Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

For nearly three years, AEP Ohio has been an essential partner to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, as well as The Wilds through the "Trim to Treat" program. Ever wonder how it works? AEP Ohio’s forestry crews work hard to keep power lines clear of trees to help minimize outages and provide reliable electric service for our community. Some of these trimmings are donated to us, providing essential nutrients and enrichment for animals in our care. Columbus Zoo guests also take part in seeing how this browse benefits the animals! On Forestry Fridays, Columbus Zoo guests are invited to a complimentary experience, where they will have the unique opportunity to feed a giraffe some of the fresh branches and twigs AEP Ohio trims away from its power lines and equipment. Visitors can pick up a complimentary giraffe feeding voucher from the AEP Ohio forestry team in the Heart of Africa region beginning at 10 a.m. on July 26 and August 30, 2024, while supplies last. Vouchers can be redeemed anytime now through October during scheduled giraffe feedings throughout the day. Feeding opportunities with browse will be available on the Forestry Friday dates from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Talk about a win-win! Thank you, AEP Ohio, for your innovative approach and continued support. Learn more about our partnership at AEPOhio.com/Trim-to-Treat.

Exciting news! The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has just achieved a major milestone by earning accreditation from the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Association (IMATA) through their prestigious Animal Trainer Development Program. This remarkable honor recognizes the Zoo's top-tier systems for training animal care teams using positive reinforcement, underscoring their leadership in wildlife conservation. IMATA, dedicated to the humane and professional care of marine animals, ensures facilities provide cutting-edge educational opportunities, modern training techniques, and expert management. The Zoo’s Wild Encounters Pinnipeds team, caring for nine sea lions and four harbor seals, was specifically reviewed and celebrated for their outstanding training programs that enhance animal health and enrichment. This is the first IMATA accreditation for the Zoo, highlighting the team's exceptional skills and commitment. Visitors can experience this world-class training firsthand during the Sea Lion Training Tales presentations. Congratulations to our Wild Encounters Pinnipeds team, and celebrate with us as we continue to achieve excellence in animal care!

We are thrilled to announce Brian Harman as the new Senior Vice President of External Affairs at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds! Harman will lead our Marketing, Communications, Events and Promotions, Philanthropy, Corporate Partnerships, Community Engagement, and Governmental Relations teams. “I am honored to join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds and to have the opportunity to contribute to their important mission,” said Harman. “My family and I live just a few miles away from the Zoo, and with an aspiring veterinarian in our house, we have visited often. I am delighted to be a part of such an amazing organization that is making a difference for wildlife while inspiring future generations. As part of being among the top zoos and conservation institutions in the country, we have a great opportunity and responsibility to serve our community and protect wildlife locally and globally. Together with our team and supporters, I look forward to sharing the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds’ critical work and impact with the world.” Harman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Communication from Ohio University and brings over 22 years of experience in strategic nonprofit management. Most recently, he was the president and CEO of the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, where he led the organization through significant milestones, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic while exceeding fundraising goals and launching new initiatives. Before his role there, Harman held various leadership positions at Nationwide Children's Hospital, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and the American Cancer Society. His strengths include corporate and community partnerships, volunteer board development, campaign development and management, cause-related marketing and innovation, and direct solicitation strategy. Our senior leadership team and representatives from the Board of Directors worked with BroadView Talent Partners to identify a nationwide pool of executive candidates. Their expertise in DEI-related talent acquisition helped us select from an impressive slate of top-notch candidates. “We are grateful to BroadView Talent Partners for their exceptional work in identifying such a talented pool of candidates,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds. “We are excited to welcome Brian Harman to our team. His extensive leadership experience and proven track record in fundraising strategy, non-profit management, and strategic planning will be instrumental in driving positive change as we further our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.,” added Schmid. Welcome to the pack, Brian!

We are thrilled to announce that Construction Manager Ryan Albright has been named Employee of the Quarter at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! Ryan’s journey at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a testament to his unique blend of passions for wildlife conservation and construction. His path here began thanks to the encouragement of his wife, Cristina, who pushed him to apply. Since then, Ryan has embraced the challenges and opportunities of his role, growing and learning with each project. Some of Ryan’s most memorable projects include redeveloping the Humboldt penguin pool and Melvin’s pool in Adventure Cove. Seeing the animals enjoy these new spaces, especially watching Melvin thrive, brings him immense joy. For Ryan, the most rewarding part of his job is seeing the tangible benefits of his work for both the animals and the Zoo’s visitors. Building strong relationships with his colleagues and the people for whom he constructs projects fuels his motivation to always do his best. Through his daily work, Ryan actively contributes to the Zoo’s mission of conservation and education. Whether renovating habitats or embarking on new projects like the OCWC, he is dedicated to enhancing animal well-being and promoting our conservation message. Ryan’s advice to anyone aspiring to work in this field is to be humble, embrace growing pains, and view them as learning opportunities. His favorite animal at the Zoo is the moose, a fascination sparked by seeing them in the wild in Colorado and further cemented by the unforgettable experience of feeding our moose on his first day. Congratulations, Ryan, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

Did you know that Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s conservation programs help support conservation research for species that could be found in your own backyard? Since 2008, funds from the Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund have helped support the Ohio Hellbender Partnership and the conservation of hellbenders, the largest amphibians in North America. More specifically, these funds have gone towards research, producing artificial nest boxes, releasing head-started hellbenders into Ohio’s native ranges, and sponsoring Ohio reptile and amphibian conferences. Our partner organization, The Wilds, is also a huge contributor to hellbender research, releasing thousands of hellbenders in West Virginia riverways since 2012. For more information on the Ohio Hellbender Partnership, and our other conservation partnerships, please visit https://lnkd.in/gbhxANiF.

Attention Education Professionals! Join us for a special Teacher Happy Hour, where we'll talk about Columbus Zoo education programs, have an opportunity to network before school starts, and enjoy some fun activities, too. Choose between: 📅 Tuesday, August 6 at Getaway Brewing 📅 Thursday, August 8 at Forbidden Root ⏰ Both events are from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow educators and learn more about the Columbus Zoo Teacher Advisory Council. 🔗 RSVP by August 2 here: https://lnkd.in/gidEjwhm

As we dive into National Zookeeper Appreciation Week, starting today, July 21, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible team of zookeepers at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the well-being of our beloved animal residents. Their commitment to animal care, conservation, and education is truly inspiring. Whether it's providing top-notch day-to-day care, creating fun and challenging enrichment, or sharing their knowledge with visitors, our zookeepers are the heart and soul of the Zoo. Every day, they demonstrate exceptional compassion, expertise, and dedication, making sure each animal receives the best care possible. From the tiniest insects to the mightiest elephants, our zookeepers’ love and passion shine through in everything they do. We invite you to join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication this week. If you visit the Zoo, take a moment to say thank you to a zookeeper or share your appreciation on social media using #ThankAZookeeper. Let’s make this week unforgettable for those who make the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium a place of wonder and learning for all. Thank you, zookeepers, for all that you do!

Crazy about coral? We are, too. This Coral Reef Awareness Week, we’re sharing about our participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project (FRTRP). FRTRP is a conservation project focused on rescuing, housing, and propagating corals affected by stony coral tissue loss disease in the Florida Reef Tract, one of the largest reefs in the world. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the only rescue coral holding facility in the state of Ohio that participates in the FRTRP, with 19 others across the United States. Ramon (pictured) is one of our rescue coral caregivers and is recognized by his colleagues for his innovation and expertise in coral rescue. To read more about Ramon, coral conservation, and the FRTRP, visit https://lnkd.in/grsJ3Jdp.

Discover your wild side by booking custom Tours and Experiences at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! Ready to embark on an wildlife adventure like no other? Dive into the heart of all-things animal conservation with our exclusive Tours and Experiences, proudly presented by Nationwide! Whether you're looking to get up close and personal with your favorite animals or learn about our incredible conservation efforts here at the Columbus Zoo, we have something for everyone. From VIP animal encounters to behind-the-scenes tours, every visit promises unforgettable memories and a whole lot of fun! Book your wild adventure today and make it a monthly tradition. Learn more and reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gvPGD3jG Have you been on one of the Zoo’s custom tours? Tell us in the comments…which is your favorite?

🚫❌ This summer, start saying no to styrofoam! Opt for reusable or biodegradable options instead. Help us keep harmful plastics out of our ecosystem—every small step counts! And, during the month of July, you can learn many ways to support biodiversity by joining the Columbus Zoo’s Plastic Free Ecochallenge at https://lnkd.in/g4d7sJW.