The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is deeply committed to conservation efforts, both locally and globally, with a focus on rescue and protection, conservation science, restoring habitats, and community empowerment and education. The zoo supports 75 conservation projects and organizations in 24+ countries, investing millions of dollars and countless hours to find real solutions to conservation challenges.
Coral Reef Restoration: The Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project
One of the zoo’s key conservation initiatives is the Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project, which aims to save the critically endangered coral populations in Florida. The project involves collecting and propagating coral fragments from healthy reef areas, then transplanting them to degraded reef sites to help restore the ecosystem. This innovative approach is crucial for preserving the biodiversity and ecological functions of the Florida Reef Tract, the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.
Protecting Great Apes: The Goualougo Triangle Ape Project
The Columbus Zoo also supports the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project, dedicated to the conservation of gorillas and chimpanzees in the Congo. This project focuses on studying the behavior and ecology of these great apes, as well as working with local communities to develop sustainable land-use practices and combat illegal poaching and habitat destruction.
Freshwater Mussel Conservation: The Freshwater Mussel Facility
In addition to these projects, the zoo operates the Freshwater Mussel Facility, which is a leader in freshwater mussel conservation, breeding, and reintroduction. Freshwater mussels are crucial to the health of aquatic ecosystems, but they are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the world. The zoo’s facility works to propagate and reintroduce rare and endangered mussel species to their native habitats, helping to restore these vital components of aquatic food webs.
Local Conservation Efforts: The Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation
The zoo’s commitment to conservation extends beyond its gates, with teams working on scientific research projects focused on animal health, wellbeing, conservation, and habitat ecology. One of the zoo’s local initiatives is the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, an ambitious project that aims to provide a state-of-the-art facility for research and educational activities within the heart of the Zoo’s North America Trek region. This project will elevate awareness of the incredible local wildlife conservation work being done in Ohio and the surrounding region.
Supporting Conservation Worldwide: The Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund
Visitors can support the zoo’s conservation efforts by donating to the Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund, which provides grants to conservation leaders in more than 40 countries, putting donations to work where they really matter – in the animals’ native ranges. This fund supports a wide range of projects, from protecting endangered species and restoring habitats to empowering local communities and advancing conservation science.
Visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
For those planning a visit, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, with tickets priced at $21.99 for adults, $14.99 for children (ages 3-9), and free for children under 3. The zoo also offers various membership options, providing unlimited admission, discounts, and other benefits.
During your visit, be sure to explore the zoo’s diverse exhibits and habitats, which showcase the incredible diversity of life on our planet. From the majestic gorillas and chimpanzees of the Congo to the vibrant coral reefs of Florida, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a testament to the importance of conservation and the power of human action to make a difference.