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The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located in Powell, Ohio (Liberty Township/Delaware County), just north of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Powell Road. It has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna. In 2009, it was named by the USA Travel Guide as the number one zoo in the United States.〔 〕 It was also ranked number one best zoo in 2012 by Besties Readers Choice.〔 〕 The Columbus Zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals〔http://www.wrsol.com/usatravelguide/2009/02/top10zoosinamerica/〕 representing over 800 species and sees over 2.3 million visitors annually. The animal exhibits are divided into regions of the world, with the zoo currently operating eight such regions. In addition the zoo owns an 18-hole golf course, known as the Safari Golf Club which encompasses . The zoo also owns Zoombezi Bay which encompasses and Jungle Jack's Landing which encompasses . In total, the zoo owns of land, with dedicated to the zoo itself. The zoo operates its own conservation program, donating money to outside programs as well as participating in their own conservation efforts. Over the past five years the zoo has contributed over $3.3 million to more than 70 projects in 30 countries.〔 〕 The zoo also has a close working relationship with the Wilds, a animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio and is featured on the Columbus Zoo's website.〔 〕 ==History== The first zoo in Columbus, the Columbus Zoological Company (not affiliated with today's Columbus Zoo), was located in the north Riverview neighborhood of Beechwold in Clintonville. The zoo opened in May 1905 but closed for unknown reasons only five months later in October 1905. The former monkey house can still be seen on the property of 150 West Beechwold Boulevard where it is used as a barn. The zoo's original brick entrance can also be seen on North High Street at Beechwold Road.〔 〕〔 〕 The present Columbus Zoo opened in 1927 as the Columbus Zoological Gardens. The city of Columbus took over management of the zoo in 1951, but later gave up ownership to the Zoological Park Association, Inc., a non-profit organization, in 1970. The city continued providing funds from the city's general fund, however, until 1986.〔 〕 On December 22, 1956, Colo, a western lowland gorilla, became the world's first captive-born gorilla at the Columbus Zoo. At the age of 57, she is the oldest gorilla in human care worldwide. Colo's family is now very extended, with 1 child, 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren still living in zoos throughout the country. The Columbus Zoo currently houses 15 gorillas, 6 of which are related to Colo. Thanks in large part to the efforts with Colo, The Columbus Zoo has become a leader in breeding gorillas with 31 gorillas born at the zoo since 1956.〔 〕 Jack Hanna became the director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978 and remained director until 1993. The zoo benefited greatly from his oversight, rising to national recognition during his tenure. Prior to his arrival, the zoo saw an average annual attendance of about 360,000. In addition, the animal facilities were in need of renovation. Hanna put an extensive amount of effort into turning the Columbus Zoo into a model facility, including personally picking up trash after hours. Cage enclosures were also removed during his time and replaced with more natural looking habitats. His enthusiasm, along with his national television recognition, helped attract more visitors to the zoo, with over 1.4 million visitors annually by 1992.〔 〕 Hanna was named director emeritus of the zoo in 1993, and continues to be the public face for the zoo in its marketing campaigns. In 2004, voters passed a measure that would raise an estimated $180 million to expand the zoo over the next 10 years. The expansion includes additional parking, Polar Frontier, an exhibit including polar bears and Arctic foxes, as well as Heart of Africa, the most recent exhibit including lions, antelope, cheetahs, giraffe, zebras, etc. To make room for these new exhibits, bordering Powell Road has been relocated around the eastern and southern border of the zoo. A new entrance was constructed along the new roadway, which opened in early 2008. Long term plans include the possibility of a resort-style hotel to attract tourists along with its outdoor water/amusement park, Zoombezi Bay.〔 〕 On June 28, 2009, Jeff Swanagan, the executive director of the zoo, died suddenly at the age of 51.〔 〕 Dale Schmidt, the zoo's chief operating officer, was named executive director on November 20, 2009.〔 〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Columbus Zoo and Aquarium」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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