GREETINGS FROM THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND THE WILDS!
over the next 15 years. Years in the making, this reimagined region is much more than a renovation. It is a bold step forward in animal wellbeing, guest experience, and education. And it is just the beginning of what we have referred to as “Columbus Zoo 3.0.” Another milestone we are proud to share: the launch of the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation—our first-ever public-facing building dedicated solely to our local and regional wildlife conservation efforts. You can find the Center in the North America Trek region. From eastern hellbenders to American burying beetles, this new center will spotlight the impact of your support and the work happening right here in our own backyard. As we approach our centennial in 2027, our mission is more important than ever. And while we are proud of the transformation underway at the Columbus Zoo and our sister parks—The Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club—what inspires us most is the community that continues to walk alongside us. We want to do more, and with your help, we can. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are going far.
Dear Friends and Supporters, This past year was a powerful reminder that collaboration—not just within our organization, but with our partners, members, donors, and community—is what propels us forward. And we have made significant strides together. We are proud to present you with the 2024 Impact Report which demonstrates how the power of collaboration helps us fulfill our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife. We could not do this without you. From groundbreaking capital projects to the continued evolution of our conservation work, 2024 was a year defined by partnership and progress. We have invested millions of dollars in capital improvements over the last several years. These investments support new habitats, critical infrastructure upgrades, guest amenities, and enhanced experiences across all four of our parks. Looking ahead, we have launched our first five-year, rolling Capital Improvement Plan to build on this momentum at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. One of the most visible examples of this progress is North America Trek, which opens at the start of the summer. North America Trek is the first major initiative to come out of our 2040 Framework—a long-term vision that will transform our campus
Tom Schmid President & CEO
Daniel P. Gusty Chairperson
PAGE 2 | 2024 Impact Report
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