The Mission of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
We exist to enrich our community's quality of life and to inspire a greater appreciation of wildlife for the advancement of conservation action.

The Zoo shall achieve its mission by teaching and practicing conservation, both on and off-site, contributing to the discovery of biological knowledge, offering enjoyable, educational and family-oriented recreational opportunities, and instilling in all who visit a sense of adventure and discovery.

As a community asset, the Zoo shall operate in a fiscally responsible manner with a balance of private and public support.

1. All requests must be consistent with the Columbus Zoo’s Mission Statement, must reflect a professional and positive image of the Columbus Zoo, its animals, exhibits, grounds and staff members.
2. All requests must be in writing and presented to the Columbus Zoo’s Community Relations Department at least one week prior to the date of filming.
3. Due to the fact that request approvals will be based upon the perceived quality and content of the final product, all requests must be as detailed as possible.
4. All requests are subject to fee guidelines established by the Columbus Zoo’s Community Relations Department as set forth herein.
5. A signed authorization form must be presented to the Columbus Zoo’s Community Relations Department before filming commences.
6. Any cancellations and/or changes to any requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance of production date.
7. All request approvals are subject to final approval by the Columbus Zoo’s Community Relations Department.

II.   Equipment and Props

1. Outside vehicles are not permitted on Columbus Zoo grounds unless prior approval is granted by the Community Relations Department.  If outside vehicles are granted approval, the following guidelines must be followed:

• A Community Relations representative must accompany any vehicle while it is on Columbus Zoo grounds and while the engine is running.  Vehicles may not exceed 10 miles per hour, may not travel paved roadways during peak visitor hours, may not travel over bridges and may not honk horns or use any other means to clear pedestrian, animal or other vehicle traffic.

1. All props to be used during a media production or filming must be approved by the Community Relations Department in advance.  Some equipment (lights, reflectors, microphone booms, fog machines, etc.) may be prohibited if it is determined by the Community Relations Department to pose a potential threat to the health or safety of the animals, habitats or visitors.
2. No plants or animals are to be brought onto Columbus Zoo grounds.

III.  Admission

1. All camera crews and personnel must provide a list of essential working members that will be needed while on location.  Such list will be available to the Community Relations Department and the admissions office 24 hours in advance to assist in the admittance of said working members.
2. Friends, relatives, non-acting minors and non-working crew members are not permitted complimentary admission to the Columbus Zoo without the express consent of the Community Relations Department.
3. A Community Relations representative will be present at all times.

IV. Conduct

1. While on Zoo grounds, all production and camera crew personnel shall not in any way attempt to manipulate animals for the sake of production.  Clapping, shouting, whistling or any other distractions will not be tolerated.
2. Each crew member must stay in the immediate area of their assigned Community Relations representative when visiting or operating in any area not allowed to the general public.
3. All directives given by ANY Columbus Zoo personnel are made for the protection of the animals, habitats, visitors, employees and crew members, and such directives must be obeyed at all times.

V.   Ownership and Copyrights

1. A copy of all video including first generation dub of all footage shot, and first generation dub of final product, is to become property of the Columbus Zoo Community Relations Department.
2. Any video or still photo imagery produced by the Columbus Zoo photographer on behalf of any production company or individual requests pursuant to the aforementioned guidelines is the property of the Columbus Zoo Community Relations Department.
3. All video and still photo imagery will include credits to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
4. All video and still photo imagery will be for a one-time only usage and product unless otherwise specified.
5. Any video or still imagery produced by any individual or group for class projects or educational purposes MAY NOT BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES and must adhere to all aforementioned guidelines without exceptions.

Authorization

The authorization is given to the undersigned organization with the understanding that personnel of said undersigned will not damage, destroy or remove any plants, animals or property, nor will they interfere with the public’s use and enjoyment of the facilities.  No animals or plants will be brought onto the property of the Columbus Zoo.  The accompanying Community Relations Department representative and/or animal keeper may elect to abort any and all filming and related activities at any time if, in their sole judgment, any person, animal, property or facility is interfered with or endangered.  The undersigned understands and agrees to be bound by all decisions made by any Community Relations Department representative and/or animal keeper.  A Community Relations Department staff member will be present at all times.

The undersigned agrees to hold the Columbus Zoo harmless and indemnify it against any and all liability and loss which the undersigned may incur, death or injury of any person, or damage or destruction to any property owned by the undersigned while on Columbus Zoo grounds.