Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio has unveiled its transformed North America region, home to new animal habitats and enhanced guest experiences.
The reimagined attraction at Columbus Zoo, which received an investment of $35 million, is called North America Trek and is due to open in summer 2025.
The zoo said the new region is “more than just a refresh – it’s a complete transformation designed to immerse guests in the beauty and wonder of North American wildlife”.
As guests explore North America Trek, they will discover river otters, black bears, bald eagles, Mexican wolves, songbirds and trumpeter swans in new habitats.
The environment will be enhanced with native plantings, and the zoo is adding new signage and immersive pathways.
The new region has been designed with natural landscapes, modernised habitats, and sustainable elements that reflect the Columbus Zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
North American wildlife on view
It will highlight local conservation efforts in the zoo’s new Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, showcasing how guests can play a role in preserving habitats and protecting wildlife.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been working on the new region since October 2023.
The destination is home to more than 10,000 animals. It also includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park.

Additionally, the zoo manages The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation centre and safari park located in southeastern Ohio.
Last year, the Columbus Zoo opened a new nighttime experience called Unextinct that brought extinct animals to life through state-of-the-art theatrical effects.
Images courtesy of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium