NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos and b-roll can be found here. Photo credits are contained in the file names (example: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). Video credit can be provided to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
POWELL, OH – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is set to debut RendeZOO, an all-new, annual fundraising event, premiering on May 17, 2025. Each year, RendeZOO will transport guests into an extraordinary themed experience, with 2025’s inaugural event embracing a “Wickedly”-fun evening. Whether guests favor pink or green, arrive by bubble or broom, or simply seek an enchanting night out, this adults-only (21+) event features music, laughter, and a touch of magic—all for a “Wild Evening For Good” in support of the Zoo’s mission.
With an exciting blend of live entertainment, delicious fare, and more, RendeZOO, presented by Fifth Third Bank, is sure to be popular, offering guests an unforgettable way to experience the Zoo after dark. Along the way, attendees can enjoy:
- Live music
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Surprise animal encounters with the Zoo’s Wild Encounters team
- Live magic and comedy performances
- Breathtaking art throughout the Zoo
- Defying gravity on select Zoo rides for more fun under the stars
- A VIP Experience That’s Over the Rainbow
For those looking for a truly elevated experience, a limited number of VIP tickets are available, granting exclusive access to a pre-event reception at the Zoo’s Adventure Cove region. VIP guests will be treated to:
- A private sea lion training presentation
- Up-close animal encounters
- A customized food and drink menu
- Live entertainment by Honey and Blue
- Reserved seating in the ZooDust Ballroom at Water’s Edge and Ruby Lounge at Lakeside Pavilion for live music and comedy throughout the evening
No Need to Click Your Heels—Tickets Are On Sale Now!
- Guests can take advantage of an early bird special on Ruby Guild General Admission tickets, available through March 2, 2025.
- Ruby Guild – General Admission: $135 (Early Bird, available through March 2) | $150 (March 3 – May 17)
- Emerald Circle – VIP Experience: $500 (Limited availability)
Early reservations are encouraged before tickets melt away like a wicked witch in water. Tickets can be purchased at www.columbuszoo.org/rendezoo.
A Night of Fun With a Purpose
The evening promises to be a night of fun and celebration, and RendeZOO serves an important cause. From protecting lions, tigers, and bears to conserving numerous other species both locally and globally, the Zoo’s commitment to wildlife has a wide-reaching impact. By attending RendeZOO, guests are directly supporting the Zoo’s mission, ensuring exceptional care for its animals, enhancing world-class experiences for guests, and furthering vital global conservation efforts.
“We are always looking for new and exciting ways to engage with our guests, and RendeZOO is a perfect example of that,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Senior Vice President of External Affairs Brian Harman. “This event is all about having fun while enjoying a ‘Wild Evening For Good’—bringing people together for an exciting evening while supporting the Columbus Zoo’s mission. With a fresh theme each year, RendeZOO will remind guests ‘There’s no place like the Columbus Zoo’ as they experience it like never before. We can’t wait to kick off this year’s event and celebrate with our community while together we make an impact for wildlife conservation.”
RendeZOO tickets are available for purchase on the Zoo’s website.
For more information about the Columbus Zoo’s events, conservation initiatives, educational programs, and more, follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
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About the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Home to more than 600 animal species from around the world, 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. For more information, please visit ColumbusZoo.org.
