ohio farm bureau federation

1927 – The Columbus Zoological Park opened with a small collection of donated animals. 1937 – First membership drive began, which led to the creation of a planned Zoo. 1951 – The city of Columbus took over Zoo operation and acquired its first three gorillas. 1956 – Colo, the world’s first captive-born gorilla, was born at the Columbus Zoo. 1978 – Jack Hanna became director of the Zoo. 1989 – Columbus Zoo purchased a golf course situated south of the Zoo. 1999 – West Indian Manatees arrived at the Zoo. With the addition of Manatee Coast, the Zoo changed its name to The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. 2004 – Bodhi, a 285-pound Asian elephant was born on April 16 marking the first successful Asian elephant birth at the Zoo. 2007 – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated its 80th Anniversary.