Partners in Conservation
Learn about the Zoo’s financial commitment to holistic conservation efforts in Central Africa.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium believes EVERY guest deserves an exceptional experience regardless of age and ability.
To learn more about the Columbus Zoo's inclusion initiatives, please watch this video.
Social Stories
This tool explains the Columbus Zoo experience to help families prepare for a visit.
Rides
Sensory Maps
These maps identify sensory-friendly locations to help families plan their day at the Zoo.
- Asia Quest Sensory Map
- Heart of Africa Sensory Map
- Australia and the Islands and Shores Sensory Map
- Congo Expedition Sensory Map
Tactile Experiences Map
This map includes animal experiences, statues, and tactile areas throughout the Zoo.
Accessible Routes
Look for these brown signs around the Zoo grounds for guidance towards accessible pathways. Additional information regarding accessibility is available at the Guest Relations office on Zoo grounds.
Adult Changing Station
An adult changing station is available at the restroom facility located near Stingray Bay in the Zoo's Adventure Cove region.
Communication Board
Communication boards are a resource for guests with limited English speaking language skills. The Columbus Zoo board has pictures of commonly-used words, places, and items that are unique to our location, and guests can point to the images to communicate.
The communication board is 3-pages long. Guests can download it to their mobile device, print a copy prior to their visit to the Zoo, or pick up a copy in the Zoo's Guest Relations office.
Download the Columbus Zoo Communication Board
Companion Policy
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will provide a complimentary ticket for any paid admission or experience to a caregiver assisting a guest with a disability in order to provide assistance during their visit.
- The guest with a disability or caregiver must present sufficient documentation demonstrating necessity for the caregiver’s presence in the form of a letter from his/her physician and/or appropriate licensing information from the caregiver documenting that (s)he is necessary to accompany the Zoo member with a disability in the park.
- The guest with a disability must have a paid ticket or membership.
- Please note that safety regulations may prevent certain individuals from specific rides, tours or attractions.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will provide an individual caregiver pass for any Zoo member or season pass holder with a disability who presents sufficient documentation demonstrating the necessity for the caregiver’s presence in the form of a letter from his/her physician and/or appropriate licensing information from the caregiver documenting that (s)he is necessary to accompany the Zoo member with a disability in the park, granting the caregiver complimentary admission when assisting a member with a disability.
- Present this individual caregiver pass with the corresponding, valid membership card or season pass at the turnstiles for admission.
- Please note that persons over the age of 21 may be covered as dependents on a family membership provided that the individual is dependent on the primary adults due to a medical condition.
- Please call (614) 724-3489 to start this process.
To acquire your ticket to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, please visit the Will Call window and present the required documentation.
To acquire your complimentary pass, please visit the Membership Office at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and present the required documentation.
KultureCity Sensory Bags
Guests can request a sensory bag from Guest Relations during their visit to the Zoo. A refundable deposit of $10 is required. Bags must be returned to Guest Relations at the end of each visit and are sanitized before the next use.
Bags include:
- Noise-reducing headphones
- Sunglasses
- Fidgets
- Visual cue card
- KultureCity VIP lanyard
Requesting Accommodations
If your specific accessibility or accommodations question is not addressed in this section, please contact the Zoo at 614-645-3400 and speak to one of our Contact Center representatives.
Service Animal Policy
Dogs or other animals of any kind are prohibited on grounds with the exception of service dogs. Please be mindful of the danger of leaving pets in your vehicle while visiting our park. Due to the location of tours within animal habitats and the disruptions external animals can cause, service animals are not permitted on select tours and experiences. Please call 614-645-3400 for further information.
Service animal relief locations can be found in the following areas:
- Between the North America railroad tracks and North America aviary
- Next to the guest services kiosk closest to the carousel in the Shores region
- Between the service road and fence surrounding the grill area at Otter's Street Tacos in Zoombezi Bay
Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals
$15.00 (plus tax) - Manual wheelchair
$37.00 (plus tax) - Electric scooter
Wheelchairs and scooters are not meant for recreational devices but are intended for assistance to individuals needing help with mobility. Please note that these scooters are not an ADA compliant mobility device.
Guests must be at least 18 years of age to operate a scooter. The maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs. For safety reasons, no children are allowed on the unit. Only one guest is allowed in the unit at a time.
The battery life of the scooter depends on different calculations; most important is the weight of the user. A person who is, for instance, 150 lbs. will get more battery life than a person weighing 300 lbs. The terrain and length of stay will also play a part in the overall life of the battery. In the event of a drained battery, a replacement scooter or charging cable will be provided if available.
Additional information about wheelchair, scooter, stroller and locker rental, is available on the rentals page.
