07/13/2025
🦓🐆A Century of Wonder: The History of the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
From a modest start with six reindeer to housing over 10,000 animals and welcoming millions each year, the zoo has grown into one of the top zoos in the nation—celebrated for its innovation, education, and global conservation efforts.
A Look Back
🦌1927: The zoo was founded by local businessman and publisher Harry P. Wolfe, who donated six Alaskan reindeer. The original location, Riverside Park, now forms the western side of the present-day zoo.
🎢1956: The Jet Flyer junior roller coaster was installed at the adjacent Gooding Amusement Park. Later renamed the Sea Dragon, this ride is now part of the Adventure Cove area and is Ohio's oldest operating roller coaster.
🦍1951: The zoo welcomed its first three gorillas. Colo, born in 1956, became the first gorilla in professional care. She lived at the zoo until her passing in 2017.
🐳1978: Jack Hanna became zoo director, transforming the zoo through new exhibits like Manatee Coast and African Forest. His media appearances brought national attention, while his vision solidified the zoo’s role as a conservation leader. Hanna served as director until 1993.
💦1984: The amusement park next to the zoo was renamed Wyandot Lake Amusement Park.
🦧1990: With the addition of bonobos, the zoo became one of only four zoos in North America to house this endangered species.
🎠2000: The Grand Carousel, a 1914 Mangels-Illions housed at Olentangy Park, was restored and installed. It is now one of the oldest carousels in the country, with over one million riders.
💦2008: The zoo reopened the refurbished park as Zoombezi Bay, which is now one of the region’s most popular waterparks.
2025: USA Today ranked it the #3 zoo in the country.
As it nears its 100th birthday in 2027, the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium remains a cornerstone of our community—honoring a century of care, conservation, and connection close to home.
🖊By Jennie Williams, N2 Staff Writer
