Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium supports the Columbus Zoo through volunteerism, fundraising, public awareness and community outreach.

Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium volunteers are a group of professionals and committed Zoo advocates interested in supporting the Columbus Zoo's mission of connecting people and wildlife. Members volunteer as a group to support the Zoo's major events, including Zoofari, Boo at the Zoo, and Wildlights.

As members of Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, we are ambassadors of the Zoo and educate the public to increase awareness of the Zoo’s mission, educational programs, and impact that the Columbus Zoo has within the community, nation and the world alike.

In addition to supporting the Zoo, members experience an insider’s view of the Zoo, meet key Zoo staff and many of the zoo keepers, encounter endangered and exotic animals through education programs, and go behind-the-scenes to get a first-hand look at the work being done at our world-class Zoo.

Become a Member

Want to join Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium? Sign-up online, or if you are already a Friend, you can renew your existing Friends membership via the same process.

 

Benefits of Membership
  • Meet key Zoo staff and many of the keepers at each meeting.  Meetings are held approximately six times a year.
  • Get a firsthand look at the Zoo and be on the cutting edge of learning about the exciting research, conservation, and visitor experiences at the Columbus Zoo, including behind the scenes updates from Zoo staff.
  • Admission for you and your guests to the Annual Friends of the Columbus Zoo Holiday Party
  • Access to a members-only Facebook group
  • A Friends T-shirt
  • Education opportunities
  • The opportunity to develop your leadership skills, while supporting the Zoo
Membership Responsibilities
  • Annual dues of $50
  • Ten hours of volunteer service each year
  • Attend a minimum of 75% of general membership meetings
  • Maintain a Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership

Want to learn more?
 


Friends of the Columbus Zoo Activities

2023 General Membership Meetings

DATE

 

MEMBERS

 

TIME

LOCATION

April 19

 

General Membership

 

6 p.m.

Zoo, Water's Edge, Pavilion 1

June 7

 

General Membership

 

6 p.m..

Zoo, Water's Edge, Pavilion 1

July/August

 

General Membership

 

 

Wilds Sunset Safari

Oct. 4

 

General Membership

 

6 p.m.

Zoo, Lakeside Pavilion

Dec.10

 

Holiday Party

 

1-3 p.m.

Zoo Lakeside Pavilion
2023 Volunteer Opportunities

DATE

EVENT

LOCATION

March 25, April 1-2

Enrichment Workshop for Eggs, Paws and Claws

Zoo

April 7-8

Eggs, Paws and Claws

Zoo

April 17-23

Earth Day

Zoo

June 8

World Ocean Day

Zoo

June 17

Zoofari

Zoo

July 14-16

Adopt Appreciation

Zoo

July 14 and 21, August 4,11

JazZoo Concerts

Zoo

September 11

AZA Conference Ice Breaker

TBD

September 27-30

Rwandan Fete Setup

Zoo

September 30

Enrichment Workshop for Boo at the Zoo

Zoo

October 6-29

Boo at the Zoo (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)

Zoo

November 16

Wildlights Member Night and Frankie’s Food Drive

Zoo

December 2

Enrichment Workshop for Flurry of Fun

Zoo

December 31

Zoo Year’s Eve

Zoo
Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 2023 - Leadership

President: Darren Shulman
Advisor, Past President: Laura Matney
VP of Volunteer Service: Lindsay DeMuth
VP of Membership: April Ward
VP of Development: Lance Schneider
Treasurer: Dee Downes
Secretary: Christina Scott
Development Chair: Morghann Bays
Volunteer Chair: Jane Cirigliano
Recruitment Chair: Cara Laviola
Volunteer Event Coordinator: Tim DeMuth
Social Coordinators: Morghann Bays, Jane Cirigliano, and Lindsay DeMuth
Digital Marketing Chair: Diane Garland