Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Some lovely news, the construction on the new elephant yard appears to be expanding the space. They have torn up the pathway and have begun to cut down some of the trees in the wooded area next to the exhibit.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo & Aquarium News 2024
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Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
The leopard and mandrill habitats will be undergoing rennovations.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Is there a date for when the construction will start?
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Not that I've heard. It appears to be behind the scenes updates however, so they could start anytime.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Will the animals still be outside? (Viewable)
In the post it says that the animals will not be viewable to guests.
The same post also links to a page on the zoo's website highlighting some of the other construction projects going on around the zoo:
Construction | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
26 Weedy Seadragon fry hatched between June 24th and July 4th!
They will be raised behind-the-scenes for at least a year.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram
They will be raised behind-the-scenes for at least a year.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram
Oh they’re so cute!! I’m Aussie and I’ve never seen baby seadragons, how special!
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
I'm pleased to say that the new indoor Bonobo habitat will be opening extremely soon. I was able to preview it today and it's a lovely exhibit.
Overall it is very similar to the indoor Orangutan viewing in that it has a more "concrete jungle" approach than a naturalistic one, not a bad thing at all despite it not being a personal preference. The visitor viewing experience is very different however, with some sets narrow windows being the only view into the exhibit, and the glare was horiffic (however I was informed that they will be attempting to reduce the glare before opening). There wasn't any signage around but my assumption is this will be added in the coming days.
The bonobos were very active and seemed to enjoy their new digs, even though Bob (the infant born last year) was a no-show.
While I was there I took the time to walk around Congo and I was able to confirm a few things:
- The Red River Hogs are gone. No signage remains and their habitat has been reconverted into the outdoor Bonobo's
- Leopards and Mandrills were off exhibit so I believe the upgrades to their behind-the-scenes spaces has begun.
Overall it is very similar to the indoor Orangutan viewing in that it has a more "concrete jungle" approach than a naturalistic one, not a bad thing at all despite it not being a personal preference. The visitor viewing experience is very different however, with some sets narrow windows being the only view into the exhibit, and the glare was horiffic (however I was informed that they will be attempting to reduce the glare before opening). There wasn't any signage around but my assumption is this will be added in the coming days.
The bonobos were very active and seemed to enjoy their new digs, even though Bob (the infant born last year) was a no-show.
While I was there I took the time to walk around Congo and I was able to confirm a few things:
- The Red River Hogs are gone. No signage remains and their habitat has been reconverted into the outdoor Bonobo's
- Leopards and Mandrills were off exhibit so I believe the upgrades to their behind-the-scenes spaces has begun.
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
Male gorillas, JJ and Kamoli have returned to the zoo after being moved to Zoo Atlanta due to construction in November 2023.Log in to Facebook | Facebook
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Asian elephants Phoebe and Sunny are both pregnant and due to give birth next year.
Two Elephants Expecting Calves at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Two Elephants Expecting Calves at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
ZooNerd
Well-Known Member
Do we know if these pregnancies are from Sabu? Or another male like Hank?
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
They are indeed from Sabu.
"The father of both calves is Sabu, who recently returned to Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden after a temporary stay at Columbus Zoo during the construction of their Elephant Trek habitat. The breeding was recommended through the Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to maintain genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in professional care."
ZooNerd
Well-Known Member
That’s wonderful news!!! Especially since Sabu is one of the most genetically valuable Asian Elephant in the country, if not the continent, and has yet to bear a child.
Nile Hippo Expert
Well-Known Member
He has had two calves before (Ganesh at Cincinnati and Nisha at Dickerson Park in 1998 and 2006 respectively), but they both died young from EEHV, so these will be his only living calves.
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Sunny is due Summer 2025 and Phoebe is due fall 2025!
The post additionally gives details on the rennovation to the former rhino habitat.
The new habitat will provide an additional 3,600 square feet and include:
- A new training panel near the guest tour space
- Modified pool
- Enrichment panels
- Hay nets
- Automatic hay release feeders
- A circular feeding area (dubbed the “Dining Table”), where multiple elephants can eat and socialize together
- Enhanced guest viewing opportunities
USZOOfan42
Well-Known Member
I am trying to plan a visit this fall, when do the animals go bts for the winter?
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Typically most of the animals do not go behind the scenes for the winter and are viewable in some way year-round (with access to indoor areas if they choose). Even if you go later, you'll still have viewing access to most of the zoo's animals.
Heart of Africa closed in November last year so I imagine it will be similar this year, as well as any other animals that won't be on daily display during the colder weather. I'd aim for an October or earlier visit personally, the zoo isn't very crowded in early fall!
Frankie_number_1_fan
Well-Known Member
Update on the North America Trek construction.
Progress is creeping. In true Columbus fashion, this exhibit premier will likely be on the later side. My prediction is no earlier than late August 2025. There doesn't seem to be much done other than the otter exhibit, which I have some photos of below (compared to the concept art).
Truthfully, I am still a bit baffled by where they plan to put the bald eagle exhibit.
Progress is creeping. In true Columbus fashion, this exhibit premier will likely be on the later side. My prediction is no earlier than late August 2025. There doesn't seem to be much done other than the otter exhibit, which I have some photos of below (compared to the concept art).
Truthfully, I am still a bit baffled by where they plan to put the bald eagle exhibit.
