NOTE TO MEDIA: Access b-roll, images and logos with photo credits here. Save the Date for a Media Night on Thursday, March 21. More details will be shared in a separate email.  

Powell, OH - The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium proudly unveils a groundbreaking blend of entertainment, art, and education with UNEXTINCT—a first-of-its-kind experience in the Midwest. As guests embark on an immersive nighttime journey of light and sound, they will be introduced to awe-inspiring illusions that shed light on the critical need for wildlife conservation.  The new after-hours event kicks off on March 14, 2024, running on select dates through April 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

UNEXTINCT was created by former Disney Imagineers from Mangolin Creative, harnessing dramatic effects to transport visitors into a digital wonderland of nature. This experience delves into the worlds of endangered and extinct species, delivering a captivating and enlightening narrative. 

“This new experience combines the importance of conservation and awareness, offering hope and a call to action. It is a testament to the power of immersive storytelling to inspire positive change in the world,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

“With UNEXTINCT, we leverage theatrical set work to transport guests to a world of vivid illusions and extraordinary wildlife. This experience underscores the notion that every person holds the power to make a positive difference in their own unique way,” said Morgan Richardson, Mangolin Creative Co-Founder and Creative. 

As the Zoo animals settle in for the evening, UNEXTINCT comes alive, promising an evening stroll that will be unforgettable. Guests will experience:

• Fifteen areas to explore illusions of over 70 extinct and threated species  
• LED Bar serving up cocktails, S’mores Experience, and shopping
• Exciting interactive activities 
• Various entertainment in the entry plaza of the Zoo
• The 1914 Mangels/Ilions Carousel and the 4D Theater will be open 
• And much more!

Please note that an additional fee applies to some activities, and the availability of activities is subject to change. The UNEXTINCT calendar can be found at ColumbusZoo.org/unextinct

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Regular Zoo hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily during March, and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in April and May. UNEXTINCT begins March 14 and runs on select dates through April 27 from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
• Zoo animals are not a part of this experience. Animal areas such as Adventure Cove, Asia Quest, and Discovery Reef Aquarium will be accessible throughout the event, but animal viewing in any region is not guaranteed. 
• UNEXTINCT is a separate ticketed event and not included with Zoo admission. 
• Zoo members get $4 off UNEXTINCT tickets. 

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Columbus Zoo’s website. For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. 

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About UNEXTINCT
UNEXTINCT is an all new and original nighttime experience where the spirits of animals long extinct, or on the edge of extinction, still roam. Imagined by the teams at Mangolin Creative and SSA Group, UNEXTINCT uses state-of-the-art theatrical effects to transport Guests to hidden realms. Mangolin Creative specializes in immersive experiential design, theme parks, zoos, location based entertainment, and live events. SSA Group provides integrated food, retail, and ticketing solutions to cultural attractions across the nation. For more information visit mangolincreative.com or thessagroup.com. Book your experience at UNEXTINCTLIVE.com.

 
About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and educational destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.