Nikki Smith spends part of her shift walking the historic North America region at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, waving to keepers getting habitats ready for the day, chatting with volunteers sipping their coffee before the Zoo opens, and saying hello to animals enjoying a meal. As the region's Curator, she knows every animal's name. She knows their habits, what their favorite food is, and what tree they're most likely to nap under.
She's also been a huge part of the plans to redevelop the Zoo's oldest region which opened to the public nearly 40 years ago. In fact, the region's upcoming upgrades is the single most significant investment for the Zoo, with $40 million earmarked for the project. The redevelopment will transform the region into a destination where guests can learn about the native species of North America while engaging in ways to protect the world’s most precious creatures. The first phase will include new habitats for Mexican wolves, bald eagles, black bears, North American river otters, and Trumpeter swans. Ground breaking is scheduled for Fall 2023.
Give us the history of North America region at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Since 1984, the Columbus Zoo has been home to native North American species like lynx, black bears, North American river otters, grizzly bears, timber wolves, and many more. We love it when guests tell us their stories about when they got to meet these animals in the past. Listening to guests, as well as our experienced North America team, so fondly talk about the animals that have called the Zoo home since '84 makes me feel like a part of their experiences.
- In 1987, bear exhibits opened, calling much needed attention to this local species.
- In 1989, the Zoo's bald eagle habitat opened. We’ve been honored to house our National Bird at the Zoo and often participate in releasing them back to the wild.
- In 1990, the Zoo's moose habitat opened. We care for orphaned moose, mainly from Alaska, and they are one of the coolest species I have ever worked with.
- Reindeer were the very first animals at the Columbus Zoo! I love that little piece of history, and even though it took roughly 60 years to have an entire region dedicated to the wildlife that inhabit our country, I still like to think we started it all.
How does the Zoo's historic North America region support and conserve local wildlife?
We take in animals that wouldn’t have a home otherwise. Injured and orphaned animals from Ohio and beyond have a chance to educate our guests about why it’s so important to conserve their natural habitats. Guests can also learn ways to conserve wildlife with take-home actions.
As an example, the "My House" location is being reimagined, thanks to the generosity of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Battelle, and will become an innovative Ohio conservation center. The center will house hellbenders, Plains garter snakes, freshwater mussels, and American burying beetles, among others - all native to Ohio and the surrounding region - and will offer guests insight on the wildlife around them and how they can join our conservation efforts.
What is a feature of the North American region redevelopment that you’re most looking forward to?
That’s a really tough question, they're all amazing! The entire North America team has been involved in the planning from the very beginning, and we’ve had a tremendous opportunity to help craft amazing experiences for our animals and guests. If I had to choose, I would say both the otter pool and stream area and the view we’re planning into the black bear winter den. We are just getting started on some of the details for the interior of the habitats and buildings, and I’m looking forward to the creativity that the North America team will bring to those areas. I’ve never had an opportunity to be part of such a large project, and I really get excited to have the chance to make a difference. I am always amazed by the amazing ideas for the region that have been results of team collaboration.
How will the renovations better the world of the animals in our care?
Our goal in these renovations is to create environments where our animals will continue to thrive. The North America region was originally built with many innovative habitats, and we’re all excited to put the newest design practices to good use in reimagining this area with additional opportunities that utilize technology, sustainability, and creative design. We hope to give our visitors unique memories while also ensuring that our animals have the most enriching and engaging habitats, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors year-round.
What message would you have for supporters and donors when it comes to financially supporting the upcoming North American region renovations?
With their help, we can ensure that these habitats will be here when the kids visiting today are bringing their children. I’m really looking forward to the stories I will hear from guests...perhaps reminiscing about the first time they saw our new habitats, or maybe even what their family did to support the construction.
The North America team includes several keepers that kind of grew up at the Zoo (and one who is a 2nd generation keeper!). The memories and experiences they created drove them to pursue a career in caring for these animals and protecting wildlife. I also think about all the children who have gone on to other professions, but still hold that love for the Zoo, and my hope is that they’re supporting conservation in another way. Bringing your children to the zoo helps shape their world view and inspires them to protect what they see and know and love.
What is something you get to experience by working in the North America region that makes you smile?
I love watching Brutus and Buckeye, our resident brown bears, blow bubbles in the water through their noses...it's pretty great. I’d also say I really enjoy working with the keepers and helping them to realize their career goals. Our team has so many varied interests and experiences that benefit the animals and our team as a whole, like diving, driving heavy equipment that we use to refresh enrichment opportunities, participating in national committees, and supporting local conservation efforts. We are all here because we love what we do, but the challenge of finding new and different ways to keep that passion burning the way it did when your career started is a challenge that I love to try to meet.
