Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo & Aquarium News 2024

[Smaggledagle]

On January 8th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) common warthog named Randall (Patrick) passed away due to a decline in health caused by malabsorptive disease.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Polar bear Aurora is out of her den after a few months of denning and it has unfortunately been determined by her keepers that she is once again not pregnant.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "After a denning period that lasted a few months, the Zoo’s Polar Frontier region care team determined that our resident polar bear, Aurora, is not pregnant. While understandably disappointing, the team is happy she is healthy and ready to rejoin male polar bear, Lee, soon. Zoo guests have the opportunity to see Aurora in the habitat during their visit, and, once she has settled in, polar bear Lee will be reintroduced to the habitat as well. We know you’ve missed Aurora, so feel free to visit the Zoo to say hello to her and all of the other winter-loving animals soon!"

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

The female orangutan infant born on November 28th has been named Clementine.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

 

[JessKimber]

We’re planning a trip in September this year - will any North American species be on display?

Also, no more jackals?

 

[TinoPup]

We’re planning a trip in September this year - will any North American species be on display?

Also, no more jackals?

They haven't had jackals in several years now.

 

[CarLover]

They haven't had jackals in several years now.

That's a shame. The black-backed jackals at the zoo were the first ones I ever saw. Did they die or were they sent to another zoo?

 

[JessKimber]

They haven't had jackals in several years now.

Thanks for that! A shame, but there are still so many exciting species.

 

[TinoPup]

That's a shame. The black-backed jackals at the zoo were the first ones I ever saw. Did they die or were they sent to another zoo?

I believe they were sent to a private owner? If they're still alive, they're well up there in age.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

More construction fencing has been added from the NA area so that it now extends in front of the smaller elephant yard. The viewing area in front of said yard is mostly blocked off as well. There appears to be no further construction being completed due to the cold.

New We’re planning a trip in September this year - will any North American species be on display?

The 1st phase of the North America renovation is set to be open in 2025, but a majority of the species are still viewable in their existing habitats past the train. The wolves however have been moved to one of the excess Tiger yards at the end of Asia Quest!

 

[JessKimber]

More construction fencing has been added from the NA area so that it now extends in front of the smaller elephant yard. The viewing area in front of said yard is mostly blocked off as well. There appears to be no further construction being completed due to the cold.


The 1st phase of the North America renovation is set to be open in 2025, but a majority of the species are still viewable in their existing habitats past the train. The wolves however have been moved to one of the excess Tiger yards at the end of Asia Quest!

Thank you! It’s good to know they’re still on exhibit

 

[USZOOfan42]

Are the pangolins on display?

 

[birdsandbats]

Are the pangolins on display?

No. Not 100% sure they even still keep them.

 

[pachyderm pro]

Are the pangolins on display?

No. Not 100% sure they even still keep them.

They do still have a single male off-show and he will most certainly remain off-show until he passes.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

More construction fencing has been added from the NA area so that it now extends in front of the smaller elephant yard. The viewing area in front of said yard is mostly blocked off as well. There appears to be no further construction being completed due to the cold.


The 1st phase of the North America renovation is set to be open in 2025, but a majority of the species are still viewable in their existing habitats past the train. The wolves however have been moved to one of the excess Tiger yards at the end of Asia Quest!

In addition to this the Swans are now viewable near the Moose habitat!

 

[King of Komodo Dragons]

They do still have a single male off-show and he will most certainly remain off-show until he passes.

any reason why he can't be moved to Gladys Porter or Brookfield which have had some breeding success with their pangolins?

 

[Mary]

The zoo announced today the passing of Joan the black bear at just shy of 9-years-old.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of black bear, Joan...

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

The zoo announced today the passing of Joan the black bear at just shy of 9-years-old.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of black bear, Joan...

Heartbreaking loss...especially with the bears' new exhibit opening in around a year from now.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

The small elephant yard has been torn up and the viewing completly blocked off with construction fencing.
I have been unable to find anything suggesting any planned changes to the elephant habitat but the updated NA construction map shows that the new songbird Aviary will occupy that space.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

As mentioned by @MeiLover in the Milwaukee Zoo thread, Natasha, the zoo's Amur Tiger who left in late 2023, is now at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

All Rhino signage is officially gone from Asia Quest. The "Elephant and Rhino viewing" sign leading to the smaller outdoor exhibits is completely gone and the "Vanishing Giants" building is now the "Asian Elephant Conservation Center". I did not go inside to see if the indoor signs had changed but I imagine this is the case.