Heart of Africa Now Open at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
$30.4m, 43-acre expansion is the latest zoo exhibit design by PGAV Destinations
(St. Louis, MO – May 27, 2014) – The beautiful and richly immersive new experience, Heart of Africa, transforms guests into world travelers on an adventure to Africa via the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s latest expansion.
“I am so proud of Heart of Africa, the newest exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium,” said director emeritus Jack Hanna. “Our staff has worked to develop an experience that will transport visitors to the savannas of Africa – with lions, giraffe, zebra, cheetah, and much more!”
Designed by St. Louis-based design firm PGAV Destinations, Heart of Africa depicts the soul of Africa’s lands, the spirit of its people, and the thrill of its animals through up-close, experiential adventures.
“This exhibit brings together cutting-edge environmental developments for the animals as well as immersive, fun, and exciting experiences for visitors, says PGAV Destinations VP John Kemper. “It’s a great example of creating the perfect mix of education and entertainment, which Jack Hanna discussed in our most recent issue of Destinology.”
As guests enter the Heart of Africa, they are immediately immersed in the buzzing excitement of Mudiwa Village. This colorful and deeply themed region reflects a community that has sprung up around the Ajabu National Park to support the booming influx of tourists and conservationists. Guests can enjoy camel rides, fun and extensive retail opportunities, play musical instruments in the center of the village plaza, and experience breathtaking views of the savanna as they dine in the Mapori Restaurant near a pride of lions.
Once inside the park, the adventure truly begins. Keeper talks are peppered throughout the beautiful preserve where visitors can feed giraffes, learn about cheetahs as they roam outside the Cheetah Conservation Center, or explore Jack Hanna’s tents as vervet monkeys play outside them. A wholly unique experience, guests can climb inside a Beech Model-18 airplane, reminiscent of expeditions venturing into Africa’s remote lands, and come face-to-face with an African lion casually resting on its wing. Guests can also enjoy the Watering Hole, an innovative habitat in which animals rotate throughout the day between flamingos, warthogs, zebras, and other hoofed animals. The Watering Hole also features a thrilling and adrenaline-pulsing cheetah run.
The brand new exhibit is home to more than 15 fascinating African species, including:
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Heart of Africa welcomes giraffes and zebras back to the Central Ohio community while providing exceptional care with enriched environments that ensure health and welfare for more than 140 animals. From its conception, the new exhibit has sought to meet or exceed the most innovative trends in environmental sustainability from design through the creation of its programming. The result is a world-class experience that inspires and excites guests about the wonder of the African savanna, its wildlife, and the people living there; and that teaches about the breadth of the conservation projects that the Columbus Zoo supports.
Through partnerships with local peoples and conservation organizations, the Columbus Zoo supports human-wildlife conflict resolution efforts via projects ranging from sanctuary to research, education to law enforcement, livestock management to energy efficiency, and more. Heart of Africa showcases the Zoo’s most successful, complex, and ongoing wildlife conservation efforts related to African savanna animals, including:
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For more information on Heart of Africa, click here for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Heart of Africa media kit.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the St. Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. For more information, contact Ben Cober, Director of Business Development, 314-231-7318. www.PGAVDestinations.com
About the Columbus Zoo
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 10,000 animals representing over 575 species from around the globe. The Zoo complex is a recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium also operates the Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center and safari park located in southeastern Ohio. The Zoo is a regional attraction with global impact; contributing more than $1 million annually to support over 70 conservation projects worldwide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has earned Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating. www.ColumbusZoo.org
