Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium supports the Columbus Zoo through volunteerism, fundraising, public awareness and community outreach.

Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium volunteers are a group of professionals and committed Zoo advocates interested in supporting the Columbus Zoo's mission of connecting people and wildlife. Members volunteer as a group to support the Zoo's major events, including Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo, and Wildlights.

As members of Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we are ambassadors of the Zoo and educate the public to increase awareness of the Zoo’s mission, educational programs, and impact that the Columbus Zoo has within the community, nation and the world alike.

In addition to supporting the Zoo, members experience an insider’s view of the Zoo, meet key Zoo staff and many of the zoo keepers, encounter endangered and exotic animals through education programs, and go behind-the-scenes to get a first-hand look at the work being done at our world-class Zoo.


Become a Member

Want to join Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?

Sign-up online  Renewal Form

Benefits of Membership
  • Meet key Zoo staff and many of the keepers at each meeting.  Meetings are held approximately six times a year.
  • Get a firsthand look at the Zoo and be on the cutting edge of learning about the exciting research, conservation, and visitor experiences at the Columbus Zoo, including behind the scenes updates from Zoo staff.
  • Admission for you and your guests to the Annual Friends of the Columbus Zoo Holiday Party
  • Access to a members-only Facebook group
  • A Friends T-shirt
  • Education opportunities
  • The opportunity to develop your leadership skills, while supporting the Zoo
Membership Responsibilities
  • Annual dues of $50
  • Ten hours of volunteer service each year
  • Attend a minimum of 75% of general membership meetings
  • Maintain a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership

 

Want to learn more?
 

 

Friends of the Columbus Zoo Activities

General Membership Meetings
2025 General Membership Meeting Dates
DateMembersLocationTime
February 26General MembershipZoo Africa Event Center6 p.m.
April 9General MembershipZoo Lakeside Pavilion, Room 16 p.m.
June 1General MembershipZoo Water's Edge Pavilion, Room 16 p.m.
AugustSummer EventTBDTBD
October 8General MembershipZoo Lakeside Pavilion, Room 16 p.m.
December 14Holiday PartyZoo Lakeside Pavilion1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Volunteer Opportunities
2025 Volunteer Opportunities
DateEventLocation
March 22International Day of the SealZoo
April 18 & 19Eggs, Paws, and ClawsZoo
April 21-25Recycle DaysZoo
April 26-27Earth Day CelebrationZoo
May 30Sea Lion DayZoo
June 8World Ocean DayZoo
June 14Pride ParadeColumbus, OH
June 21World Giraffe DayZoo
July 6RunWildZoo
August 10World Lion DayZoo
TBDWorkshop for Boo at the ZooZoo
October 10 - 26Boo at the Zoo Characters and Treats Stations (FRI, SAT, SUN)Zoo
November 20Wildlights Member NightZoo
TBDWorkshop for Flurry of FunZoo
December 31Zoo Year's Eve Celebration (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)Zoo
TBDAnimal Awareness DaysZoo

 

Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Leadership
  • President: Darren Shulman
  • VP of Volunteer Service: Lori Houghton
  • VP of Membership: April Ward
  • VP of Development: Diane Garland
  • Treasurer: Dee Downes
  • Secretary: Christina Scott
  • Development Chair: Doug Pearse
  • Volunteer Chair: Jane Cirigliano
  • Recruitment Chair: Cara Laviola
  • Social Coordinators: Clint Koenig
  • Digital Marketing Chair: Mary Murphy