From our hotel we took a cab down Riverside drive that runs along the scenic Scioto River towards the Columbus Zoo.  Named as the #1 zoo in America by USA Travel Guide in 2009 the Columbus Zoo has a worldwide reputation largely in part to its Director Emeritus, Jack Hanna.  Named Director of the Columbus Zoo in 1978 Jack Hanna proved his worth in the world of animals by revamping the zoo as well as rising to star status as a world known zoo advocate and conservation supporter.  Over the past 30 years Hanna has been on various talk shows with some of his wildlife ambassadors, to educate the public on these amazing animals.  With his media appearances taking up most of his time he could no longer stay on as Director of the Columbus Zoo and instead in 1992 became Director Emeritus, an honorary position.  Since then he continues to bring awareness to the world on conservation issues through a variety of television shows such as Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and now Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild.

Opened in 1927, the Columbus Zoo is located in Columbus Ohio on 250 acres and is home to over 5,000 animals representing over 700 species.  The zoo also maintains an 18-hole golf course, Safari Golf Club across from the zoo, as well as Jungle Jack’s Landing and Zoombezi Bay, amusement and water parks beside the zoo grounds.  The zoo also works closely with the Wilds, a 10,000 acre animal conservation center where animals such as cheetah and rhino appear to roam freely allowing visitors to go on safari just south of Columbus Ohio.

And so, on a rather chilly morning our day at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium began…