Zoombezi Bay Announces World's First Conservation Tower Water Park Attraction

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Powell, OH – Zoombezi Bay is proud to announce the first installation of its kind coming in 2025. This exciting addition will feature three groundbreaking attractions, including one that is the first in the Midwest and two that are making their world premiere!

Conservation Tower is more than just an exciting multi-slide attraction—it embodies Zoombezi Bay’s commitment as a water park with a purpose. As the only water park connected to a world-class zoo, Zoombezi Bay ensures that every visit supports the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s mission of “Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.” Designed by ProSlide, a global leader in water ride innovations, Conservation Tower is a groundbreaking addition that blends family fun and adrenaline-pumping adventure with a meaningful cause. Each of its three slides—The Hive, Captina Falls, and Mussel Mayhem—is named in honor of one of the Columbus Zoo’s impactful local conservation efforts, offering guests a thrilling and inspiring way to make a difference with every splash.

Triple the Excitement: Two World Firsts and a First in the Midwest!

THE HIVE

There’s a lot of buzz around this waterslide, which cannot be found anywhere else on the planet!

On The Hive, guests will experience extreme positive G-forces while flying on a two-person tube through 720-degree helixes in two massive beehives, complete with translucent effects and a hollow spiral enclosure that is open to the sky. (Guests must be 42” with a supervising companion or 48” to ride alone.)

CAPTINA FALLS

Not to be outdone by the thrill of The Hive, Captina Falls—the second attraction opening as part of Zoombezi Bay’s Conservation Tower—will also make its debut as a never-before-experienced adventure.

Starting 51 feet in the air, Captina Falls lets two guests race one another on a mat head-first to the bottom through enclosed tubes, rally points, and high speed turns on the only RallyRACER with FlyingSAUCER 8s in the world! There’s even a racing timer so guests can compete for the best times and see who wins! (Guests must be 42” to ride.)

MUSSEL MAYHEM

Not only will it be one of the longest waterslides at Zoombezi Bay, but Mussel Mayhem introduces a groundbreaking adventure never seen before in the Midwest! Mussel Mayhem offers guests the chance to experience two halfpipe cutbacks and two funnel elements for one of the most disorienting and exciting rides. And, to top it off, guests ride in unique two-person rafts while facing one another! (Guests must be 42” with a supervising companion or 48” to ride alone.)

“At ProSlide, we’re driven to deliver water ride experiences that leave a lasting impression, and our collaboration with Zoombezi Bay to bring The Hive, Mussel Mayhem, and Captina Falls to life is an example of that vision,” said Jeffrey Janovich, ProSlide SVP, Global Strategic Partnerhsips. “These rides push the boundaries of innovation and fun, offering guests world-first thrills and unforgettable moments. We’re proud to partner with Zoombezi Bay to help realize their vision!”
“We couldn’t be more excited for Conservation Tower to debut at Zoombezi Bay next summer,” said Vice President of Zoombezi Bay Anthony Sabo. “We are committed to bringing Central Ohio new, world-class experiences, and this groundbreaking complex is unlike anything else in the region—or the world. Each waterslide tells a unique story about the Columbus Zoo’s conservation efforts, starting with The Hive, the first-ever slide featuring dual helixes through towering beehives. Only at Zoombezi Bay can guests enjoy one-of-a-kind adventures while supporting vital local and global conservation efforts.”

Water Park With a Purpose: A Conservation Connection

At Zoombezi Bay, thrills are combined with a commitment to protect and celebrate biodiversity. Each of these new attractions offers not only fun but also an inspiring glimpse into conservation efforts that make a difference.

The Hive

This attraction celebrates the Columbus Zoo’s and The Wilds’ on-grounds efforts with partners to support pollinator gardens and native prairie growth. Since 2021, the Zoo has added more than 11 acres of prairie filled with up to 40 different grass and wildflower varieties native to Ohio.

Pollinators like bees and butterflies are vital for the reproduction of nearly 80% of crop plants but face threats from habitat loss and pesticides.
The positive impact of pollinator gardens extends beyond the Zoo—Smaller pollinator gardens are also located throughout Zoombezi Bay, providing guests a chance to experience these conservation efforts firsthand!

Captina Falls

This new waterslide honors Captina Creek, a vital waterway in Ohio, and its role in conserving the endangered eastern hellbender, North America’s largest amphibian.

The Ohio Hellbender Partnership, which includes the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and other partners, works to restore hellbender populations by collecting eggs, hand-rearing hatchlings, and releasing them into their native habitats, including Captina Creek.
In 2025, the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and Zoombezi Bay will expand their efforts throughout their parks with new and unique hellbender-themed projects, including:
- The Zoo’s Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation within the North America Trek region set to open in Spring 2025
- The Wilds’ Hellbender RV Campground, expanding accommodations at this conservation facility beginning in June 2025
- And, of course, Zoombezi Bay’s Captina Falls!

Mussel Mayhem

This thrilling adventure highlights the importance of freshwater mussels, the unsung heroes of our river ecosystems.

Freshwater mussels play a critical role in maintaining healthy waterways, yet freshwater mussels are North America’s most endangered group of animals.
The Watters Aquatic Conservation Center, located across the Scioto River from Zoombezi Bay and supported by the Columbus Zoo, the City of Columbus, The Ohio State University, and the Ohio Division of Wildlife, works to protect these vital species and restore their habitats.

Season Passes Now Available!

Guests don’t have to wait to prepare for the excitement of summer 2025! Zoombezi Bay Season Passes are on sale now at the lowest prices of the season, offering access to the park’s newest attractions, like Conservation Tower, as well as many other fan favorites. Season Passes can be purchased online and also make a great gift for the holidays!

For additional updates about Conservation Tower and Zoombezi Bay’s other attractions, events and more, visit the water park’s website, and follow Zoombezi Bay on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

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About Zoombezi Bay, A Waterpark with a Purpose

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; the Pelican Point interactive water playground for the youngest guests; a wave pool; an action river; a lazy river; 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 ZoombeziBay.com for more information.

About ProSlide

ProSlide, a global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, has been creating state-of-the-art water rides for the world’s best water parks since 1986. With a passionate customer-centric culture and the highest standards in performance, quality, design, and engineering, ProSlide water rides are built to last for lasting memories. Learn more at www.proslide.com.