Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - North America

July 31, 9:03 PMColumbus Outdoor Recreation ExaminerAndrew Kennett

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Mexican wolf pads through the snow.  (Photo: Andrew Kennett)

Immediately to the right after entering the front gate, North America is the first region many visitors to the Columbus Zoo encounter.  This area is also home to many familiar species, children's attractions, and for Buckeye fans, the mascots of two rival schools. This section is also home to one of the zoo's great conservation success stories -- the Mexican wolf. 

The Mexican wolf is a subspecies of the gray wolf and was hunted almost  to extinction when, after its traditional prey was killed off, it began to survive by raiding livestock in its natural home range.  Along with other zoos in the U.S. and Mexico, the Columbus Zoo has been engaged in a breeding program to increase the number of Mexican wolves held in captivity and to create a population for release into the wolves' natural range.  So far, twenty-nine Mexican wolves have been born at the Columbus Zoo, and the population in participating zoos is over 300.  Because these wolves are being raised for a release program, they are not given names nor are they handled by zoo keepers in the way that other animals are.

Mountain lion peers at camera.  (Photo: Andrew Kennett)

Moving up the hill from the Mexican wolves, one can see the enclosure for the bison and pronghorn antelope on the left.  On the right, visitors come to several attractions geared toward children.  Jack Hanna's House is an indoor play area that also helps teach children about ecology.  There is also a small petting zoo, a pony ride, a train ride around the remaining North American enclosures, and a small playground at the top of the hill.

Around the top of the hill are the region's large mammals, including four bears, two gray wolves, and four moose.  Current visitors should take note of where the moose and wolf enclosures meet, as this is the planned location of the walkway to the zoo's forthcoming Polar Frontier (yes, the Columbus Zoo will soon have polar bears, as well as arctic foxes and more).  Along with the bobcats, this area is also home to several mountain lions and wolverines, much to the chagrin of many Buckeye fans.  This area of the zoo also highlights their dedication to animal well-being, as both of the male grizzly bears as well as all of the moose are animals rescued from the wild when they would have been unable to survive there on their own.

Bluebird on iron ring.  (Photo: Erica Harris)

As visitors travel down the backside of the hill, they can walk through a migratory songbird exhibit, giving them an up-close view of many recognizable native birds.  These birds are not only colorful, but quite used to the passage of humans, so they present great opportunities for viewing and photography.  The rest of this path is dedicated to a bald eagle display, an enclosure of playful otters, and an exhibit of local and native fish.

The zoo is located just outside of Columbus (to the northwest) in Powell, Oh. The main entrance is located just off Powell Road (St. Route 750), just east of Riverside Drive (and hence, the Scioto River). The zoo is adjacent to a golf course and a newly built water park.  The zoo opens daily at 9am.