Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News 2023

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Zoofan15

Zoofan15

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10+ year member
The Polar bear AI was sadly unsuccessful:

From socials:

Our successful polar bear breeding program took an innovative new conservation step this spring when we artificially inseminated Aurora.

While the procedure ultimately didn’t result in a cub, our care team continues to work diligently with other scientists to explore new ways to help protect the future of this vulnerable species. If successful, AI could mean reducing the need to move bears to ensure genetic diversity for breeding, and providing valuable data that can benefit polar bears in their native ranges.

Zoo guests may see Aurora, who will have access to her outdoor Polar Frontier habitat beginning tomorrow, Jan. 4, after she emerges from her den.
 
Corangurilla said:
Too young… too young…
Also, the North America remodel is that close already?
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I really don't know, but I know they want to get it rolling. More than likely they decided to go ahead and move him out since he was the last bison there, and it just makes sense time-line wise with the upcoming renovation.
 
SwampDonkey said:
I really don't know, but I know they want to get it rolling. More than likely they decided to go ahead and move him out since he was the last bison there, and it just makes sense time-line wise with the upcoming renovation.
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What’s in store for this renovation? Personally, I feel like it’s a little unnecessary. North America has held up well despite its age, so I fear that this renovation will be a disappointment in some way.
 
IndianRhino said:
As reported on socials, Lee was reintroduced to female Aurora this morning and they are getting along very well. Hopefully we’ll have a cub or two this fall!
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Do you think they're going to maybe bring in a second female this breeding season, since Columbus has the capacity to have a male, two females, and cubs?
 
Corangurilla said:
What’s in store for this renovation? Personally, I feel like it’s a little unnecessary. North America has held up well despite its age, so I fear that this renovation will be a disappointment in some way.
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I am not sure, to be honest. But I agree, that part of the zoo looks pretty good still. I didn't have any complaints when I was there last August.
 
Three Dama gazelles have been born:

Reported on socials:

The first Columbus Zoo and Aquarium births of 2023…THREE critically endangered dama gazelle calves! Thanks to some initial assistance from the Zoo’s expert care team, these cuties have spent their first month playing and bonding with their respective mothers, Kix, Susie, and Raisin.

“Since Heart of Africa opened in 2014, we’ve welcomed 14 dama gazelle calves, and every birth is special and important to the survival of this rare species,” said Shannon Borders, curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Heart of Africa region.
 
snowleopard said:
Columbus Zoo will spend $32.5 million on a renovation of its North American zone. That's part of a $50 million development at both the zoo and 'The Wilds'. Here's an article:

Columbus Zoo & The Wilds announce $50 million in capital projects
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Here are some of the more relevant pieces from the article:

"The first phase will include new habitats for gray wolf, bald eagle, black bear, North American river otter, and Canada lynx. Ground breaking is scheduled for the fall."

"Nearly $4 million is directed to a major expansion and improvement of the bonobo’s indoor/winter habitat. This project would provide ample space and updates, so the bonobos can play, learn, and continue to thrive in their family groups. Construction for this project begins this spring. In addition, the Zoo is investing another $8 million for animal wellbeing and habitat improvements, facility upgrades, new technology, enhanced security, and more."
 
birdsandbats said:
Here are some of the more relevant pieces from the article:

"The first phase will include new habitats for gray wolf, bald eagle, black bear, North American river otter, and Canada lynx. Ground breaking is scheduled for the fall."

"Nearly $4 million is directed to a major expansion and improvement of the bonobo’s indoor/winter habitat. This project would provide ample space and updates, so the bonobos can play, learn, and continue to thrive in their family groups. Construction for this project begins this spring. In addition, the Zoo is investing another $8 million for animal wellbeing and habitat improvements, facility upgrades, new technology, enhanced security, and more."
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I wonder if they will keep the moose and wolverine.
 
Jacob F said:
I wonder if they will keep the moose and wolverine.
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I sure hope they do, otherwise this renovation will be a strict downgrade. They did say that the “first phase” will have the bears, wolves, otters etc, but I’m not sure if that means the North America renovation will be multiple phases or that North America is phase 1 for the master plan with the bonobos as phase 2.
 
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