Outlined by the Group Sales Department February ‘07

Guest Policies-

  1. All Guests of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have submitted payment, withhold a ticket, gate receipt or hand stamp to gain admittance into the gate. No one will be permitted through the gate without one of the before mentioned items.
  2. NO RAINCHECKS OR REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED.
  3. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items.
  4. No glass containers, balloons or straws of any kind are permitted since they may be hazardous to the animals.
  5. Smoking is permitted on Zoo grounds only in designated areas.
  6. No dogs or animals of any kind are permitted on Zoo grounds with the exception of Seeing Eye Dogs or dogs for physically challenged individuals.
  7. No outside catering, alcohol, grills or hibachis are permitted on Columbus Zoo and Aquarium grounds.
  8. No skateboards, roller blades, bicycles, scooters or roller skates are permitted.
  9. Laser pointers are prohibited on grounds unless approved by Zoo official.
  10. Only food from designated on-site food dispensers may be fed to designated animals.
  11. Climbing on exhibits, barriers, walls or in flowerbeds is strictly prohibited.
  12. Radios, CD players and all other electronic devices are prohibited without written approval from the Zoo.
  13. Footwear, Shirts, and proper apparel must be worn at all times, for health purposes.
  14. Guests are welcome to take photos/ video for their personal use only. Commercial photography or artistic reproductions thereof are prohibited without written permission from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Marketing Department.
  15. Associates of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium may photograph or videotape visitors for education and promotional purposes at any time during operation. Entry to the Zoo grants permission for use of these images.
  16. All adults wearing costumes on Zoo grounds must have previously negotiated an entertainment contract with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Marketing Department. Adults wearing costumes without a written agreement with the Zoo shall be prohibited from entering the grounds. Adults wearing costumes and being accompanied by a child or children under 13 years or age are permitted on Zoo grounds only to participate in Boo at the Zoo activities.

Specialty Ticket Policies-
         
          Advanced Day/ Pre-Paid Tickets-

  1. Advanced day tickets are valid from the time of purchase through December 31 of the year they are purchased.
  2. Any individual is eligible to purchase advanced day tickets.
  3. A minimum purchase of 25 tickets or any combination is required.
  4. A valid credit card number is required at time of order.
  5. Orders must be placed a minimum of three weeks prior to selected visit date.
  6. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.
  7. No verbal agreements may be made to alter the contract in any way.
  8. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

    

Good Any Day Tickets-

  1. Tickets are valid from the time of purchase through December 31 of the year they are purchased.
  2. Only established companies and organizations are eligible to purchase good any day tickets. This type of ticket will not be sold to any individual without company or organizational backing.
  3. A minimum purchase of 25 tickets in any combination is required.
  4. All orders must be paid in full before additional orders can be fulfilled.
  5. Cash, Check or Credit Card* Payments are accepted.

*Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

  1. Orders are accepted via fax and mail only and must be placed a minimum of three weeks in advance.
  2. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.
  3. No verbal agreements may be made to alter the contract in any way.
  4. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Consignment Tickets-

  1. Tickets are valid from the time of purchase through December 31 of the year they are purchased. Orders may be placed until October 31, 2007.
  2. Only established companies and organizations are eligible to purchase consignment tickets. This type of ticket will not be sold to any individual without company or organizational backing.
  3. A minimum order of 100 tickets is required. Tickets are pre-packaged in booklets of 50 adult tickets, 25 children tickets, 25 senior tickets. Tickets must be ordered in these increments. Booklets will not be separated to fulfill specific quantities for any reason.
  4. A valid credit card number is required at time of order.
  5. Monthly payments must be remitted. Order must be paid in full once final ticket in order is sold. Additional orders will not be fulfilled until payment for prior order is received.
  6. Balance statements will be provided in July, September and November.
  7. Cash, Check or Credit Card* Payments are accepted.

*Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

  1. Orders are accepted via fax and mail only and must be placed a minimum of three weeks in advance.
  2. All unsold Consignment tickets must be returned to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium via traceable mail before January 4, 2008 to receive credit on your account. No returns will be accepted after this date. Credit cards will not be charged unless a balance remains after January 4, 2008.
  3. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.
  4. No verbal agreements may be made to alter the contract in any way.
  5. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Wildlights Tickets-

1.)  Tickets are valid Nov.16, 2007-Jan. 1, 2008 during all Zoo operating hours.

  1. Qualifying companies and organization are eligible to purchase half-price Wildlight tickets between September 1, 2008 and October 31, 2008. This type of ticket will not be sold to any individual without company or organizational backing.
  2. A minimum purchase of 50 tickets in any combination is required.
  3. All orders must be paid in full before additional orders can be fulfilled.
  4. Cash, Check or Credit Card* Payments are accepted.

*Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

  1. Orders are accepted via fax and mail only and must be placed a minimum of three weeks in advance.
  2. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.
  3. No verbal agreements may be made to alter the contract in any way.
  4. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Event Enhancer Policies

Creature Cash-

  1. Creature Cash is valid from the time of purchase through March 31, 2008 at any Zoo retail outlet.
  2. Minimum purchase of $25.00 is required.
  3. All orders must be paid in full before additional orders can be fulfilled.
  4. Cash, Check or Credit Card* Payments are accepted.

*Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

  1. Orders are accepted via fax and mail only and must be placed a minimum of three weeks in advance.
  2. No change will be given on creature cash.
  3. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.
  4. No verbal agreements may be made to alter the contract in any way.

General Event Policies

          Inclement Weather-
         

  1. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a 365 day a year operation, regardless of weather.
  2. Due to high demand for reserved space we are unable to schedule advanced inclement weather reservations.
  3. If you experience inclement weather on the day of your event due to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s rain or shine operation and event policy your event will still occur and admission tickets will still be valid for only your selected event date. These tickets and your catering cost will still be billed to your organization according to the original contract.

Tax Exempt Status-

  1. If Lessee is a tax exempt organization. Lessee shall deliver a copy of its tax exempt letter of certification along with completed copy of their event contract.
  2.  If proof of exemption is not provided with a completed copy of event contract the Zoo may charge applicable charges.

Event Conduct-

  1. Patron agrees to conduct an event that is sensitive and appropriate to the surrounding environment.
  2. Patron assumes full responsibility for the conduct of all persons inside of the Zoo’s premise during the time they are under the control of patron, or Patron’s guests, agents, invitees, employees, or independent contractors employed by patron.
  3. Patron agrees to conduct the event in an orderly manner in full compliance with all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations applying to any and all governmental or quasi-governmental entities having jurisdiction and rules and regulations set by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Indemnification-

  1. Lessee shall indemnify and hold the Zoo harmless from any claims, suits, actions, losses, costs and damages that the Zoo may sustain in any way relates to the function. Lessee hereby releases the Zoo from any and all liability the Zoo may incur as a result of any personal injury, loss of life or property damage sustained by any person or entity that in any way relates to the event.

Excuses from Performance-

  1. The obligations of the Zoo contained within the event contract are subject to any acts of weather or unforeseen circumstance. In the event that the Zoo is unable to perform its obligations under the signed contract for any reason, it may in its sole discretion substitute like services or facilities at prices not to exceed the prices set forth in the event contract.

Group Event Admission Policies

Front Gate Group Ticket Purchase including Motorcoach-

  1. To be eligible to purchase tickets at the discounted group rate and gain entry into the Zoo on the same day a minimum purchase of 25 tickets in any combination is required.
  2. All members of the group must enter the gate at the same time.
  3. Payment for admission must be submitted for the entire group to the front gate attendant in one lump sum.
  4. Cash, Check or Credit Card* Payments are accepted.

*Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

  1. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.

Non-Catered Group Outing Tickets-

  1. To be eligible to receive tickets at the discounted group rate a minimum purchase of 25 tickets in any combination is required.
  2. A signed contract must be received by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Sales department before a reservation will be confirmed. All ticket order quantities must be determined at this time.
  3. Contracts will only be accepted via mail or in person and must be returned a minimum of six weeks prior to selected event date.
  4. After receipt of contract billable tickets good for one day only may be ordered. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will generate and print and ship or deliver your admission tickets to you. Only Zoo-printed tickets will be accepted at the gate.
  5. As the event host, you must complete your own ticket distribution prior to your event.
  6. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not responsible for guests without tickets and the front gate cannot hold tickets for pick up.
  7. Upon conclusion of the event final billing will be generated approximately two weeks after the event date. Final balance is due in full upon receipt of invoice.
  8. No verbal agreements may be made to alter the contract in any way.

 Non-Catered Group Outing Meal Voucher –

  1. Meal Vouchers are only available for non-catered groups of less than 100 people.
  2. A minimum purchase of 25 non-catered admission tickets and 25 meal vouchers is required.
  3. Private facilities are not provided with this purchase.
  4. No change will be given on this voucher.
  5. All orders must be paid in full before additional orders can be fulfilled.
  6. Cash, Check or Credit Card* Payments are accepted.

*Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express

  1. Orders are only accepted via fax, mail or in person and must be placed a minimum of three weeks in advance.
  2. NO REFUNDS, Exchanges or transfers WILL BE made.

Catered Group Outing Tickets-

  1. To be eligible receive tickets at the discounted catered group tickets a minimum purchase of 50 tickets in any combination is required.
  2. A non-refundable deposit and signed contract must be received by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Sales department before a reservation will be confirmed. All ticket order quantities must be determined at this time.
  3. Contracts will only be accepted via mail or in person and must be returned a minimum of six weeks prior to selected event date.
  4. After receipt of contract billable tickets good for one day only may be ordered. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will generate and print and ship or deliver your admission tickets to you. Only Zoo-printed tickets will be accepted at the gate.
  5. As the event host, you must complete your own ticket distribution prior to your event.
  6. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not responsible for guests without tickets and the front gate cannot hold tickets for pick up.
  7. Upon conclusion of the event final billing will be generated approximately two weeks after the event date. Final balance is due in full upon receipt of invoice.

Policies Specific to Event Type-

Picnic Facilities-

  1. Minimum requirement of 100 people to rent a facility.
  2. A signed contract and non-refundable deposit are due a minimum of six weeks prior to selected event date to confirm reservation. *See Catered Group Outing Tickets for additional event details.
  3. Admission is not included with facility rental during Zoo hours. Event attendees must remit a group admission ticket at the front gate to gain admittance.
  4. Event facilities are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
  5. Picnic rental facility times:
    1.  9:30- Noon with an 11-12pm service time.

(Maximum group size of 400 during this time slot)

    1. 1-3:30 with a 1:30-2:30pm service time.
    2. 4:30-7 with a 5-6pm service time.

*Rental times are based solely on availability and cannot be held without the above mentioned items.

  1. Extensions on rental facility times require an additional fee and are only available on weekdays.
  2. Rental items are available for an additional charge. All rental orders must be placed at time of menu signing to assure availability.
  3. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will furnish a reservation sign bearing the lessee’s name. If more identification is desired, lessee can have one additional sign no larger than 2’x6’ (standard banner size). Verbiage must be limited to the lessee’s event name and is to be used solely as an additional form of identification. All signage must remain inside the rented area.
  4. Vehicle access to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium grounds is prohibited. Deliveries need to be arranged with your Zoo representative prior to your event. Vehicles parked on grounds without permission are subject to be towed at the owner’s expense.
  5. Lessee shall not sublet all or part of the rented facility, services and properties. Buy-throughs are strictly prohibited.
  6. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium acts solely as a host location for any event held on Zoo grounds by another organization, unless otherwise agreed upon. Any use of Zoo logo or Zoo verbiage in advertising is strictly prohibited without the consent of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Director of Marketing and Sales. Solicitation verbal or visual to general Zoo visitors is strictly prohibited. Outside grills are not permitted. Grill rentals are available with facility rental.
  7. Any live entertainment at the Zoo (bands, disc jockeys, etc.) must first be approved by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium management. Certain music restrictions exist.
  8. No thumbtacks, tape, nails, etc. permitted on walls and ceilings of rental facility. If damage is caused to a facility due to failure to comply with this policy lessee will be subject to repair costs
  9. All event facilities are non-smoking. If damage is caused to a facility due to failure to comply with this policy lessee will be subject to cleaning costs.
  10. Glass, balloons, straws and confetti have been proven harmful to animals and the environment and are not permitted at rental facilities or on Zoo grounds at any time.
  11. Additional games and activities brought into the Zoo must be approved by a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium representative prior to entry.
  12. Facility Fee pricing is subject to change without notice.

After Hours-

  1. Minimum requirement of 100 people for an After Hours event.
  2. A signed contract and non-refundable facility fee are due a minimum of six weeks prior to selected event date to confirm reservation. Facility fees are determined by facility rented. Facility Fees are not waived during after hours events.
  3. Admission tickets are not required for After Hours events unless event attendees arrive to the Zoo during normal operating hours prior to the events start time. Early guests will be responsible for the purchase of an admission ticket if they wish to enter Zoo grounds before the scheduled event.
  4. After Hours events must start after the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s regular hours of operation. (9am-5pm January 2-Memorial Day; 9am-6pm Memorial Day – Labor Day, 9am-9pm or 11pm during Wildlights).
  5. No After Hours events are permitted on Wednesday evenings between Memorial Day – Labor Day due to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Family Nights.
  6. Events during Wildlights season are considered normal hours and all picnic policies apply.
  7. Rental items are available at an additional charge. All rental orders must be placed at time of menu signing to assure availability.
  8. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium acts solely as a host location for any event held on Zoo grounds by another organization, unless otherwise agreed upon. Any use of Zoo logo or Zoo verbiage in advertising is strictly prohibited without the consent of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Director of Marketing and Sales. Solicitation verbal or visual to general Zoo visitors is strictly prohibited.
  9. Vehicle access to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium grounds is prohibited. Deliveries need to be arranged with your Zoo representative prior to your event. Vehicles parked on grounds without permission are subject to be towed at the owner’s expense.
  10. Lessee shall not sublet all or part of the rented facility, services and properties. Buy-throughs are strictly prohibited.
  11. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium acts solely as a host location for any event held on Zoo grounds by another organization, unless otherwise agreed upon. Any use of Zoo logo or Zoo verbiage in advertising is strictly prohibited without the consent of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Director of Marketing and Sales. Solicitation verbal or visual to general Zoo visitors is strictly prohibited.
  12. Any live entertainment at the Zoo (bands, disc jockeys, etc.) must first be approved by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium management. Certain music restrictions exist. A noise ordinance is in place after 10 pm and is strictly enforced.
  13. No thumbtacks, tape, nails, etc. permitted on walls and ceilings of rental facility. If damage is caused to a facility due to failure to comply with this policy lessee will be subject to repair costs
  14. All event facilities are non-smoking. If damage is caused to a facility due to failure to comply with this policy lessee will be subject to cleaning costs.
  15. Glass, balloons, straws and confetti have been proven harmful to animals and the environment and are not permitted at rental facilities or on Zoo grounds at any time.
  16. Additional games and activities brought into the Zoo must be approved by a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium representative prior to entry.
  17. Facility Fee pricing is subject to change without notice.

Weddings-

  1. All weddings must comply with the $5,000 minimum expenditure on food and beverage not including the facility fee. 
  2. A signed contract and non-refundable facility fee are due a minimum of six weeks prior to selected event date to confirm reservation. Facility fees are determined by facility rented. Facility Fees are not waived for weddings.
  3. Admission tickets are not required for Weddings unless event attendees arrive to the Zoo during normal operating hours prior to the Weddings start time. Early guests will be responsible for the purchase of an admission ticket if they wish to enter Zoo grounds before the scheduled event.
  4. Facility rental time slot of 4:30pm-11:30pm. This time slot includes set up time. No additional time will be provided before 4:30pm or after 12am under any circumstances.
  5. Wedding rehearsals are not guaranteed unless the date and time is booked in advance (facility fees apply).
  6. Rental items are available at an additional charge. All rental orders must be placed at time of menu signing to assure availability.
  7. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium acts solely as a host location for any event held on Zoo grounds by another organization, unless otherwise agreed upon. Any use of Zoo logo or Zoo verbiage in advertising is strictly prohibited without the consent of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Director of Marketing and Sales.
  8. Vehicle access to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium grounds is prohibited. Deliveries need to be arranged with your Zoo representative prior to your event. Vehicles parked on grounds without permission are subject to be towed at the owner’s expense.
  9. Lessee shall not sublet all or part of the rented facility, services and properties. Buy-throughs are strictly prohibited.
  10. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium acts solely as a host location for any event held on Zoo grounds by another organization, unless otherwise agreed upon. Any use of Zoo logo or Zoo verbiage in advertising is strictly prohibited without the consent of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Director of Marketing and Sales.
  11. Any live entertainment at the Zoo (bands, disc jockeys, etc.) must first be approved by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium management. Certain music restrictions exist. A noise ordinance is in place after 10 pm and is strictly enforced.
  12. No thumbtacks, tape, nails, etc. permitted on walls and ceilings of rental facility. If damage is caused to a facility due to failure to comply with this policy lessee will be subject to repair costs
  13. All event facilities are non-smoking. If damage is caused to a facility due to failure to comply with this policy lessee will be subject to cleaning costs.
  14. Glass, balloons, straws and confetti have been proven harmful to animals and the environment and are not permitted at rental facilities or on Zoo grounds at any time.
  15. Additional games and activities brought into the Zoo must be approved by a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium representative prior to entry.
  16. Facility Fee pricing is subject to change without notice.

Catering Policies

          Menu Selections-

  1. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a full service catering department.

Outside caterers are not permitted to be brought on-site to service events.
Menu selections must be made a minimum of six weeks prior to event date. A signed menu and signed event sheet are due at this time to confirm event   selections. Those who host a picnic have the availability to select from the Zoo’s picnic and dinner buffets packages. After Hours events must select from our dinner buffet package menu. All weddings must select menu from the Grand Wedding Package.

  1. If an event is booked less than six weeks prior to selected date. Five days will be provided for menu selections, and then all above mentioned processes must occur.
  2. A final guarantee with a client signature must be provided to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 10 business days before the selected event date. Final guarantees or increases which are provided after the initial guarantee are subject to a 5% service fee (% based on entire catering cost). Final catering costs will be based on final guarantee or actual event attendees whichever is higher.
  3. Any account whose final guarantee falls below the catering minimum of 100 people will be subject to a $2 per person charge.
  4. For those accounts who fail to comply with the above outlined guarantee policy adequate servings, seating and event enhancers cannot be guaranteed.
  5. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium follows strict health codes to assure the quality of your food. To insure safe handling practices, we do not allow food to be left our after serve time or to be removed from Zoo property.
  6. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium does not allow for food from outside caterers to be brought on-site. The exception to this rule lies within the Grand Wedding Package, those who celebrate their Wedding on Zoo grounds are permitted to bring a Wedding Cake on to the grounds. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is not responsible for any food of this nature not provided by our on-site catering department.
  7. No service or gratuity fees can be accepted. If you would like to establish a jar for donations for the Zoo please address this with a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Sales Representative.

Beverage Service-

  1. Due to the parameters of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s liquor license, the Zoo must provide all alcoholic beverages and beverage service. Under no circumstances will we permit alcohol service of any kind that is not provided and distributed solely by a member of the Zoo's catering department. Failure to comply with this rule will lead to confiscation and dismissal.
  2. The legal drinking age in the state of Ohio is twenty-one (21) years of age for all alcoholic beverages. We reserve the right to check identification at the discretion of our trained staff. No alcoholic beverages are permitted to leave the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium facilities.
  3. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has a “No Shot Policy”. In accordance with the laws of our state our trained staff reserves the right to assess the level of alcoholic consumption and act accordingly, even if this differs from the original contract agreement.
  4. According to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium liquor license, Sunday alcohol service cannot begin before 1pm.

 

Cancellations

    • If a cancellation occurs more than 30 days prior to selected event date non-refundable reservation fees will be held. This includes facility fees and deposits.
    • If a cancellation is to occur less than 10 business days prior to selected event date the event host will be responsible for a fee equal to 50% of their final catering costs.
    • If a cancellation is to occur less than 5 business days prior to selected event date the event host will be responsible for the entire final catering cost.
    • For catered group tours all of the above mentioned policies apply in addition if a cancellation occurs within 72 hours of event date the tour group is subject to a $250 service fee for the prepared animal presentation.
    • For non-catered group tours cancellations, if a cancellation occurs within 72 hours of event date the tour group is subject to a $250 service fee for the prepared animal presentation.