The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has almost as much variety in the parking lot as it does in its exhibits. Last week, a casual glance at license tags showed visitors had driven across county, state and even country lines for a visit to the Zoo and its adjacent Zoombezi Bay Waterpark!
One distinct benefit of having a family Zoo membership is that it frees us to explore the vast park at our leisure. We can ditch the “do it all in a day” mentality and search out what we’re most interested in on any given afternoon, knowing that there really is a “next time” for any missed exhibits.The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium currently offers 90 acres of exhibits and habitats and is in a seemingly constant state of expansion and improvement. On Friday we were interested in one of the older sections, the North American Exhibit.
The North American section includes grizzly bears, black bears, bison, bald eagles and wolves among its residents. We took a ride on the miniature train that circles the “continent” for tradition’s sake and then headed in to find the moose herd. A big-antlered guy disappeared when it was photo time, but we were intrigued to watch one of his female cohorts trot over to us and then kneel down to resting position.
She looked terrifically awkward as she made her way, knees first, to the ground…
…but was quite content in the shaded grass.
Moose can weigh anywhere from 600 to over 1300 pounds. Males grow antlers made of keratin, the tough insoluble protein also found in human hair and nails. These antlers can weigh over 70 pounds, are regrown annually -and when shed in December or January, are a calcium source for rodents.
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
To visit a zoo (1 Adult/3 Children) in always full of fun.
Great information. It’s really useful. Thanks
Nice shots! Seem so docile, like large cows. We’ve some unfenced “meese” here. One must be extra vigilant on the highway.
It is the second entry I read tonight. And I am on my third. Got to think which one is next. Thank you.
I’ve always wanted to see a moose! Seeing these pictures, it’s hard to believe that they can be dangerous. They seem so peaceful.
It’s funny, but my favorite zoo exhibit is the Northwest exhibit that has all the animals that are found around here. The elk are my favorite!
Moose have always fascinated me. They do look ungainly but majestic. I’ve seen them from a distance in the Upper Peninsuala.
Beautiful pics and post. I have only visited a zoo a couple of times in my life and they were rushed viewings. How special you can show us more of what we only glance at!
Hugs, JJ
That is one big beast and awkward as well. Wouldn’t mind coming across some of those animals you mentioned including the moose and the eagles. It’s all new for me.
Interesting read on these “gentle giants” and nice photos too. It’s so nice to visit these attractions at your own leisure. Never rushed to take it all in because you know you’ll be back. That’s a great privilege. Thanks for your comments…
Rainfield: I hope I never “outgrow” enjoying a zoo!
Diamond Bracelets, thanks for visiting!
Bob: I’ve hit a deer (and a wild turkey) and would not want to take on a moose. It seems every road has its hazard. In Utah last summer, we were constantly alert for wandering steers in the open range areas.
Thank you Babafisa. This site was having some trouble the other day (fixed now), hopefully you were still able to find your way around!
Trisha: They are definitely more docile when they don’t feel the need to protect and defend. In the wild, they are fairly intimidating. I remember watching them graze in Canada and Alaska as a child and feeling both alarm and thrill at their latent strength.
JJ: We’ve visited a lot of US zoos with our reciprocating membership over the years -but happen to live by one of the nation’s best! At other zoos, we tend to rush through in an attempt to “see it all”. Here in Columbus, we stop to read, learn and observe. Nice.
Cate: ~As New Zealand’s wildlife would be to me! New creatures are always a thrill.
Intrepid: (You’re back!) Leisure is always quite the privilege, isn’t it? I like days when there’s time for the kids to follow their whims. -Seems like that’s when all of us learn the most, too!