Zoombezi Bay is a 22.7-acre (9.2 ha) water park owned by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium near Powell, Ohio just north of Columbus. The park sits on the site of the former Wyandot Lake Adventure Park, which was purchased by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2006. Zoombezi Bay opened to the public on May 26, 2008, and currently ranks as one of the Midwest's most popular water parks, attracting more than 400,000 visitors annually.
Aerial view of Columbus Zoo and Wyandot Lake Amusement Park, c. 1987
Construction of Zoombezi Bay in 2007
A 2001 picture showing the original carousel and the Sea Dragon, which was then called the Jet Flyer.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located near Powell in Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio, United States, north of the city of Columbus. The land lies along the eastern banks of the O'Shaughnessy Reservoir on the Scioto River, at the intersection of Riverside Drive and Powell Road. It has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna. In 2009, it was named by the USA Travel Guide as the number one zoo in the United States. It was also ranked number one best zoo in 2012 by Besties Readers Choice.
Central plaza and Celebration of Giving Fountain
Columbus Zoo aerial photograph, c. 1940
Zoo director Jack Hanna offers food to a giraffe, c. 1992
Polar bear Nora