COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has welcomed several baby animals guests can view this summer, and multiple new experiences including a virtual reality ride.
The zoo recently announced that several new species are, or will soon be, viewable in their exhibits. In the zoo’s reptile building, three desert grassland whiptail lizards hatched on Jan. 20, marking the first hatchlings at the zoo in 2024. The all-female species, known for their elongated bodies and whip-like tails, can reproduce on their own. The lizards have been on display in their habitat since early spring.
For the first time, green basilisks were welcomed to the Columbus Zoo – three of the lizards hatched in February. The animal is famed for its ability to run on water, earning it the nickname of the “Jesus Christ lizard.” The hatchlings are currently being cared for behind the scenes in the reptile building, and will be on display this summer.
In March, the zoo’s Humboldt penguin family grew with two male chicks. The chicks are being cared for by their penguin foster parents, Ava and Gunter, and Tressel and Watson behind the scenes. They will be introduced to their outdoor habitat this summer. The zoo did not specify an exact date when the new green basilisks and Humboldt penguins will be viewable to guests.
In the “Heart of Africa” region, two slender-horned gazelle calves were welcomed to the zoo’s herd in February – a male named Sasquatch and a female named Nessie. Slender-horned gazelles are classified as endangered with only a few hundred remaining in their native habitat, making their births particularly significant. The calves can be seen exploring the Heart of Africa savanna, which they were introduced to in April.
In March, a male dama gazelle was born at the zoo. The calf, named Patrick, is providing hope for the future of his species, which is the rarest of all gazelles, the zoo said. The species is critically endangered, with fewer than 300 left in their native range. Patrick will soon be in the Heart of Africa savanna, which he will share with his mom, Kix, and dad, Kabili, as well as Sasquatch and Nessie.
In the “Congo Expedition” region, Malaika the mandrill gave birth to a healthy male baby in early May. The new male baby joins his half-sister Izara and big brother Bernard, who the zoo said is very curious about his little brother. Guests may be able to catch a glimpse of the baby primate, who has access to the outdoor mandrill habitat.
Humboldt penguins born at the zoo in March (Photo Courtesy/Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). 
Slender-horned gazelle calves born at the zoo in February (Photo Courtesy/Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). 
Mandrill born at the zoo in May (Photo Courtesy/Grahm Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). 
Dama gazelle born at the zoo in March (Photo Courtesy/Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium). 
Whiptail lizards born at the zoo in January (Photo Courtesy/Amanda Carberry, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium).
Another new addition has also joined the zoo: a virtual reality ride which is now open. The ride features 16 seats that move while guests enjoy a shark dive or gorilla trek through a VR headset. The ride is $7 for general admission and $6 for Columbus Zoo members.
Dinosaur Island will soon return to the zoo’s “Australia and the Islands” region and will remain open through the end of October. The attraction features more than 20 animatronic dinosaurs, a walking path and a boat ride. A special admission ticket is required for entrance and is not included with Zoo admission. Admission to Dinosaur Island is $4 for general admission, $3 for Columbus Zoo members.
The zoo also recently debuted its “Scooter Pals,” which guests over 16 can rent and drive. Two riders can fit on the animal-themed scooters, which can be used to cruise around Adventure Cove, Conservation Lake and the Asia Quest loop. Rentals are first come, first serve, and cost $5 to activate plus 35 cents per minute.
