Powell, OH – Even before the Fourth of July holiday weekend more than one million visitors had already visited the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in 2010, the earliest the Zoo has reached that benchmark. In addition, a record number of visitors in June broke the monthly attendance figure set in June 2009. Both the Zoo and Zoombezi Bay saw an increase in attendance and had a combined visitation of 416,898 visitors in June 2010, a 15% increase over the 363,858 visitors in June 2009.
The highly anticipated Polar Frontier exhibit opened on May 6, 2010. The attraction is home to polar bears, brown bears and arctic fox in expansive habitats with large pools and underwater viewing of polar bears. The area also features the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost interpretive center with engaging activities focusing on polar bears and climate change, and a Polar Playground that takes kids on an arctic adventure.
The $20-million Polar Frontier experience is made possible due to the generosity of Franklin County residents and funds raised through a county property tax levy as well as corporate and private contributions.
“We strive to create memories that last a lifetime every day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium” said President and CEO Dale Schmidt. “The Polar Frontier experience is certainly helping us to achieve that goal.”
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is currently on track for breaking last year’s annual attendance record when 2,218,511 guests visited in 2009.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open 363 days of the year and Zoombezi Bay is open daily through Labor Day. The Zoo was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) For more information and to purchase advance discounted Zoo and Zoombezi Bay tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org or www.zoombezibay.com.
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