Latest news with #JenFields
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Columbus Zoo to open new $40 million North America Trek expansion this month
After years of anticipation, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has officially announced an opening date for the first phase of its renovated North America Trek region. On May 23, the zoo will host a special community dedication ceremony at 10 a.m., after which guests can enter and explore the trek themselves. The redesigned region — which has been in the works since 2021 and represents one of the largest long-term projects the zoo has seen in over a decade — will mimic the feeling of a national park, from the Great Smoky Mountains' forest-covered peaks to the American Southwest's rocky cliffs, according to a zoo news release Tuesday. Jen Fields, the zoo's director of communications, said in an email this first phase of the renovation of the zoo's oldest region cost roughly $40 million and covers eight acres of land. The second phase — which is currently in the planning stages and does not have a confirmed timeline — will cover an additional six acres, Fields said. The trek will also feature the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, a new area that teaches about and features local endangered animals, such as Plains garter snakes and freshwater mussels. 'This transformation revitalizes the Zoo's oldest region, originally opened in 1985, into a conservation-focused destination filled with naturalistic design, winding trails, and unforgettable views—all created with animal well-being at the heart of every design,' the zoo reported in a Tuesday Facebook post. Prior to the North America Trek's debut, the zoo's most recent major addition was Adventure Cove, a $40-million project that opened in 2020, Fields said. She said this expansion is one of the zoo's largest capital projects since its Heart of Africa region opened in 2014. Though the trek's 'core experience' is ready, there are still final touches that will likely not be completed by the May 23 opening date, the post states. Specifically, certain animal species may not be visible to guests as they continue to settle into their new habitats. The region's newly featured species include Mexican wolves, bald eagles, river otters, black bears and more, according to the zoo's release. The second phase of the region's expansion will feature updated habitats for animals like wolverines, moose, reindeer and more. The trek, designed by PGAV Destinations and built by Pepper Construction, was developed with sustainability and the animals' well-being as the top priorities. 'Reclaimed soil, rescued trees, ADA-accessible pathways, green roofs, and naturalistic landscapes all contribute to a space that is both beautiful and ecologically responsible,' the zoo's release states. 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 to open North American Trek in major expansion
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
