tranquilize and secure the animal. At approximately 11:30 a.m. the animal was contained. We will provide more details as they become available.
 
North America is brand new and reopened today. :)https://www.facebook.com/columbuszoo/posts/10153822149157106

"Habitat Update: The North America region renovations are complete! Guests can now see the North American river otters, cougars, bobcats and new black bear cubs in their newly revamped habitats. The North America Renovation Project was made possible by a cultural facilities grant appropriation provided by the state of Ohio through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. The North America region is home to several rescue orphans such as the bobcats and cougars, as well as the Zoo’s newest residents– two black bear cubs!
The cubs, Joanie and Stevie, were rescued last winter when they were both about one year old. Joanie arrived on Feb. 29 from Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Stevie, who has a cinnamon-colored coat, arrived March 3 from Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Joanie earned her name when her unusually spikey fur reminded the animal care staff of the rock star queen, Joan Jett. The second cub appeared to have “nicks” on her ears caused by frostbite so, in continuing the rock and roll theme, keepers named her after Stevie Nicks.
The dynamic duo made their first, unofficial debut late last month, as one of the cubs breached the enclosure. No animals or visitors were harmed, and adjustments were made to the habitat.
Please note that the animals have access to behind-the-scenes areas as they acclimate to their new surroundings."

Im really mad at myself. Not even a week after I did my yearly Colum/Cinci trip it reopens and the hippos opened today at Cinci. Should have went this weekend, kicking myself!
 
The zoo is taking public input for its future projects:
We would like to invite you to take part in an upcoming conversation about the Zoo’s future projects! These informal group discussions will last about an hour and will take place at the Zoo. If you would like to participate, please sign-up for one of the following time slots: Aug. 6 at 10:30 a.m. and Aug. 8, 9 or 10 at 4:30 p.m. Please note all reservations are first-come, first-served. Participants must be 18 years of age or older and both members and non-members are welcome. We are only looking for 8-10 participants per time slot, so sessions will fill up quickly. To sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact the following email address: info@columbuszoo.org with the subject line “Zoo Focus Group". Thank you for helping to make your Columbus Zoo great!
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I vote for new exhibits for penguins, sea lions and orangutans. Hippos and/or rhinos would also be nice.
 
I'd just like to see them build full time exhibits for the species in the rotational exhibit in the Africa section. Would be great to see hyenas and jackals consistently.
 
groundskeeper24 said:
I'd just like to see them build full time exhibits for the species in the rotational exhibit in the Africa section. Would be great to see hyenas and jackals consistently.
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I agree that it would be great to be able to see all the waterhole species consistently - but it would require a lot of separate exhibits (one for lesser flamingo, warthog, aardvark, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, cheetah, and silvery-cheeked hornbill). I've been brainstorming a bit on this, and one possibility I've come up with is turning the waterhole into the permanent cheetah exhibit (much larger than the current cheetah exhibit, which is, to my mind, the most disappointing exhibit in the Heart of Africa). This would allow the waterhole to continue to be used for the cheetah runs (and the free-flight hornbill demonstrations), and would free up the current cheetah exhibit to become (with modifications) a combined exhibit for warthog and aardvark (recognizing that the aardvark would most always be asleep). I could see the main savanna incorporating the lesser flamingo in some fashion, leaving the spotted hyena and jackal as possibilities for a phase II of Heart of Africa.

Having said that, I have grown to appreciate the rotational aspect of the waterhole. One of the key benefits is that rotation of species means that whatever species happens to be out is active (I've never seen the jackals, hyenas, warthogs, or any other species asleep or impossible to see while on exhibit in this section - while noting that I've never managed to be there when the aardvark was out). For the casual guest, the rotational aspect does seem to result in a much more lively exhibit. I view all the waterhole species as essentially animal ambassadors/education animals - just more of the many species not permanently exhibited by the zoo (and in that vein, I'm just happy that we get to see these species at all, given that at least two (jackals and hyenas) were added after the Heart of Africa was completed and would otherwise presumably not have been exhibited until some new addition was completed).

I would love to see work done on the (once promised) second phase of the Heart of Africa - hopefully with permanent exhibits for the aforementioned carnivores and with some added exhibits for smaller African animals (as others have noted, the absence of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and any other species is striking in such an exhibit, especially as compared to most of the other zoogeographic themed sections of the zoo) and one or two of the promised larger species (in a dream world, African elephants, but I'd settle for hippos or even a more appropriate location for black rhinos). I'd also love to see the zoo draft of plans for the long-promised but seemingly abandoned South American section or the shores addition (with pinnipeds and diving birds) to complete North America. However, even if the powers that be decide to focus more on renovation/improvement of already existing areas (in the vein of the improvements just completed in North America), they could do a lot worse than starting with the penguin exhibit - a real disappointment and probably the worst permanent exhibit (and one of the oldest) still standing.
 
I echo the desires of you both to see the Waterhole rotation species receive permanent, on-display exhibits. A kopje complex with surrounding exhibits for the hyenas, jackals, aardvarks, and warthogs with a couple of aviaries, including one for the hornbills, and a few small mammal (meerkat/mongoose, rock hyrax, klipspringer, genets, rodents, etc), reptile, and invertebrate exhibits would be really nice, I think. I would also very much like to see the second phase of Heart of Africa as well. I think that the African elephants are a little too much to ask for, but I would love to see the black rhinos move over or, perhaps, a wet savanna complex with the lesser flamingos and then Nile hippos (with grazing!), Nile crocodiles, sitatungas, Nile lechwe, waterbuck, shoebills, and various fish... Maybe even the baboons and painted dogs that were included in one of the original plans for the complex? Cape buffalo, if I'm dreaming? :p
I know that there have been talks about major renovations and rebranding of the North America region of the zoo that make me believe that the most recent renovations are only temporary measures... So that region might be up next.. And if we're talking about renovations, I would most certainly agree that the penguin exhibit is the exhibit at the zoo that is in most need of renovation or just complete replacement. The orangutan exhibit could also use some work... I didn't mind the most recent plan to move the Congo Expedition over next to HOA and use that area to expand the southeast Asian display... No matter how ambition and unlikely that plan was!
 
Kudu21 said:
And if we're talking about renovations, I would most certainly agree that the penguin exhibit is the exhibit at the zoo that is in most need of renovation or just complete replacement. The orangutan exhibit could also use some work... I didn't mind the most recent plan to move the Congo Expedition over next to HOA and use that area to expand the southeast Asian display... No matter how ambition and unlikely that plan was!
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I don't know that I would call the plan to build a new Congo section next to HOA ambitious or unlikely (at least as of the time it was announced - which was in connection with the last (and only) failed ballot issue), but it certainly seems unlikely in the near future. I agree that the orangutan exhibit could use some work, but it's far from the worst orangutan exhibit I've seen (there is, however, a need for some indoor viewing...which would surely have been included if the orangs were moved as part of a planned southeast Asian display).

The Zoo's plan was never very specific with what they would do with a Southeast Asian section replacing the current Congo besides better accommodations for the orangs (and presumably a better exhibit for one of the gibbon species, rather than relegating one to the tiny front exhibit, which probably ties the penguins in terms of poor exhibitry). Honestly, I'm not a fan of much of the Islands exhibit - the entire complex seems to have been (poorly) designed around the disappointing boat ride, and for an exhibit meant to exhibit species that are mostly inhabitants of tropical forests, the planting is quite disappointing (I find Congo expedition much more enjoyable). So I'd be happy to see much of the Islands reworked (despite it being a newer complex).
 
Kudu21 said:
I know that there have been talks about major renovations and rebranding of the North America region of the zoo that make me believe that the most recent renovations are only temporary measures... So that region might be up next..
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I meant to address this but inadvertently posted my above reply too soon. I get the sense that these renovations may be the only work planned for North America in the near future. There were plans to change this area to represent both North and South American species (again, as part of the planned development discussed in the context of the failed bond issue), but I can't imagine the zoo putting all the effort into the completed renovations (which were, in some cases, notably the new cougar exhibit, quite extensive) for mere temporary fixes (and there's also the fact that the zoo accepted the new black bear cubs, probably not something anticipated when there were discussions of changing the focus of the complex). Between these renovated exhibits and the work done recently to improve (although not expand) the wolverine exhibit, I think the Zoo is probably pretty much done with change in this section for the near future.

As a side note, does anyone know what happened to the sandhill cranes that occupied the former wolf/black bear (now the new bobcat) exhibit last year?
 
jibster said:
I don't know that I would call the plan to build a new Congo section next to HOA ambitious or unlikely (at least as of the time it was announced - which was in connection with the last (and only) failed ballot issue), but it certainly seems unlikely in the near future. I agree that the orangutan exhibit could use some work, but it's far from the worst orangutan exhibit I've seen (there is, however, a need for some indoor viewing...which would surely have been included if the orangs were moved as part of a planned southeast Asian display).

The Zoo's plan was never very specific with what they would do with a Southeast Asian section replacing the current Congo besides better accommodations for the orangs (and presumably a better exhibit for one of the gibbon species, rather than relegating one to the tiny front exhibit, which probably ties the penguins in terms of poor exhibitry). Honestly, I'm not a fan of much of the Islands exhibit - the entire complex seems to have been (poorly) designed around the disappointing boat ride, and for an exhibit meant to exhibit species that are mostly inhabitants of tropical forests, the planting is quite disappointing (I find Congo expedition much more enjoyable). So I'd be happy to see much of the Islands reworked (despite it being a newer complex).
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I very well know that it was on the table with the last levy, but with that levy failing, leaving the zoo, I'm sure head shy about any future levies of similar size, I'm not sure anything of such magnitude, relocating an entire region and filling its place with a new one, will be on the table anytime soon... It'd truly be quite the undertaking... Ans that is why I worded it that way.
I do have to agree with you that the entire Islands region falls short... It does, indeed, seem very poorly designed... The orangutan exhibit is average, the gibbon cage is rather poor, and while the Komodo dragon and ASCO exhibits are fairly nice, the viewing, theming, and plantings are all fairly poor... And the boat ride was a flop... I mean, the pirates... Really?
jibster said:
I meant to address this but inadvertently posted my above reply too soon. I get the sense that these renovations may be the only work planned for North America in the near future. There were plans to change this area to represent both North and South American species (again, as part of the planned development discussed in the context of the failed bond issue), but I can't imagine the zoo putting all the effort into the completed renovations (which were, in some cases, notably the new cougar exhibit, quite extensive) for mere temporary fixes (and there's also the fact that the zoo accepted the new black bear cubs, probably not something anticipated when there were discussions of changing the focus of the complex). Between these renovated exhibits and the work done recently to improve (although not expand) the wolverine exhibit, I think the Zoo is probably pretty much done with change in this section for the near future.

As a side note, does anyone know what happened to the sandhill cranes that occupied the former wolf/black bear (now the new bobcat) exhibit last year?
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And I don't have many details, but that is not what I've heard from my connections within the park... North America is still very much fair game when in comes to development.

And as far as the cranes go... I have not heard! But I was wondering myself.

Something else that I meant to mention prior when discussing what I'd like to see next from the zoo... Progress with the Asian elephant program! While Columbus's elephant facilities are far from the worst, they could definitely use an expansion and renovation in light of all of the many brand new elephant exhibits that are opening across the country... Also, perhaps, improved herd dynamics? With only 1.2 housed together, and no confirmed pregnancies since Hank's arrival, I wonder if they have any interest/plans in/to expand their herd? Perhaps with Ringling stock? I know of some other facilities in similar situations that are looking into that option...
 
Kudu21 said:
I very well know that it was on the table with the last levy, but with that levy failing, leaving the zoo, I'm sure head shy about any future levies of similar size, I'm not sure anything of such magnitude, relocating an entire region and filling its place with a new one, will be on the table anytime soon... It'd truly be quite the undertaking... Ans that is why I worded it that way.

And I don't have many details, but that is not what I've heard from my connections within the park... North America is still very much fair game when in comes to development.

Something else that I meant to mention prior when discussing what I'd like to see next from the zoo... Progress with the Asian elephant program! While Columbus's elephant facilities are far from the worst, they could definitely use an expansion and renovation in light of all of the many brand new elephant exhibits that are opening across the country... Also, perhaps, improved herd dynamics? With only 1.2 housed together, and no confirmed pregnancies since Hank's arrival, I wonder if they have any interest/plans in/to expand their herd? Perhaps with Ringling stock? I know of some other facilities in similar situations that are looking into that option...
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I agree that it's not likely there will be any movement of the Congo area at least in the foreseeable future. While the gorilla exhibit is older and far from naturalistic, it suits the apes well (I would love to see larger indoor quarters), and most of the rest of the Congo section appears to be mostly strong (with the notable exception of the bonobos night/winter quarters). So I'd rather the zoo put its money towards something new or renovation of something more in need of it, like the Islands...

As for the elephants, I've often posed the same question. There is certainly space for a larger herd and there have been two successful births in the last 10 years, so I'd be surprised if there were no plans for future breeding, but the program does seem to have stagnated. I ask docents when I see one around in the area, but have had no luck, and I never seem to be around when they're having one of the keeper talks in the area. I'll post more if I ever find anything out.

As for North America, I think it's interesting that the area is still in talks for future development - thanks for the inside information. I would love to see a bit more space for the wolverines, the eagle and beaver exhibits leave a bit to be desired, and I'm very disappointed with the small renovations to the current river otter exhibit, but otherwise North America is still quite a strong section of the zoo. There's a lot of undeveloped land that I'd rather see the zoo put into development before a whole-scale re-development of this section is in order...
 
Not a fan of Nora moving to Oregon. Considering the construction that will be going on. Guess it is better than suffering in Saint Louis. Shame that she can't be paired off with the male twin at HVZoo. Sucks that she is going to a crappy, renovation and leaving such a nice exhibit complex..
 
Nora would be too young to breed for about 5 years anyway. That's plenty of time to select a mate for her. No rush now. Let her grow and mature. In time you will either see her move to her future mate or a mate move towards her.
 
Gulo gulo said:
Not a fan of Nora moving to Oregon. Considering the construction that will be going on. Guess it is better than suffering in Saint Louis. Shame that she can't be paired off with the male twin at HVZoo. Sucks that she is going to a crappy, renovation and leaving such a nice exhibit complex..
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Female Nora is ... (a polar bear perhaps ... but then I am just guessing out of the blue here when reading the thread)?

This link might be helpful?: Beloved Columbus Zoo polar bear Nora is moving to Oregon | WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio | Columbus News, Weather & Sports
 
Concerned for Nora our Polar Bear

This is the Columbus Zoo video of Nora; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpMZu4wmxF4

The fact that they are sending Nora to the Oregon Zoo is very concerning to me. I have been scrambling to read all I can on what brought about this sudden announcement from the Columbus Zoo. After doing some basic research it is apparent that with the death of Conrad, the Oregon Zoo Polar Bear and the extreme age of his sister that Oregon will soon be left without a Polar Bear, so they are sending Nora to Oregon.

I am concerned that Nora will be going into a less than adequate situation. She will be going from a fabulous facility that has been her home from birth into a construction zone with an aging bear in mourning. How this is best for Nora escapes me.

Please, I have joined ZooChat for any information I can get about the Oregon Zoo. Columbus has less than a month before Nora is moved. I just want to know that I have done everything I can to make sure she continues to have a happy life.
 
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