Columbus Zoo’s New Aquarium Vision Explained
The Columbus Zoo today unveiled plans for the John F. Wolfe Aquarium, a monumental new destination that will redefine aquatic wildlife experiences in the Midwest and mark the most ambitious project in the organization’s history. Made possible by a historic $50 million gift from The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation—the largest philanthropic gift ever received by the Columbus Zoo and among the largest gifts ever made to any zoo or aquarium in the nation—the new Aquarium will dramatically expand the Zoo’s mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
Spanning more than 100,000 square feet, Wolfe Aquarium will house more than 1 million gallons of freshwater and seawater habitats and feature more than 10,000 aquatic animals representing more than 300 species across 27 immersive exhibits. Designed as a free-standing, year-round destination, Wolfe Aquarium will connect guests to aquatic ecosystems from around the world while inspiring a deeper understanding of the vital role water plays in sustaining life on Earth.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how people connect with wildlife and conservation,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and John F. Wolfe Aquarium. “The John F. Wolfe Aquarium will immerse guests in some of the world’s most extraordinary marine and freshwater environments while inspiring action to protect them. It will strengthen our conservation impact, elevate the guest experience, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
A World-Class Aquarium Experience
Wolfe Aquarium will feature a stunning collection of immersive aquatic galleries that transport guests through some of the world’s most remarkable freshwater and marine ecosystems. Guests will journey through five major galleries:
Amazon River Basin
This two-level experience will showcase one of the most biologically diverse freshwater ecosystems on Earth, featuring giant arapaima, freshwater stingrays, piranhas, armored catfish, and other iconic species.
Scioto River
This first-of-its-kind aquarium experience will highlight one of Ohio’s most important waterways—making Wolfe Aquarium the only facility in the nation to interpret the Scioto River as a full ecosystem. Guests will discover remarkable native species, including paddlefish and lake sturgeon, while learning about the importance of protecting freshwater habitats close to home.
Pacific Northwest
Towering underwater forests will create a dynamic environment filled with movement, light, and life. Guests will also experience immersive tide pools that encourage hands-on discovery and exploration.
Open Ocean
The centerpiece habitat of the Aquarium will become the largest aquarium habitat in Ohio, transporting guests into the breathtaking “Tongue of the Ocean” ecosystem, where vibrant coral reefs transition into the mysteries of the deep sea. This expansive habitat will feature sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, rays, and schools of tropical fish moving through a vast underwater environment—an experience unlike anything currently available at other aquariums in the region.
Indo-Pacific Reef
Inspired by the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth, this gallery will provide a new home for species currently featured in the Zoo’s Aquarium at Discovery Reef while significantly expanding opportunities for animal care, conservation education, and guest engagement.
Discovery Galleries
Additional specialized exhibits will showcase some of nature’s most fascinating aquatic adaptations, including jellies, seahorses, cuttlefish, chambered nautiluses, giant spider crabs, giant isopods, and other unique species. Every exhibit has been intentionally designed to deepen understanding, spark curiosity, and inspire action to protect aquatic ecosystems both locally and globally.
A Conservation Investment for the Future
The John F. Wolfe Aquarium represents far more than a new attraction. As a separately ticketed experience, the Aquarium will create a sustainable new revenue stream that supports the Columbus Zoo’s long-term conservation, education, animal wellbeing, and community engagement initiatives. The project is also expected to generate significant economic impact for Central Ohio through job creation, tourism growth, and increased visitation to the region.
“As Columbus continues to grow as a destination city, Wolfe Aquarium will serve as a world-class attraction that reflects the innovation, ambition, and momentum of our region,” Schmid said. “This project positions Central Ohio as a national leader in wildlife conservation, education, and immersive guest experiences.”
Honoring a Legacy Nearly 100 Years in the Making
The John F. Wolfe Aquarium honors a family whose history is deeply intertwined with the origins of the Columbus Zoo. In 1926, after visiting the Saint Louis Zoo, Harry “H.P.” Wolfe encouraged Columbus Mayor James J. Thomas to establish a zoological park for the community, famously remarking, “Columbus should have something like this.” Later that same year, the Wolfe family donated the Zoo’s first animals—six Alaskan reindeer imported for a city Christmas celebration—helping spark public enthusiasm for what would eventually become the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Nearly a century later, the Wolfe family’s generosity and vision continue to shape the future of wildlife conservation and community connection in Central Ohio. “The Columbus Zoo has been woven into my family’s life for generations. We feel so fortunate to be able to continue our support of this incredible community asset and we are especially excited about the John F. Wolfe Aquarium and the impact it will have for generations to come,” said Katie Wolfe Lloyd.
Will the Aquarium be included in the Zoo admission price?
The Wolfe Aquarium will be a separate ticketed attraction. This helps support the exceptional animal habitats, guest experiences, and conservation programs that will make the Aquarium a destination for generations to come. We look forward to sharing member and ticket information closer to opening.
What will happen to the current Aquarium once Wolfe Aquarium opens?
The animals will move to the new aquarium. There are a number of ideas being considered for the building, but the focus right now is on planning and designing the future Aquarium.
Columbus Zoo’s New Aquarium
After their big announcement on Friday 6/19, I swung by the Columbus Zoo to get a quick look at where the new John F. Wolfe Aquarium is going to be built, which you can see in the video below. Here are also some comments from President and CEO Tom Schmid and Curator Becky Ellsworth.
The Columbus Zoo’s new aquarium will be built on 7 acres of the current parking lot. The zoo is also currently exploring plans to add a hotel onsite, which would probably also be built on a section of the current parking lot near the entrance so it could offer direct access into the zoo and Zoombezi Bay waterpark. The potential hotel would also potentially have a restaurant that would be accessible to non-zoo guests.
It remains to be seen how they will compensate for the removal of current parking but it seems there is room to extend the lots towards 750. Hopefully they rework the parking lot tram as well. The parking lot is very wide, yet the tram only operates in the center, making it not very useful to most guests.
It is unknown at this time if this project has any impact on the previously announced North America Trek Phase 2 that was set to open in 2028.
Construction timelines and additional project details will be announced as planning progresses. To learn more about the John F. Wolfe Aquarium and stay up to date on project milestones and announcements as they become available, visit wolfequarium.org
Interviews provided by Columbus Zoo and renderings courtesy of LMN Architects and Thinc Design.
Let us know your thoughts on Columbus Zoo’s new aquarium and plan in the comments below!
