Top Six Reasons Why You Should Visit Jungle Jack Hanna’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

Are you an animal lover? Do you enjoy a good trip to the zoo? Joel and I love animals and will jump at the chance to go to a zoo whenever possible.  Recently, we went to the Columbus Zoo and even though we had been there in the past, I was thoroughly impressed! The zoo is quite large and divided into several sections so make sure you allow plenty of time to spend at the zoo. This is definitely a zoo that you should put on your “must visit” list, so we’ve compiled a list of our top reasons why you should visit the Columbus Zoo!

1. Discounts and Memberships:  I love a good discount, and as mentioned in this post we are members of COSI, also in Columbus. As a member, we get discounts at other locations, including the Columbus Zoo where we got tickets at Buy one, get one Free! If you do not have a membership for any of these places, if you purchase your tickets online at ColumbusZoo.Org you’ll save $1 per ticket.

After paying for parking, we were given info about memberships. If you decide to buy a membership, your cost for parking that day is put towards the membership.  A membership pays for itself in two visits since you get free entrance and parking for a whole year plus additional discounts at the zoo and at other partner businesses.

2. Lots to see and do: As one of the top ranked zoos in the US, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium spans 90 acres with over 7,000 animals! It’s divided into several countries/regions and each one is themed making it very unique. In the “Heart of Africa” area, there is an African safari with a plane that is partially in the animal enclosure and partially out  where kids can climb in it. The whole zoo is very well themed like this! There is no additional fee for the 100,000 gallon salt water aquarium, Discovery Reef! Also, make sure you check out the event calendar to see if there’s anything special coming up.  While you’re there, browse the rest of the website to check out all the good stuff they have to offer.

3. Pack your own snacks and drinks:  Unlike many other zoos and public attractions, you can bring food and drinks in with you. While they do have some yummy snacks and a good deal on souvenir cups (with free refills for the day), the zoo allows you to bring a cooler into the park to help with those rumbley tummies if you’re wanting to stay on a budget. For the safety of the animals, they do not allow straws.  Check out the guidelines and new bag policy here.

4. It’s Jack Hanna’s Homebase: Jack Hanna became the director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978 and remained director until 1993. The zoo benefited greatly from his oversight, rising to national recognition during his tenure. Prior to his arrival, the zoo saw an average annual attendance of about 360,000. In addition, the animal facilities were in need of renovation. Hanna put an extensive amount of effort into turning the Columbus Zoo into a model facility, including personally picking up trash after hours. Cage enclosures were also removed during his time and replaced with more natural looking habitats. His enthusiasm, along with his national television recognition, helped attract more visitors to the zoo, with over 1.4 million visitors annually by 1992. Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993, and continues to be the public face for the zoo in its marketing campaigns. *

5. The Zoo is involved in so much more:   In an effort to increase funding for, and public awareness of, the conservation projects around the world, the Columbus Zoo has in recent years incorporated information about threatened and endangered species into exhibits. In addition to helping visitors become more aware, the zoo has also added donation boxes that help fund the many projects the Columbus Zoo supports.

The Columbus Zoo is also involved in conservation programs internally. Manatee Coast, while built as an exhibit, is also a rehabilitation facility for injured manatees. Due to the threatened status of manatees in the wild, Manatee Coast attempts to inform its visitors of the manatee’s situation, with an entire room dedicated to manatee conservation. This room includes a video describing the manatee’s natural habitat and what can be done to protect them.

The Columbus Zoo also runs a breeding program for Mexican wolves. This program has the goal of having a population of at least 100 wolves living in what was once their natural range. Mexican wolves became extinct in the wild in the mid-20th century due to being trapped, poisoned, and shot. Since the zoo became involved in 1992, 29 pups have been born at their facility. *

6. It’s in Columbus, Ohio: Columbus is a hot spot with so many things to do!  If you’re making a long trip out of it, be sure to check out some of the other things Columbus has to offer. There are several shopping areas! If you’re like Joel and I, you hit the malls when you are looking for something to do. Even though 95% of the time, we just walk around and window shop, we still enjoy a good mall. Check out Easton and Polaris for some great shops. With a large expo center, home to the Arnold Schwarzenegger Fitness Classic every March, there are many events throughout the year and you can check out their event calendar here.  COSI is a very cool museum for all ages! With a newly opened dinosaur exhibit, it’ll appeal to kids of any age! Check out more information on these and many other things to do in Columbus here.

We know once you go, you’ll agree that the Columbus Zoo is worth the trip, no matter how far you’re coming from! 🙂 So, pack those snacks, the sunblock and head to Columbus, Ohio for an afternoon of animal watching at it’s best!!

If you’ve been to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, I’d love to hear your favorite things about it and what makes your list of top reasons why someone should visit. Please share your thoughts below…

• *Source: Wikepedia 

If you like any of the photos in this post, check out more information on the camera I used in this post!