PTR: Eggs, Paws, and Claws at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

[PREMiERdrum]

Beautiful Easter weekend weather here in Central Ohio beckoned us out to the incomparable Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for their annual Easter weekend "Eggs, Paws, and Claws" event. Like most other special events at the park (Boo! at the Zoo, Wildlights, Jack Hanna's Fall Fest), the festivities are all "free" with gate admission. Being members, we parked for free, made our way through the gate, and started our Saturday morning of fun.

 

Much like the Halloween-time Boo! at the Zoo event, the park is set up with several dozen "treat stations", sponsored by local businesses (who surely pay a small fortune to get access to the zoo's captive audience), who give out generous handfuls of sweets and treats to the little ones along with pamphlets and business cards to mom and dad. There are also several special activities, including "Easter eggs" given to various animals (we got to see AsiaQuest's beautiful Monitor Lizard enjoying his...), as well as a scuba diving Easter Bunny featured a few times per day in the Shores region's Discovery Reef aquarium. A short parade, the "Character Carrot Caravan", made it's way around the central plaza 3 times per day, featuring zoo mascots along with Buggs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Frisch's Big Boy, all dancing to a springtime theme.

 

As is quickly becoming the case anytime of year, the park was beautifully decorated for the spring season. Pastel tulle bows, big printed spring flowers, large inflatables, and impeccable landscaping all helped set the springtime mood. Chalk artists were showing their craft around the central Conservation Lake, drawing admiration from all. Unfortunately, the beautiful weather ensured big crowds: More than 20,000 guests came through the gate on Saturday. Fortunately, the park is large enough that we only really felt cramped at lunch time, choosing to dine indoors (right at noon, no less) at the park's popular Congo River Market footcourt, located at the entrance to the African Forest region.

 

As always, the animals put on a great show, but the little extras involved in these special events make dealing with the crowds worthwhile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A treat station, set up inside of the AsiaQuest's themed buildings

 

Sun Bear, through the glass

 

 

Hanna, the reticulated python, and daughter of the well-known Fluffy (largest snake in captivity, until he died at the zoo last year)

 

Monitor Lizard

 

Flying Fox

 

 

 

 

Silver Leaf Langurs

 

In addition to the zoo's normal characters, spring chicks and bunnies were brought in to greet kids

 

Phoebe, Connie, and baby Beco were still spending their morning inside the Pachyderm building

 

At more than 15,000 lbs and 9'5" tall, Hank is the largest elephant in North America. Seen here in the 2 acre north elephant yard

 

It really was a beautiful day

 

Red Pandas

 

Flamingos

 

 

 

Inside the reptile house

 

 

Discovery Reef

 

Enjoying the sunshine

 

 

She can't leave without a ride on the beautifully restored 1914 Mangles-Illions Grand Carousel

 

Busy lunchtime inside the Congo River Market, which features Charley's Steakery, Rotoni's Pizza, Jr Chef, Congo Grill, Fresh Selections Deli, and Jalapeno Mexacana (the barbacoa tacos and sopopillas were delicious!)

[cal1br3tto]

Sounds like a fun event! And 1914 Mangels-Illions carousels are the best. If I ever find myself at the Columbus Zoo again, I'll be sure to ride that one.

[gisco]

Nice, reminds me that I need to take a trip to my Zoo and I can pick up a kiddie credit too!