Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - African Forest

August 3, 3:31 PMColumbus Outdoor Recreation ExaminerAndrew Kennett

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Mac gives a wary eye toward the camera. (Photo: A. Kennett)

On December 22, 1956, something unprecedented happened at the Columbus Zoo; a gorilla was born in captivity for the first time anywhere.  Colo, as she would soon be named, was not only a huge news story, but an irresistible draw for visitors, and attendance figures for the Zoo skyrocketed the next year.  More than fifty years later, Colo, now also the oldest gorilla in captivity, still resides at the Columbus Zoo along with four members (daughter Toni, grandchildren Macombo "Mac" II and Cassie and great-granddaughter Dotty) of her four generations of progeny. 

The gorillas are still a popular attraction along with their fellow primates the bonobos, which are housed at only 10 zoos in the United States.  One favorite game for visitors is trying to identify which gorilla troop is in the outdoor exhibit area.  The Zoo boasts three troops headed by a silverback: Mumbah with Pongi (who fosters Dotty) and Lulu (who fosters Umande); Mac with Mo'Ana, Nia, and Kambera; and Anakka with Toni, Cassie, and Kebi.  Mumbah is easy to tell from the other two silverbacks as his bottom lip usually hangs open, and his troop includes the two juveniles.  Mac's group includes Mo'Ana, who is noticeably smaller than the other females, and he also has a flatter face with a less elongated nose bridge than Anakka.  The bonobos can draw large crowds as well, especially as they play in their indoor enclosure.  Bonobos look very similar to chimps, and the two species of ape (not monkeys!) vie for the title of being the closest genetic relatives to humans.

An okapi grazes on a bush. (Photo: A. Kennett)

The African Forest is also home to other familiar animals like a leopard, red river hogs, and colobus (no, not Columbus) monkeys.  Visitors who keep their eyes in the trees near the leopard's enclosure may catch sight of a special surprise.  The term 'colobus' comes from the Greek word for 'mutilated' and is used to name this monkey because it, unlike other species, has no thumbs.  This area is also home to a rather unusual creature, the okapi.  A large herbivore that looks something like a cross between a zebra, horse, and giraffe, the okapi went largely undiscovered until 1900 because of its remote range, dense habitat and excellent camouflage.  A walk-through bird enclosure rounds out the animal exhibits in this region.  This exhibit, like the one in North America, offers visitors great views and photographic opportunities, but it also has much more exotic species of birds. 

A racquet-tailed roller eats an insect. (Photo: A. Kennett)

This region also boasts a large food court, which during the winter months is often the only food vendor operating.  Children are also drawn to the large playground located directly between the African Forest and Australia regions.  During busy times, vendor carts including those selling snacks and providing face-paintings are also open in this area.

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.