History of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Timeline

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a non-profit institution near Columbus, Ohio, is situated along the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River. It is a highly regarded zoo, gaining international recognition through the work of director emeritus Jack Hanna. The zoo was named the number one zoo in the United States by the USA Travel Guide in 2009 and received a top ranking from Besties Readers Choice in 2012.

May 1905: Opening of the first Columbus Zoo

In May 1905, the first zoo in Columbus, known as "the Zoo", opened in the present-day Old Beechwold Historic District in Clintonville, operated by the Columbus Zoological Company.

October 1905: Closure of the first Columbus Zoo

In October 1905, the first Columbus Zoo closed for unknown reasons, only five months after opening.

1914: Mangels-Illions carousel built

In 1914, the Mangels-Illions carousel was originally built for the former Olentangy Park in Clintonville.

1920: Zoo conceived after visit to St. Louis

In 1920, Harry P. Wolfe and the Columbus Mayor conceived the idea for the zoo after visiting the St. Louis Zoo.

1927: Opening of the present Columbus Zoo as Riverside Park

In 1927, the present Columbus Zoo opened as Riverside Park on 21-acres by the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir.

1932: Completion of the first building

In 1932, the first building at the present Columbus Zoo, housing lions and tigers, was completed.

1937: Olentangy Park closed

In 1937, Olentangy Park closed and the land and rides were sold.

1937: Name changed to Columbus Municipal Zoo

In 1937, the zoo's name changed to the Columbus Municipal Zoo and began using membership fees for funding.

1938: Carousel moved to Wyandot Lake

In 1938, the Mangels-Illions carousel was moved to Wyandot Lake after the closure of Olentangy Park.

1950: Zoo was struggling financially

By 1950, the Columbus Municipal Zoo was struggling financially.

1951: City of Columbus took over management

In 1951, the city of Columbus took over management of the Columbus Municipal Zoo.

December 22, 1956: Birth of Colo

On December 22, 1956, Colo, a western lowland gorilla, became the world's first captive-born gorilla at the Columbus Zoo.

1970: Ownership given to Zoological Park Association, Inc.

In 1970, the city of Columbus gave up ownership of the zoo to the Zoological Park Association, Inc., a non-profit organization.

1978: Jack Hanna became director of Columbus Zoo

In 1978, Jack Hanna became the director of the Columbus Zoo.

1984: Mumbah joined Columbus Zoo

In 1984, Mumbah had been part of the Columbus Zoo, when he was acquired from an animal park in England.

1986: End of city funding from general fund

In 1986, the city of Columbus stopped providing funds to the zoo from the city's general fund.

1992: Zoo sees 1.4 million visitors annually

By 1992, the zoo attracted over 1.4 million visitors annually due to Jack Hanna's efforts.

1992: Zoo Involved in Mexican Wolf Breeding Program

In 1992, the Columbus Zoo became involved in a breeding program for Mexican wolves, aiming to establish a population of at least 100 wolves in their former natural habitat.

1993: Jack Hanna named director emeritus

In 1993, Jack Hanna was named director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and continued to be the public face for the zoo.

1999: Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center opened

In 1999, the Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center opened, supporting endangered Florida manatees, fish, stingrays, a sea turtle, and pelicans.

1999: Carousel removed from Wyandot Lake

In 1999, the Mangels-Illions carousel was removed from Wyandot Lake and underwent a million-dollar restoration before being moved to the Columbus Zoo.

2000: Congo Expedition opened

In 2000, the African forest region, "Congo Expedition", opened, showcasing animals from the Central African rainforest, including numerous primates, hooved mammals, large cats, and many birds housed in an aviary.

2000: Mangels-Illions carousel added

In the spring of 2000, the Columbus Zoo added its restored 1914 Mangels-Illions carousel.

November 2003: Roadhouse nocturnal exhibit opened

In November 2003, the "Roadhouse" nocturnal exhibit opened in the Australia region.

2003: Islands of Southeast Asia region opened

In 2003, the Islands of Southeast Asia region opened, aiming for a more immersive experience by melding exhibits and scenery.

July 28, 2004: One millionth rider celebrated

On July 28, 2004, the restored Mangels-Illions carousel at the Columbus Zoo celebrated its one millionth rider.

2004: Kangaroo walkabout, koala habitat, and Lorikeet Aviary opened

In 2004, the kangaroo walkabout, koala habitat, and Lorikeet Aviary opened in the Australia region.

2004: Voters passed a measure to expand the zoo

In 2004, voters passed a measure to raise an estimated $180 million to expand the zoo over 10 years, including the Polar Frontier and Heart of Africa exhibits.

2006: Zoo purchased Wyandot Lake

At the end of 2006, the Columbus Zoo purchased Wyandot Lake and renovated the park into Zoombezi Bay.

2006: Asia Quest opened in two phases

In 2006, Asia Quest opened in two phases, aiming to immerse visitors more fully into the exhibits with larger and more attractive habitats.

March 2007: Fluffy put on display

In March 2007, Fluffy, a reticulated python and Guinness World Records holder for the longest snake in captivity, was put on display at the Columbus Zoo.

September 2007: Zoo purchased Fluffy

In September 2007, the Columbus Zoo purchased Fluffy, the reticulated python, from her owner, and she was on permanent display afterwards.

May 2008: Jungle Jack's Landing Opens

In May 2008, the Columbus Zoo split Wyandot Lake into two sections, opening "Jungle Jack's Landing" as the dry ride section alongside Zoombezi Bay. It featured 14 rides and attractions, including the Sea Dragon roller coaster.

May 2008: Zoombezi Bay opened

In May 2008, the renovated water park, Zoombezi Bay, opened with 17 major slides and attractions.

2008: New entrance constructed and opened

In early 2008, a new entrance to the zoo was constructed and opened along the relocated Powell Road.

June 28, 2009: Death of Jeff Swanagan

On June 28, 2009, Jeff Swanagan, the executive director of the Columbus Zoo, died suddenly.

November 20, 2009: Dale Schmidt named executive director

On November 20, 2009, Dale Schmidt, the zoo's chief operating officer, was named executive director.

2009: Named number one zoo in the United States

In 2009, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was named the number one zoo in the United States by the USA Travel Guide.

May 2010: Polar Frontier opened

In May 2010, Polar Frontier opened as an extension of the North America region, featuring animals native to colder climates including Arctic foxes and brown bears.

October 26, 2010: Death of Fluffy

On October 26, 2010, Fluffy, the 300-pound, 18-year-old reticulated python, died at the Columbus Zoo.

2010: Conservation Program Grants

In 2010, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium provided more than $2 million in grants to support conservation projects worldwide through its conservation program. The funds came from fundraisers, visitor donations, and private donations, and supported projects such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the International Elephant Foundation, and the Ohio Wildlife Center.

May 18, 2012: Death of Mumbah

On May 18, 2012, Mumbah, one of the zoo's gorillas, died of heart failure at the age of 47.

2012: Ranked number one best zoo by Besties Readers Choice

In 2012, the Columbus Zoo was ranked the number one best zoo by Besties Readers Choice.

2013: Added a third polar bear

In 2013, the Columbus Zoo added a third polar bear to the Polar Frontier exhibit.

2014: Further expansion of Polar Frontier

In 2014, the Columbus Zoo further expanded the Polar Frontier exhibit.

November 6, 2015: Birth of Nora

On November 6, 2015, Aurora, a polar bear in the Polar Frontier, gave birth to Nora, the first polar bear born and raised at the zoo since the opening of Polar Frontier.

January 2017: Death of Colo

In January 2017, Colo, the world's first captive-born gorilla, died at the age of 60.

2019: Tasmanian devil exhibit opened

In 2019, the Tasmanian devil exhibit opened in the Australia region.

2020: Jungle Jack's Landing Renamed

In 2020, "Jungle Jack's Landing" was renamed to "Rides At Adventure Cove" to connect it to the neighboring Adventure Cove area of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which opened for the first time in 2020.

2020: Adventure Cove opened

In 2020, Adventure Cove opened, featuring sea lions, harbor seals, Jack Hanna's Animal Encounter Village, and Stingray Bay.

2020: Hanna no longer the public face

In 2020, Jack Hanna no longer was the public face of the zoo.

October 7, 2021: Columbus Zoo to lose AZA accreditation

On October 7, 2021, it was reported that the Columbus Zoo was to lose its Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited status for financial mismanagement and animal endangerment.