What “Zoo” You Know?

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in just a few short years, and, since its inaugural year, the Zoo has made quite the impact. We now host over 10,000 animals in seven unique regions and continue to make a difference for wildlife, near and far, by supporting conservation projects, rehabilitating and releasing animals, and providing a “forever home” to orphaned animals that lack the necessary skills to survive on their own in their native ranges.

Here are five fun facts about the Columbus Zoo Aquarium that may surprise you!

1. “Z” for Gazelle

Did you know that the “Z” in the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s current logo is a gazelle? Once you see it, you won’t be able to unsee it.

2. Giraffe Births

Giraffe calf

The Zoo’s Heart of Africa region is home to a tower (group) of giraffes, including Charlie, the giraffe calf. Charlie was born on August 31, 2022, to mom, Zuri, and dad, Enzi. Giraffe calves are born after a gestation period of approximately 15 months. In our history, 23 giraffes were born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

3. Adventure Cove’s Recycled Water

Zoo guests in Adventure Cove

A colony of California sea lions and harbor seals live in the Adventure Cove region at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. These marine mammals have three outdoor pools and five indoor pools in their habitat. Together, these pools are filled with over 375,000 gallons of saltwater! This saltwater is recycled through the pools from backwashing our sand filters. The saltwater goes into a vat, gets cleaned, and is then cycled back into the system.

4. Koalas and Eucalyptus

There are around 700 species of eucalyptus! Thirty of these species are delivered to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium twice weekly for the koalas. The koalas, however, are picky eaters and have 10 favorite species (those favorites will occasionally change!). The koalas receive five bundles (20-33 pounds) of eucalyptus daily to provide them a variety. Because of this, koalas rival the manatees as the most expensive animals to feed at the Zoo!

5. Flamingos and Numbers and Milk, Oh My!

The Zoo’s Shores & Aquarium is home to 32 flamingos that are viewable in their outdoor yard when the weather is consistently warm. Flamingos produce “crop milk” that is brightly colored…sometimes resembling blood… and is used to feed flamingo chicks. To help identify them, each flamingo wears a band with a number ranging from 8 (Stan Sitwell), 11 (Auggie), 19 (Debrie Bardeaux), 23 (Anne Veal), 39 (Sally Sitwell), 45 (G.O.B.), 52 (Kitty Sanchez), 70 (Acadia), to 81 (John Glenn). Can you name the other 23 flamingos?