Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News 2023

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SwampDonkey said:
According to a post on Threads (I'm not sure how to link from that app) the previous camel yard in Africa now holds ostrich instead of the temporary donkey. They're trying different animals in the space.
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A friend went to the zoo today and the donkeys were in that space.
 
I'm not sure it's temporary for the donkey, they have rigid signage that matches the rest of the area for it.
 
Jacob F said:
What happened to the camels?
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The zoo got rid of the camels as they are trying to steer away from animal rides. The miniature donkeys are in the entrance exhibit that used to house juvenile camels that I don't think were used for rides. The main camel ride exhibit is where the ostriches are located now.
 
blospz said:
The zoo got rid of the camels as they are trying to steer away from animal rides. The miniature donkeys are in the entrance exhibit that used to house juvenile camels that I don't think were used for rides. The main camel ride exhibit is where the ostriches are located now.
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Ah, that clarifies things, thanks!
 
Somebody's trying for a Harambe sequel at Columbus...

"At approximately 12:10 p.m. today, an adult male guest at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium fell from the top of a 42-inch protective handrail he climbed near the Heart of Africa's Watering Hole and landed behind a safety barrier that separated any contact with animals. Zoo EMS immediately responded, and the guest was transported to a local hospital, conscious and alert.
The Watering Hole serves as an area where Cheetah Run presentations are held and other animals graze and gather throughout the day.
Initially, during the noon Cheetah Run introduction, a member of the Wild Encounters team noticed a teenage guest in a nearby tree located behind a protective barrier in the center area of the boardwalk, and the team member made a safety announcement for the teenage guest to get out of the tree.
Following that, several guests and staff in the area witnessed the adult guest climb to the top of the 42-inch-high handrail and fall approximately 12-15 feet. The guest was conscious when safety teams arrived to help him. Again, the location where the guest fell was not in a space shared with animals.
Adrienne, a female 3.5-years-old cheetah, was with her trainer in the Watering Hole when the incident occurred. Adrienne took notice of the guest, who was calling for help. However Adrienne, who shares a strong bond with her care team, stayed with her trainer and was immediately secured behind the scenes. This allowed Zoo staff and responding EMS teams access to assist the guest.
Our primary concern at this time is for the guest's well-being. All areas of the Zoo are now open."
 
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Also on August 29th, the zoo announced that they will replace its gas train with a new electric train which has opened to the public.

We are thrilled to share a... - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
All aboard for an exciting... - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

On August 31st, the zoo announced that (0.2) Asian elephants named Frankie and Pheobe have been introduced to (1.0) elephant Sabu and will start to go out on-exhibit with him

To close out Asian Elephant... - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

TigerValley98 said:
Surprise! Sully is female and just had a baby. This beats Pittsburgh's Ibo as surprise pregnancy of the year.

A Gorilla Birth Brings Two Surprises for the Columbus Zoo | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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On September 5th, the zoo announced the gorilla's name, Kwame.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium... - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

On September 7th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) California sea lion named Bodega passed away at age 27.

Bodega was not just a sea... - Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
 
Three former Columbus Zoo And Aquarium executives were named Monday in a 90-count indictment, including multiple felony counts of theft, bribery and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity extending over 10 years.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said that Thomas E. Stalf, former CEO; Peter A. Fingerhut, former marketing director and Gregory A. Bell, former CFO "extorted, conspired, bribed and stole," while colluding with each other before The Dispatch uncovered wrongdoing by the executives 2021. The trio is responsible for more than $2.2 million in lost funds.

The misspent funds represent about 16,000 annual zoo memberships.​

Yost: 'The Bank hired the robbers to do security' on ex-zoo executives indicted Monday

As I said, that's a lot of money that could have been used for maintenance, renovations and conservation wasted. Absolutely shameful.

The zoo itself has reiterated its focus on the future and that it hopes this brings an end to this dark chapter in the zoo's history.
 
Thomas E. Stalf (former CEO), Peter A. Fingerhut (former marketing director) and Gregory A. Bell (former CFO) have been indicted on 90 counts involving theft, bribery, and corruption. Their activities resulted in $2.2 million worth of funding lost. They also participated in other schemes that benefited them, like not seeking bids for the $2 million cabin project at The Wilds (they hired friends, basically).
Former Columbus Zoo executives face 90-count felony indictment
If you click on the underlined "90-count indictment" it will take you to the full document.
 
Wonder if anyone has been indicted for that awful pirate ride in the zoo that was there a few years ago..if not they should be!;) (Please dont tell me its still there).
 
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