Columbuszoo spring2015

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

experience Heart of Africa

The Columbus Zoo’s Largest Region is now open!

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

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Maximize your family’s fun time at the zoo

We hope you had a chance to explore the Zoo’s new Heart of Africa habitat last summer — we’ve gotten tremendous feedback from our visitors and are gearing up for another great season. In fact, this summer we’re adding a third cheetah run to the daily schedule.

Whether it is your first visit or a repeat from last summer, we hope you’ll come out and enjoy riding a camel, feeding a giraffe, watching all the activity around the watering hole and eating a delicious meal at the Mapori Restaurant.

Aye matey — Australia & the Islands boat ride has been taken over by pirates — Pirates for the Planet. Also, you won’t want to miss the improvements at the Bob Evans’ My Barn in North America — stop by to see miniature donkeys, pigs, a baby cow, rabbits and much more! It is hands-on fun for the whole family.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Zoombezi Bay has more cabanas than ever before, and every pool is heated. The recently renovated Safari Golf Club has a new online reservation system, too — be sure to reserve your tee time today. Don’t forget to plan a trip to the Wilds. Last year, more than 70 babies were born including a historic birth: the first fifth-generation white rhino born outside of Africa. Jungle Jack named him Letterman in honor of David Letterman’s retirement. To see Letterman (the rhino) and check out all the other adventures at the Wilds, visit the website to make reservations.

As animal lovers and zoo directors, nothing makes us smile bigger than when we see people observing wildlife and creating lifelong memories at our parks. Over the years, we’ve become experts on getting the most out of our animal adventures — so before you pile in the car, check out these tips for enhancing your next visit — have a WILD time.

See you at the Zoo,

Beat the rush

Arrive as soon as the doors open — animals tend to be more active in the morning — and there aren’t any crowds. Also, don’t let a few rain showers scare you away — these are some of the best days to see active animals. Another great time to visit is during the evening as many guests leave before dinner. Stick around for dinner at Mapori Restaurant, or join us after dinner for a sunset safari at the Wilds, a dive-in movie at Zoombezi Bay or a twilight tour of the Zoo.

Heart of Africa

Be Informed

Check out our websites, download the mobile app to your smartphone, and scan our Facebook pages for insider information. Be sure to check the schedule of events for the day you are visiting — you won’t want to miss watching the Animals on Safari show, interacting at the Animal Encounters Village, or embarking on a guided tour. Don’t forget, we have Zoombezi Bay and Safari Golf Club right next door — our families love relaxing at the wave pool and lazy river — it is a family-friendly adventure that caters to all ages.

columbuszoo.org

Be Curious

If you have any questions while you are visiting, please don’t hesitate to ask our wonderful staff, docents or the Zoo’s Nationwide Zoo Crew and OhioHealth HooFit Team. Make sure you attend a Keeper Talk, presented by SteveGermain.com, to get an in-depth look at our animals. Our team members have a wealth of knowledge and might point you toward a part of the park you never thought to visit. Speaking of … have you ever fed a stingray or a giraffe?

Capture Memories The Stalf Family

Don’t forget your camera. We treasure the photos of our families growing up around the Zoo. Make sure you know your camera settings to document those priceless interactions. We love to share our photos with friends, family and fans. When you share your photos on Facebook — tag the Zoo, the Wilds or Zoombezi Bay so we can see them, too.

Book an event Tom Stalf, President and CEO

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus

The Hanna Family

Strolling through the Zoo and the Wilds is a great way to experience our animals. But there are other options, too. We’ve held birthday parties, weddings, graduations, reunions and more. You also can create lifelong memories and celebrate milestones. Your guests won’t stop talking about the unique venue.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

Animal Encounters Village

Image Astrid Kreidl

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Check out our Cheetahs Heart of Africa immerses guests in an up-close, experiential adventure of Africa right here in Ohio. Visit daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to see cheetahs, the world’s fastest land animal, displaying top speeds as they race across their yard.

Opening for its seventh season, Animal Encounters Village (AEV) offers a distinct experience each day. Located in Jungle Jack’s Landing, right near the Zoo entrance, this one-of-a-kind, up-close and engaging animal attraction will thrill people of all ages. Each day is different with new animals to meet. Stop by to be a part of a flamingo walk, sloth encounter, tortoise walkabout or to catch a glimpse of some other AEV residents. Also daily, you can get face to face with one of our endangered African black-footed penguins during their swims. You can purchase a pin to support many of the AEV animals and the efforts to save their species daily at the Village.

The Village opens Memorial Day weekend, so stop over for a special experience. Show topics change frequently and are held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., seven days a week.

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Bob Evans Farms My Barn

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Visit Bob Evans Farms My Barn for a new experience involving a revamped barn as well as many new animals. From Mini donkeys and Tamsworth pigs to Dexter calves and baby chicks, you are sure to enjoy the new heritage breeds the barn has to offer.

Image graham s. jones

Image graham s. jones

Animals on Safari

The Animals on Safari show brings you face to face with many amazing animals — ranging from a hopping kangaroo to a ladder-climbing domestic cat.

This choreographed animal show includes Cordy the boxer mix and Lola the Bulldog — showing off their amazing skills while making it hard for staff to prepare for opening day at “camp.” World-renowned animal trainer and Columbus native Joel Slaven created the show specifically for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The most exciting part of this amazing show is that all of the domestic animal stars are rescues, and many of them came from local shelters and rescue groups in central Ohio.

Opening for its sixth season, Animals on Safari, never disappoints. Stop by to see the show at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays, with the addition of a 6 p.m. show on weekends. Gates close promptly at show time.

Located in Located onthe thenorth northside sideofof Columbus, Holiday Columbus, HolidayInn Innsits sitsin thethe quiet and safesuburb suburbofof in charming Worthington. Amenities Amenities Include: Worthington. include: • Easy access to and from I-270 • Free Parking • Convenient Location • Heated Indoor pool • High Speed Internet access • Great Food at Connections Cafe Visit us online to book your room with tickets to the Columbus Zoo or Zoombezi Bay! Call 614-436-0700 or visit: www.holidayinn.com/worthingtonoh

Columbus/Worthington 7007 N. High Street Worthington, OH 43085

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

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what can you do to help the zoo? memberships & It’s as easy as shopping at Kroger. season passes First, go to Kroger.com/CommunityRewards to set up an account.

Once your account is set up, follow these steps: All participants must re-enroll each year for the program to continue earning points for the zoo.

l Click Enroll Now, and log in to the site using your e-mail address and password. l Type 80058 to find the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. l Click the circle to the left of the zoo name. l Click Save.

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Join the WILDEST family in Columbus and get a whole year of entertainment and education. See a different region each day or see the whole Zoo every time you come, it’s up to you. And as a Zoo member, you can come as often as you like. Family memberships pay for themselves in just over two visits.

BUY ONLINE and SAVE!!

Outside Membership Franklin Franklin Categories County County

Individual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $49 . . . . . . . . . . . $55 Individual Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $79 . . . . . . . . . . . $90 Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $99 . . . . . . . . . . $119 Family Plus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129 . . . . . . . . . . $149 Individual Gold. . . . . . . . . . . $119.99 . . . . . . . . $129.99 Individual Gold Child* . . . . . . $89.99 . . . . . . . . . $99.99 Individual Zoombezi Bay Season Pass. . . . . . . . . . $99.99 Individual Zoombezi Bay Child* Season Pass . . . . $69.99 Zoombezi Bay pass prices are the same for inside and outside Franklin County

To learn more about membership visit ColumbusZoo.org and ZoombeziBay.com

away game?

Let Hampton Inn Dublin help write the game plan for your next travel date. Our group booking tools, Guest List Manager and Personalized Group Web Page keep you on top of everything. Visit us online today and get in the game.

FREE fresh waffles

refreshing swimming pool

Hampton Inn Columbus/Dublin • 3920 Tuller Rd. • Dublin, Ohio www.columbusdublin.hamptoninn.com • 1-800-HAMPTON Hilton HHonors® membership, earning of Points Miles® and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions. ©2012 Hilton Worldwide

100% satisfaction guarantee

Columbus Zoo Membership Benefits • FREE admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 363 days a year • FREE parking • FREE or Reduced admission to more than 100 AZA accredited Zoos • FREE members’ magazine • Exclusive members-only events • PRIORITY registration for education programs • Discounted admission to Stingray Bay AND Pirate Island+ • Discount at gift shops • Exclusive members-only coupons • Discounts on Wilds memberships Benefits for GOLD Members • All of the above Zoo member benefits PLUS • FREE admission to Zoombezi Bay while pass is valid • FREE Zoo rides,** including Jungle Jack’s Landing • FREE admission to Stingray Bay AND Pirate Island+ Zoombezi Bay Season Pass Benefits • FREE admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay (only during Zoombezi Bay operating season) • FREE Parking (during the Zoombezi Bay operating season) • Discounts at the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay gift shops • Bring-A-Friend to Zoombezi Bay Mondays and Wednesdays for $12.99 (up to 2); Valid May 25 through Aug. 17, 2015 • $5 Discount off ZOOMPASS, a waterslide reservation system that allows you to reserve your time and wait less in line • Exclusive Season Pass Entrance • NEW for 2015 — Season-pass holders will have a private shaded picnic shelter available exclusively for their use just inside the season-pass entrance • Discounted admission to Stingray Bay AND Pirate Island+ • FREE admission to all five Dive-In Movies *Children ages 3–9

**some restrictions apply

+While operating

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

Don’tmisstheseotherexcitingevents at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay and the Wilds!!!

MAY

May 19 May 21 May 21 – June 5 May 24 May 26 May 30 & 31

June 1 Zoo Night at the Clippers June 3 Junior Golf Clinic at Safari Golf Club June 9 HOOFit Walk presented by OhioHealth June 18 World’s Largest Swim Lesson at Zoombezi Bay June 20 Zoofari June 21 Father’s Day Celebration June 25 Columbus Clippers Day at the Zoo June 29 – July 5 Military Family Free Dayz

July 7 July 19 July 24 & 25 July 25 & 26 July 25 & 26 July 30

. OOFit Walk presented by OhioHealth H Zoombezi Bay Science Day School Days at Zoombezi Bay (M-F) Zoo Night at Ohio Machine Zoombezi Bay Home School Day Reebok Spartan Race at the Wilds

JUNE

Doors open at 6:30pm and concerts begin at 8:00pm

JULY

HOOFit Walk presented by OhioHealth Zoo at the Crew Pirate Dinner Theater Pancakes with Pirates Pirate Week-end HOOFit Walk presented by OhioHealth

AUGUST

Aug. 20 Aug. 21

HOOFit Walk presented by OhioHealth Craft Brew at the Zoo

Hello Dolly -

7/11 Music

Turn up the volume on your summer plans with the thrill of all sorts of jazz fit for any “Cool Cat.” Join the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Columbus Jazz Arts Group as they celebrate another JazZoo Concert Series held at the Water’s Edge Events Park.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 5 Wilds Sunset Soiree Sept. 12 Touch-A-Truck Sept. 17 HOOFit Walk presented by OhioHealth Sept. 19 Rwandan Fete Sept. 19 & 20 Jack Hanna’s Fall Fest featuring Jack Hanna Sept. 26 & 27 Pumpkin Carving Championship Sept. 28 Jack Hanna’s Conservation Cup

OCTOBER

Oct. 3 Wine For Wildlife Oct. 4 Colo’s Classic Car Show Oct. 11 Colo Club/Wilds Society Stewardship Event at the Wilds Oct. 16–18 & 23–25 Boo at the Zoo Oct. 17–18 & 24–25 Super Hero Brunch Oct. 20–22 ZooClue Oct. 31 Halloween Celebration

Nov. 11

Nov. 19

Nov. 19

Nov. 20 – Jan. 3, 2016

Nov. 20

JULY 11, 17 & 31 AND AUGUST 7

Dec. 8, 10, 12, 13 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 22

From Broadway and the Silver Screen Basie, Duke and

7/17 the Big Bands

Ella and Louis -

7/31 Together Again 8/7 Smooth

Crooners: Nat King Cole and Beyond.

ZOO ER MEMB T N U O C DIS BLE A IL A V A

Visit columbuszoo.org to PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

NOVEMBER

Veterans Day Free Wildlights Preview Night Donor Club Stewardship Event at Water’s Edge Wildlights (excludes Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) Wildlights Stuff the Truck

DECEMBER

Dine with Santa Jack Hanna’s Into the Wildlights 10TV Show Jack Hanna’s Home for the Holidays featuring Santa Paws Colo’s Birthday Celebration

*Dates and details are subject to change.

For more information on these and other great events,

please visit columbuszoo.org.

A signature fundraiser with food, spirits, music and more. Get tickets at columbuszoo.org.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015 ■

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

educational camps

Shiver me timbers — Hunger Games, heroes & habitats

Set sail ye swashbucklers For our smallest of buccaneers, ZooKids, Set Sail with Pirates Camp takes children ages 3 to 6 on a quest for a “special” cache. Lil’ mates create a chest to hold their bounty of Zoo treasures … or walk the plank if they come up empty. Me buckos take heed — muster ye wits to unlock the “super powers” of the natural world during the Animal Superheroes Camp. Hold onto your hats when you explore amazing environments in search of the fastest, slowest, most dangerous and smelliest of critters. Excursions set sail mornings

Valid Fridays only (June – September).

PLU#: 15006

$10 off per person

Not valid with any other offer.

Subject to availability. Valid only during normal operating hours.

By reservation only. Offer expires 9/25/15. Book your reservation at thewilds.org.

Valid for up to 6 tickets.

PLU#: 15007

$10 off per person

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Open-Air Safari

Ahoy young mateys, in Summer Experience Day Camp uncover some unusual animals that call the Seven Seas home during the Voyage to Pirate Island Camp. Cap’n and his crew (grades 1–2) will learn about jobs, grub and life aboard a pirate ship, spiced with some juicy myths and superstitions only ye pirates will tell.

During the Wildlife Hunger Games Camp, sea dogs (grades 1–7) travel around the Zoo and identify prey/ predator adaptations. Think like a Zoo animal, and design a swanky habitat during the Expedition: Ecosystems Challenge Camp.

You’ll review the specifics of several ecosystems then design a hands-on plan with other

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Sunset Safari

Opportunities for children to learn about animals, their habitats and conservation through the Zoo

or afternoons during June, July and August.

Avast ye lassies and lads — ready for some adventure and merriment? Search for lost treasures, uncover the mysteries of the natural world and discover the scuttlebutt on your favorite wildlife careers this summer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the Wilds. Registration is underway for our popular programs. Unleash superhero powers, build a treasure chest, design an animal habitat and explore ecosystems — all in a week’s work. Yo-ho-ho, and get set for some fun.

Not valid with any other offer.

Subject to availability. Valid only during normal operating hours.

By reservation only.

Offer expires 10/25/15.

mates. Eye through ye spyglass the most admired conservation heroes and their programs at the Wildlife Heroes Camp. You, too, can be a conservation hero — join us to discover how. Camps are held most weeks Monday through Friday during June, July and August.

Mature mateys (grades 5–7) can include an overnight stay with their camp experience. Arrrrrgh!

Not a pirate’s life for me Explore a variety of conservation and animal-related careers during one of two camp opportunities for teens.

At the Zoo, technology meets reality as teens (ages 13 to 16) explore Zoo careers to create a customized game where they are the star of their own adventure.

Roll up your sleeves and join us for a gritty, hands-on experience during the Dirty Wild Jobs Camp (ages 15 to 18) at The Wilds.

Learn how nes m s. jo graha vets do a proImage

the wilds

It’s time to strap on your boots, grab your camera and head to the Wilds for an adventure unlike any other. The Wilds hosts an array of spring and summer activities that first-time guests as well as familiar visitors can enjoy.

A safari park and conservation center, the Wilds combines cutting-edge conservation science and education programs with hands-on experiences. Established in 1984, the Wilds resides on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface-mining land.

Home to more than 30 rare and endangered species from around the globe, the Wilds offers wide, open pastures for these species to roam and even coexist. In 2014,

PLENTY

OF SPACE TO STRETCH OUT

With oversized suites, Cambria is perfect for family getaways by the zoo or welcoming friends to town.

TICKETS AND • Oversized suites PARKING AND • Less than 10 miles from the zoo BREAKFAST, • Free WiFi O H MY !

Call for Zoo Packages! • Bar & bistro 614-841-9100 • Indoor pool & fitness center

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cedure on a giraffe, how keepers perform daily foot care for rhinos, what it takes to restore a prairie and much more.

Heave Ho for Conservation Wake up to an illuminating sunrise then hike, swim, trail-ride or canoe acres of native Ohio habitats and lakes. Or zip line overhead past a herd of grazing rhino … adventures flourish at the Wilds’ WildeCamp.

Inquisitive explorers immerse themselves in hands-on discovery of healthy ecosystems and discover what can be accomplished for those that need help.

Campers ages 8 to 18 choose their mix of conservation, education and fun from five camps offered throughout the summer. And don’t forget the rest of the family: Experience a unique family vacation during Family Camp at the Wilds June 20–22 or Aug. 8–10.

Chart your course to summer adventure by visiting columbuszoo.org and click on “Learn at the Zoo.” To learn more about WildeCamp visit thewilds.org and click on “Learn at the Wilds.”

Advancing conservation while providing unique visitor experiences the Wilds experienced more than 70 births, including seven Sichuan takin, a greater one-horned rhino, a giraffe and the first fifth-generation white rhino born outside of Africa.

These offspring are as exciting for conservationists as they are adorable for all animal lovers.

Visitors can ride in a pickup truck to feed giraffes or touch a rhino on a Wildside Tour, feel the breeze on an Open-Air Safari Tour while snapping breathtaking photos, or relax from the comfort of a climate-controlled Safari Transport bus.

Guests can get a bird’s-eye view while they soar over the animal pastures on a Zipline Safari Tour.

If guests prefer a slow and steady speed, they will enjoy a relaxing Fishing Safari on one of the nearly 150 lakes at the Wilds, or saddle up on a Horseback Safari through the quiet prairies. Most tours even offer sunset options for guests. Visitors may also walk through the 10-acre butterfly habitat or see the Wilds’ restoration ecology work in action at the birding station at Jeffery Point.

For those in need of a wild weekend, Nomad Ridge provides a perfect getaway. This adults-only private yurt overlooks the animal pastures under a sky unobstructed

Sichuan Takin

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by city lights. Large groups can reserve the Lodge, where guests can stay in a private luxury cabin tucked away next to one of the Wilds most scenic lakes.

The Wilds is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is managed by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May through September and weekends only in October.

Pricing varies depending on the tour and parking is $6 per vehicle.

A Wilds membership is a great value and can pay for itself in just a few visits. Members receive free Safari Transport and Open-Air Safari Tours, free parking and discounts on premium safari experiences, lodging at Nomad Ridge and the Lodge.

For more information about the Wilds or to schedule a tour, please visit thewilds.org.

9100 Lyra Drive • Columbus, Ohio 43240

CAMBRIASUITESPOLARIS.COM ©2014 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved.

nomad ridge

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

Pirate Island

Blimey! The Zoo’s newest exhibit is sure to be a jolly good time Set sail on an exciting adventure as Pirate Island makes its debut at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

This new attraction is comprised of dozens of realistic, life-size, animatronic swashbucklers produced by Scarefactory, an internationally recognized Columbus company. Similar to the highly popular Dinosaur Island experience, Pirate Island features a boat ride tour of the Zoo’s Australia and the Islands region.

Entertaining as well as inspiring, Pirate Island is designed to send an important message about conservation. The tour takes guests through a battle between the green-clad “Pirates for the Planet,” who recognize that nature’s living treasures are more valuable than any buried chest of

Zoombezi Bay Summer is almost here, so get ready to spend your days swimming through central Ohio’s coolest water park, Zoombezi Bay. This familyoriented water park is located inside the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and features 17 stateof-the-art water slides, a wave pool, an action river, an adult’s lazy river, 31 private cabanas, an exciting area for kids and a whole lot more.

gold, and the “Purple Poaching Pillagers,” who are intent on ruining the magnificent wildlife and their habitats.

Various animal figures — including Komodo dragons, gibbons, parrots, snakes and more — add to the magic of Pirate Island. Guests can see a giant Rafflesia flower upend a pillaging pirate, while the small-clawed otters trick another into hanging onto his purple, polka-dotted underwear for dear life!

Pirate Island, which opened May 16, offers daily rides through Labor Day and weekend rides through October.

Admission for the Pirate Island Boat Ride is $3 per person, $2 for Zoo members, free for Zoo gold members and is included with the Zoo-It-All wristbands.

ADMISSION PRICES

(Discount tickets available at Kroger stores.)

General admission: $32.99 / Children 3-9 and seniors 60-plus: $24.99

bucket dump that Zoombezi Bay and Wyandot Lake guests have enjoyed for more than 20 years.

Season Passes You receive so many benefits from having a Zoombezi Bay season pass, including free Zoo admission and parking during Zoombezi’s season; a private entrance next to the wave pool; a private picnic area; discounts on ZOOMPASS, Pirate Island and Stingray Bay; and free admission to Dive-In Movies.

Plus, bring up to two friends to Zoombezi Bay for just $12.99 every Monday and Wednesday.

sion or a season pass.

For more information on Zoombezi Bay, visit zoombezibay.com. Zoombezi Bay, a for-profit LLC, is owned and operated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Revenue generated by the water park goes directly to the Columbus Zoo to support the Zoo’s mission and operations.

Dive-In Movies

Baboon Lagoon with heated water With 16 life-size baboon figurines and one giant octopus sculpture at the base, this animal-themed attraction is designed to stimulate the imagination and create exciting hands-on explorations for children. Featuring heated water, the multilevel play structure includes 90 interactive aquatic controls to give participants a myriad of possibilities to explore, 10 exciting water slides and the iconic 1,000-gallon

What would summer be without Dive-In Movies at Zoombezi Bay? Float in the wave pool on an inner tube or relax in a lounge chair and enjoy a family-friendly movie on a hot summer night. The series lasts for five consecutive Friday nights from early July to early August. The schedule is as follows: July 10: How to Train your

Dragon 2 July 17: Jumanji July 24: Pirates! Band of Misfits July 31: Rio 2 Aug. 7: Penguins of Madagascar Dive-In Movies begin at dusk and are free with daily admis-

Holiday Inn Express Columbus Dublin 5500 Tuttle Crossing Blvd.

Dublin, OH 43016 www.hiexpress.com/dublinoh l

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Discount admission tickets and discounted room rates available for Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay and COSI Newest hotel in Dublin

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Complimentary Hot Breakfast Indoor Pool Complimentary Shuttle based on availability

For Reservations, call (614) 793-5500.

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

Safari Golf Club

What do eagles, red-tailed hawks, white-tailed deer, albatrosses and minks all have in common?

For the sharp-eyed golfer, they are all sights that can be seen at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Safari Golf Club.

Our goal is to make Safari Golf Club a championship, destination facility.

During the past couple of years, Safari has upgraded its facilities by adding new, picturesque holes, realigning existing holes and substantially improving the level of maintenance, as well as paving all of the cart paths.

With more than 6,800 yards, we reduced the distances between the greens and tees, which has improved our pace of play by almost 20 minutes.

We worked with world-famous golf course architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan to develop five new holes, as well as three new greens and eight new tees. Each and every putt is a true test of skill.

In addition, we are making upgrades to our conservation areas to make them more attractive to all kinds of native fauna, including golfers.

But that’s not all.

Our pro shop features new equipment and apparel (featuring Nike and Titleist brands) to please even the most discerning golfer.

For added convenience, golfers can schedule tee times online anytime, and receive e-mail specials available only to our players.

Our service staff — from the pro shop to starters to player assistants — has un-

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Experience a whole new breed of golfing at the Zoo GOLFING EVENTS

In 2015, Safari Golf Club will again partner with the Memorial Tournament to bring its youth exhibition to Safari on Wednesday, June 3. This provides an opportunity for young players to see and learn from real PGA touring pros right at Safari Golf Club.

The Zoo will again host its own tournament, Jungle Jack’s Conservation Cup, a scramble guaranteed to provide fun, great food and gifts and exciting golf — and an appearance from our own Jack Hanna. The Conservation Cup, to be held Sept. 28, is open to the first 144 golfers who sign up, so don’t miss it.

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dergone extensive training to make each player’s round of golf even more enjoyable. We have plenty of golf carts in our fleet so no one ever has to walk — unless they want the exercise.

At the Safari Grill, we’ve expanded and upgraded our menu to offer more choices at even lower prices including new varieties of beer on tap.

But you don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy the Grill. The public is invited for lunch, dinner or cocktails in a peaceful setting overlooking the course, or to watch the tournament or a big game on our big-screen TV. Most public courses would be happy to offer such improvements. But that’s not enough at Safari Golf Club — we’re making the course even more of a value.

Our entrance is located at 4853 W. Powell Road. For more information, call

(614) 645-3444, or visit safarigc.com.

Book your next corporate outing, sign up for lessons with one of our PGA-certified pros or take advantage of our state-of-the-art learning center with grass tees.

Tee it up, hit it long and help the Zoo in its conservation efforts.

THE COLUMBUS ZOO AND AQUARIUM IS A GREAT PLACE TO HOST YOUR NEXT CATERED EVENT OR BUSINESS MEETING We have over 15 unique venues with our newest being the Africa Event Center. In this venue you will have the opportunity to feed giraffes and dine while overlooking the brand new Heart of Africa.

Or you can host your event on the river at Water’s Edge Events Park!

NOW BOOKING COMPANY PICNICS, BUSINESS MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 614.724.3785

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

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THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH | Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015

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HEART OF AFRICA After an extremely popular debut, Heart of Africa is embarking on its second season at the Columbus Zoo! With cheetah runs, camel rides, giraffe feedings, educational keeper talks, and more than 100 animals grazing the mixed-species savanna, the Zoo’s newest and largest region brings the African safari experience to the heart of Ohio.

Colorful shelters and rhythmic drum music of the Mudiwa Village will transport you to the African savanna the moment you walk through the region entrance. Here, you can ride a camel before perusing artisan wares handcrafted by locals of the western continent.

Hungry? Stop by the energy-conscious Mapori Restaurant, a fullservice kitchen with two buffet-style serving lines. Indoor and sheltered outdoor dining areas are available, all within view of the lion habitat and the other animals grazing the fields. In conjunction with the Zoo’s conservation mission, Mapori is certified by the Green Restaurant Association with a four-star distinction.

The journey continues through the Ajabu National Park portal, where you can climb aboard a grounded Beech-18 aircraft and catch a glimpse of the lions catching a catnap on the plane’s wing. Once you deplane, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the vast savanna, where ostriches strut, greater kudu bark, and zebras gallop. Watch the action around the Watering Hole, where different animals gather throughout the day, including two new hyenas. Then, in the blink of an eye, see if you can spot the fastest land mammal, the athletic cheetah, go from 0 to 60 MPH in only three seconds during the cheetah run. Spy on the vervet monkeys swinging high in the treetops before they perform their commando-style raids on the campsite. Travel through Jack Hanna’s camp and learn about the breadth of projects that the Columbus Zoo supports to promote sustainable co-existence between wild animals and the people of the African savanna. As you near the end of the walking path, you’ll come face-to-face with the giants of the savanna as giraffes lean in to eat leaves directly from your hand!

Heart of Africa, a 43-acre region, provides unobstructed, picturesque views that will give you the feeling of being in Africa without leaving central Ohio. Zoo-goers of all ages will be filled with wonder as they experience a unique, one-of-a-kind wildlife adventure.