Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo and Aquarium News 2025

The birth of 2 Asian Elephants is expected this year.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "In case you missed our announcement last August… we have elephant-size updates on the horizon! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is eagerly preparing for not just one, but TWO baby Asian elephants to arrive this year—one this summer and another later in the year. This marks the first time in our history that two elephant moms are expecting at the same time, and we couldn’t be more excited! This moment is exactly why we expanded the elephant habitat this past year—creating more space for multigenerational herds to thrive. These two calves will learn from each other, just like they would in their native range, gaining critical social skills from each other and the rest of the herd. And when you visit, you’ll get to witness these special bonds forming firsthand! More than just a Zoo milestone, these births represent a significant step for Asian elephant conservation. With wild populations facing habitat loss and other challenges, every birth in an accredited conservation program, like ours, helps secure a future for this endangered species. In fact, the Columbus Zoo is proud to be a leader in the IUCN SSC: Asian Elephant Specialist Group, working alongside global experts to protect elephants in their native ranges. By visiting the Zoo, you’re directly supporting this work. Your visit helps fund conservation programs, ensures top-quality care for our elephants, and gives you a chance to connect with these incredible animals up close. Stay tuned for weekly updates leading up to the first birth—this is a journey you won’t want to miss! "
 
Haliaeetus said:
The birth of 2 Asian Elephants is expected this year.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "In case you missed our announcement last August… we have elephant-size updates on the horizon! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is eagerly preparing for not just one, but TWO baby Asian elephants to arrive this year—one this summer and another later in the year. This marks the first time in our history that two elephant moms are expecting at the same time, and we couldn’t be more excited! This moment is exactly why we expanded the elephant habitat this past year—creating more space for multigenerational herds to thrive. These two calves will learn from each other, just like they would in their native range, gaining critical social skills from each other and the rest of the herd. And when you visit, you’ll get to witness these special bonds forming firsthand! More than just a Zoo milestone, these births represent a significant step for Asian elephant conservation. With wild populations facing habitat loss and other challenges, every birth in an accredited conservation program, like ours, helps secure a future for this endangered species. In fact, the Columbus Zoo is proud to be a leader in the IUCN SSC: Asian Elephant Specialist Group, working alongside global experts to protect elephants in their native ranges. By visiting the Zoo, you’re directly supporting this work. Your visit helps fund conservation programs, ensures top-quality care for our elephants, and gives you a chance to connect with these incredible animals up close. Stay tuned for weekly updates leading up to the first birth—this is a journey you won’t want to miss! "
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Already announced last year!
 
When will North America trek open? I may make a visit tomorrow and was wondering if it was open or it’s worth visiting now or once open.
 
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The zoo has announced on Facebook that Mara the Amur Tiger has passed away at 18.

Mara was an Amur tiger with a whole lot of spunk and a heart full of mischief—and we adored every bit of her. Whether she was proudly parading around with a paper bag in her mouth, playfully stealing boxes from her cubs, or tearing into enrichment like it was her job, Mara brought personality and joy to every corner of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

She loved the smell of cinnamon and expensive perfume (both of which were included in her customized enrichment), and she never lost that spark—not even in her golden years. As a mother, she was fiercely protective and deeply nurturing. In 2012, Mara made history by giving birth to the first litter of tiger cubs at the Columbus Zoo in over 25 years, and she went on to raise two more litters, leaving behind a legacy of cubs who carry her spirit forward. Her little ones—Dimitri, Wiz, Morgana, Glinda, Taj II, Ursula, Timothy, George Miller, and Mabelle—are a testament to her strength, care, and loving heart.

Born at the Pittsburgh Zoo in August 2006 and joining our Columbus Zoo family in 2010, Mara lived a remarkable 18 years—the longest of any tiger we've cared for in recent years. Her Care team lovingly supported her every step of the way, closely monitoring her health. With age came mobility issues and recently, her quality of life declined because of this. So, with great compassion, the hard decision was made by the team for humane euthanasia.

Mara was an incredible ambassador for her endangered species and a treasured member of our Zoo family. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her—and in the future of Amur tiger conservation.

Please join us in celebrating Mara’s extraordinary life. She will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever loved.
 
I’ll potentially be visiting the zoo at the end of May/start of June. I know that the North American section is expected to potentially be reopened by then, but just so I can plan for the worst - are any of the species in that area still currently visible despite the renovations? Specifically, the moose and wolverine are both big incentives for me to visit.
 
biggest_dreamer said:
I’ll potentially be visiting the zoo at the end of May/start of June. I know that the North American section is expected to potentially be reopened by then, but just so I can plan for the worst - are any of the species in that area still currently visible despite the renovations? Specifically, the moose and wolverine are both big incentives for me to visit.
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Only the black bears, wolves, otters, bald eagles and possibly the aviary will be closed. So the wolverines and moose should be viewable! Good Luck!
 
biggest_dreamer said:
I’ll potentially be visiting the zoo at the end of May/start of June. I know that the North American section is expected to potentially be reopened by then, but just so I can plan for the worst - are any of the species in that area still currently visible despite the renovations? Specifically, the moose and wolverine are both big incentives for me to visit.
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All of the animals in NA minus the bald eagles are still on exhibit!
Wolves are in Asia Quest, Swans are in front of the Moose and the old Aviary, Bear and Otter habitats are still viewable. You won't miss much at all even if the new area isn't open!
 
Visited the zoo for the first time in a few months and I'm pleased to say that North America Trek appears to be coming along nicely. Since the path was closed I was only able to view a few exhibits through the fencing, but from what I saw looks incredible. That being said, I seriously doubt it will be ready in May. I'd say an early June opening is a more realistic estimate. Here are the photos I got today.

Bear outdoor viewing and lodge
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Entrance plaza
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Otters appear done/close to done. Aviary doesn't look like it's been started. Wolves/Bears are going smoothly and netting has gone up for Eagles.
*photos will be in the gallery as well
 

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Frankie_number_1_fan said:
Visited the zoo for the first time in a few months and I'm pleased to say that North America Trek appears to be coming along nicely. Since the path was closed I was only able to view a few exhibits through the fencing, but from what I saw looks incredible. That being said, I seriously doubt it will be ready in May. I'd say an early June opening is a more realistic estimate. Here are the photos I got today.

Bear outdoor viewing and lodge
View attachment 785946 View attachment 785947 View attachment 785948

Entrance plaza
View attachment 785955

Otters appear done/close to done. Aviary doesn't look like it's been started. Wolves/Bears are going smoothly and netting has gone up for Eagles.
*photos will be in the gallery as well
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Will the new native “herp” building open with all of this other stuff? Also, what will phase two likely include?
 
USZOOfan42 said:
Will the new native “herp” building open with all of this other stuff? Also, what will phase two likely include?
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I haven't heard anything to indicate that the conservation building will open at a seperate time, so I'd say at this time to assume it will open with the resr of the exhibits.
Phase Two will, at minimum, include new/expanded exhibits for the Lynx, Wolverines, Moose, Cougars and Reindeer. I saw a rough plan for it last year but nothing is concrete yet. The zoo also plans for a restaurant in phase two last I'd heard.
 
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