The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium + The Wilds will undergo $50+ million in project enhancements and renovations. Here are the planned transformations:
⛺ RV campground
The Wilds — the Zoo’s wildlife conservation center — will receive $7 million for a 59-acre RV campground site, which is expected to open in early 2024. The campground will feature the following:
- 46 RV spots
- 27 camping spots
- Fishing and swimming
- A playground
- Biking trails
- Hiking
- A dog park
Pro tip: Scroll through this Instagram post from the Zoo for the RV campground map.
Bonobos at the Columbus Zoo receive coconuts as a sweet treat. | Photo by @columbuszoo
🦅 North America region redevelopment
A total of $32.5 million will go towards transforming habitats of the following animals:
- Mexican wolf
- Bald eagle
- Black bear
- North American river otter
- Trumpeter swan
Crews will break ground this fall on what is currently the oldest Zoo region.
🦍 Bonobos’ winter habitat
The Zoo will spend $4 million on updating the indoor space for the bonobos, which are endangered great apes. The monkeys live in family groups, and the updates will allow more spaces for them to play and grow together. Construction will start this spring.
💻 General updates
The remaining $8 million of the project will go towards general enhancements, such as bettering the animal well-being through habitat upgrades, improving Zoo security, and accessing new technology.
