The Columbus Zoo also known as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Columbus, Ohio. It has been open since 1927 and contains over 7,000 animals. The zoo also contains a water park, amusement park and a golf resort.

The Columbus Zoo has been given the distinction of being the #1 Zoo in the United States by USA Travel Guide. Under the guidance of Jack Hanna is has example of what a traditional zoo should be. Jack Hanna is an American zookeeper and the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. He has appeared on many talk shows such as David Letterman to help people understand animals and their environments.http://www.jackhanna.com/

The zoo is divided into five regions called Asia Quest, Shores, African Forest, North America and Australia and the Islands.

• Asia Quest contains some of the rarely seen animals of Asia including sun bears, giant fruit bats and Siberian tigers. The area is set in a Himalayan village with interactive exhibits. The pachyderm building which is the world’s largest exhibit of its kind is located here.

• Shores has one of only three manatee facilities outside of Florida. Here visitors can see the West Indian manatee, a 100,000 gallon saltwater tank, Tidepool Touchtank and a reptile exhibit.

• African Forest is home to bonobos, leopards, colobus monkeys and over 700 species of African plant life. The unusual Gorillas in the Round is an outdoor exhibit where visitors can see the gorillas from every angle.

• North America features animals that could be living in visitors backyard. Habitat Hollow is an interactive children’s area that teaches about conservation and recycling. At My Barn, the children can interact with barnyard animals. Also here is the Polar Frontier, this area shows polar bears in an exhibit containing rocks, two pools, smell ports, dig pits and shelters. Visitors can view the bears from above, eye-level and from below. Batelle Ice Bear Outpost has games and a playground for kids.

• Australia takes visitors down under. Take a simulated night hike, explore the bird sanctuary, koala exhibit. Go on a Walkabout among the kangaroos and feed the Lorikeets.http://www.columbuszoo.org/explore_your_zoo/zoo_regions/australia.aspx