Powell, OH — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is pleased to announce the opening of the new Suzie Edwards Conservation Education Classrooms. Enriching the lives of Central Ohio children has always been integral to the Zoo’s mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. As the Zoo has expanded, so did the need for dedicated education classrooms and expanded programming. And in 2017, Suzie Edwards, a former teacher, key Zoo supporter and lifelong advocate for children, made this dream a reality.
Suzie has incredible passion for children, education and our planet. Not only did Suzie’s transformational gift to the Connecting People & Wildlife Campaign create the opportunity to construct the building, she personally played a key role in the vision and feel.
Appropriately named the Suzie Edwards Conservation Education Classrooms, this new 7,913-square-foot, single-story building is located at the Zoo’s main entrance. This location allows easy access for program participants and families.
“I have such love and respect for our Zoo, its dedicated staff and especially its life-changing educational programs. Jack Hanna, director emeritus of our Zoo, especially has deeply impacted me. He has spent his entire career inspiring people all over the world to appreciate the natural world and to learn about these incredible species. This is the foundation of the Zoo and the legacy that continues. Helping to transform the Zoo’s learning options has been an honor. I simply want to make sure the Zoo can continue to enrich the lives of children now and into the future with our building,” said Edwards.
Natural lighting, numerous windows and bright, fun colors were critical to make this a welcoming space. Guests of all ages and abilities benefit from the flexible building design and accessibility features. The space includes a calming room for program participants who experience sensory challenges, as well as an assistive listening system.
The Conservation Education team will use this space to inspire the community to take action for wildlife. Sustainability initiatives allow educators to provide clear examples of how every individual can make a difference. Approximately 90% of the building’s energy will be offset by 165 roof-top solar panels, and staff are committed to ensuring programs in the classrooms are zero-waste.
"This is more than just a building for children to learn and grow; education and conservation are at the core of our mission. We want to stimulate young minds to learn about animals and wildlife conservation. We want people of all ages to learn the importance of protecting our environment and preserving wildlife. Suzie's gift will make this possible," said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Interim President/CEO Jerry Borin.
To learn more about the programs in the Suzie Edwards Classroom Building or how to make a personal impact on the future of wildlife and wild places, please visit the Zoo’s website.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo’s educational programs, events, animals and more, be sure to also follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, 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 and inspires by connecting people and wildlife. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Course. 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 regional attraction with global impact, annually contributing privately raised funds to support conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating.
