The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Review by Rain

Zoos Through The Eyes Of Photographers

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My Review 

At the Columbus Zoo, there are lots of opportunities for up-close photos with many of the animals.

One a very personal basis, the Animal Encounters Village docents bring tame animals such as rats, opossums and armadillos out for families to visit with. The petting zoo in Habitat Hollow allows visitors to interact directly with farm animals such as goats. There is also a lorikeet garden and pheasant aviary where you can see birds just off the path. Kangaroos also share their enclosure with guests on a pathway, with only a low rope fence in-between.

Many enclosures at the zoo are photo-friendly. The penguin exhibit, for example, has an open-air viewing area where patrons are not separated by glass. The polar bears have a great place where guests can video-tape the bears swimming underwater. I like to pull photos from my digital videos, so this was a perfect opportunity to get a few inches from the belly of a bear.

My hottest tip is to go to the Australia/South Seas area of the zoo and find the boat ride. Here, you'll get a special watery trip through the orangutan exhibit.

Types of cages at the zoo 

There are many outdoor exhibits with low fencing or moats, allowing for plenty of photos. Worst cases would be glass getting in the way of your shots- koalas, amphibians, manatees and bats.

Animal Environments 

Yes, the cages are very much like natural habitats. Exceptions would be the inside gorilla and bonobo exhibits which include structures like tires and playsets.

Health and Activity of the Animals 

The animals look healthy, but 'smarter' animals such as the apes and elephants show signs of having psychological issues (Elephants swaying, gorillas repeatedly throwing up and eating it.)

Is the staff friendly to photographers? 

Would you recommend this to a friend?