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Columbus zoo aquarium6/4/2023 ![]() Rising costs and demand for stronger, safer and pleasing animal habitats are taking a toll on zoos everywhere, Schmid said. Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural Resources has said it is cooperating in plans for transfers and with the continuing investigation in the zoo, which opened in 1954. "We need to make sure we have strong capacity to even take in other animals." ![]() Already, some of the zoo's animals "were rescued and needed a forever home," he said, including a moose. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to nearly 10,000 animals representing over 600 species from around the globe. Schmid said Columbus would be open to helping with relocation any way it can. However, they would not take primates or unique birds given Colorado’s weather. The Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado said it would transfer up to half of the zoo’s animals to its facility at no cost to Puerto Rico’s government. ![]() The announcement comes as Puerto Rico's only zoo announced on Monday that it is closing permanently due to outdated facilities, reports of animal neglect and other problems at its 45-acre facility. The projects focus on animal wellbeing at the nearly 100-year old zoo, providing more security for visitors and improving the lives of our animals, said Schmid.įunding for all these projects comes from various sources, including federal and state grants, philanthropic donations, and earned revenue. The campground is expected to be complete by early next year. Work also will continue at The Wilds animal refuge near Zanesville on a $7 million RV campground which will have 46 spots for RVs, 27 primitive camping spots, hiking, biking trails, a playground, a camp store, a dog park, two shower houses, and fishing and swimming facilities at a nearby lake. "The remainder is to improve existing habitats." "It's probably 80 to 85% new," said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the zoo and The Wilds. Overall, the zoo is investing another $8 million for animal wellbeing and habitat improvements, facility upgrades, new technology, enhanced security, and more, according to zoo officials. Construction for this project begins this spring. ![]() Nearly $4 million will be used to expand and improve the bonobo, or pygmy chimpanzee, indoor/winter habitat. Pronghorns are the fastest land mammal in the western hemisphere and can sustain a high speed for a long distance. The region comes to life with a unique glass-encased underwater viewing tunnel. A pronghorn stops by a fan mister near it's home in the North America exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in this file photo. New to the Zoo is the state-of-the-art sea lion and seal habitat, Adventure Cove. ![]()
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