Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Columbus Zoo & Aquarium News 2024

The palla’s cat kittens are now on exhibit and have been gendered as 1.1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "Remember our little baby Pallas kittens? You can now see them for yourselves at the Columbus Zoo! Tiina’s Pallas’s kittens are officially out in their habitat, and we have a special announcement: we’ve confirmed that we have one boy and one girl! While the kittens have access to the back area with their mom, you might not see them out all the time, but when they are out, they’re full of energy and personality—just like their dad, Moose. The little girl is especially energetic and feisty (we’ve even caught her on camera playfully grabbing her mom by the tail!). Both kittens are eating whole meat, but they still nurse often. Be sure to stop by and see if you can catch them during your next visit!"
 
0.1 Wolverine, Zola has passed yesterday due to lymphoma.Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "It is with hearts full of memories that today, we celebrate the life of Zola, a beloved wolverine at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who passed away recently. At 11 years old, Zola was born in Sweden and recently came to the Columbus Zoo from the @mnzoo this year. She joined our Columbus Zoo family with the hope of helping to support the wolverine population within zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, particularly alongside male wolverine, Alvar. From the moment she arrived, Zola captured our hearts with her spunky and confident personality. She was the perfect blend of curiosity and confidence, never shy to make her presence known, and let Alvar know who was truly in charge. In the few short months she was here, the Animal Care staff saw Alvar and Zola’s bond grow and they were great companions up until the time she passed. Recently, the Animal Care teams noticed that Zola was not her usual self, and the Conservation Medicine team conducted a thorough examination on her to understand what was happening. In doing so, they discovered that she had widespread inoperable lymphoma throughout her abdomen and, with her health and wellbeing in mind, made the difficult decision for humane euthanasia. Wolverines are often misunderstood, perceived as aggressive, but in truth, they are a secretive and elusive species, living in remote areas that make them difficult to study. Unfortunately, wolverines in the United States are now listed as a threatened species due to habitat loss and climate change. Zola's presence here was a testament to the importance of conservation efforts for these incredible animals. Zola’s time with us was short, but the impact she made will be remembered always."

Also, in the future the zoo plans to renovate “my house” (next to the barn) in the north america region into a habitat for hellbenders, plains garter snakes, freshwater mussels, and American Burying Beetles.Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "Great things are happening in our beloved North America region, including the future transformation of "My House", next to the big red barn, into the new Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (OCWC)! In the OCWC, Zoo guests will be able to learn about the Zoo and The Wilds' local conservation initiatives, like projects dedicated to saving hellbenders (seen here), plains garter snakes, freshwater mussels, and American burying beetles. Guests will also be able to see the staff in action as they raise and nurture these endangered species in the hopes of one day reintroducing them to their native ranges. How exciting! Bonus: As of August 22, 2024, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium released our 1000th hellbender back into the wild! Releasing hellbenders back into their natural habitats is one of many initiatives of the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, which also includes the Toledo Zoo and Penta Career Center. In addition to hitting 1000 released hellbenders for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we also hit 2000 released hellbenders for the Ohio Hellbender Partnership."
 
The zoo has announced the passing of Hillie, the Harbor Seal.

It is with a mix of sadness and fond remembrance that we celebrate the life of Hillie, a remarkable harbor seal who brought joy and wonder to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Born on April 29, 2015, at SeaWorld Orlando, Hillie joined our Zoo family in May 2020, quickly becoming a beloved member of Adventure Cove with her spirited personality.

Hillie was truly one-of-a-kind, known for her adventurous nature and the unique bond she shared with her trainers. She was the first to boldly galumph down the halls of her indoor habitat, leaving a trail of laughter and admiration behind her. With her slobbery grin and playful antics, Hillie helped place millions of smiles on the faces of Zoo guests and became a cherished ambassador for her species.

Hillie’s exact cause of death is unknown, but a full autopsy was performed, and the results are pending. All of the other seals continue to be closely monitored by the Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams and are healthy. Hillie touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, from our dedicated Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams to the countless visitors who marveled at her. As we honor Hillie’s memory, we take solace in the joy she brought to Adventure Cove, the awareness she raised for harbor seals, and the lasting bonds she helped create.
 
CMZman said:
The zoo has announced the passing of Hillie, the Harbor Seal.

It is with a mix of sadness and fond remembrance that we celebrate the life of Hillie, a remarkable harbor seal who brought joy and wonder to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Born on April 29, 2015, at SeaWorld Orlando, Hillie joined our Zoo family in May 2020, quickly becoming a beloved member of Adventure Cove with her spirited personality.

Hillie was truly one-of-a-kind, known for her adventurous nature and the unique bond she shared with her trainers. She was the first to boldly galumph down the halls of her indoor habitat, leaving a trail of laughter and admiration behind her. With her slobbery grin and playful antics, Hillie helped place millions of smiles on the faces of Zoo guests and became a cherished ambassador for her species.

Hillie’s exact cause of death is unknown, but a full autopsy was performed, and the results are pending. All of the other seals continue to be closely monitored by the Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams and are healthy. Hillie touched the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, from our dedicated Animal Care and Conservation Medicine teams to the countless visitors who marveled at her. As we honor Hillie’s memory, we take solace in the joy she brought to Adventure Cove, the awareness she raised for harbor seals, and the lasting bonds she helped create.
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When does Heart of Africa close for the season? Thinking about making a last minute trip to the zoo over Columbus Day.
 
Visited today - the moose were all super active and swimming. Alvar the Wolverine was swimming and playing in his enclosure.

The aviaries in North America and Asia Quest were both closed, which was a shame.

(We travelled from Australia - what a spectacular zoo! It’s up there with San Diego and Singapore, just beautiful).
 
USZOOfan42 said:
0.1 Wolverine, Zola has passed yesterday due to lymphoma.Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "It is with hearts full of memories that today, we celebrate the life of Zola, a beloved wolverine at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who passed away recently. At 11 years old, Zola was born in Sweden and recently came to the Columbus Zoo from the @mnzoo this year. She joined our Columbus Zoo family with the hope of helping to support the wolverine population within zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, particularly alongside male wolverine, Alvar. From the moment she arrived, Zola captured our hearts with her spunky and confident personality. She was the perfect blend of curiosity and confidence, never shy to make her presence known, and let Alvar know who was truly in charge. In the few short months she was here, the Animal Care staff saw Alvar and Zola’s bond grow and they were great companions up until the time she passed. Recently, the Animal Care teams noticed that Zola was not her usual self, and the Conservation Medicine team conducted a thorough examination on her to understand what was happening. In doing so, they discovered that she had widespread inoperable lymphoma throughout her abdomen and, with her health and wellbeing in mind, made the difficult decision for humane euthanasia. Wolverines are often misunderstood, perceived as aggressive, but in truth, they are a secretive and elusive species, living in remote areas that make them difficult to study. Unfortunately, wolverines in the United States are now listed as a threatened species due to habitat loss and climate change. Zola's presence here was a testament to the importance of conservation efforts for these incredible animals. Zola’s time with us was short, but the impact she made will be remembered always."

Also, in the future the zoo plans to renovate “my house” (next to the barn) in the north america region into a habitat for hellbenders, plains garter snakes, freshwater mussels, and American Burying Beetles.Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Instagram: "Great things are happening in our beloved North America region, including the future transformation of "My House", next to the big red barn, into the new Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation (OCWC)! In the OCWC, Zoo guests will be able to learn about the Zoo and The Wilds' local conservation initiatives, like projects dedicated to saving hellbenders (seen here), plains garter snakes, freshwater mussels, and American burying beetles. Guests will also be able to see the staff in action as they raise and nurture these endangered species in the hopes of one day reintroducing them to their native ranges. How exciting! Bonus: As of August 22, 2024, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium released our 1000th hellbender back into the wild! Releasing hellbenders back into their natural habitats is one of many initiatives of the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, which also includes the Toledo Zoo and Penta Career Center. In addition to hitting 1000 released hellbenders for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we also hit 2000 released hellbenders for the Ohio Hellbender Partnership."
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a) Wolverine: an unfortunate loss. It would be nice to see Columbus Zoo continue with trying to create another pairing in an US zoo for the species. They are certainly a species more fascinating and interesting to see than most people would give them credit for.
b) My House: The plans sounds great providing an ex situ link to local conservation initiatives. Looking forward to this new exclosure development!
 
Zoo's Facebook:
"Great News: Mandrills and leopards are BACK at the Columbus Zoo!
While they never technically left, both species have been enjoying life behind the scenes for a few months while their habitats received updates, including new mesh, fire hose pathways, and logs. Mandrills are viewable by the public now (including baby Link, who has grown up quite a bit!), and leopards will be viewable on October 22.
Learn about both species, and the work the Zoo does to protect them, in our Congo Expedition region!"
 
Some updates from my visit today, since I haven't been in around a month.

- The former Python exhibit inside the Asia Quest building has been converted into a second Pallas Cat exhibit, and the Python has moved to the previous Water Monitor exhibit.

- Elephant yard construction has come a long way, but I'm strongly doubting an October completion. It is looking smaller than I'd originally anticipated though which is a slight disappointment.

- NA construction is chugging along. What caught my eye the most was that the waterfall dividing the bear and wolf exhibits is shaping up to be gorgeous and will doubtfully be the highlight of the rennovation. It is the perfect use of that hill. Concrete has been poured into what appears to be the aviary or swan pond, and the holding buildings for the bear and otters look to have been constructed. Still minimal progress on the eagle exhibit, and I still cannot quite comprehend where it's actually going.
Progress has been lovely but they've got a hard winter of work if they plan to open by the spring! I have high hopes for this region though.
 
Frankie_number_1_fan said:
Some updates from my visit today, since I haven't been in around a month.

- The former Python exhibit inside the Asia Quest building has been converted into a second Pallas Cat exhibit, and the Python has moved to the previous Water Monitor exhibit.

- Elephant yard construction has come a long way, but I'm strongly doubting an October completion. It is looking smaller than I'd originally anticipated though which is a slight disappointment.

- NA construction is chugging along. What caught my eye the most was that the waterfall dividing the bear and wolf exhibits is shaping up to be gorgeous and will doubtfully be the highlight of the rennovation. It is the perfect use of that hill. Concrete has been poured into what appears to be the aviary or swan pond, and the holding buildings for the bear and otters look to have been constructed. Still minimal progress on the eagle exhibit, and I still cannot quite comprehend where it's actually going.
Progress has been lovely but they've got a hard winter of work if they plan to open by the spring! I have high hopes for this region though.
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Any pictures of these developments?
 
Frankie_number_1_fan said:
- The former Python exhibit inside the Asia Quest building has been converted into a second Pallas Cat exhibit, and the Python has moved to the previous Water Monitor exhibit.
.
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Is it for the kittens? Because this exhibit doesn't scream "PALLAS CATS!!" to meColumbusZoo136.jpg
 

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