In-Town Tourist: An "Island" Adventure at The Columbus Zoo [ 1:39 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download
In-Town Tourist: An "Island" Adventure at The Columbus Zoo [ 1:39 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | DownloadWe didn’t have much wandering time, but The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium always has options for as many minutes as we have to spare.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Visitor Information and Map
We opted for a stroll through the “Islands of Southeast Asia”. Komodo dragons, orangutans, gibbons and Asian small-clawed otters captivated our attention -as did the hungry carp in the Scioto River at the western edge of the zoo’s park land! The zoo has six such regions spread over 90 acres with another 10 acre exhibit, “Polar Frontier”, set to open in the near future and a 70 acre African Savannah in the planning stages. Its 586 acre holdings also include Zoombezi Bay Waterpark and the Safari Golf Club.
We were surprised to learn that a Komodo dragon can consume 80% of its body weight in a single meal and that while they typically eat deer and pigs, smaller Komodo dragons are also on the menu!
The Asian small-clawed otter exhibit is one of my favorites and is popular with other zoo guests as well. These animals are ultra-social and enjoy one of the better “playgrounds” that includes a waterfall perfect for long slides into the pool below.
Energetic gibbons, sedate but facially expressive orangutans… we’ve visited the zoo so many times that we tend move in a focused manner now, passing by crowds in favor of familiar favorites.
I’ll be sharing more about the Columbus Zoo throughout the summer as we make periodic visits. Next we hope to see Beco, an Asian elephant born on March 27th of this year, in “Asia Quest”!
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Visitor Information and Map
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (Powell, Ohio)
Acres and Acres of Animals!
Hours of Operation:
9AM -6PM (Memorial Day Weekend – Labor Day)
9AM – 5PM (Labor Day – Memorial Day Weekend)
Open until 8PM on Wednesdays (6/24 – 8/19)
Admission: $12 (ages 10 – 59); $7 (ages 2 – 9, 60+), Free (2 and under)
Parking Fee: $5
Group Discounts/Season Passes available, Admission Specials
Phone: 614-645-3550
Address: 4850 West Powell Rd, Powell OH 43065
Directions: From Interstate 71, travel west on 270 West to Exit 20 (Sawmill Rd). Turn right and travel north (Sawmill Rd becomes Sawmill Pkwy). Turn left onto Powell Rd (SR 750); zoo entrance will be on the right after approximately one mile.
View Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in a larger map
I always see Komodo Dragon along my jogging trail, whereby they can get their food from the nearby river.
Is interesting to know they consume so much food in a single meal.
Wow! What an incredible zoo! It sounds fascinating. I have always loved zoos and visited many on my travels about the world. Of course, nothing beats the animals out in the wild in Africa, but a zoo sometimes has to do, and many of them are wonderful these days not like in the past.
Rainfield: I had wondered if you might have Komodo encounters in your area! Wow. Hopefully, they are well fed at the river before they wander near your trail! I showed my youngest son some of your jungle pictures yesterday. He was quite impressed that you lived in such an exciting place!
Suzanne: I’ve gone to this zoo since I was a little girl and, like many area residents, have watched it grow into something truly special. The animals don’t experience actual jungles or deserts etc, but they do have spacious habitats and get the best of care. I’ve read some on-line complaints regarding the animal to acre ratio for the new exhibits -but they are from people who think the generously-sized spaces will be underpopulated.
I’m also a fan of zoos giving great photo opportunities and a chance to see animals that you are unlikely to see elsewhere. While nothing beats seeing them in the wild, I do think zoos have improved dramatically over the last decade or so and seem to get decent care, good food and in many cases, a chance to learn more about the species such that they are more chance of surviving long term.
I love Komodo dragons! We’ve had them at the Shedd Aquarium for ages. Can’t wait for your post about those funny gibbons!
Glad that you and your son like my Cerok Tokun. Tropical rainforest is a place full of mysteries and adventures.
We do have have beautiful zoo. The boys and I used to go all the time when they were little. It’s probably been three or four years since I’ve been there — A Festival of Lights (or whatever it’s called) may have been the last trip.
Mark: There’s less “adventure” to spotting animals in a zoo habitat, but you’re right… for many, that will be the best opportunity to see them at all. ~And allowing people the chance to appreciate the animals will certainly enhance the opportunities afforded their brothers and sisters in the wild.
Fly Girl: The Shedd is a great place to lose yourself for several hours(Have they brought the beluga whales back yet?)!
I saw your name on the speakers’ list for TBEX. You have such interesting adventures; I expect you’ll get a terrific turn-out!
Rainfield: I bookmarked your latest to show him as well!
Delmer: We spent a lot more time there when the kids were younger, but still like to wander through. There’s always something new (or forgotten). The Christmas Lights are always a great kick-off to the holiday season!
great post as usually !
Thanks Demetrios!
Hi,
Everything dynamic and very positively!
Thank you
Hi there,
Amazing! Not clear for me, how offen you updating your heatherdugan.com.
Thank you
Bodyc
Thank you Tania and Bodyc. As for updates, my main site which includes information on voice-over work as well as demos, gets updated as time allows. “Footsteps” averages about three posts a week, and I try to respond to all comments (because I appreciate them so much!).
If you click “Categories” in the right column, you can easily access more information on specific activities, regions and national parks. For instance, “California” is listed under USA, West.
I see that there are very good conditions for these animals.