The Largest Zoo In The United States. Humans are drawn to other living creatures in their environment. Certain parts of the world have very specific animals, birds, and other living organisms. The best places to see these types of animals are at zoos. Which is perfect because there’s no place better to see all the different animals on earth than the largest zoo in the US?
There are many zoos in America that each have some sort of special feature. One zoo features a significant number of species, including endangered ones; this zoo is the largest zoo in the US. In this detailed article, you’ll learn about what makes this zoo so special and everything it has to offer!
The Largest Zoo In The United States
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the largest zoo in the US. It is home to many animals from around the world, such as koalas, pandas and tigers. But there are a few other zoos that can also claim this title: The Wilds, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Zoo Miami or Lion Country Safari. These are not traditional zoos and so this article will focus on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Table of Contents
History Of The Largest Zoo In The United States:
Columbus’s zoo has been home to land and marine animals in Ohio since 1927. The very first zoo, just referred to as “the zoo” in Columbus, was located in the old Beechwold Historical District.
It opened in May 1905 and closed for unknown reasons in October 1905. When the new Columbus Zoo started in 1927, it had only 21 acres of parkland near a riverfront. After much struggle, Harry P. Wolfe managed to buy various exotic animals and keep them at Franklin Park Conservatory; the first building housed tigers and lions and it was named the Columbus Municipal Zoo in 1937.
Area
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Ohio, a northern suburb of Columbus. The zoo covers an astounding 582 acres and claims to be the largest in America for good reason. Approximately 146 of those acres are designated for the zoo itself, with the remaining 420 acres being used for other exhibitions and recreational facilities.
Animals at Columbus Zoo And Aquarium
The purpose of going to a zoo is to connect with as many species as possible. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has plenty of animals from all over the world – more than 10,000 in total! For example, there are giraffes, red pandas, and many more unique animals at the zoo.
Special effort is made by the zoo to protect endangered animals. For example, black rattlesnakes and African leopards.
Programs offered by the zoo
The thrill of this zoo is the programs they offer to their visitors. By the time they leave, the visitors are so knowledgeable about the animals that live there, it’s almost like they know them personally. The zoo also offers summer camps for children to get a better understanding of the animals.
Recreational Facilities And Exhibits
The zoo has a number of exhibits, including a waterpark, an amusement park and even an 18-hole golf course. This way, every trip to the zoo is full of excitement.
Prominent Zoo Keeper Jack Hanna
Jack Hanna, director of Columbus Zoo, has appeared on various talk shows and animal-related programming to promote awareness about animals. He is also famous for having an animal show with Emmy-winning television show.
Columbus Zoo And Aquarium Fame
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the best-known zoos in the United States. Not only is it one of the largest, but it’s also famous because it has the largest coral reef in America. In addition to that, it holds a population of Florida manatees, which happen to be the largest member of aquatic mammals (an order named Sirenia).
Conservation And Education
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has partners around the world to help promote wildlife conservation. One of those partners is The Wilds, a safari and conservation center with ostriches, zebras, deer, bison, and a lot more animals.
Main Attractions at Columbus Zoo
Visitors are going to have a great time exploring the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Many of the most popular attractions include:
- Zoombezi Bay
Zoombezi Bay is a 22.7-acre water park at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with 17 slides and 6 amusement rides. Whether you have time for just one tour or multiple tours, you can enjoy a private cabana, stroll on dry rides at Jungle Jack’s Landing (if you don’t feel like getting in the water), a lunch, snack, or cold drink.
- 4-D Theater
The 4-D theater is a great place for families to enjoy thrilling and exciting movies in 8 to 12 minutes. With 4-D all your senses are engaged, you won’t want to miss it!
- Wildlights
Wildlights provides a fun activity for the entire family. There are animated light shows, millions of lights, and various animals from the zoo. You can also have an opportunity to tour with Santa!
Transportation Facility Inside Columbus Zoo:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, ranked as one of the best zoos in the world, has three modes of transportation besides walking. This includes a train, tram and even boat rides. However, no vehicles are allowed inside the zoo. Most people like that there are no cars inside. Vehicle exhaust could harm the zoo’s environment. So, to make sure they have the best living environment for their animals, Columbus Zoo has not allowed cars on their grounds.
Places To Go Inside The Columbus Zoo And Aquarium
Some Central Ohio families have already visited the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and liked it. Inside buildings like this, there are a variety of exhibits, like:
Alluring Areas In The Columbus Zoo
U.S. zoos typically have sections that represent different regions of the world. The old parts are more themed than the newer ones.
1. Adventure Cove:
One of the newest areas in the Columbus zoo is Adventure Cove, which was opened in 2020. It contains:
- Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounter Village
Adventure Cove is a lively part of the place where people get to connect with the wildlife. It’s one of the elements which are ever-changing, and greatly interactive.
- Pool For Harbor Seals And California Sea Lion
This is the newest region of Adventure Cove. You’ll find four harbor seals and ten California sea lions here.
- Stingray Bay
This fish tank is home to many stingrays that live here. Today you can get a close-up view of these beautiful creatures.
2. Heart Of Africa:
To the east and north of the zoo, you’ll find Heart of Africa. This is the largest region of the whole zoo. It opened in 2014 and is home to a variety of African animals.
When you enter the Heart of Africa, you can see African lions sleeping in the shade, a parade of camels, cheetahs running around the watering hole, and wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles roaming through the Savannah. The water hole is at the center of Africa’s heart. It’s an open rotational enclosure containing a large pond. The natural landscape is designed in such a way that different animals keep pouring in and out throughout the day. With refreshments in a restaurant in the heart of Africa one can enjoy a magnificent view where cranes dance, zebras graze, and gazelle leap.
Final Words:
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the largest zoo in the United States. It houses a myriad amount of animals, along with many entertainment facilities. You get to explore and gain knowledge on different biospheres across the world.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers many different attractions, such as a petting zoo, scenic drives, and nature trails. They have animals from all over the world, and visitors get to explore and gain knowledge about the biospheres around the world. Famous zookeeper Jack Hanna also provides visitors with an exclusive animal encounter tour!
