As the Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing to play their 133rd season in 2022 in Ohio Stadium, work on the new field is being completed in the 100-year-old historic venue. In October 2021, the Ohio State Department of Athletics encouraged fans to submit design concepts for the new field to replace the turf previously installed in 2014. More than 1,300 concepts were received, and football fans will have the opportunity to see the new turf on September 3, when the Buckeyes host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
However, it isn’t just the players who are benefiting from this renovation. In fact, the list also includes…flamingos, goats, and even a Komodo dragon?!
We are very grateful to The Ohio State University for contributing field turf from the stadium for animals in our care to use and enjoy. Many species at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have access to indoor habitats and outdoor yards to provide them with more choices and enrichment opportunities to enhance their wellbeing. Like the Buckeyes, some of the species have their own “offseason” when they spend some more time inside for warmth, natural nesting/denning behaviors, and other reasons.
When these animals are in their indoor habitats, it is also important to provide them with an appropriate substrate. Substrates used can include straw, wood shavings, and mats of various textures. All of these substrates help protect the animals from walking or lying directly on hard surfaces. Additionally, they provide natural texture for animals to walk on. This improves foot health and overall wellbeing.
In particular, our flamingo flock enjoys several species of mats, including the naturalistic field turf. It provides them with year-round grass—even during the middle of Ohio winters. Many reptiles also use the field turf to lay on or hide under. Other birds such as our pelicans and swans love the feel of the field turf on their feet. The field turf is even used as an enrichment device for some animals like the stingrays and sea lions, as it provides a different surface to rub against. Our Animal Care team also appreciates the field turf because it can be hosed off and cleaned, and it lasts a long time.
This most recent field turf donation is the second one that the Zoo has received from Ohio State. The first took place in 2013 when the previous turf had been added just ahead of the 2014 national championship season—a true win-win for the Buckeyes and the animals at the Columbus Zoo!
We would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, president of The Ohio State University, her wife, Veronica Meinhard, and Gene Smith, Senior Vice President, and Wolfe Foundation Endowed Athletic Director for generously ensuring that the amazing animals at the Columbus Zoo could benefit from this donation and collaboration.
We are proud to be a part of our Buckeye Nation as together we continue working to make a difference for our community and the world’s wildlife. As the Ohio State alma mater, Carmen Ohio, goes, “Time and change will surely show….how firm thy friendship….O-HI-O!”
