June 5, 201411 yr Zoo turns back on Downtown attraction and permanent levy By Kathy Lynn Gray, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, June 4, 2014 - 4:05 PM The president of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium said this afternoon that the zoo will not build a Downtown attraction and will not ask voters for a permanent tax levy. “We heard the voters loud and clear,” Tom Stalf wrote in an unsolicited email to The Dispatch. “They didn’t want a Downtown zoo campus so there won’t be one.” He went on to say that the zoo won’t need a permanent levy if it doesn’t build a Downtown zoo and that the next levy request would be less than 1.25 mills. Only 30 percent of Franklin County voters supported the zoo’s permanent 1.25-mill property tax on the May 6 ballot. Opponents said the proposed Downtown zoo was unnecessary. Many said they preferred time-limited levies, such as the current 10-year 0.75-mill tax that Franklin County property owners pay. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2014/06/04/no-downtown-zoo.html
July 23, 201410 yr Article link and excerpt from ThisWeekNews about the May 6 loss at the polls for the zoo levy. There has been more articles and discussion about the zoo levy HERE in the Scioto Peninsula development thread due to the downtown zoo component: Zoo officials to regroup, reach out after levy loss By GARY SEMAN JR., THIS WEEK NEWS Tuesday, May 13, 2014 - 10:30 AM Over the next several months, officials with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will regroup and assess the lopsided loss of Issue 6, the 1.25-mill levy that was trounced at the polls May 6. Phil Pikelny, chairman of the board, said it was a stinging rebuke by the public, which defeated the issue 92,218 votes (70.32 percent) to 38,914 votes (29.68 percent), according to final but unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections. (. . .) Franklin County voters have supported zoo levies since 1985. But this time it was different: The proposed Downtown Adventure, a satellite zoo on the Scioto Peninsula, stole the lion's share of attention during the campaign. The 50,000-square-foot facility, estimated to cost between $50 million and $65 million, gave an opposition group plenty of rock-solid talking points about a "third zoo" and doubling of zoo property taxes. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/northland/news/2014/05/12/zoo-officials-to-regroup-reach-out-after-levy-loss.html Following the big defeat of an ambitious levy request in May, the Zoo's Board of Directors has decided to give it a bit more time before returning to the polls. That means, no zoo levy on the November ballot. The zoo levy will likely return to the ballot in early 2015 with a scaled-back request to the Franklin County voters - likely a renewal request for the main zoo and its existing operations, such as The Wilds in Muskingum County. More about this from WOSU at http://wosu.org/2012/news/2014/07/09/zoo-wont-try-levy-proposal-november-ballot/.
September 19, 201410 yr There seems to be a baby boom at the Columbus Zoo. In June, Red Panda triplets were born. In August, an Indian Rhino. Now, this month, an endangered Bonobo Ape and a rare Dama Gazelle. http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-zoo-celebrating-new-babies
July 20, 20159 yr The Zoo is returning with a renewal levy in November 2015: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2015/06/17/columbus-zoo-sharpens-focus-to-return-to-voters.html http://www.columbusunderground.com/zoo-ceo-emphasizes-levy-renewal-is-not-an-increase-jb1
October 28, 20159 yr Loss in ’14 has Columbus Zoo asking less of voters this time By Encarnacion Pyle, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, October 28, 2015 - 5:41 AM After last year’s crushing defeat at the ballot box, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it wants Franklin County voters to rest assured that it got the message. “We heard loud and clear that our community loves its zoo but did not love our previous proposal, and we apologize for that,” said Tom Stalf, the zoo’s president and chief executive officer. So instead of focusing on making the zoo bigger — with a new Downtown campus, increased taxes and a permanent levy — officials say that this proposal on Tuesday’s ballot is focused on keeping the zoo that “everyone already knows” great at no extra cost. “All we’re asking for in this levy is to renew what we already have,” Stalf said. The zoo is no longer interested in adding a location, he said. And no tax-issue money has been or will be used on the adjacent Zoombezi Bay water park, The Wilds in Muskingum County or the Safari Golf Course. Most important, the 10-year, 0.75-mill levy would not increase taxes, Stalf said. The tax would continue to cost Franklin County homeowners $21 a year per $100,000 of property value, and it would bring in about $18.9 million a year, a quarter of the zoo’s annual budget. The zoo is in Delaware County, but state law bars zoos from asking for a multi-county tax levy. Any property-tax request is limited to the county that operates or contracts with the zoo, which for the Columbus Zoo is Franklin County. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/10/28/loss-in-14-has-zoo-asking-less-of-voters.html
November 4, 20159 yr The Zoo's 10-year renewal levy was approved by 76 percent of voters: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/public/2015/election/zoo-levy.html
December 23, 20159 yr Colo celebrated her 59th birthday at the Columbus Zoo yesterday. Colo was the first gorilla born at a zoo and is now the oldest gorilla ever to live in a zoo: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/12/22/zoo-gorilla-turns-59.html
February 9, 20169 yr Baby time at the Columbus Zoo: http://www.columbusunderground.com/first-babies-of-2016-two-langurs-columbus-zoo-babies Two silvered leaf langurs were born recently. One on December 1st and another on January 11th.
February 9, 20169 yr And eight beaded lizards have hatched at the Reptile House: http://www.columbusunderground.com/beaded-lizards-hatched-at-columbus-zoo
February 9, 20169 yr But the rarest (and most photogenic) of the recent births was a female polar bear cub born on November 6, 2015. This cub was the survivor of two cubs born to mother bear Aurora, one of three other adult polar bears at Zoo: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-zoo-officials-make-decision-to-hand-rear-polar-bear-cub
February 9, 20169 yr After taking over the care of the female polar bear cub, the 3-month-old cub began to take her first steps:
May 24, 20169 yr So much to catch up on about Nora the polar bear cub born on November 6, 2015 at the Columbus Zoo:
May 24, 20169 yr Happy half birthday to Nora this month (who now weighs 100 pounds!) and a longer video about Nora's zoo life - from birth to six months old:
August 10, 20168 yr Baby polar bear Nora will move from Columbus Zoo to Oregon next month By Josh Wright, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, August 10, 2016 - 2:45 PM If you haven't made it to the Columbus Zoo to see Nora, the baby polar bear born there last fall, your time is running short. The zoo announced today that Nora will move to the Oregon Zoo to join another polar bear. Nora's last day on display will be Labor Day, Sept. 5. She's available for viewings from about 9 to 10:30 a.m. daily. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/public/2016/nora-polar-bear-moving.html
August 12, 20168 yr Zoo employees know Nora has to leave, but 'our hearts are broken' By Ken Gordon, The Columbus Dispatch Thursday, August 11, 2016 - 4:17 PM Rarely has a success story at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium caused so much sadness. The zoo announced on Wednesday that Nora, a polar bear born there in November, will move next month to the Oregon Zoo in Portland. She will remain on public display through Sept. 5. Zoo officials knew all along the relocation was coming: It is part of a master plan among North American zoos to help ensure the survival of her species, which is endangered. The Columbus Zoo is one of 233 members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. To be accredited by the group, facilities must agree to participate in Species Survival Plans. Such plans determine how best to ensure a healthy and genetically diverse population. To do that, zoos constantly are welcoming and saying goodbye to animals. The Columbus Zoo has been the frequent beneficiary of such plans, including with the addition last year of a male Amur tiger, Jupiter, from the Czech Republic. Jupiter fathered three cubs, born in March. ( . . . ) In Nora’s case, the move was precipitated by the possible pregnancy of Nora’s mother, Aurora, and aunt, Anana. If either is pregnant, the expectant mother will need peace and quiet in the months leading up to the birth. Zoo officials want Nora to begin socializing with other bears (she remains separated), but being around a rambunctious toddler wouldn't be ideal for Aurora and Anana. The Special Survival Plan committee chose Oregon as Nora’s destination because one of that zoo’s two polar bears died last month. The remaining bear, Tasul — a friendly, older female — is considered a good match for Nora. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/08/11/zoo-employees-our-hearts-are-broken-that-nora-is-leaving.html
December 27, 20168 yr On December 22 at the Columbus Zoo, Colo - the first gorilla born in captivity and the oldest gorilla in captivity - turned 60. Colo was born 60 years ago on December 22, 1956 at the Columbus Zoo. Colo is also likely the oldest gorilla in the world. In the wild, a Western lowland gorilla's lifespan averages around 35 years: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/2016/12/22/1-colos-60th-birthday-cause-for-celebration-today-at-zoo.html
January 17, 20178 yr Columbus Zoo mourns loss of Colo, world’s oldest zoo gorilla She was 60. Colo, the first gorilla born in a zoo, and who just celebrated her 60th birthday on December 22, 2016, died overnight in her sleep. “Colo touched the hearts of generations of people who came to see her and those that cared for her over her long lifetime,” said Tom Stalf, president and CEO in a statement. ”She was an ambassador for gorillas and inspired people to learn more about the critically endangered species and motivated them to protect gorillas in their native habitat.” More below: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-zoo-mourns-loss-of-colo-worlds-oldest-zoo-gorilla "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
February 21, 20178 yr A tribute to the Columbus Zoo's late gorilla matriarch, Colo, from the author of the book, "Gorillas in Our Midst: The Story of the Columbus Zoo Gorillas". In that book, Colo was called "the ultimate survivor" because she defied death several times during the longest life ever lived by a gorilla: http://www.columbusmonthly.com/lifestyle/20170118/colo-was-ultimate-survivor
February 21, 20178 yr Beautiful day, free admission lead to record crowd at Columbus Zoo By Alissa Widman Neese, The Columbus Dispatch Updated: February 20, 2017 - 6:46 PM Free admission for Presidents Day and unusually balmy weather led to record-breaking attendance at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Monday. The final tally was 63,910 visitors. The record had been 37,459 visitors on Dec. 10, 2015, another surprisingly warm day that featured Wildlights and Jack Hanna's Home for the Holidays event. Monday's unexpected turnout caused a zoo of another sort on nearby roads, where traffic was at a standstill for several hours. Inside the zoo, it was all hands on deck for any employee available to help park cars or run concession stands. ( . . . ) Monday's operating hours were 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but guests were permitted to stay past closing time to avoid further traffic problems and because many didn't get inside until late in the afternoon. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170220/beautiful-day-free-admission-lead-to-record-crowd-at-columbus-zoo
April 30, 20178 yr Recap of some of the births at the Columbus Zoo last year: - http://www.columbusunderground.com/zoo-babies-three-amur-tiger-cubs-born - http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/10/02/columbus-zoo-welcomes-new-baby-gorilla.html The Zoo also took in four baby manatees from Florida last year: - http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/11/06/1106-manatees-coming-to-zoo.html But two sets of polar bear births that occurred within one week of each other in November 2016 is garnering the most attention: - http://www.columbusunderground.com/two-polar-bear-cubs-born-at-the-columbus-zoo-babies - http://www.columbusunderground.com/more-polar-bear-cubs-born-at-columbus-zoo-and-aquarium
April 30, 20178 yr The first polar bear birth occurred when Anana gave birth to twin cubs on November 8, 2016. Unfortunately, one of Anana’s cubs did not survive. The surviving female cub made her public debut with her mother on April 19: VIDEOS: https://www.10tv.com/article/polar-bear-cub-make-public-debut-columbus-zoo-wednesday
April 30, 20178 yr Anana’s sister, Aurora, also gave birth to twin cubs on November 14, 2016. Previously, Aurora gave birth to Nora on November 6, 2015. Zoo officials had to hand rear Nora when at six days old after Aurora stopped caring for her. (Nora has since grown up and been moved to the Oregon Zoo) This time Aurora is caring for her two cubs - one male and one female. Aurora's two cubs made their public debut one day after the debut of Anana's female cub: VIDEOS: https://www.10tv.com/article/twin-polar-bear-cubs-debut-columbus-zoo-thursday
April 30, 20178 yr Unfortunately, there was some sad polar bear news at the end of April, when the Columbus Zoo announced the death of 29-year-old male polar bear, Nanuq. Nanuq was the father of Nora (who now lives at the Oregon Zoo) and the three polar bear cubs who were born at the Columbus Zoo in November 2016. At 29, Nanuq surpassed the 20.7-year life expectancy for male polar bears in a North American zoo: https://www.10tv.com/article/columbus-zoo-announces-death-polar-bear-nanuq
June 16, 20177 yr What a sad information! Isn't it too early for a polar bear? I think they should live longer!
June 18, 20177 yr Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to Add Sea Lion Habitat Soon, you won’t have to visit San Francisco to experience the fun of barking sea lions. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is expanding and adding a brand new sea lion habitat, set to open in 2019. The habitat is expected to fit into the existing footprint of the zoo and ground is planned to be broken this fall. More below: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-zoo-and-aquarium-to-add-sea-lion-habitat "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
August 5, 20186 yr Nat Geo Wild is airing a series on Sundays at 9 p.m. that gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Columbus Zoo. The series started last Sunday (i should've posted it then - but better late than never) and runs through August 26: https://www.columbusnavigator.com/nat-geo-wild-columbus-zoo-tv-show/ http://www.thisweeknews.com/entertainmentlife/20180724/tv-miniseries-takes-up-close-look-at-columbus-zoo
August 5, 20186 yr Promo video for the Nat Geo Wild series about the Columbus Zoo: (Warning: If you don't want to see an elephant pooping on zoo workers, don't watch from 0:10 to 0:13!) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGlucl2zkJI
August 5, 20186 yr Orangutan watching patrons watching him when we went to the Columbus Zoo last month. I tried to get a direct shot of his face casually looking at me but flash was on and got reflection off the glass gosh darn it. Girlfriend's daughter shot this photo.
November 3, 20195 yr Thing 2s youngest is here and watching the Columbus zoo show. They were just there last weekend. Hes pointing out the animals they saw, I didn't realize that the exhibits were so big or that many animals as I have been to the zoo in years. The cranes and ostriches are so beautiful.
December 20, 20195 yr Adventure Cove Opening at Columbus Zoo in Spring 2020 There will be some new faces at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium come spring. Construction is well underway on Adventure Cove, a new 4.1-acre region that will bring sea lions and seals to the zoo, as well as Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village. It’s the first time the Columbus Zoo will house harbor seals, and California sea lions will make their return after nearly 40 years, last housed at the zoo in the 1970s. The zoo is building out its largest aquatic habitat yet for the sea lions and seals, totaling 375,000 gallons. Although one large pool, the marine mammals will have three distinct areas to explore. Guests and pinnipeds will be transported to the Pacific Northwest, then onto the marina featuring a harbor and long deck – both areas ideal for marine mammal basking. A wave feature will provide enrichment for the creatures, while guests will get an underwater experience through a 60-foot long tunnel, 20 feet of it featuring an acrylic floor for 360 degree marine mammal viewing. More below: https://www.columbusunderground.com/adventure-cove-opening-at-columbus-zoo-in-spring-2020-sp1 "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 12, 20205 yr If you're looking for some better news, there's nothing like zoo babies: First, Aurora and her new cub: https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/fb2fod/aurora_and_her_new_cub_at_the_columbus_zoo/
March 12, 20205 yr Then, photos of two cheetah cubs born through in vitro fertilization. The cubs are the first-ever born via the in vitro process: https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus-zoo-releases-new-photos-of-cheetah-cubs-born-through-in-vitro-fertilization/
March 12, 20205 yr ^^ How can the polar bear and cheetah babies look so cute and cuddly when I know they are going to grow into master predators? lol. I think both are endangered ? . There is not going to be any Arctic ice left for polar bears to hunt seals from. Even Aurora looks docile in her photo ...and we all know she could rip us to shreds in seconds. Edited March 12, 20205 yr by Toddguy
March 14, 20205 yr Coronavirus: Columbus Zoo to close indoor facilities but keep outdoor habitats open The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Friday that it has temporarily closed and canceled most of its indoor facilities, ride, events, tours and programs to contain the spread of coronavirus. However, most of the outdoor animal habitats will remain open, and some food and beverage offerings will be available on a limited basis. The indoor facility closures will take place beginning Saturday and continue through at least April 6, according to the zoo. MORE: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/03/13/coronavirus-columbus-zoo-to-close-indoor.html
March 14, 20205 yr On 3/12/2020 at 2:26 PM, Toddguy said: ^^ How can the polar bear and cheetah babies look so cute and cuddly when I know they are going to grow into master predators? lol. I think both are endangered ? . There is not going to be any Arctic ice left for polar bears to hunt seals from. Even Aurora looks docile in her photo ...and we all know she could rip us to shreds in seconds. I'm guessing you're a vegetarian? Anyone who eats meat is no different than those adorable animals. They just happen to be bigger so they need to eat more and feed their babies more.
March 14, 20205 yr 8 hours ago, jjames0408 said: I'm guessing you're a vegetarian? Anyone who eats meat is no different than those adorable animals. They just happen to be bigger so they need to eat more and feed their babies more. well I think they are cuter than people, and also more dangerous on their own-given a one on one as an adult against a human without a weapon. They would tear us apart if we are unarmed. I am very different from them-without a serious weapon they are above me in the food chain. You as well I expect. Would you be willing to go up against a cheetah or a polar bear sans a weapon? I am also no vegetarian and I have no clue of why you brought that up...did your read more into my innocent little post than was there? Edited March 14, 20205 yr by Toddguy
March 18, 20205 yr On 3/13/2020 at 10:26 PM, Columbo said: Coronavirus: Columbus Zoo to close indoor facilities but keep outdoor habitats open The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Friday that it has temporarily closed and canceled most of its indoor facilities, ride, events, tours and programs to contain the spread of coronavirus. However, most of the outdoor animal habitats will remain open, and some food and beverage offerings will be available on a limited basis. The indoor facility closures will take place beginning Saturday and continue through at least April 6, according to the zoo. MORE: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/03/13/coronavirus-columbus-zoo-to-close-indoor.html The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will close temporarily effective Monday in response to coronavirus concerns. https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200315/coronavirus-columbus-zoo-to-close-beginning-monday
April 9, 20205 yr Work Continues on New Region at the Columbus Zoo The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is getting ready for some new residents. While the zoo is closed to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic, construction is still underway on the zoo’s newest exhibits – Adventure Cove and Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village. “We have animals that we need to get over to the Columbus Zoo so we feel this is an essential area that needs to be finished,” says Columbus Zoo President & CEO Tom Stalf. The sea lions and seals that will inhabit Adventure Cove have lived at a satellite facility in Florida for the last two to three years. Stalf says once they have the green light, they will drive the animals up to Columbus. More below: https://www.columbusunderground.com/work-continues-on-new-exhibit-at-the-columbus-zoo-sp1 "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
April 27, 20205 yr https://www.columbusnavigator.com/columbus-zoo-baby-lowland-gorilla/ On Wednesday, April 15, lowland gorillas Cassie and first-time dad Ktembe had their adorable baby, Jamani. The Zoo’s team of animal care experts are monitoring the new gorilla family and they say that Cassie is providing excellent care. Jamani is the 33rd gorilla to be born at the Columbus Zoo, where history was made in 1956 with Colo, the first gorilla to be born in human care. Colo made history again as she lived to be 60 years old—the oldest gorilla in human care at that time. Colo passed away in 2017, but her legacy lives on, through her “great-granddaughter” Jamani and many other offspring.
June 5, 20205 yr On 3/18/2020 at 6:04 PM, Columbo said: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will close temporarily effective Monday in response to coronavirus concerns. https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200315/coronavirus-columbus-zoo-to-close-beginning-monday Columbus Zoo and Aquarium sets reopening date The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will reopen next week after being closed for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic. From June 12-14, the zoo will be open to members. It will be open to the public starting June 15. Gov. Mike DeWine announced Thursday that Ohio zoos, along with several other entertainment venues, could reopen starting June 10. MORE: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/06/05/heres-when-columbus-zoo-and-aquarium-will-reopen.html
June 11, 20205 yr Jack Hanna plans to retire from Columbus Zoo https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200611/jack-hanna-plans-to-retire-from-columbus-zoo Jack Hanna, who was hired almost 42 years ago as director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is officially retiring at the end of this year. Hanna, 73, father of three and grandfather of six, will keep the zoo’s director emeritus title he has had since 1992. Hanna’s love for animals, charm and work as a television personality has made him one of the world’s most recognizable wildlife ambassadors and conservationists.
July 3, 20204 yr Columbus Zoo welcomes giraffe, 4 other baby animals The last month has been a quite a baby boom for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which announced births of three endangered species Tuesday: a giraffe, a siamang and a pair of red pandas. The Masai giraffe, born Sunday, is the zoo’s first calf since two died in 2018. The zoo also welcomed a sea lion pup, the first ever to be born at the facility. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200630/columbus-zoo-welcomes-giraffe-4-other-baby-animals
July 11, 20204 yr Adventure Cove Opens at the Columbus Zoo The day has finally come — when the new Adventure Cove opens as well as Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village exhibit at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. The exhibits opened Friday, July 10. The zoo’s first new region since 2014, construction began in 2017. More details were announced last fall, however the coronavirus pandemic slowed construction down in the last several months. More below: https://www.columbusunderground.com/photos-adventure-cove-opens-at-the-columbus-zoo-tm1 "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 27, 20204 yr https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/mountain-lion-cubs-coming-to-the-columbus-zoo/ https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/lifestyle/nature-wildlife/2020/11/17/mountain-lion-cubs-rescued-california-wildfires-coming-columbus-zoo/6323051002/ Three orphaned mountain lion clubs rescued from the devastating wildfires in northern California will soon find a new home at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The group includes Captain Cal, a cub whose recovery story has drawn national attention. He was named by the California firefighters who found him severely burned and limping down a burned-out road in late September. He suffered serious injuries to the pads of his paws. A team at the Oakland Zoo's veterinary hospital rehabilitated him with around-the-clock care and he is now fully recovered. Captain Cal and two female cubs, who joined him in late October in Oakland, will arrive in Columbus within the next few weeks. The female cubs aren't named yet, but the Columbus Zoo will choose names soon. They were rescued in August but did not suffer burns.
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