Columbus Zoo adding 4D theater, interactive park

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is adding a new 4D theater attraction as well as an interactive playground. The area will be known as the Shores Park. See renderings of the plans and construction pictures below.

Hawaiian goose at Columbus Zoo

Hawaiian goose have been added to the flamingo exhibit at the Columbus Zoo. Pictured below is the new sign.

I've also heard the sun bears are going to be phased out. Can anyone confirm?

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Map 2015

A few weeks ago we visited Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, our second visit since the first in 2013. My thoughts from last time remain pretty much unchanged as the only difference at the aquarium was swapping out the dinosaur exhibit for "Swarm". It was fun taking our son and seeing his reactions. Check out the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies 2015 map below:

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo 2015

This Thursday was the start of Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo. New this year is three different light dancing light shows: two alternating shows around the central lake and a new one in the Shores region. Check out some highlights by watching the Wildlights 2015 video below:

Columbus Zoo 2015 Videos

A couple videos from the Columbus Zoo this summer, including the Pirate Island Boat Ride:

Columbus Zoo Map 2015

Pictured below is the 2015 Columbus Zoo map. Heart of Africa is open for the season but meerkats have not been added like previously rumored. Robot dinosaurs have been replaced by robot pirates around the boat ride in Voyage to the Islands area. The pony rides have been moved to the top of Bison Hill and a cow has taken up residence in the old pony ride area.

Columbus Zoo Heart of Africa Vervet Monkey

Are Columbus Zoo: Heart of Africa series continues with a look at the vervet monkeys. These monkeys have taken over Jack Hanna's base camp. There are 27 vervet monkeys kept in three different groups. The zoo keepers can use different setups to keep the exhibit fresh and interesting for visitors and monkeys alike.

Watch the vervet monkeys wreck havoc on Jack's camp below:

We'll have a final post on Heart of Africa soon!