During the roaring 1920s, the Columbus City Mayor and a group of influential leaders embarked on a journey to St. Louis with the primary aim of studying the city's water system.
Little did they know that this trip would inspire them in an entirely different way.
While in St. Louis, they made a visit to the local zoo, where they witnessed the sheer delight of children as they watched monkeys play. This experience ignited a shared vision among the group: the need for a similar establishment in their own city, Columbus.
Thus, the seed of what would become the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sown during that momentous trip.
Since its doors opened in 1927, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been connecting people with extraordinary wildlife from across the globe. Over the years, we have not only evolved into one of the nation's preeminent zoological institutions but also remained steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding wildlife and their natural habitats.
Our unwavering dedication to our mission, encapsulated in the motto Empowering People. Saving Wildlife., has propelled us from being a small Ohio zoo to achieving international recognition as the renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Today, the Zoo warmly welcomes more than 2.2 million visitors annually. Our team of experts provides exceptional care for over 10,000 animals spanning 600 different species, and we actively support more than 75 conservation initiatives in over 20 countries worldwide.
As we approach the momentous occasion of our 100th anniversary in 2027, we find ourselves invigorated to think boldly and chart an ambitious course for the next century of our journey.
