Latest news with #ColumbusZoo
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Why the opening of the Columbus Zoo's North America Trek is delayed
POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — A small construction snafu and spring weather patterns have caused the debut of the Columbus Zoo's latest exhibit to be delayed. A spokesperson for the Columbus Zoo announced that the new North America Trek exhibit will not open until late June. A viewing window in the black bear exhibit was accidentally cracked by construction crews, prompting a review of the project's progress. Even though with the window crack, the exhibit still was animal safe. The Zoo in a statement also noted 'persistent rain' that factored into renovations and construction with 52 days of rain between December through April, with May also having a wet start. The construction has been ongoing since October 2023 and the organization said it represented an investment of $35 million. Ohio again ranks among worst states in country in list by U.S. News & World Report 'Animals follow nature's timeline—not ours—and we take our cues from them. Delaying the opening allows each species the time and space needed to fully acclimate to their new habitats—an essential step for their comfort, health, and long-term success,' wrote the Zoo in a statement. The first phase of changes for the new North America Trek exhibit includes: Mexican wolves Bald eagles Black bears North American river otters Songbirds Trumpeter swans Right now, on the new NBC4 Streaming Channel under 'Original Programing', we have an extended look at the new North America Trek. Step-by-step instructions on how to access the streaming channel can be found here A brief behind the scenes look can be seen in the video player above. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Columbus Zoo postpones opening of $40 million North America Trek
Less than one week after announcing an official opening date, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has postponed the opening of its North America Trek. Director of communications Jen Fields said in an email Monday that a broader review of the trek's progress was prompted after a viewing window in the new area's black bear habitat was accidentally cracked by construction crews. Though black bear Stevie had not yet moved into the habitat and there were no animal safety concerns, this incident — coupled with the impact of this season's ongoing rain — led to the delay. Columbus Zoo's North America Trek: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium prepare for opening of North America Trek 'After thoughtful consideration, we have made the proactive decision to postpone the opening of North America Trek,' Fields said. 'A new date has not yet been confirmed, but we anticipate opening the region in late June.' The $40 million, eight-acre expansion was set to open May 23, marking one of the largest long-term projects the zoo has seen in over a decade. Fields said the decision to delay the trek's opening reflects the zoo's commitment to both its animals and its community. 'Delaying the opening allows each species the time and space needed to fully acclimate to their new habitats—an essential step for their comfort, health, and long-term success,' Fields said. 'It also ensures we deliver the immersive, thoughtfully designed experience our community expects and deserves.' In the meantime, Fields said the zoo remains open and will announce a new opening date for the North America Trek when it's been determined. Emma Wozniak is a summer reporting intern at The Dispatch and can be reached at ewozniak@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Zoo's new North America Trek postponed; no new date announced
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Hug the Earth Festival in Troy coming soon
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Troy is gearing up for its 29th annual Hug the Earth Festival this May. The city said the family-friendly event at Lost Creek Reserve will be packed with outdoor fun, nature discovery and high-energy entertainment. It will take place Saturday, May 10, from noon to 5 p.m. Miami County Park District is hosting the event. There will be activities for people of all ages, including a climbing wall, zip line, rocket shoot, tree climbing, fairy/gnome house building, fossil digs, live butterfly house, a petting zoo, caterpillar train, crafts and games. Dayton library hosts veteran services and health programs The day will start with an animal party from noon to 1 p.m. There will be live music from the Banana Slug String Band and live animal ambassadors from the Columbus Zoo. At 1:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., there will be a Boomerang Bonanza show by 7-time world boomerang champion Chet Snouffer. Attendees will get to decorate their own boomerangs and learn how to throw them with Snouffer. Then at 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the Ohio School of Falconry will present the Flying Falcons demonstration, showing the grace and power of the free-flying birds of prey. One guest will be able to have a raptor land on their arm. Thousands of new fish introduced to Deer Meadow Pond Lastly, at 4:15 p.m., the Banana Slug String Band will return for a 40th Anniversary Kids Extravaganza Show. There will be dancing, puppetry and music. There will be a variety of free crafts available to do throughout the day, while supplies last. Attendees can make seed bombs, decorate spinning tops and paint a pet rock. To learn more about the free Hug the Earth Festival and connecting with nature locally, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Axios
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Oddities, teenage dirtbags and more weekend events
🥚 Celebrate Easter with more than just bunnies during Eggs, Paws and Claws at the Columbus Zoo. 9am-5pm Friday-Saturday. Included with zoo admission, $19-$35. Kids under 3 free! 🌷 Pick your own bouquet at Timbuk Farms' annual Tulip Festival. 9am-6pm Friday-Saturday, 10am-5pm Sunday, 2030 Timbuk Road, Granville. $12. Kids under 2 free! 🏐 Catch the Fury's home finale against the Orlando Valkyries at Nationwide Arena. 💀 Explore the "strange, unusual and bizarre" at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo at the Ohio Expo Center's Bricker Building. 10am-6pm Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday, 717 E. 17th Ave. $10-15. 🎸 Unleash your inner dirtbag at Studio 35's screening of Vice's The Story of "Teenage Dirtbag" by Wheatus and a Q&A with frontman Brendan Brown.
