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Wolfe Foundation Fuels New Zoo Aquarium
19 Jun
Summary
- A $175 million aquarium project is planned by the Columbus Zoo.
- The Robert Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation gifted $50 million.
- Groundbreaking is slated for 2027, with a 2029 opening.
The Columbus Zoo is embarking on its most ambitious undertaking with plans for a new $175 million aquarium. This significant project is substantially supported by a record-breaking $50 million philanthropic gift from The Robert Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation. Construction is projected to commence in 2027, with the grand opening anticipated in 2029.
The expansive, over 100,000-square-foot facility will house more than 10,000 creatures representing 300 species across 27 diverse exhibits. These will encompass over 1 million gallons of both freshwater and seawater, offering visitors a global aquatic journey.
Planned galleries include the Amazon River Basin, a unique Scioto River exhibit recognizing it as its own ecosystem, the Pacific Northwest with its underwater forests, a spectacular Open Ocean habitat, and an Indo-Pacific Reef. A dedicated conservation and acclimation center is also under construction to facilitate the smooth transition of aquatic life and enhance conservation efforts.
The Wolfe Foundation's generous contribution continues a long legacy of support for the Columbus community. Their past involvement includes contributions to numerous civic institutions, underscoring a deep commitment to the region's development and cultural enrichment.
