Adventure Cove Opens at the Columbus Zoo

On Friday July 10, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium officially opened Adventure Cove, their newest region and biggest project since Heart of Africa debuted in 2014. Mirroring the coastal wharf of San Francisco’s Pier 39— with vibrant salt-worn storefronts and the bellows of sea lions—Adventure Cove immerses guests in an exciting world of wildlife as soon as they enter the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Thematically it would have made more sense to put the seals and sea lions in the Shores region of the zoo. However, placing the exhibit immediately inside the zoo’s entrance in an area previously devoid of any animals corrects one of the few weaknesses the zoo used to have: it was quite a long hike from the parking lot to the first major animal exhibit. Now as soon as you enter the gates guests will hear the barking of the pinnipeds.

Design of the exhibits began in November 2016, and after 2.5 years of construction this brand-new, 4.1 acre, state-of-the-art region is finally open to the public. Here’s what you’ll see in each of the individual areas.

Seal and Sea Lion Habitat

After entering the zoo and turning left, you’ll find the new home of the sea lions and seals which features a Pacific Northwest inspired rocky coast and harbor setting complete with a mini lighthouse. I read previously this is the largest tank exhibit in the whole zoo, containing over 375,000 gallons of water, meaning it contains more water than the coral reef, polar bears and the manatees. It looks like they even have a wave machine!

The highlight of the new habitat is a “first of its kind” 60-foot-long underwater viewing tunnel where the middle twenty feet includes a clear ten inch thick acrylic floor, allowing guests to view the sea lions as they plunge above and dive below your feet.

The one area of the exhibit we didn’t get to experience yet (and maybe won’t for a while due to the virus situation) is the 250-seat theater. It will be used “for scheduled educational and engaging ambassador experiences with different species from both the sea lion/seal habitat and Animal Encounters Village throughout the day.” The lighthouse can be used for bird presentations as well.

Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village

Next up is Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village, a colorfully-themed and immersive village highlighting animals from all around the world.

Eight interior and eight exterior mixed-species exhibits will showcase the animal ambassadors of the zoo. These are the animals that travel outside of the zoo and who normally can’t be seen at the zoo on a daily basis.

This brand-new area creates a highly-enriched and ever-changing environment for up to 50 diverse species, including sloths, African penguins, bat-eared foxes, lemurs, cheetahs, tortoises, toucans and more.

Stingray Bay Returns

Stingray Bay has returned! After being closed due to construction for what felt like forever, the hands on exhibit was renovated into a year-round opportunity to enjoy experiencing stingrays up close.

It’s also been changed from an up-charge attraction to included with zoo admission! Stingray Bay truly does honor Jungle Jack Hanna’s legacy of “touching the heart to teach the mind.”

Sea Dragon Coaster and the Rides

The amusement park rides in the former Jungle Jack’s Landing area also received some minor face lifts and sign updates in order to seamlessly integrate them into this new and engaging section of the Zoo.

Of note to coaster enthusiasts, the Sea Dragon wooden roller coaster is open and received some new wood in the off-season (I believe done by Martin and Vleminckx). It’s riding great.

And yes, the station brakes are still manually operated by levers.

Opened in 1956 as Jet Flyer, it’s now the oldest operating wooden roller coaster in Ohio.

Adventure Cove Tour

Now take a walk-through tour with us as we explore all the exciting areas of Adventure Cove at the Columbus Zoo by watching the video below:

Adventure Cove and the Animal Encounters Village is a great addition to the Columbus Zoo. One of the best zoos in the country is now even better with the addition of another “must see” exhibit.

Safety Protocols

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium continues to follow protocols and guidelines outlined in the organization’s Reopening Plan. All Zoo visits (including for Members) require a dated, timed ticket to help ensure that social distancing and other precautions are followed appropriately. After 3 p.m. each day, Members can visit without a timed entry/reservation as long as they present a valid membership card and photo ID at the turnstile. Reservations are still required for any Member visits before 3 p.m.