Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

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Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. Social Media Community Guidelines: https://www.columbuszoo.org/social-media-community-guidelines

10/30/2026

It’s been an impactful year for our parks.

With large philanthropic gifts to further our mission, a 2025 economic impact of over $600 million in statewide economic activity, and exciting animal conservation successes, we could not be more proud of our teams and more grateful for our donors throughout this last year.

Learn more about the exciting developments happening across our parks by watching President and CEO Tom Schmid’s recent update in this video and by visiting https://www.columbuszoo.org/impact-report/.

10/30/2026

Halloween is almost here, and we're shining a spotlight on some of nature's most misunderstood creatures: BATS! 🦇

At the Columbus Zoo, you can meet two fascinating species in their indoor habitat within our Asia Quest region: large Malaysian flying foxes and straw-colored fruit bats. These fruit-loving flyers have some pretty incredible adaptations, and their wild relatives play important roles in keeping ecosystems healthy.

But what about the bats flying through your own backyard? Ohio is home to 10 native bat species, and every single one eats insects! Before you head out for Halloween, get to know these incredible nighttime neighbors, bust a few bat myths, and discover why protecting them matters.

Read our blog: https://www.columbuszoo.org/blog/bats-after-dark-why-these-night-flyers-matter-more-you-think

10/29/2026

Central Ohio’s favorite holiday tradition is right around the corner… 🎄❄️

This season, join us at Wildlights, efficiently powered by Ohio Power, and experience the magic of dazzling lights, our holiday Yule Tide Boat Ride, riding on the Grand Carousel, roasting s’mores by the fire, and so much more! PLUS don’t miss out on Wildlights’ newest attractions – Bricktopia and Starlight Safari!

This year, Wildlights will run from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027 with special extra events in between, like Brew Lights on November 28, 2026. And don’t forget, Wildlights is included with your Zoo admission!

We are so excited for Wildlights and to bring extra cheer into your holidays. See you all very soon for lots of holiday magic: https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights.

10/28/2026

Cue “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” ❤️

Our favorite duo, Rita Jean and Ollie, are now one year old! Over the last year, Rita Jean and Ollie have grown up alongside each other. As two young elephant calves (and siblings), they curl up together for naps, chase each other around the habitat, wrestle in the water, and find endless ways to entertain everyone watching.

If you ask their Animal Care team for their funniest memory from the past year, they don't mention one specific moment. Instead, they laugh about a daily challenge. "We spend half our time arguing about which calf did something cuter."

Enjoy these photos of these two adorable calves together. We couldn’t love this duo more!

10/26/2026

Only the best treatment and care for the best boy. ❤️

As a part of our partnership with Nationwide Pet, we’ve recently been sharing all about cheetah companion dog Cullen’s care, and how we keep him healthy and comfortable at 10 years old. At the Columbus Zoo, another one of those ways is through laser therapy. Every other week, Cullen receives laser therapy on his neck, back, and paws to help with arthritis and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Laser therapy helps Cullen by using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity, increase blood flow, and provide some pain relief in these areas.

Earlier this month, Cullen received laser therapy at the Columbus Zoo’s Animal Hospital and was perfectly comfortable from start to finish. His only concern? When his next treat would be given!

To learn more about how you can help ensure your pets receive the best care, just like Cullen, check out pet insurance coverage with Nationwide Pet Insurance.

10/26/2026

That's a wrap on Boo at the Zoo and the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival!

This fall, we welcomed thousands of guests for these two events and we couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who attended. We hope both events provided incredible opportunities to make memories with loved ones, connect with wildlife, and spend time outdoors this fall.

Next up, it’s one of Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions — Wildlights, efficiently powered by Ohio Power! Get ready for more holiday memories: https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights ✨🎄⛄

10/25/2026

Maybe it's their autumn-colored fur, their laid-back attitude, or their appreciation for cooler temperatures. Whatever the reason, these Columbus Zoo residents are giving us serious fall vibes. 🍂 🎃

Swipe through and tell us: Which animal is your autumn mood?

10/21/2026

Celebrating one whole year of Ollie! 🐘

Today, the youngest Asian elephant calf in our herd, Ollie, turns one, and we can hardly believe it’s been a whole year since his birth. Ollie has grown up alongside Rita Jean, his older sister (by only three months!), and watching their individual personalities develop alongside each other has been so much fun for both our Animal Care teams and guests at the Columbus Zoo.

According to his care team, Ollie is playful, rambunctious, and admittedly, a bit picky! He loves spending time alongside his older brother, Frankie, and is slowly gaining independence as he starts to leave his mom’s side to participate in training sessions on his own.

Today, our Animal Care teams celebrated Ollie’s birthday with lots of enrichment and treats for the whole herd, which they excitedly tore down and enjoyed within minutes of seeing in their outdoor yard! Swipe through to see some of our favorite photos of him, from today all the way back to the day he was born, and join us in wishing Ollie a very happy first birthday.

10/20/2026

Think about your favorite zoo memory. Chances are, it involved something unexpected: a behavior you'd never noticed, a fascinating fact you couldn't wait to share, or a moment that made you appreciate an animal in an entirely new way.

With cooler weather approaching, now is a great time to explore some of our indoor experiences, presented by Nationwide! Plus, many of these experiences are 40% off on Mondays thru Thursdays through December 31, 2026, making this an especially good opportunity to treat yourself or someone special.

Read about them: https://www.columbuszoo.org/blog/closer-look-columbus-zoo-tours-worth-exploring-fall-and-winter

10/19/2026

Recently, we shared about cheetah companion dog Cullen’s trip to the Columbus Zoo’s Animal Hospital after eating a sycamore seed pod. This week, he was back to the Animal Hospital again… this time for an expected visit!

At 10 years-old, Cullen routinely battles environmental allergies, leaving him uncomfortable and itchy. To help combat some of the irritation, Cullen receives a specialized allergy serum injection twice a month from his Animal Care team. Through training, his team has taught him to rest his head on a chair and stand still, while they inject the allergy serum under his skin.

Just like all of our animals at the Columbus Zoo, our Animal Care teams aim to give Cullen the top care he deserves. That's one of the reasons we're grateful for partners like Nationwide Pet, helping pet owners provide top treatment and care for their own animals, just like Cullen.

Address

4850 Powell Road
Powell, OH
43065

Telephone

+16146453400

Website

https://columbuszoo.org/, https://www.columbuszoo.org/social-media-community-guidelines

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