Speculative plans for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

The purpose of this thread is to discuss my speculative plan for changes the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium can make going forward. Much of this is based on information I know about future zoo renovations (publicly shared), but also my own personal thoughts/opinions over the different regions of the zoo and what changes I would make.

I will be documenting this by region starting at the front of the zoo and then to the back.

Adventure Cove

• Not much I can see changing here for the forseeable future, as the region is new, popular with the public and aging well
• Personally I would like to see more of the encounters villiage utilized, as there are several outdoor "pens" that are for temporary use only and aren't very viewer friendly. These could be rennovated into more permanent rotation exhibits like the rest of the area.

North America
Given the massive expansion underway, I will be focusing on the 2nd phase that is currently unannounced

• Expand theming around the area. More trees, and exhibit design to mimic walking in a forest, wetlands, etc. This not only provides more shade, but also a more immersive experience.
• Adding a restaurant overlooking one of the exhibits would be a great decision not only financially but visually. I can see this working well with the cougars, moose or a potential wetlands exhibit.
• Expand the Moose exhibit to include a walk-over bridge that the moose can swim under to a second side of the exhibit. More guest viewing on various sides of the exhibit, much like there is currently but with increased visibility and practicality (a concrete path vs gravel to decrease mud). Convert the former reindeer/crane part of the yard to be more integrated with the rest of exhibit and expand it as well, potentially connecting with the other side of the bridge.
• Bring back Prairie dogs potentially and place them where the lynx are currently. Convert the exhibit into a multi-level viewing experience that allows guests to see the burrowing of the Prarie dogs via one way glass.
• Potentially add additional Prarie animals around the same area such as cranes to create a small theme to the area.
• Move the lynx into approximately where the bears are now. Make the exhibit more viewer friendly by putting one way viewer glass into areas where the lynx like to hide, and have more viewing opportunities around the exhibit.
• Move the reindeer slightly closer to Polar Frontier and model the area accordingly, expand the exhibit and create a more visually unique design both in terms of viewing and for the animals.
• Expand the cougar exhibit slightly and give more unique guest viewing opportunities (IE up higher viewing or even indoor viewing), but overall this exhibit is very well done already imo.
• Expand the Wolverine exhibit. The log cabin idea is very nice and could easily be expanded to encompass a bigger exhibit and even include other animal viewing.
• For Winter's sake, a wetlands portion of the region could be added mainly indoors. This could be done by making the wolverine cabin expand into an additional room or rooms where wetlands could be viewed.
• Bring back Beavers for this purpose, as well as a few other wetlands animals if possible. Again, something modeled like Cleveland's wetlands area could be created in this area.
• The train route needs adjusted so guests can actually see animals while riding it. Moose, Reindeer, Cougar and lynx are all possible but underutilized.

Polar Frontier

• Expand the arctic fox exhibit, it is incredibly small. The indoor polar play area could easily be utilized as an expansion to their exhibit.
• The entire indoor Polar Frontier building needs a serious refurbishment. The space is massive but aging and underutilized

Heart of Africa

• With a lot of excess land owned by the zoo, I can see additions to Heart of Africa happening
• While theoretically the zoo has room to hold African AND Asian elephants, I doubt this will happen. The room is there but nothing indicates plans for this.
• Original Heart of Africa plans included hippos, so this may be a change that could happen in the future

Asia Quest

• Honestly a majority of this region still holds up, is well themed and works to function
• The walkthrough building could use new signage, fresh interactive areas, etc but doesn't need much more than that currently.
• Asian Elephant exhibit can and SHOULD be expanded as much as possible. The current GOHR exhibit is empty and that space could easily become part of the elephant area. Im not sure how much excess space around the complex the zoo has, but it should be used as much as possible.

The Shores

• Aside from NA itself, this is the most outdated region of the zoo. The theming is wack, the exhibits are aging or small, and there's a lot of underutilized space
• I believe years back there was a small cafe near the flamingo area which has since closed and been converted to bathrooms, reinstalling this cafe would be a good food and beverage move.
• Add shade to the flamingo exhibit and expand it a tad.
• Expand the gator exhibit, and add an indoor gator exhibit in the reptile house for the winter months. Other than this, the Reptile house has aged wonderfully.
• The infamous aquarium...needless to say this building is so lackluster and missing a lot of flare. I'm not sure of the logistics of this, but expanding the aquarium underground to a degree would allow for a true aquatics building with a larger main tank, and more viewing oppertunity for potentially other fish and animals. Connecting Discovery Reef with the Manatee building would also make the entire area flow better.
• The penguin habitat needs a complete rehaul. Size, viewing and overall design are honestly really poor. The area has space, so I see no reason to give the exhibit some help.
• Tortoise exhibit is fine, but could look nicer visually

I do not have any ideas for Australia and the Islands or The Congo, both are aging well and are very well themed! I doubt we'll see rennovations to them for years yet other than the Bonobo one ongoing currently.

 

[tigris115]

I'd have white and black rhinos in Heart of Africa. They got the space and I'd rather the Indian rhino space be used for more elephant space

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

I'd have white and black rhinos in Heart of Africa. They got the space and I'd rather the Indian rhino space be used for more elephant space

I would say that adding Rhinos to Heart of Africa would be likely, but given that The Wilds already has a sizable herd with arguable much better living space than the zoo could ever offer, there's no real reason to hold two herds or split the one at the Wilds

The Indian Rhino space was always kind of odd. For years it held two geriatric white rhinos (leftover from before Asia Quest) and was remodeled specifically for Brian. It only can ever hold a singular animal and isn't anything to write home about space-wise. Given that the zoo has announced nothing of whether they plan to obtain more rhinos (and again, they have a sizable successful breeding herd at The Wilds), and they are planning on obtaining two elephant breeding bulls, its clear they are likely planning on committing to elephants. Using the old rhino space is a very likely outcome I'd say for sure!

 

[tigris115]

I would say that adding Rhinos to Heart of Africa would be likely, but given that The Wilds already has a sizable herd with arguable much better living space than the zoo could ever offer, there's no real reason to hold two herds or split the one at the Wilds

The Indian Rhino space was always kind of odd. For years it held two geriatric white rhinos (leftover from before Asia Quest) and was remodeled specifically for Brian. It only can ever hold a singular animal and isn't anything to write home about space-wise. Given that the zoo has announced nothing of whether they plan to obtain more rhinos (and again, they have a sizable successful breeding herd at The Wilds), and they are planning on obtaining two elephant breeding bulls, its clear they are likely planning on committing to elephants. Using the old rhino space is a very likely outcome I'd say for sure!

Actually, those were black rhinos.

Speaking of which, I'd put black rhinos in Heart of Africa. Since both white rhinos and Indian rhinos are represented in The Wilds, let the main zoo have a different species.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

Actually, those were black rhinos.

Speaking of which, I'd put black rhinos in Heart of Africa. Since both white rhinos and Indian rhinos are represented in The Wilds, let the main zoo have a different species.

I'd forgotten Rosie and Kulinda were black rhinos! They've been gone quite a few years now so forgive me for the mix up.
I could see Columbus adding black rhinos to the savanah potentially down the line! I'm not overly familiar with the current captive population of those though so Im unsure how practical obtaining a breeding herd would be.

I will say that if Columbus would plan to obtain black rhinos, they may be more inclined to start that herd at the wilds. I don't know how much excess barn space the wilds has, but space-wise its an obvious choice over the Savanah.
Granted, the zoo has two giraffe herds, but I feel like that is more because giraffes are friendly, iconic savanah animals who can be utilized for feedings.

Both rhino options feel possible though, I think both facilities have the space easily.

 

[tigris115]

I'd forgotten Rosie and Kulinda were black rhinos! They've been gone quite a few years now so forgive me for the mix up.
I could see Columbus adding black rhinos to the savanah potentially down the line! I'm not overly familiar with the current captive population of those though so Im unsure how practical obtaining a breeding herd would be.

I will say that if Columbus would plan to obtain black rhinos, they may be more inclined to start that herd at the wilds. I don't know how much excess barn space the wilds has, but space-wise its an obvious choice over the Savanah.
Granted, the zoo has two giraffe herds, but I feel like that is more because giraffes are friendly, iconic savanah animals who can be utilized for feedings.

Both rhino options feel possible though, I think both facilities have the space easily.

I assume there's enough space somewhere to have a black rhino complex in HoA.

 

[Kudu21]

I'd forgotten Rosie and Kulinda were black rhinos! They've been gone quite a few years now so forgive me for the mix up.
I could see Columbus adding black rhinos to the savanah potentially down the line! I'm not overly familiar with the current captive population of those though so Im unsure how practical obtaining a breeding herd would be.

I will say that if Columbus would plan to obtain black rhinos, they may be more inclined to start that herd at the wilds. I don't know how much excess barn space the wilds has, but space-wise its an obvious choice over the Savanah.
Granted, the zoo has two giraffe herds, but I feel like that is more because giraffes are friendly, iconic savanah animals who can be utilized for feedings.

Both rhino options feel possible though, I think both facilities have the space easily.

Black rhinos aren’t herd animals, so there wouldn’t be a herd to start — just a pair to obtain. They’re largely solitary animals except for breeding and mothers with calves.

Also, for what it’s worth, the zoo doesn’t have two giraffe herds, it has two giraffe exhibits. All of the giraffe are managed as a single herd, they just rotate the individuals between the two exhibits and the barn and holding yards in different combinations of individuals. Sometimes they are all together, too.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

Also, for what it’s worth, the zoo doesn’t have two giraffe herds, it has two giraffe exhibits. All of the giraffe are managed as a single herd, they just rotate the individuals between the two exhibits and the barn and holding yards in different combinations of individuals. Sometimes they are all together, too.

I was referring to The Wilds giraffe herd and the Zoo's HOA herd. Just using "The zoo" as an umbrella company term since both facilities operate under the same ownership, bad wording on my part.

Black rhinos aren’t herd animals, so there wouldn’t be a herd to start — just a pair to obtain. They’re largely solitary animals except for breeding and mothers with calves.

In that case, a pair at HOA would be far more practical than a pair at the wilds just visibility-wise. Im unsure how introducing rhinos to the savanah exhibit would pan out given that Rhinos have been known to go after smaller animals/be stressed out in large savannah habitats iirc so an entire seperate exhibit would have to be constructed for them. This is definitely doable, but imo would HAVE to be accompanied by another seperate exhibit (IE Hippos) just design-wise. I think they could do a good job with it for sure, making it look seamless with the savanah like the Lion exhibit is.

 

[Kudu21]

I was referring to The Wilds giraffe herd and the Zoo's HOA herd. Just using "The zoo" as an umbrella company term since both facilities operate under the same ownership, bad wording on my part.

Oh, I see. I just wanted to clarify as it could appear that the Zoo itself was managing two herds between the main savanna and the giraffe feeding yard, and that isn't the case.

In that case, a pair at HOA would be far more practical than a pair at the wilds just visibility-wise. Im unsure how introducing rhinos to the savanah exhibit would pan out given that Rhinos have been known to go after smaller animals/be stressed out in large savannah habitats iirc so an entire seperate exhibit would have to be constructed for them. This is definitely doable, but imo would HAVE to be accompanied by another seperate exhibit (IE Hippos) just design-wise. I think they could do a good job with it for sure, making it look seamless with the savanah like the Lion exhibit is.

The Zoo would absolutely have to construct a separate black rhino complex if they wished to go back into the species. Black rhinos do not do well in mixed-species exhibits. I do not think a black rhino complex would have to be accompanied by another exhibit to work. Rhinos are a pretty big pull all on their own, and hippos would be a much bigger investment in terms of sheer cost and infrastructure. With the direction Columbus has gone in in recent years, I do not think I would trust them to do hippos justice at this point in time. When Heart of Africa first opened, it was rumored that a second phase would follow with an exhibit for rhinos and smaller satellite exhibits for meerkats, etc. I still think this would a reasonable smaller scale addition to the area for the Zoo.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

Oh, I see. I just wanted to clarify as it could appear that the Zoo itself was managing two herds between the main savanna and the giraffe feeding yard, and that isn't the case.


The Zoo would absolutely have to construct a separate black rhino complex if they wished to go back into the species. Black rhinos do not do well in mixed-species exhibits. I do not think a black rhino complex would have to be accompanied by another exhibit to work. Rhinos are a pretty big pull all on their own, and hippos would be a much bigger investment in terms of sheer cost and infrastructure. With the direction Columbus has gone in in recent years, I do not think I would trust them to do hippos justice at this point in time. When Heart of Africa first opened, it was rumored that a second phase would follow with an exhibit for rhinos and smaller satellite exhibits for meerkats, etc. I still think this would a reasonable smaller scale addition to the area for the Zoo.

Given that Hippos were in the plans for HOA for a good bit, I wouldn't write off the zoo introducing them at some point. Hippos are almost an even bigger draw than rhinos and I think the zoo would be willing to make that investment should the oppertunity arise. Im also wary of how the exhibit would be designed, but as this would likely be over a decade down the line, perhaps changes will have come to hippo care standards by then and a better exhibit could be constructed.

As for why I think an additional exhibit or two should accompany a hypothetical rhino one, the complex would have to be seated behind the current savanah. Rerouting guest paths wouldn't be the problem nessecarily, but it would be a bit odd layout wise to route guests around the giraffe barn to only see a singular large exhibit plus a small meerkat one. Some other sizable exhibit would at least make the area stand out more.
Other than hippos, I'm not sure what this could be aside from just a back savanah view. The additional land is enough to almost double the savanah, with potentially even more wooded area beside that. That's enough for at least two sizable exhibits that I doubt would be given solely to a pair of rhinos.

If it were up to me, I'd try and invest in African Elephants too. As far as I know very few zoos have committed long-term to both species mainly for cost and space reasons, but I feel if given time, money, etc Columbus could pull off housing both species. Elephants are about the biggest draw you can get in terms of animals and Columbus is in a unique position where they have the space, and likely would receive funding for it too. Upkeep wise keeping both species would be tricky, but as the zoo's popularity grows not unachievable I don't think. Now this in itself is purely hypothetical, but aside from Hippos; elephants are one of the only popular savanah animals that could be added to enrich the space alongside rhinos.

 

[SwampDonkey]

If it were up to me, I'd try and invest in African Elephants too. As far as I know very few zoos have committed long-term to both species mainly for cost and space reasons, but I feel if given time, money, etc Columbus could pull off housing both species. Elephants are about the biggest draw you can get in terms of animals and Columbus is in a unique position where they have the space, and likely would receive funding for it too. Upkeep wise keeping both species would be tricky, but as the zoo's popularity grows not unachievable I don't think. Now this in itself is purely hypothetical, but aside from Hippos; elephants are one of the only popular savanah animals that could be added to enrich the space alongside rhinos.

Elephants are tough these days, they approaches the contentiousness of cetaceans. Most zoos seem to be getting "out" of elephants rather than new zoos being added.

Rhino are an fairly easy savannah animal to add that are readily available, especially in the case of white rhino.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

Given that Hippos were in the plans for HOA for a good bit, I wouldn't write off the zoo introducing them at some point. Hippos are almost an even bigger draw than rhinos and I think the zoo would be willing to make that investment should the oppertunity arise. Im also wary of how the exhibit would be designed, but as this would likely be over a decade down the line, perhaps changes will have come to hippo care standards by then and a better exhibit could be constructed.

As for why I think an additional exhibit or two should accompany a hypothetical rhino one, the complex would have to be seated behind the current savanah. Rerouting guest paths wouldn't be the problem nessecarily, but it would be a bit odd layout wise to route guests around the giraffe barn to only see a singular large exhibit plus a small meerkat one. Some other sizable exhibit would at least make the area stand out more.
Other than hippos, I'm not sure what this could be aside from just a back savanah view. The additional land is enough to almost double the savanah, with potentially even more wooded area beside that. That's enough for at least two sizable exhibits that I doubt would be given solely to a pair of rhinos.

If it were up to me, I'd try and invest in African Elephants too. As far as I know very few zoos have committed long-term to both species mainly for cost and space reasons, but I feel if given time, money, etc Columbus could pull off housing both species. Elephants are about the biggest draw you can get in terms of animals and Columbus is in a unique position where they have the space, and likely would receive funding for it too. Upkeep wise keeping both species would be tricky, but as the zoo's popularity grows not unachievable I don't think. Now this in itself is purely hypothetical, but aside from Hippos; elephants are one of the only popular savanah animals that could be added to enrich the space alongside rhinos.

I do hate to say that I don't see Columbus ever keeping Nile Hippos again. I think Pygmy hippos are more likely to come here though.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

Elephants are tough these days, they approaches the contentiousness of cetaceans. Most zoos seem to be getting "out" of elephants rather than new zoos being added.

Rhino are an fairly easy savannah animal to add that are readily available, especially in the case of white rhino.

Columbus already keeps Asian Elephants and is readily committing to expanding their breeding program. I don't see them phasing out of elephants anytime soon, so out of any facility to take on a new species , I wouldn't say Columbus would be wary of that backlash.

I doubt Columbus will ever add white rhinos, they have a very successful herd at The Wilds already. Given that the zoo phased out black rhinos years ago Im not sure how likely it would be for them to go back. I can see it happening, but it would be years down the line.

 

[SwampDonkey]

Columbus already keeps Asian Elephants and is readily committing to expanding their breeding program. I don't see them phasing out of elephants anytime soon, so out of any facility to take on a new species , I wouldn't say Columbus would be wary of that backlash.

I doubt Columbus will ever add white rhinos, they have a very successful herd at The Wilds already. Given that the zoo phased out black rhinos years ago Im not sure how likely it would be for them to go back. I can see it happening, but it would be years down the line.

I didn't mean to imply they are or would get out of elephants, just that I don't see them adding African bush elephants to the collection. Having white rhino at the Wilds isn't really an issue IMO, there are already species overlap between the parks, if anything having them at the zoo enables them to move animals around when/if they needed to.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

I didn't mean to imply they are or would get out of elephants, just that I don't see them adding African bush elephants to the collection. Having them at the Wilds isn't really an issue IMO, there are already species overlap between the parks, if anything having them at the zoo enables them to move animals around when/if they needed to.

I don't see Columbus branching out to African elephants in the forseeable future either, its just something that I think Columbus has the ABILITY to do moreso in comparison to other facilities. Maybe a little wishful thinking on my part too, they would be such an enriching addition to HOA.

Given that they have giraffes at both parks, I definitely wouldn't rule out an eventual rhino herd split for genetics sake, and of course the zoo would be the closest and cheapest option for that. I believe white rhinos do better in savanah groups than black rhinos so there wouldn’t have to be too much adjustment space-wise.

Personally I would like to see them branch out to other species. Theres nothing WRONG with holding the same species at both parks, but when the zoo has space and resourses to help more species, then they should imo.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

I do hate to say that I don't see Columbus ever keeping Nile Hippos again. I think Pygmy hippos are more likely to come here though.

I hadn't considered Pygmy hippos! Honestly just space-wise I feel they'd be a more realistic investment too. I doubt their exhibit would be perfect but what would work okay for Nile hippos would be amazing for pygmy hippos. I don't believe any Ohio zoos house them currently either iirc.

 

[Frankie_number_1_fan]

Just a small thought, I can perhaps see The Wilds obtaining surplus African Elephant individuals from other facilities down the line and incorporating them into the space.
The entire facility as a whole is massive and no doubt has the room should they go that route. With the African Elephant population expanding rapidly, we will no doubt have a massive surplus/demand for matriarchal splits in even perhaps a decade's time.

The biggest snags would be the cost of building a barn/upkeep of an elephant herd of course, and then the guest appeal of only being able to see the elephants on the open air safari.
However, Columbus is arguably one of the most financially successful zoos in the region. They have two Zoological parks, a waterpark and a golf course all owned by the same company and as of currently have three major construction projects going on (Bonobo habitat, NA reconstruction and The Wilds Giraffe Barn) so I truthfully don't think cost would be a huge issue. As for the viewing portion, iirc the Giraffe barn is being constructed for the purpose of increased winter visits, where guests will be able to view the herd. A similar thing could be done in theory for a potential elephant herd, and then there's always the presence of other elephants at the main zoo to satisfy visitor needs.

There is absolutely zero indication of this happening, but just a thought noticing the spike in African reproduction these past few years.