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News | Special Events | Waterparks | Zoo

Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay Enhance Accessibility with New Sensory-Friendly Events
ByDan Hower August 20, 2025August 21, 2025

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, along with its neighboring waterpark Zoombezi Bay, are furthering their commitment to inclusion and accessibility with a series of sensory-friendly events and ongoing initiatives designed to make visits more comfortable for guests of all abilities. From quieter hours in the waterpark to enhanced accessibility at animal presentations, the goal is…

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News | Six Flags | Zoo

Six Flags Great Adventure Welcomes Baby Giraffe and New Veterinarian
ByDan Hower July 8, 2025

Excitement is in the air at Six Flags Great Adventure’s Wild Safari Drive-Thru as the park welcomes two heartwarming additions this summer; a newborn giraffe calf and a new full-time veterinarian with deep roots in the community. The spotlight shines on Mbi (pronounced em-bee), a three-week-old female giraffe who is already capturing hearts behind the…

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Conservation | News | Special Events | Zoo

Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival Expands for 2025 with Magical Creatures and New Experiences
ByDan Hower July 7, 2025July 8, 2025

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is set to glow once again as its acclaimed Lantern Festival returns for the 2025 season, this time with even more enchantment, interactivity, and after-dark magic. Beginning July 31, visitors can experience a reimagined event that blends ancient tradition with modern fantasy, all while exploring the Zoo in an entirely…

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Conservation | News | Zoo

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Welcomes Conservation Leader Dr. Kathayoon Khalil
ByDan Hower January 24, 2025January 24, 2025

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has introduced Dr. Kathayoon Khalil as its new Vice President and Director of Conservation Programs for the Zoo and The Wilds. Bringing over two decades of expertise in environmental education, conservation strategy, and program evaluation, Dr. Khalil officially stepped into her new role on January 22, 2025. In her position,…

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Conservation | News | Video | Zoo

Pittsburgh Zoo Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Gorilla, Ivan
ByDan Hower October 24, 2024October 25, 2024

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Djembe, a western lowland gorilla silverback known to the public as Ivan. The 11-year-old gorilla passed away on October 23, 2024, after experiencing cardiac arrest during a medical procedure. Ivan had been under the care of the zoo’s highly qualified veterinary team,…

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Construction | News | Zoo

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium Unveils Master Plan for a Wild Future
ByDan Hower October 11, 2024October 25, 2024

The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has revealed an ambitious 20-year master plan aimed at transforming the Highland Park campus into a revitalized hub for both animal well-being and visitor experiences. The plan, which emphasizes cutting-edge habitats and innovative educational opportunities, marks a significant milestone in the zoo’s mission to combat biodiversity loss and inspire conservation…

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News | Zoo

Wild Asia Opens at Akron Zoo
ByDan Hower May 31, 2021June 2, 2021

Now, you can experience the southeast Asia jungle and Himalayan forests in Ohio. Wild Asia, featuring lush tree canopies, allows guests at the Akron Zoo to do just that. As part of a $17 million capital improvement project for the zoo that also included the addition of the Pride of Africa exhibit (which opened in…

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News | Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Announces Birth Of Baby Orangutan
ByDanielle Alley May 25, 2021October 25, 2024

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the birth of a Bornean Orangutan, the first successful orangutan birth at the zoo since 2014 and the fifth since the RainForest opened in 1992. The baby boy was born to mother Kera Wak on April 28. He joins father Tiram, sister Merah, and another orangutan, Kayla at the Zoo. The…

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Construction | News | Zoo

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: Tidal Twist Coaster At Columbus Zoo
ByDan Hower April 19, 2021April 19, 2021

Last week, the Columbus Zoo shocked the amusement industry announcing their second roller coaster, Tidal Twist. The ride, manufactured by Zamperla, is a standard Twister 420STD coaster. A unique feature of this ride is the cars becoming unlocked for the entire second half of the ride, causing the cars to free spin. The ride has…

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Conservation | Construction | News | Zoo

Columbus Zoo Reveals New Tidal Twist Roller Coaster
ByDan Hower April 15, 2021August 20, 2021

Ever since the demolition of Redwood Falls at the Columbus Zoo, guests have been asking if anything would replace the former log flume. While a few teases and potential “twists” were offered, folks eagerly waited for an official announcement. The Columbus Zoo surprised many today by announcing their second coaster, Tidal Twist. The announcement was…

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News | Sea World Parks and Entertainment | Special Events | Zoo

SeaWorld San Diego Launching Zoo Days: Bayside BBQ & Brews
ByDan Hower August 24, 2020

SeaWorld San Diego will partially reopen this Friday with the lunch of a NEW park experience called Zoo Days: Bayside BBQ & Brews. This limited capacity, ticketed and reservation required experience will provide guests with the opportunity to not only delight their taste buds with an exciting variety of refreshing craft brews and mouthwatering BBQ, but also…

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Hersheypark | News | Video | Waterparks | Zoo

Hersheypark Announces Reopening Date
ByDan Hower June 12, 2020June 12, 2020

Hersheypark has officially announced plans to welcome guests back on July 3, 2020, with exclusive days for Season Passholders on July 1 and 2. As part of the summer opening weekend, Hersheypark will debut Candymonium, the tallest, fastest, longest and sweetest coaster at Hersheypark. The hypercoaster features a lift height of 210 feet, max speed…

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