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Powell, OH — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a beloved landmark in the Columbus community since 1927, officially broke ground for the $40 million North America Trek region. The project aims to transform the oldest area of the Zoo into a captivating destination, where visitors will not only learn about the native species of our beautiful country but also actively engage in ways to protect the world's most precious creatures.
“The North America Trek project represents our next step forward in the Columbus Zoo’s commitment to animal well-being, wildlife conservation, and education. As the transformation of the North America region takes shape, it promises to offer visitors an immersive experience like no other while strengthening the Zoo's pivotal role in fostering a love for animals and a dedication to their protection,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Leading the way to help build North America Trek is Battelle who committed a gift of $2.625 million to the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. This grant includes significant support to the North America Trek and its interactive education interpretive stations. "Battelle is proud to expand the impact of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds," said Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle. "The reimagined North America region will serve as a window to native wildlife, fostering curiosity and a spirit of conservation in our future generations."
During the ceremony, Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker presented Schmid with a check for nearly $1 million. This generous contribution is earmarked for the complete remodel of the existing "My House," a building located next to the beloved Bob Evans Farms My Barn. Once completed, the facility will be named the "Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation."
The Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation will serve as a focal point for spotlighting the extraordinary local conservation initiatives spearheaded by the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds' dedicated teams. This vital work extends to a diverse range of species, from the elusive hellbender and plains garter snakes to the invaluable contributions of burying beetles and mussels, and the critical efforts in the realm of restoration ecology.
This ambitious project will not only provide a state-of-the-art facility for research and educational activities but will also elevate the awareness of the incredible local wildlife conservation work that is often overlooked.
“We are thrilled and proud to partner with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on this amazing project that will highlight the great conservation work being done right here in Ohio,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Director Mary Mertz. “I’m excited to see everything this place will offer visitors and families who want to learn more about the natural world around them.”
Spanning nearly a century of conservation and educational efforts, the Columbus Zoo has become a focal point for the community, attracting visitors from near and far with its ever-expanding regions, a diverse array of animals, transformative conservation initiatives, and inspiring educational programs. With the North America Trek region, the Zoo continues its legacy of creating exciting and natural habitats for the diverse wildlife that call it home.
This ambitious project marks the single most significant investment in the history of the Columbus Zoo, with a substantial $40 million budget allocated to its realization for the first phase. The renovation project will unfold in two distinct phases, each designed to enrich the visitor experience and further the Zoo's mission of wildlife conservation.
Phase 1: Celebrating Native Species
The first phase of North America Trek will focus on the creation of new habitats for some of North America's most iconic species including Mexican wolves, trumpeter swans, song birds, bald eagle, black bear, and North America river otters in new and improved habitats. The North America region is a haven for animals that are non-releasable, orphaned, or in rehabilitation.
Phase 2: Expanding the Tapestry of Life
The second phase of the project promises to be equally enthralling as it introduces enhancements to the wolverine, Canada lynx, Sandhill crane, reindeer, moose areas, and more. This phase will add layers of wonder to the North America Trek, ensuring a rich and varied experience for visitors.
An astonishing seventy percent of the animals residing in the North America region have found their forever homes at the Columbus Zoo due to various circumstances, including displacement by natural disasters, orphaned, rescued, or rehabilitated following injuries. Notable examples include the three mountain lion cubs who were severely burned in the California wildfires, finding refuge and a new lease on life within the caring environment of the Zoo.
A Heartfelt Thanks
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a heartfelt thanks to those individuals, foundations, and corporations in the community and residents of Franklin County, through their support of the tax levy, who are supporting our greatest, mission-based need.
We wish to recognize the following lead donors for their generous commitment to build North America Trek:
- Battelle
- The Columbus Foundation
- Estate of Marilyn Guerard
- Emma “Lou” Chapman Koester
- The Lamme Family Foundation
- Dr. Bernard and Susan Master
- Estate of Sarah Jane “Sally” O’Dell
- Estate of Barry Lee Prusha
- The Schumacher Foundation
- Connie and Clyde Woodburn
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s educational programs, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 600 species worldwide, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium leads by making a positive impact on people, wildlife, and wild places. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a wildlife conservation organization with regional, national and global impact, annually supporting conservation and research projects locally and worldwide.
