NORTH AMERICA TREK: TRANSFORMING WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
On a bright, sunny October morning, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium community members gathered to break ground on the new North America Trek. Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, shared that as the Zoo is at a pivotal moment in its nearly century-old history, this project aims to transform the oldest area of the Zoo into a captivating destination. The North America Trek project will continue our goal of creating the most exciting and natural habitats for wildlife that call the Zoo home, exceeding professional standards for zoological institutions and providing best-in-class animal care. North America Trek will include new habitats for Mexican wolves, trumpeter swans, songbirds, bald eagles, black bears, and North America river otters, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn about these species native to our country and engage in ways to protect the world’s most precious creatures. “Our hope with these new habitats is that we’re meeting all of the needs of the animals in our care, including how they like to play and how they like to rest and climb and spend their time,” said Nikki Smith, region curator. Once completed, guests will enter the region through a beautiful archway and be immersed in landscapes authentic to the animals’ habitats in their native ranges. As supporters, legislators, local officials, Board members, and Zoo leadership enjoyed the groundbreaking ceremony, Ohio Division of Wildlife Chief Kendra Wecker presented Schmid with a check for nearly $1 million. This generous gift will remodel the existing My House into the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation. The facility will spotlight local conservation initiatives spearheaded
by the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds’ teams, including work with hellbenders, Plains garter snakes, American burying beetles, mussels, and the critical efforts around restoration ecology. Bringing the $40 million North America Trek project to life is possible with heartfelt thanks to the individuals, foundations, and corporations in the community and residents of Franklin County through their support of the tax levy. We recognize the following lead donors for their generous commitments: • Battelle
• The Columbus Foundation • Estate of Marilyn Guerard
• Emma “Lou” Chapman Koester • The Lamme Family Foundation • Estate of Sarah Jane “Sally” O’Dell • Estate of Barry Lee Prusha • The Reinberger Foundation • The Schumacher Foundation • Connie and Clyde Woodburn
Currently, as guests stroll to the North America region of the Zoo, they will notice construction fencing and be able to glimpse views of exciting work in progress. The projected completion will be in 2025, and we look forward to celebrating with our community. With nearly 90 percent of total funding secured, the Columbus Zoo welcomes additional support for this ambitious project benefiting North American wildlife. More information can be found on our website or by contacting Mayme Norman,
Vice President of Philanthropy, at mayme.norman@columbuszoo.org.
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