Lions and Tigers and . . . Polar Bears!
The Columbus Zoo brings the Arctic to Ohio
By Abigail Hartung |
|
Photo by Chris Casella The majesty of the polar bear can now be experienced without leaving the city.
The Columbus Zoo is the proud home of two three-year-old sister polar bears, Aurora and Anana. Born in Toledo, the girls now reside in the zoo's new Polar Frontier. Weighing in at around 450 pounds each, these bears are remarkably graceful. One could spend hours watching them frolic and bask in the sun on the large rock in their pond. Take a trip to the lower level of the exhibit, and catch the bears in action underwater through the floor-to-ceiling viewing window. But don't linger too long - the zoo offers so much to see, you'll be hard pressed to visit all the animals in one trip.
Also new to the zoo this season, in the Polar Frontier exhibit, are four Arctic foxes. These darling critters sport gray coats in the summertime, and will camouflage themselves in white for the winter. The polar theme is carried on in the interactive playground and the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost building, which provides viewing screens with live video feed of the bears and learning experiences for young and old alike.
Not to be overshadowed by their great white cousins, the brown bears, brothers Brutus and Buckeye, are a must-see. These four-year-olds were rescued from Alaska after their mother was killed. They now enjoy lazing about in the shade and taking a dip in their trout pond. Stop by at the right time, and you'll be treated to a hilarious performance as the bears attempt to catch a fish. Though they weigh about 1,000 pounds each, these big boys don't like to get their ears wet, which makes fishing a difficult task. Community Relations Director Patty Peters admits that while the staff is certainly excited to have the polar bears in residence, the brown bears' antics make them a staff favorite.
"They're like sumo wrestlers in bear costumes," she said. "The brown bears just aren't as graceful as the polar bears."
Several other new arrivals have joined the zoo this past year. Three lion cubs were born last fall, and a bonobo was born earlier this year. Other newborns include three otter pups and an elephant. The baby elephant, Beco, is one of the most popular new members of the zoo family. At one year old, he is a joy to watch as he ambles around after his mother, still feeling out his gangly limbs.
The zoo is now home to six manatees, four of which were recently rescued after being injured in Florida. These graceful sea cows share their lagoon with many colorful fish, rays and even a playful sea turtle.
The zoo also provides several opportunities to get up-close and personal with the animals.
Step into the Lorikeet Garden aviary and prepare to become one with the flock. Visitors can purchase a cup of nectar to feed the birds upon entering the aviary. These brightly colored 'keets fly right up and perch on your arms and shoulders, making this a perfect exercise for anyone coping with ornithophobia. The zoo provides a washing station and paper towels for any necessary cleanup.
At the Kangaroo Walk-about, the friendly marsupials welcome you into their home for a unique viewing experience. Watch as they lounge and frolic, with no fences obstructing the view. You'll be hopping along and wishing them "G'day, mate" like a regular Aussie.
In the reptile building, after marveling at the exotic creatures behind the glass, take time to pet the friendly snake at the information desk. If you're terrified of scaly things, this little guy will calm your fears.
For thrills of a different sort, take a trip to Jungle Jack's Landing, the zoo's amusement park. Complete with a 52-year-old wooden coaster, a log ride, and bumper cars, to name a few, the Landing will leave you feeling like a kid again. Zoombezi Bay, the adjoining water park, will cool you down with a dip in Crocodile Creek, and spin you around in the Cyclone, the extreme raft slide.
With so much to experience, the Columbus Zoo is truly a destination for summer adventurers. Get an early start to catch all the creatures, or consider staying in the area overnight to make the most of your trip. You'll be in touch with your wild side before you know it.
Catch a unique performance at the zoo on July 9th during the eighth annual "Go Wild! for Opera." Check out the website for full details and more upcoming events.
Originally Published: July 1, 2010
