POWELL, Ohio – Today, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Velvet Ice Cream announced an exclusive partnership that will make Utica, Ohio-based Velvet the Zoo’s official ice cream provider for hand-dipped ice cream. The three-year partnership also makes Velvet the presenting partner for the birthday party program held at the Zoo as well as the Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights event series.
“As we round out July—National Ice Cream Month—it is only fitting that we announce our partnership with Velvet Ice Cream, an iconic Central Ohio brand. We’ve enjoyed Velvet Ice Cream having a presence at our property for over 25 years and it is wonderful to continue this partnership as we both focus on family fun and shared special moments,” said Tom Schmid, President/CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay.
The hand-dipped ice cream will be available at four locations (Village Ice Cream, Funnel Cake Shoppe, Africa Treats, and Hurricane Heather's Ice Cream) scattered throughout the nearly 600-acre Zoo and Zoombezi Bay properties. Visitors will be able to select from classic Velvet flavors like Buckeye Classic, Dutch Chocolate, and Cookies n Cream.
“When I think of both the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Velvet Ice Cream, the word that immediately comes to mind is family,” said Velvet CEO Luconda Dager. “Both of our organizations take great pride in making lasting memories and traditions for people of all ages and we could not be more proud to partner with the Zoo over the next three years and hopefully many more to come.”
As part of the agreement, the Zoo and Velvet will be running a joint social media campaign highlighting birthday party options and offering a lucky follower a free birthday party for up to 30 people.
Zoombezi Bay guests also have the opportunity to experience the last Summer Nights event of the season this Friday, July 29! Presented by Velvet Ice Cream, this event provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy extended park hours. Select attractions will remain open while a family-friendly Dive-In Movie (including “Frozen 2” this Friday!) plays on the jumbo screen at the Wild Tides Wave Pool until 10 p.m.
For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events, and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and visit us at ColumbusZoo.org.
For more information about Velvet Ice Cream, visit velveticecream.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram accounts.
About Velvet Ice Cream
Velvet Ice Cream has been a tradition in central Ohio and a part of the Dager family since 1914. Family-owned and operated for four generations, Velvet Ice Cream never compromises its recipes, traditions and values using the finest ingredients and locally sourced cream. Velvet Ice Cream annually distributes over 5 million gallons of premium craft ice cream in 30 flavors as well as All-Natural ice cream, ice cream sandwiches, party cups and sherbets. Ye Olde Mill, originally built in 1817, is home to Velvet’s corporate office and a turn of the century ice cream parlor which welcomes over 150,000 visitors per year.
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 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 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.
About Zoombezi Bay
Zoombezi Bay is a 22.7-acre water park that features 19 state-of-the-art water attractions, including the aquatic adventure area, Otter Banks; themed water slide, SoundSurfer; the multi-level play structure, Baboon Lagoon; a wave pool; an action river; a lazy river; a kiddie play pool and more. During the regular summer season, admission to Zoombezi Bay includes the Columbus Zoo, and proceeds from the water park support the Zoo’s operation and mission. Please visit www.zoombezibay.com for more information.
