Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a zoo located in Powell, Ohio, just north of Columbus. It has a worldwide reputation, largely contributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna. The Columbus Zoo has over 6,000 animals and sees over 1.5 million visitors annually.
The original Columbus Zoo was located in the north-end Columbus neighborhood of Beechwold, and only open for four months in 1905. Several buildings still survive, including the former monkey house, which is now a private residence.
The present Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 as the Columbus Zoological Gardens. The city of Columbus took over management of the Zoo in 1951.
In 1956, Colo, the world’s first captive-born gorilla, was born at the Columbus Zoo.
The Columbus Zoo became one of only three institutions outside of Florida to keep endangered manatees when Manatee Coast opened in 1993, a large indoor facility with a retractable roof.