Friends of the Zoo

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

**2024 General Membership Meeting Dates**
Date	Members	Location	Time
February 28	General Membership	Zoo Lakeside Pavilion	6 p.m.
April 10	General Membership	Zoo Lakeside Pavilion, Room 1	6 p.m.
June 5	General Membership	Zoo Water's Edge Pavilion 1	6 p.m.
August 14	Summer Event	Highbanks Metropark	6 p.m.
October 9	General Membership	Africa Event Center	6 p.m.
December 15	Holiday Party	Zoo Lakeside Pavilion	1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities

**2024 Volunteer Opportunities**
Date	Event	Location
TBD	Workshop for Eggs, Paws, and Claws	Zoo
March 29 & 30	Eggs, Paws, and Claws	Zoo
April 20 & 21	Earth Day	Zoo
April 22 - 26	Recycle Days	Zoo
June 2	Zoo Day at Columbus Clippers	Zoo
TBD	World Ocean Day	Zoo
June 22	Zoofari	Zoo
September 17, 18, & 22	Rwandan Fete Set-Up	Zoo
September 30 - October 4	ZAA Conference	Convention Center
October 3	ZAA Zoo Day	Zoo
TBD	Workshop for Boo at the Zoo	Zoo
October 11 - 27	Boo at the Zoo Characters and Treats Stations (FRI, SAT, SUN)	Zoo
November 21	Wildlights Member Night	Zoo
TBD	Workshop for Flurry of Fun	Zoo
December 31	Zoo Year's Eve Celebration (11 a.m. - 1 p.m.)	Zoo
TBD	Animal Awareness Days	Zoo