A FEW MOMENTS IN COLUMBUS ZOO HISTORY
1927 – The Columbus Zoological Park opened with a small collection of donated animals.
1937 – First membership drive began, which led to the creation of a planned Zoo.
1951 – The city of Columbus took over Zoo operation and acquired its first three gorillas.
1956 – Colo, the world’s first captive-born gorilla, was born at the Columbus Zoo.
1978 – Jack Hanna became director of the Zoo.
1989 – Columbus Zoo purchased golf course situated south of the Zoo.
1999 – West Indian Manatees arrived at the Zoo. With the addition of Manatee Coast the Zoo changed its name to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
2004 – Bodhi, a 285-pound Asian elephant was born on April 16 marking the first successful Asian elephant birth at the Zoo.
2007 – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated its 80th Anniversary.