Columbus Zoo tickets and discounts, plus new babies and rescues!

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Columbus – for good reason! Our Zoo is amazing and regularly ranks as one of the best Zoos in the U.S. There’s so much to enjoy this year at the Zoo, including new exhibits and new babies. With tons of outdoor exhibits and miles of paths, it’s a safe attraction to visit this year. 

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the Spring.

Half-priced Winter Admission

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is offering 50% off admission discount from January 4 through March 12, 2021 to show their appreciation for the great support they received in the last year. See more info here.

Visitors will NOT need dated/timed reservations to visit the Zoo during the winter admission discount dates, as the Zoo typically has fewer visitors during the winter. 

Due to COVID-19 and the necessity to continue to limit in-park capacity, the Columbus Zoo will return to timed ticketing and reservations on March 13. Admission will be $5 off regular price, and timed reservations are required for our Members and day guests until 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., Members and day guests can visit the Zoo any day without a timed entry/reservation.

See full details in this article before you plan your visit for other changes in regulations and precautions. 

Read below for details about Zoo babies, free admission days, Zoo discounts, and membership details.

What’s new at the Columbus Zoo?

New Babies!

We can expect a new baby elephant at the Zoo this summer! Asian elephant, Phoebe, is expecting a big bundle of joy (father is Hank)! Phoebe is in the third trimester of her pregnancy and will likely give birth to her calf in mid- to late June. Elephants have the longest gestational period of all mammals, lasting approximately 22 months. At birth, newborn elephant calves can weigh between 200 and 300 pounds and stand approximately 3 feet tall.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed the arrival of a tufted deer fawn—the first birth of the new year! Born on January 4, 2021, the fawn is being hand-reared by Animal Care team members, due to complications after his birth. He is described as spunky, curious and brave. First-time mom, Joslyn and her fawn continue to do well and will stay behind the scenes until spring. Be sure to look out for them when the weather warms up! One of my favorite things about this exhibit is that you get to go in the enclosure with the deer!

June 2020

A female Masai giraffe calf was born on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 11:06 a.m. This is the third giraffe calf to be born at the Columbus Zoo this year, marking an important achievement for the conservation of this endangered species. Mom, Digi, and the calf named Sammie are doing well. Sammie joins other giraffe babies – Ralph, born to Zuri on June 28, and Schaefer, born to Jana on August 26, 2020.

A baby koala was born July 5, 2020 to mom, Katy, and dad, Thoar. The joey remained in the pouch to develop and grow since birth, and has just started to emerge in late February. Mom and joey are visible in the koala indoor winter habitat in Australia and the Islands. Gender is unknown until the baby has outgrown Katy’s pouch. 

New Rescues

Mountain Lions

The Columbus Zoo welcomed three mountain lion cubs in December! A sad story turned happy, the mountain lions, “Captain Cal” and two orphaned sister cubs were rescued (separately) during the California wildfires in the Fall. 

photo @Oakland Zoo – Captain Cal rehabilitating at the Oakland Zoo after suffering burns in the Zogg wildfire

The Cal Firefighters named the male cub “Captain Cal” when they found him limping down a burned-out road in Redding on September 30, 2020. Firefighters found Captain Cal was orphaned and severely burned. He was rushed from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) to Oakland Zoo’s veterinary hospital, where he received great care. After 47 days of treatment, he was considered to be fully recovered. He was introduced to the two female cubs who were orphaned by the August Complex fire and also rehabilitated by Oakland Zoo staff, though they had not suffered burns. The cubs bonded immediately.

Captain Cal was just 4-6 week old, and the sisters were 3-4 weeks old. Mountain lion cubs stay with their mothers until around age 2, and since these cubs were orphaned at such a young age, they don’t have the skills to survive in the wild. The sisters have been named Goldie and Poppy at the Columbus Zoo. Poppy has a black nose, and Goldie has a pink nose.

November photo via @Oakland Zoo – Captain Cal is on the right

You should be able to catch a glimpse of these mountain lions now at the Zoo – and my how they’ve grown, compared to the photos above. Go see them soon!

New Manatees

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomes two young manatees, Scampi and Squirrel, in October. They are the 32nd and 33rd manatees to arrive at the Zoo for rehabilitation since the Columbus Zoo joined the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) in 1999.

New arrival, Scampi, was rescued with her mother, Jumbo, on November 22, 2019. Sadly, Jumbo passed away due to her extensive injuries from a boat impact wound. After receiving care and gaining some weight at the Miami Seaquarium, Scampi is now estimated to weigh around 200 pounds, which is still small, considering that adult manatees can weigh over 2,000 pounds.

Squirrel was found as an orphaned calf and was rescued on May 2, 2020. Upon her arrival at the Miami Seaquarium, she was placed in a pool with two other females in their rehabilitation center. She was able to nurse from them and ate lettuce on her own, which was an important accomplishment since she was very small when she was rescued. She now weighs 116.5 pounds but is still one of the smallest manatees who has ever arrived at the Columbus Zoo.

photo: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

As part of the MRP, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a second stage rehabilitation facility that provides a temporary home for manatees until they are ready for release back to the wild. Two manatees, Bananatee and Tostone, have completed their rehabilitation at the Columbus Zoo and returned to the Miami Seaquarium for final final preparations to be released in Florida waters where they were initially found.

New Exhibits at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Sea Lion Adventure Cove for Seal Lions and Seals

Visit Adventure Cove to enjoy seal lions and seals basking on the rocks, barking and bellowing or diving and swimming through currents of water past huge viewing windows.

Watch training and enrichment demonstrations and presentations from above, or explore the underwater viewing “cave” and through a tunnel of clear acrylic. The tunnel is the first of its kind, taking guests on a curved, 60-foot-long journey down a submerged acrylic channel and boasting 360-degree views of these animals and the aquatic habitat that surrounds them. 

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Adventure Cove features a Pacific Northwest inspired rocky coast and harbor setting for the sea lions and seals that mirrors the coastal wharf of San Francisco’s Pier 39. The exhibit also includes Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village, a colorfully-themed and immersive village highlighting diverse species of animals from all around the world.

Observe behavioral demonstrations with the animals, learn from Zoo educators, and experience one-on-one animal encounters. The stingray touch experience has also returned, and the rides in the former Jungle Jack’s Landing area received some minor facelifts and sign updates in order to seamlessly integrate them into this new and engaging section of the Zoo.

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Playgrounds will be available starting in April this year!

Columbus Zoo discounts

We love the Columbus Zoo and we get lots of questions about discounted Columbus Zoo & Aquarium tickets for the season and we post them when we see them. There are some discounts available year-round though, plus season passes are a great way to save money if you plan to go several times through the year. Read below for details, events, and free days at the Columbus Zoo!

credit: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The best way to find out about discounts to Columbus Zoo is to sign up for email updates from Columbus on the Cheap, and like our Facebook page.  When we find new deals, we make sure our readers know about them.

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Special Events and Discount Days at the Columbus Zoo

Due to COVID-19 and the necessity to continue to limit in-park capacity, the Columbus Zoo will return to timed ticketing and reservations on March 13. Admission will be $5 off regular price, and timed reservations are required for our Members and day guests until 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., Members and day guests can visit the Zoo any day without a timed entry/reservation.

Annual Discount Days

There are quite a few free and discount days offered throughout the year, but the offers aren’t usually verified until a month or two prior. Here are posts from the prior year, but they aren’t guaranteed to be offered in subsequent years – click the link for the updates as the date gets closer for each!

• Half price winter admission 50% off regular admission January 4 through March 12, 2021.
• Free Admission to Columbus Zoo for MLK Jr. Day: January 18
• Free Admission at Columbus Zoo on President’s Day: February 15
• Mother’s Day; Free admission for moms: May 9, 2021
• Father’s Day; Free admission for dads: June 20, 2021
• Military Family Free Days at Columbus Zoo: July 3-11, 2021 
• Free Admission to Columbus Zoo for Veterans and Families: Veterans Day, November 11, 2021 
• Wildlights Stuff the Truck Food Drive: tba for 2021. Each person can bring 5 non-perishable food items for the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and get free admission.
• Free admission for Employee Appreciation Days: tba for 2021/2022. Select days offer free admission for public safety employees, educators, and medical personnel. See link for dates and details

Purchase tickets online

Save $1 or more per ticket by ordering online. Print your pass, or show the receipt on your smartphone. 

From the Columbus Zoo website; prices subject to change

Regular Admission Franklin County Residents (proof required)

• Under 3 – Free
• Ages 3-9 – $11.99
• Ages 10-59 – $16.99
• Seniors over 60 – $11.99
• $3 discount for reservations made after 3 pm with the Late Day discount
• Parking per car – $10 (no cash starting June 2020)

Regular Admission for outside of Franklin County

• Under 3: Free
• Ages 3-9: $16.99
• Ages 10-59: $21.99
• Seniors 60+: $16.99
• $3 discount for reservations made after 3 pm with the Late Day discount
• Parking per car – $10 (no cash starting June 2020)

Zoo More Wristband

Purchase a $9.99 Zoo More Wristband online or in park. Each Wristband includes the 4-D Theater, Grand Carousel, the North America Train and Camel Ride. Rides are subject to availability

Columbus Zoo/Zoombezi Bay 2 Day ticket (admission to the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay for both days during Zoombezi Bay Operating Season) for Franklin County residents.  Add $5 for non-residents. NOTE: This offer is currently unavailable.

• Ages 3 – 9 and 60+: $31.99
• Ages 10 and up: $43.99

Year Round Zoo Admission Specials

Check this link to see whether they have reinstated these discounts.

Senior Days

• Tuesdays – Seniors (ages 60+) receive half price admission to the Zoo

Franklin County Days

• Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays Franklin County residents receive half price admission to the Zoo.
  *Zoo Guests will be asked to provide a valid driver’s license, state-issued ID or a current utility bill to receive the Franklin County Days discount. 

Military Discount

• Active and Non-active duty military personnel receive a $2 discount on up to 6 tickets when they show a valid military ID.

2020 COTA Bus Rider Discounts for Summer and Fall

Ride the Cota ZooBus for $2 each way ($1 for seniors/kids over 48″, free for kids under 48″) and get a huge discount on admission. Admission to the Columbus Zoo is just $3 and admission to Zoombezi Bay is $10 off! Riders will receive a transfer/coupon from their driver to receive discounted admission.  See details on schedule and fares. NOTE: You MUST make a reservation in advance to visit the Zoo in 2020. Reservations can be made by visiting ColumbusZoo.org or by calling (614) 645-3400.

Zoo Bus Summer service for Zoo and Zoombezi Bay is offered from Friday, July 3, 2020 through Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2020.

Cota Zoo Bus Fall Service is available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 18 through November 1, 2020! When COTA Zoo Bus customers make a reservation, they can receive a voucher for $3 Zoo admission, per person. To register, go to the “Make Your Reservation” button below and click on the orange “Tickets” tab. Under “Daily Tickets,” click the button that says “Zoo Bus Customer Registration.” 

Zoo Bus leaves from the Statehouse at 8:30 AM, 10 AM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6 PM, making stops at High & Broad, Griggs Dam Park & Ride and Dublin Park & Ride before it gets to the Zoo. Bus leaves from the Zoo at 9:15 AM, 10:45 AM, 3:45 PM, 5:15 PM and 7 PM, making stops at Dublin Park & Ride and Griggs Dam Park & Ride before it arrives at the Statehouse & High.

Zoo Memberships

If you are going to go to the Zoo more frequently in a season, you will want to consider buying a season pass. You’ll get free parking (normally $10 a car), as well as other member benefits, like free preview nights for special events. There are discounts on season passes throughout the year.

Online Price for Franklin County residents ($3-$5 more if purchased at the Zoo; ). Non-Franklin County residents pay $5-$20 more per membership.

• Individual Membership – starting at $44 Admits one named adult
• Individual Plus One Membership – starting at $74 Admits one named adult and one unnamed guest
• Family Membership – starting out $114  Admits up to two primary named adult members within the same household plus either dependent children OR grandchildren up to age 21 (not both) to the Columbus Zoo.
• Family Plus Membership – starting at $144 Admits up to two primary named adult members within the same household plus either dependent children OR grandchildren up to age 21 (not both) to the Columbus Zoo.  This membership also includes up to two named* or  unnamed* guests.
• Gold Individual Membership – starting at $144.99 This individual pass gives you access to the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay, FREE Zoo rides* (including Jungle Jack’s Landing) and FREE admission to Stingray Bay and 4-D Theater.

Zoombezi Bay Season Pass – $69.99 – $144.99
Just want to enjoy the water at Zoombezi Bay?  Surf into the wildest water park ever and get a special discount on your Zoombezi Bay season pass through our online store.  These make a great gift!

Note for Zoombezi Bay reopening 2020: All Zoombezi Bay visits will now require a dated, timed ticket, including all Season Pass Holders and Gold Members. Members can visit after 3 pm without a reservation.

Reciprocal Discount Member Benefit

As a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium member, you can save $3 on general admission to select Columbus museums and attractions through the Columbus Member Advantage program. No coupon is necessary. Simply show your valid Columbus Zoo membership card each time you visit! Limited to 4 discounts per membership per day; can’t be combined with other discounts.  Columbus Zoo members receive discounted or FREE admission to the AZA accredited Zoos in the list below

NOTE: Contact the attraction that you wish to attend to ensure they are honoring the Columbus Member Advantage discounts during the reopening phases.

Columbus Member Advantage partners for 2020

• LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Columbus
• Columbus Museum of Art
• COSI
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum
• Ohio History Center & Ohio Village
• Pizzuti Collection
• Wexner Center for the Arts

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