Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News 2025

It would appear that a male Bonobo was born sometime this year as well to first-time-mom Kibibi. Mentioned in the blog previously mentioned.

The full list of animals that passed away recently (excluding Koen, whose death was already announced prior) includes:
Cheyenne, 21-year-old Bald Eagle
Vera, 8-year-old Amur Tiger
Cori-9-year-old Tree Kangaroo
 
Frankie_number_1_fan said:
The elephant calf's name will be announced tomorrow!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram
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She has been named Rita Jean!

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "The baby elephant has a name! Meet…Rita Jean! This name honors the late Rita Jean Wolfe, a beloved member of the Wolfe family—a family whose legacy has been deeply intertwined with the Zoo’s history for more than a century. In 1926, the Wolfe family encouraged the City of Columbus to develop its own zoo, contributed funds for the first-ever habitat, and helped bring the Zoo’s first animals (reindeer!) in 1927, beginning a legacy of support that has shaped the Zoo’s growth ever since. Rita Jean Wolfe embodied the same qualities we see in our elephants—strength, resilience, and boundless compassion. Known for her humor, positivity, and deep care for both people and wildlife, she touched countless lives through her work with WBNS, the Dispatch Printing Company, and her service on numerous nonprofit boards. She advocated for those in need, championed animal wellbeing, and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about causes that were important to her. Now, her legacy will be carried forward by one very special elephant calf and the rest of our Asian elephant herd at the Columbus Zoo. Baby Rita Jean represents hope, love, and compassion—the same gifts Rita gave so freely to her community. We are so grateful for the joy and excitement our community has shared since the calf’s arrival, and for the many thoughtful name suggestions you sent our way. While Rita Jean’s name was chosen to honor a remarkable woman, every idea reflected the love you feel for our elephant family, and we can’t wait to share each new milestone with you as she grows."
 
The new Songbird Conservation Center opened on Monday! It features a “state of the art aviary” with “50+ species”. The swans are also included in the aviary. Should be all the same species plus painted turtles, trumpeter swans and a few new songbird species. It features 15 feeding stations, and I think it might be the best part of North American trek. The construction on phase two should start in the spring.
 
USZOOfan42 said:
The new Songbird Conservation Center opened on Monday! It features a “state of the art aviary” with “50+ species”. The swans are also included in the aviary. Should be all the same species plus painted turtles, trumpeter swans and a few new songbird species. It features 15 feeding stations, and I think it might be the best part of North American trek. The construction on phase two should start in the spring.
Click to expand...
Are there birds in the swans' portion of the aviary as well?

I'm happy to hear they're being proactive on phase 2! I was expecting fall 2026, but the sooner they break ground the better imo.
 
On November 4, voters in Franklin County, Ohio are voting whether to renew a 0.75 million tax levy for the next decade that supports Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; if this ballot measure fails, the zoo's funding will likely decrease.

AZA President Dan Ashe has written in support of the zoo here as a guest columnist in the Columbus Dispatch.
 
3 Pieces of Summer 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On July 21st, the zoo announced they helped rehabilitate and released a red-shouldered hawk back onto zoo grounds.

A Homecoming in the Treetops: The Journey of a Young Red-Shouldered Hawk | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

On September 18th, the zoo announced they bred and released 37 plains garter snakes into the wilds of Ohio.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

On July 11th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a clutch of Humboldt penguin eggs to Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in Pennsylvania, of which (2.1) penguins hatched.

Game Changer: Humboldt Penguins and Brown Pelicans Are Joining Our Lineup - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

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On October 10th, the zoo announced they helped rear and release 91 eastern hellbenders back into the wilds of Ohio.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

On October 8th, the zoo announced they moved their North American river otters back into their old exhibit in North America Trek temporarily (about a month) while their pool gets repaired.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
 
White Handed Gibbon 'Chanee' has been sent to Santa Barbara. She was the zoos former breeding female.

Santa Barbara Zoo on Instagram: "Exciting news on Gibbon Island! Meet Chanee! ️ After a quarantine period, Chanee (SHAW-nee) the white-handed gibbon was given access to Gibbon Island this week! Chanee is 19 years old and came to Santa Barbara Zoo from @columbuszoo in Ohio. Her former keepers describe Chanee’s personality as bold, and they say she loves grapes and bananas almost as much as cozy hammock naps. It may take her a week or two to settle into her new home, so she may not be visible to the public while she gets used to her new surroundings. Chanee will soon be joined by a male gibbon as part of a Species Survival Plan recommendation. : Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Alt-text: Chanee the white-handed gibbon casually rests atop the end of a bare tree branch. She wraps her long fingers around the branch for balance as she surveys her surroundings."
 
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