Sponsorship Opportunities

Region Sponsorship

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium features eight regions with animals from all over the world. Region sponsors are prominently displayed on all region signage and on park maps.

Attraction Sponsorship

Within each region there are various opportunities for attraction sponsorship ranging from animal habitats and encounters to playgrounds. Attraction sponsors receive recognition at the attraction and on park maps.

Fundraising Events

Fundraising events at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium support various initiatives from capital projects to conservation efforts, and include a variety of support levels.

Event Sponsorship

From Earth Day and Sensory-Friendly Days to Boo at the Zoo and Wildlights, there is a wide variety of exciting events that take place throughout the seasons at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. All event sponsors receive recognition on applicable social media, event communications, and signage.

Custom Sponsorship

Interested in a sponsorship opportunity at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium but not sure where your organization fits? Contact us to learn more about what we can offer.

Meet Our Partners

Platinum Partners

5/3 Bank Logo

Fifth Third Bank is the Official Bank of the Columbus Zoo

By investing in one of the top zoos in the country, Fifth Third Bank enables the Zoo to inspire people and make an impact on wild animals and wild places around the world. Together the Zoo and Fifth Third Bank work to bring innovative, integrated business solutions and services to the Columbus Zoo. Fifth Third Bank also serves as the exclusive ATM provider of the Zoo and the presenting sponsor of the Congo Expedition region and Zoofari, the Zoo's largest annual fundraising event.

Fifth Third Bank Pronto Patrol

Outfitted in co-branded uniforms, the Fifth Third Bank Pronto Patrol helps get guests through the Zoo’s admission gate more quickly, making their day a Fifth Third Better. During busy periods, the team directs guests to the shortest ticket lines and explains ticket and experience packages--enabling them to begin their Zoo adventure more quickly, thanks to Fifth Third Bank.


G&J Pepsi logo

Pepsi is the Official Beverage Provider of the Columbus Zoo

G&J Pepsi is a proud supporter of the Zoo’s mission to bring world-class wildlife experiences to central Ohio while supporting global conservation efforts. Pepsi is committed to enhancing the Zoo’s reach into the community by providing extensive marketing support and collaborating on various cross-promotions for the Zoo’s family of properties, including the Wilds, Zoombezi Bay, and Safari Golf Club. G&J Pepsi's brand Mtn New is also the presenting sponsor of ZOMBIEzi Bay, Zoombezi Bay's new Halloween-themed event recommended for guests 13 years and older.

Exclusive Beverage Provider

As the Zoo’s official beverage, Pepsi enjoys exclusive beverage sales at over 40 outlets, including food service locations, kiosks, vending machines, and private group functions. Pepsi also receives enhanced partnership exposure through creatively co-branded vending machine fronts, fountain beverage cups and souvenir cups utilized by the over two million guests that visit annually.

Family Photo Safari Instagram Challenge

The Zoo hosts an interactive social media challenge that encourages guests to share their Zoo photos and experiences using a designated hashtag on Instagram. The challenge, which includes promotion on Facebook and in a co-branded piece in the Zoo’s quarterly member magazine, is presented by Pepsi and enhances partnership integration both inside and outside the property.

Promotional Support

As a valued partner, Pepsi provides various advertising assets to promote the Zoo and its commitment to conservation. These cross-promotions include beverage can panels, cube inserts, delivery truck backs, television production assistance and media support.

Recycling Plastic Pledge

The Columbus Zoo and G&J Pepsi recently launched the Recycling Plastics Pledge, a pledge dedicated to encouraging and educating people about how to take new steps toward their recycling goals! Take the Recycling Plastics Pledge today!

Plastics Pledge sign up


GermainCars logo, horizontal

GermainCars is the Official Automotive Retailer of the Columbus Zoo

GermainCars is a proud supporter of the Zoo's mission to bring world-class wildlife experiences to Central Ohio while supporting global conservation efforts. GermainCars.com also serves as the presenting sponsor of the Zoo's Heart of Africa region.

Commitment to Conservation Award

With the support of Kim and Steve Germain and GermainCars, the Zoo presents the biennial Commitment to Conservation Award to organizations around the world that are dedicated to preserving wildlife in wild places, along with a $50,000 grant to help continue their work. The award has been presented to Claudine Andre, founder of Lola Ya Bonobo; Marc Ancrenaz, co-founder of the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Program (KOCP); Dr. Patrícia Medici, the founder of the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative (LTCI; IPÊ – Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas, Institute for Ecological Research); and Dr. Karen Eckert, the executive director of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST).

GermainCars Keeper Talks

Throughout the season, guests have the opportunity to learn even more about the animals in the Zoo's care through GermainCars Keeper Talks. Guests will see emcees in co-branded uniforms throughout the park during the busy season at vatious habitats with our animal care staff giving the inside scoop about the animals, their favorite treats, and how to protect their cousins in their native range. For more information about GermainCars Keeper Talks, click here.


Kroger logo

Kroger is the Official Grocer of the Columbus Zoo

A long-time partner of the Columbus Zoo, Kroger has enabled the Zoo to share the wonders of wildlife for decades. Through continuous support, Kroger has helped the Zoo grow into a world-class destination for family fun, a global leader in conservation and an educational institution that inspires people of all ages. Kroger also is the presenting sponsor of the Zoo’s Shores and Aquarium region.

Kroger Zero Hero Crew

Outfitted in co-branded uniforms, the Kroger Zero Hero Crew helps guests sort their waste at the Congo River Market and Mapori Restaurant during busy days. With the help of this team, we are working toward reducing the waste that we send to landfills to be more green every day.

At Home Composting Guide

Composting is one of the best ways to reduce landfill waste and with this helpful guide, you can start composting at home in no time. With the help of Kroger and the Zoo, you can make a difference with your family today.

Advertising Support

For over 30 years Kroger has worked to share the story of the Columbus Zoo across central Ohio and surrounding regions through integrated marketing campaigns. In fact Kroger’s unofficial mascot in the 1990s, Pepe the Penguin, was “hatched” in an effort to tie the Zoo and Kroger together more closely. The animated penguin appeared in several Kroger advertising campaigns, including a few ads featuring Jungle Jack Hanna.

An Official Ticket Outlet

Kroger continues to support the Zoo’s public awareness efforts by serving as an official park ticket outlet, offering discounted Zoo and Zoombezi Bay tickets and select memberships at their 125 stores across central Ohio.


OhioHealth logo

OhioHealth is the Official Healthcare System of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of central Ohio’s residents and visitors, OhioHealth is proud to help bring unparalleled family and wildlife experiences to the community. OhioHealth and the Zoo collaborate to enhance the guest experience through unique programming, both on and off Zoo grounds.

OhioHealth also serves as the presenting sponsor of the Zoo’s Adventure Cove region...including our Stingray Feeding Experience!


Official Partners

 

 

 

AEP Ohio logo
Bob Evans Farms logo
Ohio College Advantage Logo
DiamondCellar Logo
Harvest Pizzaria logo
Nationwide logo
Velvet logo
Versiti Logo
Wendy's logo horizontal