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 — theZoo’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.