Columbus Zoo Will Celebrate Centennial in 2027

The Columbus Zoo has unveiled plans and a new logo to honor its upcoming 100th anniversary.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold vector editorial illustration of a topiary elephant in a park, evoking the centennial celebration of the Columbus Zoo. — The Columbus Zoo will launch its year-long 100 Years Wild centennial celebration in 2027 to mark a century of local history. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you plan to attend local centennial anniversary events at your area zoo in 2027?

The Columbus Zoo will launch its 100 Years Wild centennial celebration throughout 2027 to mark a century of history. The zoo officially reached its 99th anniversary on Sept. 17, 2026, setting the stage for the milestone year ahead.

Why it matters

This celebration honors the zoo's long-standing history and its continuous growth since its founding in 1927. It serves to recognize the deep community support that has sustained the institution over the last 99 years.

The zoo, founded by Harry H.P. Wolfe and James J. Thomas, has been in operation for 99 years. The upcoming RendeZOO fundraiser is scheduled as a 21-and-over event.

The players

Columbus Zoo

This major zoological institution in Columbus, Ohio, has served the community and focused on wildlife conservation for nearly a century.

Harry H.P. Wolfe

He was one of the two primary founders who established the Columbus Zoo in 1927.

James J. Thomas

He co-founded the Columbus Zoo alongside Harry H.P. Wolfe to provide a center for wildlife education.

The details

The institution will debut special centennial attire during the upcoming Zoo Year's Eve festivities. Planned events include a light show at Conservation Lake, the RendeZOO fundraiser, and the Untamed conservation gala.

Sept. 17, 1927: The Columbus Zoo opened its gates for the first time.
Sept. 17, 2026: The zoo officially marked its 99th anniversary.
Jan. 1-3, 2027: A centennial light spectacular will be held at Conservation Lake.
May 22, 2027: The RendeZOO fundraising event will take place.
Sept. 17, 2027: The 100th anniversary will be celebrated at the Untamed conservation gala.

Roadmap

The Columbus Zoo’s growth trajectory follows a pattern set by the 1904 Saint Louis Zoo founding as a model for municipal wildlife parks. This centennial milestone reflects the institution's evolution from a local project into a major center for conservation and education.

Residents can prepare for a full calendar of public events and special centennial merchandise throughout the year. Adults should mark their calendars for the RendeZOO fundraiser while keeping an eye out for ticket information for these limited-time experiences.

The takeaway

Reaching a century of operation highlights the importance of sustained institutional investment in conservation and public education. Residents can engage with the zoo's history by participating in the various community events scheduled throughout the milestone year.

What happens next

The zoo will kick off its centennial events with a light spectacular at Conservation Lake running from Jan. 1 to Jan. 3, 2027, followed by the RendeZOO fundraiser on May 22, 2027, and the Untamed gala on Sept. 17, 2027.