Columbus Zoo Aquatic Conservation and Acclimation Center

planned

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is planning a new aquatic conservation and acclimation center near the Lakeside Pavilion on the zoo's east side. The $11.7 million project will focus on behind-the-scenes conservation and animal acclimation work with limited public access, potentially opening as soon as 2029. The zoo has requested $2.5 million from the state of Ohio to help fund the project, with the remainder to be covered by the zoo's capital budget, donations, and corporate partnerships. A separate freestanding aquarium may be developed later.