The Amazing Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

I love going to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium year round. I like to make a day of it and not only do I love watching the animals, I love watching the kids and their reactions.

I enjoy the cooler seasons the most because there's usually more animal activity.

Over the past few years there have been a lot of changes. The additions of areas and animals are pretty awesome.

Although I love all the animals and areas, my favorite is North America. I enjoy the hike through that area and the feeling of nature surrounding me.

In the North America section you'll find bald eagles, black bears, bobcats, cougars, brown bears, gray and Mexican wolves, wolverines, bison, moose, antelope, prairie dogs and more.

The migratory bird section is full of cardinals, red winged blackbirds, robins and so many more. They have quite a little chorus going on in there.

Asia Quest is also an awesome area. Some of my favorites are the Amur tiger, Pallas cat, the Silvered leaf langurs, the Sunbear and the Red pandas.

The area is so representative to Asia (at least in my mind), that it feels like I'm on vacation there.

The Islands of Southeast Asia are also incredible. I just love to watch the Orangutans.

They also have beautiful black swans, Siamangs, Komodo dragons and more.

The African Forest has one of my favorites, the Colobos monkey with such beautiful black and white markings. Some other favorites are the Bonobos, the Drills, and the Leopards.

The Okapi is quite incredible with its markings.

Okapi

The Shores have a huge selection and a rare white alligator. They have flamingos, various sharks, alligators, the manatees, paddlefish, seahorses, and many more.

My favorite in the Shores is the Penguins. I love watching them parade around and put on a show.

Australia and the Islands are another beautiful area of the Columbus Zoo. Some of my favorites are the clouded leopard, the Koalas, and the red and gray kangaroos.

The birds from Australia are simply marvelous. The Lorikeets were extremely friendly and would perch on your shoulder or your arm, and they really sing to you.

The rhinos and elephants always amaze me with their size. And of course there are plenty of reptiles such as snakes, lizards, gila monsters and more.

There is no way I could list all the animals, but I certainly love visiting and finding new ones and learning more about them.

The keepers are really a treat to talk with. They also have some pretty amazing stories to tell about these beautiful creatures.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts many events and educational exhibits throughout the year. For more information, please visit their Web site.

You'll find a few pictures I've taken this summer in the right hand column. Just click on the one you want to see and it will open into a new window with a larger picture.

Now you can have even more summer time fun - visit the Zoo in the morning and then hop over to the new Zoombezi Bay Waterpark for an afternoon of water fun!