Top American Zoos – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Who doesn’t love Jack Hanna (seen here putting David Letterman in mortal danger)? From Good Morning America to the Late Show to what must have been countless appearances on Nickelodeon, my childhood is filled with happy memories of the nation’s favorite animal expert (pre-Steve Irwin), Jungle Jack Hanna.
Of course, at the time I just thought he was the funny animal dude on TV, and it wasn’t until much later that I realized how profound an effect he had on modern zoo keeping, principally with his work as longtime director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio.
From a smallish, under-funded, under-attended city zoo to a zoological institution beloved worldwide and attended by millions yearly, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has come along way to be one of the top American zoos, and the loving care of now director emeritus Jack Hanna had loads to do with it. During his tenure, the prestige and attendance of the Columbus Zoo skyrocketed as he implemented plans to make the place a leading example of modern zoo keeping. Among these plans was the removal of traditional cages in favor of realistic habitats and the installation of sound medicine and breeding practices.
Today the Columbus Zoo has nearly 7,000 animals and 700 species spread out into 8 humongous regions, a collection which includes a number of threatened, endangered and severely endangered species. The African Forest exhibit is especially popular as it is the home of Colo, the world’s first captive born gorilla and the oldest gorilla living in captivity today (she turns 52 this year!).
Although Jack Hanna no longer serves as director, the Columbus Zoo has continued its considerable expansion, today nearing resort proportions. Along with the zoo and aquarium, you can now visit Zoombezi Bay, a water park, Jungle Jack’s Landing, a traditional amusement park, and the 18-hole Safari Golf Club. Learn more here.
For Columbus hotels I like the Embassy Suites Columbus – Dublin. Two-room suites are great for traveling families, arguably the best audience for the zoo, and it’s only five miles out.
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John Said,
December 17, 2008 @ 4:45 pm
There is also a great water park just outside the zoo. While it’s only open in the summer months, its great for the older kids who seemed to only complain about the zoo. Also, for some great deals on other hotels in the Columbus area check out http://www.savoodle.com they have discounts for almost all the Columbus area hotels and restaurants.
Steven Said,
December 17, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Thanks for your comments, John. I know our readers will appreciate the additional information.
Pet Video Sharing Said,
January 23, 2009 @ 5:22 pm
Love your post!! Finally someone got it right!!! Would you mind if I put a blogroll link back to your post?
Steven Said,
September 14, 2009 @ 7:22 am
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