June 12, 2025 • 26 mins
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has long been one of the city’s crown jewels — and under the leadership of President and CEO Tom Schmid, it’s stepping boldly into a new era. In this episode, Boxer and Sarah chat with Tom about his decades-long career in wildlife conservation, the Zoo’s evolving mission, and the exciting debut of the North America Trek — a groundbreaking new exhibit opening this summer. From behind-the-scenes animal stories to global conservation partnerships, Tom shares how the Zoo is creating unforgettable experiences while making a real impact in Columbus and around the world.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Yes Columbus.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
An Experienced Columbus podcast keeps you in the know of
what's happening in the art city Columbus. The number one
soccer team, the number three beer city, a top ten
culinary destination with the largest concentration of.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Fashion professionals in the US. Join us each week with
special guests for.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
An inside look at a destination that invites visitors and
locals alike to explore.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
By the end of.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Each episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this
really exist in one city?
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Yes Columbus, Hello, and.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Welcome back to another episode here of Yes Columbus and
Experienced Columbus Podcasts. I'm one of the hosts, Boxer, along
with Miss Sarah, who is back with us in our
special guest today.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Hi Boxer, good to see you, to see you, It's
great to be back. Each episode gives us more reasons
to fall in love with Columbus all over again. From
inspiring leaders to one of a kind destinations, this never
stops impressing. Before we dive into today's interview, it's time
for our headliner segment, where we highlight a recent story
(01:08):
or accolade about Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium roared
ahead of the pack and was voted a top three
zoo in the country by USA Today's ten Best and
has been named the best in the state. Serving as
home to more than six hundred animals, species and species
from around the world, the zoo is a great destination
(01:28):
for families and one of the most visited places in
the city every year.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Not surprised at all.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
You know, when I arrived here in ninety nine, that
was it, and I didn't know anyone.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
By the way, I'm not from here.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
That was the first place I went because I grew
up loving Jack Hannah, and I thought, well, I need
to go to this zoo, the zoo that you know
he changed and transformed. And I spent many days I
don't know what that says about me, many days alone there.
But again I didn't know anyone. I wasn't married, I
didn't have a girlfriend. But there's something just fair special
(02:00):
about the Columbus Zoo acquirement in my heart too always
and I'm not alone.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
No, absolutely, it's an amazing place.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Oh well, look speaking, and can I just also add
that I'm convinced USA today loves us. They love I mean,
if you think about all the different things they've ranked
in Columbus one of their top tens. I mean, think
about it, the zoo, what Coasai I mean I could
go on and on riverwalk, Yes, exactly, good.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Adventures, arts festivals.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Also, thank you you great city. Yes we are, I
mean I'm not surprised, but thank you for the accolades USA. Today.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Well, look, speaking of the Columbus Zoo, it is now
time for our behind the Buzz segment Today, we are
so thrilled to welcome Tom Schmid, who's the president and
CEO of the Columbus Zoo. Tom's background is amazing, you know,
he brings decades of experience and conservation and leadership, and
under his guidance, the zoo is taking bold steps into
(02:58):
the future.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
And I've heard this Tom from some of.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
His colleagues that he is a go getter and he's
got these just very big, big imaginations and goals that
he wants and along with that while having the zoo
make a global impact. To Tom, welcome to Yes Columbus.
We're really excited to have you here.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Well, so so happy to be here with both of you.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
So, Tom, you know, the Clumbus Zoo is prepping to
unveil the highly anticipated North America Trek. From what I've
seen so far in pictures, it's stunning. This immersive new region.
It's opening in late June, phase one of this multi
year project. It's going to feature modern habitats for what
black bears, Mexican wolves, North American river otters, I mean,
(03:42):
bald eagles for example. I want to hear more about this,
but first, can we hear more about you in your career?
How did you get to where you are now?
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Boy? That's how much time do we have? That's a
great question. Well, I'll give you a sort of the
short summary. So I grew up in South Florida, spent
really kind of the formative years swimming in the rivers
and the Gulf of Mexico, sailing, diving, skiing, anything you
could imagine how to do with water, that's kind of
(04:11):
what we did. And so I think that's probably why
I became a marine biologist. And so that's what I
studied in college, went to graduate school, and then actually
got recruited by SeaWorld to help manage their shark collection
and do some research there. And that was a pretty
big career path pivot because I was My plan was
to go on get a PhD, be a marine biologist,
(04:33):
study sharks, and go teach at the university and maybe
come to Ohio State. But that that really opened my
eyes to an entirely new field, and it was about
exhibit development and public education and you know, the attraction business,
and so I just I really enjoyed that. So I
ended up staying there for about six years and then
took a position to help start up a new entity
(04:56):
in Norfolk, Virginia called the National Maritime Center Nauticus, which
was really interesting at the time. It was kind of
a hybrid science center, history museum, aquarium and naval history museum.
So got that open, got that up and running, but
still sort of felt this this hearing from marine biology,
and then was recruited to help lead the Texas State
(05:18):
of Quarum, which I spent about twenty years there, and
then lo and behold, got a call from a recruiter
about four years ago that Columbus Zoo was was having
some challenges and they needed some new leadership. And the
more I'd always known about Columbus Zoo my whole history,
it's well regarded, as you can imagine in the zoological
community nationwide, even globally.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
And.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
I thought, you know, there, they've really stubbed their toe.
But fundamentally, I think this is a This is an
extraordinarily acid heavy institution with with the zoo and the wilds.
Very few large zoos have a ten thousand acre wildlife
conservation center in in addition a water parking golf course
(06:00):
to help drive revenue and visitation. So just looking at
the foundation here, looking at what I knew about the
Columbus Zoo, I knew it was going to be some
work to help write the ship. But ultimately this was
a great institution that just was really just needed some
new leadership. And so here I am, you.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Know Tom, and we're talking to Tom Schmid, who's the
president see of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Before you
got here, like me, I knew the Columbus Zoo. I
thought I thought, oh, Jack Hannah was there. Not that
there was any intimidation, but was there any thought of,
oh wow, this is this is the zoo where Jack
Hannah was at.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Uh No. I actually saw that as as a huge advantage.
He created a national brand and arguably in some cases
an international brand, and so again that foundation that was
laid when he arrived in the late seventies and and
continued really well until, you know, a forty year his
forty year career then with Jerry Bourne as his as
his kind of second right hand man for so long,
(06:58):
they were a really dynamic team. And so no, I
just looked at that as it was it was an
honor to kind of essentially take over the institution.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
That's amazing. So the Columbus Zoo has long been a
beloved institution here, but there's so much more to it
than what guests see in a single visit. Now, with
you having been here for four years, as you shared
under your leadership, how would you describe the Zoo's mission today?
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Well, I can. I can describe it in four words,
empowering people and saving wildlife. And so that we went
through a strategic planning exercise after I started, and we
really I thought it was important to get everyone aligned.
Staff board does into everyone marching in the same direction,
and really that that that the animals in our care,
the animals in the wild that we that we want
(07:44):
to help preserve and protect, that's our north star. I mean,
that had to be the decision driver behind everything we do.
So that was for first and foremost and our first strategy,
how do we really scale our efforts in wildlife conservation
around the world as well as here in Ohio. And
so that you know that that that really led to
a lot of the developments that you're seeing over the
(08:05):
over the last several years, and including how we've expanded
North America Trek, how we've really making more impactful conservation work.
And I'll talk a little bit more about some of
those projects later, but it I think it was a
pivot that was that everyone just got behind and was
focused on and could really understand this. This is this
is what it means to be the Columbusoo. You know,
we talked about our rankings, and those are great, we
(08:26):
love them, but I really want our community to think
of as not just the best best zoo in the country,
but one of the most impactful wildlife conservation organizations.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Yeah, Tom, you know, when I think of conservation and
I think of uh when I think of the zoo,
I don't think anyone does it better. As far as
educating patrons that are coming in what you're doing, not
just locally in central Ohio, but really around the globe,
and I think of stable events that helped fund some
of those efforts. Can you know when you think about
(08:58):
those efforts, what what kind of things are you doing exactly?
Speaker 1 (09:02):
How do you contribute to those wildlife efforts?
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Yeah, so there's a there's a multitude of ways we
do that, and part of that, as you say, as
you alluded to, we're getting much more intentional about telling
the story around the zoo. So the average guests may
not well, I'm actually I'm sure they've noticed it. We've
we've added dozens and dozens of interpretive signage and dinamic
graphics in the zoo that that really talk more about
(09:25):
the mission work of the zoo with a tagline of
empowering people and saving wildlife. So that's been an important piece. Certainly,
our conservation education team is talking more about that, our
docents are talking more about that. But I think as
importantly you talked about how do we fund it? In
addition to those events and through a variety of other methods.
Every dollar or we take a dollar from every zoo admission,
(09:47):
we take five dollars. I think from every membership you
play around of golf, A portion of that money goes
to the conservation Fund. You go to zoombz Bay, a
portion of that goes to the conservation fund. So think
about a family coming to the zoo. They have a
great experience, they're probably going to learn something because it's
really educational, but they're having a great time. But just
the fact that they visited and they bought a ticket
(10:08):
that day, they're helping save animals from extinction. And so
getting that message out over and over again to all
of our guests that just by visiting the zoo or
the wilds are playing around the golf at Safari, you're
saving animals for extension. That really, I think drives ourson,
our mission home.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
It's amazing.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
So let's talk innovation. What's something coming up that you're
especially excited about. Whether it's a new exhibit, technological advancement,
or a behind the scenes change.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Wow, there's a lot, I think. I think you're going
to see some really interesting things with with North America Trek,
you know, I think about how that that region has evolved.
So that was one of the first areas that Jack
renovated back in the late seventies early eighties. It was
remarkable back then, but you can imagine now forty years later,
it was one of the oldest regions of the Zoo.
(10:56):
So I think taking all of our guests on this
journe need to essentially experience some of the major national
parks around the country in one location in Powell in Columbus,
I think is going to be pretty remarkable. So I
think how guests are being able, how they're able to
see the animals even behind the scenes. We've got some
amazing new opportunities for folks to do that the Columbus
(11:18):
or the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation. So we repurposed
one of our existing buildings and turned it into an
interpretive center for all the conservation work we do. So
for the first time, we're telling that story in a
really comprehensive way at the Zoo, not only with really
amazing graphics, but actually showing how we culture hellbenders and
one of the largest amphibians in North America, and how
(11:40):
we're reintroducing those back into rivers in Ohio plains, garter snakes,
burying beetles, all these projects that we do here in
Ohio that a lot of folks might not know about.
That's going to be front and center in the New
Columbus in the New Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, which
is embedded within the North America Trek region.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Tom a selfish question, only because myself it might told
Reran it well and I used to raise them, but
are you keeping the barn and the goats out there?
Speaker 4 (12:04):
Okay? I just want to yeah, yeah, no, they are
usually popular, you bet.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
I just wanted to make sure along with this, can
can you tell us that you touched on it? Obviously already,
but with the North America track, this is this is
just going to be so cool. By the way, do
you have a specific date yet or are we just saying, uh,
the end of June at this point?
Speaker 4 (12:25):
Do we know it'll be an end of June? Okay,
we're gonna nail that down. We actually had a meeting
yesterday really talking about specifically. So yeah, construction was it
was really challenging, sure our teams. Yeah, you guys know
how how wet this passed three or four months? Well? Yeah,
and so looking at what we have to get done,
what you know, how do we sequence allowing these animals
(12:48):
to spend time in their new homes? How do we
pulse people in to make sure that we don't want
to just open it and have five thousand people come
through to the first day. So a lot of careful
thought and actually careful thought into a beforehand. But that
the more we looked at, the more realized that this
is we think this could compromise animal well being. So
that's where we we we drew that line the sand
and said, Okay, we're gonna we're gonna stand down, We're
(13:10):
gonna look at a new schedule.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
So when it comes to construction, just out of curiosity,
do you need a special construction company that uh specializes
in zoos uh? And I know it's not a music park,
but maybe someone that that has dealt with that type
of business.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Okay, it is very specialized. It's complex. Essentially, you're creating
living ecosystems for these animals. You're creating spaces for our
staff and our veterinarians to be able to work. And yeah,
so there's only really a handful of companies in the
world that can do the convert that we're doing. And
Pepper Construction they're based in Chicago, but they have an
office here. They've been exceptional to work with and and
(13:50):
I think it's the skill sets important, but it's also
understanding that that that we're a team. Our our North
America Trek team are on site almost every day. They're
they're checking things, they're working with a Pepper team to
make sure that that no detail has been overlooked. And
it's a really it's a it's a pretty unified team
that that that kind of has brought us to this point.
(14:12):
And that started with conceptual design, through schematic design, development, construction,
the whole the whole process. And so yeah, it's it's
it's really specialized construction. And yeah, they've they've done a
great job.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Tom, what kind of takeaways are you wanting the guests
to have when they experienced this new North America Trek, Well,
I think.
Speaker 4 (14:33):
They're going to really enjoy the spaces. I think they're
going to enjoy the esthetic. It's a little bit different
than maybe we've done before. It's a it's it's a
little bit more modern, although it does it does hark
to the great national parks around the country. One of
the things that that they probably won't see. What that's
equally important is the thought that went into the behind
(14:54):
behind the scenes spaces for both our teams and our animals.
And and that's critical. We we we've I think the
Columbusoo has always done a great job of creating habitats
for our animals, but making sure that where they spend
their time at night, where they spend their time in
the winter time, is just as good and just as
satisfying and enriching as a summer habitat. That's critical. So
(15:14):
a lot of thought and effort went to those behind
the scenes areas that most guests probably will never see,
but I hope they understand that those are great spaces
for both of our staff to work and the animals
to live.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
How long has it taken the team, along with Pepper
to bring this exhibit to life?
Speaker 4 (15:30):
So let's see. So we started design work in twenty
two and started construction in twenty late twenty three, so
it's been almost a three year process.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
Wow, and it's almost here. We're so excited.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Just a few more weeks.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
But the zoo is not just about exhibits. I know,
obviously you offer seasonal events, hands on education. How do
some of those experiences really help connect the community with
the wildlife concertation work that you do.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
Yeah, that's a great question, and I think it's a
chance for folks to come in and maybe see things
in a little bit different lights. So we have a
big Earth Day celebration, We bring in different partners, we
talk about different programming, different organizations, what they're doing in
the community. So it's a great way to showcase programming
well beyond what the Columbus Zoo does. And so and
(16:24):
that's really I mean, we we we understand we're first
and foremost we're a wildlfe conservation organization where zoo, but
we're also a community asset. We're a community center. We
convene people and and so I think that's always uh
something that we that we take a lot of pride
in being able to bring bring families in. And then
I think about all the all the things that we
do with students, our team Eco Summit, workforce development. You
(16:48):
wouldn't normally think about that as a as a function
of a zoo, but we do a lot of workforce
development through STEM education, through some of the internship programs
we do. We're network working now with Fort Hayes to
bring kids over and shadow some of our trade teams.
So just lots of things to help develop that workforce.
And really, let let I mean Columbus Zoo is a
(17:09):
big place, you know, four or five hundred full time people,
fifteen hundred part time people. Among all of our parks.
There are dozens and dozens and dozens of different specialized
jobs that we hire, well beyond an educator or a
zoo keeper. So making sure the community, making sure the
kids are aware of all the different opportunities that we
have for them to work in the future.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Oh yeah, I was just gonna say, your summer camps
sell out, you know, pretty quick, the overnight camps as well,
the overnight stays. You do a lot of great things
for the family, Tom, you and the Columbus Zoo well,
from flamingos to gorillas to obviously the adorable slot. There's
a few iconic animal guests that they always ask about.
But are there any behind the scenes stories that you
(17:48):
can share with any of those animals that we might enjoy.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Yeah, so that's a great question. Let's see. I think
what's really interesting and I didn't know about this until
I got to the zoo. So if you think about
the Asia Quest region, so we have we have our
Asian elephants on one side, and then we have all
the other animals on the other side, what most people
don't know is there's actually a tunnel underground that connects
(18:14):
those two habitats. And walking around in these tunnels that
were built thirty forty years ago. Wow, it was an
interesting experience and I have to I can never do
it alone because I know I would get lost, So
I'm always with our keeper staff when we're down there.
But you know, being able to move around to these
different areas underground to access the areas, I mean, it's
(18:35):
pretty ingenious almost. I was gonna say, a mottel even
after how Disney buildings.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
On So, Tom, you've mentioned how important the zoo's role
is in Columbus's future. How do you see the zoo
contributing to the city's growth and identity?
Speaker 4 (18:49):
Yeah, so, you know, it's interesting from a business strategy
standpoint if I had to describe the zoo and to
some extent, our other parks as well. Today we are
we're largely a seasonal, regional cultural attraction. We tend to
overperform based compared to our peers in terms of local visitation.
(19:10):
If you think about the size of Columbus and our attendance,
I mean, we see almost two million people a year
at the Columbus Zoo. That's almost the same number that
the Houston Zoo sees and they have an MSA of
six million people.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (19:24):
So and again I think, why is that? Because people
and Columbus really love the Columbus Zoo and we want
them to continue to love the Columbus Zoo. But we
also think there's an opportunity for us to pivot that
more and become a regional Midwestern even a national destination,
a year round destination. And so some of the things
that we're looking at in the future I think will
(19:45):
help reinforce that. And I think because we have these assets,
the golf course, the water park, an amazing zoo that
probably takes four or five hours really if you want
to see everything, I think we really have an opportunity
as we broaden our reach to bring people from the
East coast all over the Midwest really make this truly
a leisure travel destination. And then if I think about
(20:08):
you know, we talked earlier at the beginning of the
podcast about the other amazing attractions we have here, I
think Columbus punches way above its weight in terms of
amazing attractions, and you start to bundle those together, you
can see why and how this region could become a
tourism mecca. And I know Brian Ross feels that way.
I've talked to some of the other regional travel associations.
(20:31):
Certainly the Ohio Chamber feels that way. So I think
there's just a real opportunity and we want to be
part of the catalyst to really begin to transform this region.
We're recognized for so many things OSU Innovation are are
great sports facility, state capital, but we absolutely have the
potential to be an amazing leisure travel destination and I
think the Columbus who can can really be a key
(20:53):
part of that.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
I totally agree with that. Tom.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
You probably get asked this all the time, but maybe
because I know I can, a lot of people could
probably see it.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
A hotel is a hotel come up time and time again.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Any interest in ever wanting to develop something like that
or something that would that you know, that would fit
within the Zoo.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Absolutely. In fact, we've we just completed a feasibility study
for a hotel of Wow, We're we're still kind of
in the early phases of what that might look like.
We don't have a timeline, but there certainly seems to
be enough demand based on what our consultants are telling us. Sure,
and I think with some of the things that we're
going to be doing in the future that there would
be a lot of synergy created to to to get
(21:35):
some kind of lodging activity at the zoo. I mean,
we've done that at the Wilds. It's been really successful.
We have yurchs, we have cabins. We're opening up our Hellbender,
our v park in two weeks, so that'll be more
opportunities for folks to to to spend the night there.
And it's interesting because that's having lodging at a zoo
in the US is fairly uncommon. It's actually fairly common
(21:55):
in European zoos.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Oh wow, Okay, there's.
Speaker 4 (21:58):
Something that we can learn from from kind of how
they've managed that program. Toronto Zoo in Sydney, Australia has
an amazing boutique hotel on their campus. They're actually much
smaller zoo than Columbus Zoo, but that the net income
from that hotel actually helps support all their conservation efforts.
So this is Yeah, we definitely think that's an opportunity
for our future.
Speaker 1 (22:18):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
I was just thinking about different revenue streams like that. Oh,
that would be amazing. Well, Tom, it is time, Sarah.
I want to make sure you're ready for this too.
It's time for our Rapid Fire Questions Columbus Edition.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
You guys ready, ready, be right?
Speaker 3 (22:33):
Tom? What's your favorite metro park to unwind in?
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Oh, let's see. I'd probably have to say High Banks,
Just great elevation. My wife and I love to hike
it and occasionally, when I have the energy, I like
to run it.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
So I was gonna say, you look like a runner, Tom.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
All right, Tom, where would you take a guest if
they were coming to Columbus for the first time?
Speaker 4 (22:54):
That's a good question.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
Can't be the zoo first after the visit to the
s That's easy.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
I'd say probably a toss up between the Short and
North and German Village. Okay, Yeah, both both great places
and we just think they're very indicative of what the
city's all about.
Speaker 3 (23:10):
Yeah, I love both of those. Which Columbus event do
you make sure to attend every year?
Speaker 4 (23:16):
So we have attended the Columbus Art Festival, which is amazing.
It's the biggest art festival we've ever attended. My wife
and I really enjoy it, and so that's kind of
one of our musty events each year.
Speaker 3 (23:27):
So Tom, we're gonna switch gears now for our last
two segments. Our next one is called Columbus Classics. This
podcast is all about uncovering what's new, but we also
love the tried and true places and experiences. Can you
tell us about a classic Columbus experience you love? It
can be a neighborhood, a restaurant, anything.
Speaker 4 (23:47):
So we finally had a chance to go to Hanks recently,
and what a great restaurant it. It's so unique. I mean,
you feel like you're in Charleston, South Carolina. The food's great,
the atmosphere is great, and so that's kind of one
of our new favorites.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
Yeah, by the way, before we get to this last segment,
I have to share one quick story about Tom that
I think people will love and it just shows his
character and what a good man that he is. I
had interviewed Tom on the radio three four different times.
We've done interviews over the phone together, and for the
first time, I think it was maybe last year, I
(24:23):
finally got to meet you in person. So I was
looking around and Jane and marketing. I said, Jane, is
Tom around today? Oh yeah, he's right over there.
Speaker 1 (24:32):
I'm like, well where and here you were?
Speaker 2 (24:35):
You were picking up garbage and I thought, wait, him
over there?
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Is he picking up garbage? Oh yeah, he does that
all the time.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
And I thought, well, there's a guy who you're not
above doing anything. And it just goes to show just
how much you truly care about the zoo.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
So hats off to you.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Well, thank you for that, and I mean that's sort
of zoo director one on one and Jack Hannah definitely
ext amplified that as well. Well.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Look, before we close out today's episode, we have one
more segment, Tom, and that is what are you saying
yes to in Columbus this season?
Speaker 4 (25:09):
So more Columbus crew. We're super excited season kicked off
and that's an amazing organization. Love the Blue Jackets, but
really excited about the crew this summer.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Second guest that said Columbus.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Yes, they're getting a lot of votes and it is
an amazing experience at lower dot com. So Tom, what
a journey. Thank you so much for joining us today
and sharing your passion for animals, conservation and the Columbus community.
Really appreciate you being here.
Speaker 4 (25:35):
Well, thanks for the opportunity you guys help us tell
our story. We appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (25:39):
And by the way, if you haven't been to the
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium lately, now is the time plan
your visit Columbus Zoo dot org. You can experience everything new,
wild and wonderful. Well, and for even more ways to
explore Columbus.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
By the way, check out Experience Columbus and social media
and Experience Columbus dot com. Thank you again, as always
for listening. Name the Yes Columbus and we'll see you
next time. That's a wrap on this week's episode of
Yes Columbus and Experienced Columbus podcast. Tune in next week
as we take you on a tour of what's new,
what's hot, and what makes Columbus a city on the rise.
Yes Columbus.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
An Experienced Columbus podcast keeps you in the know of
what's happening in the art city Columbus. The number one
soccer team, the number three beer city, a top ten
culinary destination with the largest concentration of.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Fashion professionals in the US. Join us each week with
special guests for.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
An inside look at a destination that invites visitors and
locals alike to explore.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
By the end of.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Each episode, you'll be asking yourself, can all of this
really exist in one city?
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Yes Columbus, Hello, and.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Welcome back to another episode here of Yes Columbus and
Experienced Columbus Podcasts. I'm one of the hosts, Boxer, along
with Miss Sarah, who is back with us in our
special guest today.
Speaker 3 (00:46):
Hi Boxer, good to see you, to see you, It's
great to be back. Each episode gives us more reasons
to fall in love with Columbus all over again. From
inspiring leaders to one of a kind destinations, this never
stops impressing. Before we dive into today's interview, it's time
for our headliner segment, where we highlight a recent story
(01:08):
or accolade about Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium roared
ahead of the pack and was voted a top three
zoo in the country by USA Today's ten Best and
has been named the best in the state. Serving as
home to more than six hundred animals, species and species
from around the world, the zoo is a great destination
(01:28):
for families and one of the most visited places in
the city every year.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
Not surprised at all.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
You know, when I arrived here in ninety nine, that
was it, and I didn't know anyone.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
By the way, I'm not from here.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
That was the first place I went because I grew
up loving Jack Hannah, and I thought, well, I need
to go to this zoo, the zoo that you know
he changed and transformed. And I spent many days I
don't know what that says about me, many days alone there.
But again I didn't know anyone. I wasn't married, I
didn't have a girlfriend. But there's something just fair special
(02:00):
about the Columbus Zoo acquirement in my heart too always
and I'm not alone.
Speaker 3 (02:05):
No, absolutely, it's an amazing place.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Oh well, look speaking, and can I just also add
that I'm convinced USA today loves us. They love I mean,
if you think about all the different things they've ranked
in Columbus one of their top tens. I mean, think
about it, the zoo, what Coasai I mean I could
go on and on riverwalk, Yes, exactly, good.
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Adventures, arts festivals.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
Also, thank you you great city. Yes we are, I
mean I'm not surprised, but thank you for the accolades USA. Today.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
Well, look, speaking of the Columbus Zoo, it is now
time for our behind the Buzz segment Today, we are
so thrilled to welcome Tom Schmid, who's the president and
CEO of the Columbus Zoo. Tom's background is amazing, you know,
he brings decades of experience and conservation and leadership, and
under his guidance, the zoo is taking bold steps into
(02:58):
the future.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
And I've heard this Tom from some of.
Speaker 2 (03:01):
His colleagues that he is a go getter and he's
got these just very big, big imaginations and goals that
he wants and along with that while having the zoo
make a global impact. To Tom, welcome to Yes Columbus.
We're really excited to have you here.
Speaker 4 (03:16):
Well, so so happy to be here with both of you.
Speaker 2 (03:19):
So, Tom, you know, the Clumbus Zoo is prepping to
unveil the highly anticipated North America Trek. From what I've
seen so far in pictures, it's stunning. This immersive new region.
It's opening in late June, phase one of this multi
year project. It's going to feature modern habitats for what
black bears, Mexican wolves, North American river otters, I mean,
(03:42):
bald eagles for example. I want to hear more about this,
but first, can we hear more about you in your career?
How did you get to where you are now?
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Boy? That's how much time do we have? That's a
great question. Well, I'll give you a sort of the
short summary. So I grew up in South Florida, spent
really kind of the formative years swimming in the rivers
and the Gulf of Mexico, sailing, diving, skiing, anything you
could imagine how to do with water, that's kind of
(04:11):
what we did. And so I think that's probably why
I became a marine biologist. And so that's what I
studied in college, went to graduate school, and then actually
got recruited by SeaWorld to help manage their shark collection
and do some research there. And that was a pretty
big career path pivot because I was My plan was
to go on get a PhD, be a marine biologist,
(04:33):
study sharks, and go teach at the university and maybe
come to Ohio State. But that that really opened my
eyes to an entirely new field, and it was about
exhibit development and public education and you know, the attraction business,
and so I just I really enjoyed that. So I
ended up staying there for about six years and then
took a position to help start up a new entity
(04:56):
in Norfolk, Virginia called the National Maritime Center Nauticus, which
was really interesting at the time. It was kind of
a hybrid science center, history museum, aquarium and naval history museum.
So got that open, got that up and running, but
still sort of felt this this hearing from marine biology,
and then was recruited to help lead the Texas State
(05:18):
of Quarum, which I spent about twenty years there, and
then lo and behold, got a call from a recruiter
about four years ago that Columbus Zoo was was having
some challenges and they needed some new leadership. And the
more I'd always known about Columbus Zoo my whole history,
it's well regarded, as you can imagine in the zoological
community nationwide, even globally.
Speaker 3 (05:38):
And.
Speaker 4 (05:40):
I thought, you know, there, they've really stubbed their toe.
But fundamentally, I think this is a This is an
extraordinarily acid heavy institution with with the zoo and the wilds.
Very few large zoos have a ten thousand acre wildlife
conservation center in in addition a water parking golf course
(06:00):
to help drive revenue and visitation. So just looking at
the foundation here, looking at what I knew about the
Columbus Zoo, I knew it was going to be some
work to help write the ship. But ultimately this was
a great institution that just was really just needed some
new leadership. And so here I am, you.
Speaker 2 (06:17):
Know Tom, and we're talking to Tom Schmid, who's the
president see of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Before you
got here, like me, I knew the Columbus Zoo. I
thought I thought, oh, Jack Hannah was there. Not that
there was any intimidation, but was there any thought of,
oh wow, this is this is the zoo where Jack
Hannah was at.
Speaker 4 (06:37):
Uh No. I actually saw that as as a huge advantage.
He created a national brand and arguably in some cases
an international brand, and so again that foundation that was
laid when he arrived in the late seventies and and
continued really well until, you know, a forty year his
forty year career then with Jerry Bourne as his as
his kind of second right hand man for so long,
(06:58):
they were a really dynamic team. And so no, I
just looked at that as it was it was an
honor to kind of essentially take over the institution.
Speaker 3 (07:06):
That's amazing. So the Columbus Zoo has long been a
beloved institution here, but there's so much more to it
than what guests see in a single visit. Now, with
you having been here for four years, as you shared
under your leadership, how would you describe the Zoo's mission today?
Speaker 4 (07:24):
Well, I can. I can describe it in four words,
empowering people and saving wildlife. And so that we went
through a strategic planning exercise after I started, and we
really I thought it was important to get everyone aligned.
Staff board does into everyone marching in the same direction,
and really that that that the animals in our care,
the animals in the wild that we that we want
(07:44):
to help preserve and protect, that's our north star. I mean,
that had to be the decision driver behind everything we do.
So that was for first and foremost and our first strategy,
how do we really scale our efforts in wildlife conservation
around the world as well as here in Ohio. And
so that you know that that that really led to
a lot of the developments that you're seeing over the
(08:05):
over the last several years, and including how we've expanded
North America Trek, how we've really making more impactful conservation work.
And I'll talk a little bit more about some of
those projects later, but it I think it was a
pivot that was that everyone just got behind and was
focused on and could really understand this. This is this
is what it means to be the Columbusoo. You know,
we talked about our rankings, and those are great, we
(08:26):
love them, but I really want our community to think
of as not just the best best zoo in the country,
but one of the most impactful wildlife conservation organizations.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Yeah, Tom, you know, when I think of conservation and
I think of uh when I think of the zoo,
I don't think anyone does it better. As far as
educating patrons that are coming in what you're doing, not
just locally in central Ohio, but really around the globe,
and I think of stable events that helped fund some
of those efforts. Can you know when you think about
(08:58):
those efforts, what what kind of things are you doing exactly?
Speaker 1 (09:02):
How do you contribute to those wildlife efforts?
Speaker 4 (09:04):
Yeah, so there's a there's a multitude of ways we
do that, and part of that, as you say, as
you alluded to, we're getting much more intentional about telling
the story around the zoo. So the average guests may
not well, I'm actually I'm sure they've noticed it. We've
we've added dozens and dozens of interpretive signage and dinamic
graphics in the zoo that that really talk more about
(09:25):
the mission work of the zoo with a tagline of
empowering people and saving wildlife. So that's been an important piece. Certainly,
our conservation education team is talking more about that, our
docents are talking more about that. But I think as
importantly you talked about how do we fund it? In
addition to those events and through a variety of other methods.
Every dollar or we take a dollar from every zoo admission,
(09:47):
we take five dollars. I think from every membership you
play around of golf, A portion of that money goes
to the conservation Fund. You go to zoombz Bay, a
portion of that goes to the conservation fund. So think
about a family coming to the zoo. They have a
great experience, they're probably going to learn something because it's
really educational, but they're having a great time. But just
the fact that they visited and they bought a ticket
(10:08):
that day, they're helping save animals from extinction. And so
getting that message out over and over again to all
of our guests that just by visiting the zoo or
the wilds are playing around the golf at Safari, you're
saving animals for extension. That really, I think drives ourson,
our mission home.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
It's amazing.
Speaker 3 (10:24):
So let's talk innovation. What's something coming up that you're
especially excited about. Whether it's a new exhibit, technological advancement,
or a behind the scenes change.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Wow, there's a lot, I think. I think you're going
to see some really interesting things with with North America Trek,
you know, I think about how that that region has evolved.
So that was one of the first areas that Jack
renovated back in the late seventies early eighties. It was
remarkable back then, but you can imagine now forty years later,
it was one of the oldest regions of the Zoo.
(10:56):
So I think taking all of our guests on this
journe need to essentially experience some of the major national
parks around the country in one location in Powell in Columbus,
I think is going to be pretty remarkable. So I
think how guests are being able, how they're able to
see the animals even behind the scenes. We've got some
amazing new opportunities for folks to do that the Columbus
(11:18):
or the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation. So we repurposed
one of our existing buildings and turned it into an
interpretive center for all the conservation work we do. So
for the first time, we're telling that story in a
really comprehensive way at the Zoo, not only with really
amazing graphics, but actually showing how we culture hellbenders and
one of the largest amphibians in North America, and how
(11:40):
we're reintroducing those back into rivers in Ohio plains, garter snakes,
burying beetles, all these projects that we do here in
Ohio that a lot of folks might not know about.
That's going to be front and center in the New
Columbus in the New Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation, which
is embedded within the North America Trek region.
Speaker 2 (11:56):
Tom a selfish question, only because myself it might told
Reran it well and I used to raise them, but
are you keeping the barn and the goats out there?
Speaker 4 (12:04):
Okay? I just want to yeah, yeah, no, they are
usually popular, you bet.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
I just wanted to make sure along with this, can
can you tell us that you touched on it? Obviously already,
but with the North America track, this is this is
just going to be so cool. By the way, do
you have a specific date yet or are we just saying, uh,
the end of June at this point?
Speaker 4 (12:25):
Do we know it'll be an end of June? Okay,
we're gonna nail that down. We actually had a meeting
yesterday really talking about specifically. So yeah, construction was it
was really challenging, sure our teams. Yeah, you guys know
how how wet this passed three or four months? Well? Yeah,
and so looking at what we have to get done,
what you know, how do we sequence allowing these animals
(12:48):
to spend time in their new homes? How do we
pulse people in to make sure that we don't want
to just open it and have five thousand people come
through to the first day. So a lot of careful
thought and actually careful thought into a beforehand. But that
the more we looked at, the more realized that this
is we think this could compromise animal well being. So
that's where we we we drew that line the sand
and said, Okay, we're gonna we're gonna stand down, We're
(13:10):
gonna look at a new schedule.
Speaker 2 (13:11):
So when it comes to construction, just out of curiosity,
do you need a special construction company that uh specializes
in zoos uh? And I know it's not a music park,
but maybe someone that that has dealt with that type
of business.
Speaker 4 (13:27):
Okay, it is very specialized. It's complex. Essentially, you're creating
living ecosystems for these animals. You're creating spaces for our
staff and our veterinarians to be able to work. And yeah,
so there's only really a handful of companies in the
world that can do the convert that we're doing. And
Pepper Construction they're based in Chicago, but they have an
office here. They've been exceptional to work with and and
(13:50):
I think it's the skill sets important, but it's also
understanding that that that we're a team. Our our North
America Trek team are on site almost every day. They're
they're checking things, they're working with a Pepper team to
make sure that that no detail has been overlooked. And
it's a really it's a it's a pretty unified team
that that that kind of has brought us to this point.
(14:12):
And that started with conceptual design, through schematic design, development, construction,
the whole the whole process. And so yeah, it's it's
it's really specialized construction. And yeah, they've they've done a
great job.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Tom, what kind of takeaways are you wanting the guests
to have when they experienced this new North America Trek, Well,
I think.
Speaker 4 (14:33):
They're going to really enjoy the spaces. I think they're
going to enjoy the esthetic. It's a little bit different
than maybe we've done before. It's a it's it's a
little bit more modern, although it does it does hark
to the great national parks around the country. One of
the things that that they probably won't see. What that's
equally important is the thought that went into the behind
(14:54):
behind the scenes spaces for both our teams and our animals.
And and that's critical. We we we've I think the
Columbusoo has always done a great job of creating habitats
for our animals, but making sure that where they spend
their time at night, where they spend their time in
the winter time, is just as good and just as
satisfying and enriching as a summer habitat. That's critical. So
(15:14):
a lot of thought and effort went to those behind
the scenes areas that most guests probably will never see,
but I hope they understand that those are great spaces
for both of our staff to work and the animals
to live.
Speaker 3 (15:24):
How long has it taken the team, along with Pepper
to bring this exhibit to life?
Speaker 4 (15:30):
So let's see. So we started design work in twenty
two and started construction in twenty late twenty three, so
it's been almost a three year process.
Speaker 3 (15:42):
Wow, and it's almost here. We're so excited.
Speaker 4 (15:45):
Just a few more weeks.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
But the zoo is not just about exhibits. I know,
obviously you offer seasonal events, hands on education. How do
some of those experiences really help connect the community with
the wildlife concertation work that you do.
Speaker 4 (16:01):
Yeah, that's a great question, and I think it's a
chance for folks to come in and maybe see things
in a little bit different lights. So we have a
big Earth Day celebration, We bring in different partners, we
talk about different programming, different organizations, what they're doing in
the community. So it's a great way to showcase programming
well beyond what the Columbus Zoo does. And so and
(16:24):
that's really I mean, we we we understand we're first
and foremost we're a wildlfe conservation organization where zoo, but
we're also a community asset. We're a community center. We
convene people and and so I think that's always uh
something that we that we take a lot of pride
in being able to bring bring families in. And then
I think about all the all the things that we
do with students, our team Eco Summit, workforce development. You
(16:48):
wouldn't normally think about that as a as a function
of a zoo, but we do a lot of workforce
development through STEM education, through some of the internship programs
we do. We're network working now with Fort Hayes to
bring kids over and shadow some of our trade teams.
So just lots of things to help develop that workforce.
And really, let let I mean Columbus Zoo is a
(17:09):
big place, you know, four or five hundred full time people,
fifteen hundred part time people. Among all of our parks.
There are dozens and dozens and dozens of different specialized
jobs that we hire, well beyond an educator or a
zoo keeper. So making sure the community, making sure the
kids are aware of all the different opportunities that we
have for them to work in the future.
Speaker 2 (17:27):
Oh yeah, I was just gonna say, your summer camps
sell out, you know, pretty quick, the overnight camps as well,
the overnight stays. You do a lot of great things
for the family, Tom, you and the Columbus Zoo well,
from flamingos to gorillas to obviously the adorable slot. There's
a few iconic animal guests that they always ask about.
But are there any behind the scenes stories that you
(17:48):
can share with any of those animals that we might enjoy.
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Yeah, so that's a great question. Let's see. I think
what's really interesting and I didn't know about this until
I got to the zoo. So if you think about
the Asia Quest region, so we have we have our
Asian elephants on one side, and then we have all
the other animals on the other side, what most people
don't know is there's actually a tunnel underground that connects
(18:14):
those two habitats. And walking around in these tunnels that
were built thirty forty years ago. Wow, it was an
interesting experience and I have to I can never do
it alone because I know I would get lost, So
I'm always with our keeper staff when we're down there.
But you know, being able to move around to these
different areas underground to access the areas, I mean, it's
(18:35):
pretty ingenious almost. I was gonna say, a mottel even
after how Disney buildings.
Speaker 1 (18:39):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
On So, Tom, you've mentioned how important the zoo's role
is in Columbus's future. How do you see the zoo
contributing to the city's growth and identity?
Speaker 4 (18:49):
Yeah, so, you know, it's interesting from a business strategy
standpoint if I had to describe the zoo and to
some extent, our other parks as well. Today we are
we're largely a seasonal, regional cultural attraction. We tend to
overperform based compared to our peers in terms of local visitation.
(19:10):
If you think about the size of Columbus and our attendance,
I mean, we see almost two million people a year
at the Columbus Zoo. That's almost the same number that
the Houston Zoo sees and they have an MSA of
six million people.
Speaker 1 (19:22):
Wow.
Speaker 4 (19:24):
So and again I think, why is that? Because people
and Columbus really love the Columbus Zoo and we want
them to continue to love the Columbus Zoo. But we
also think there's an opportunity for us to pivot that
more and become a regional Midwestern even a national destination,
a year round destination. And so some of the things
that we're looking at in the future I think will
(19:45):
help reinforce that. And I think because we have these assets,
the golf course, the water park, an amazing zoo that
probably takes four or five hours really if you want
to see everything, I think we really have an opportunity
as we broaden our reach to bring people from the
East coast all over the Midwest really make this truly
a leisure travel destination. And then if I think about
(20:08):
you know, we talked earlier at the beginning of the
podcast about the other amazing attractions we have here, I
think Columbus punches way above its weight in terms of
amazing attractions, and you start to bundle those together, you
can see why and how this region could become a
tourism mecca. And I know Brian Ross feels that way.
I've talked to some of the other regional travel associations.
(20:31):
Certainly the Ohio Chamber feels that way. So I think
there's just a real opportunity and we want to be
part of the catalyst to really begin to transform this region.
We're recognized for so many things OSU Innovation are are
great sports facility, state capital, but we absolutely have the
potential to be an amazing leisure travel destination and I
think the Columbus who can can really be a key
(20:53):
part of that.
Speaker 1 (20:53):
I totally agree with that. Tom.
Speaker 2 (20:56):
You probably get asked this all the time, but maybe
because I know I can, a lot of people could
probably see it.
Speaker 1 (21:02):
A hotel is a hotel come up time and time again.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Any interest in ever wanting to develop something like that
or something that would that you know, that would fit
within the Zoo.
Speaker 4 (21:13):
Absolutely. In fact, we've we just completed a feasibility study
for a hotel of Wow, We're we're still kind of
in the early phases of what that might look like.
We don't have a timeline, but there certainly seems to
be enough demand based on what our consultants are telling us. Sure,
and I think with some of the things that we're
going to be doing in the future that there would
be a lot of synergy created to to to get
(21:35):
some kind of lodging activity at the zoo. I mean,
we've done that at the Wilds. It's been really successful.
We have yurchs, we have cabins. We're opening up our Hellbender,
our v park in two weeks, so that'll be more
opportunities for folks to to to spend the night there.
And it's interesting because that's having lodging at a zoo
in the US is fairly uncommon. It's actually fairly common
(21:55):
in European zoos.
Speaker 1 (21:56):
Oh wow, Okay, there's.
Speaker 4 (21:58):
Something that we can learn from from kind of how
they've managed that program. Toronto Zoo in Sydney, Australia has
an amazing boutique hotel on their campus. They're actually much
smaller zoo than Columbus Zoo, but that the net income
from that hotel actually helps support all their conservation efforts.
So this is Yeah, we definitely think that's an opportunity
for our future.
Speaker 1 (22:18):
Exactly.
Speaker 2 (22:18):
I was just thinking about different revenue streams like that. Oh,
that would be amazing. Well, Tom, it is time, Sarah.
I want to make sure you're ready for this too.
It's time for our Rapid Fire Questions Columbus Edition.
Speaker 1 (22:31):
You guys ready, ready, be right?
Speaker 3 (22:33):
Tom? What's your favorite metro park to unwind in?
Speaker 4 (22:36):
Oh, let's see. I'd probably have to say High Banks,
Just great elevation. My wife and I love to hike
it and occasionally, when I have the energy, I like
to run it.
Speaker 1 (22:45):
So I was gonna say, you look like a runner, Tom.
Speaker 2 (22:48):
All right, Tom, where would you take a guest if
they were coming to Columbus for the first time?
Speaker 4 (22:54):
That's a good question.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
Can't be the zoo first after the visit to the
s That's easy.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
I'd say probably a toss up between the Short and
North and German Village. Okay, Yeah, both both great places
and we just think they're very indicative of what the
city's all about.
Speaker 3 (23:10):
Yeah, I love both of those. Which Columbus event do
you make sure to attend every year?
Speaker 4 (23:16):
So we have attended the Columbus Art Festival, which is amazing.
It's the biggest art festival we've ever attended. My wife
and I really enjoy it, and so that's kind of
one of our musty events each year.
Speaker 3 (23:27):
So Tom, we're gonna switch gears now for our last
two segments. Our next one is called Columbus Classics. This
podcast is all about uncovering what's new, but we also
love the tried and true places and experiences. Can you
tell us about a classic Columbus experience you love? It
can be a neighborhood, a restaurant, anything.
Speaker 4 (23:47):
So we finally had a chance to go to Hanks recently,
and what a great restaurant it. It's so unique. I mean,
you feel like you're in Charleston, South Carolina. The food's great,
the atmosphere is great, and so that's kind of one
of our new favorites.
Speaker 2 (24:01):
Yeah, by the way, before we get to this last segment,
I have to share one quick story about Tom that
I think people will love and it just shows his
character and what a good man that he is. I
had interviewed Tom on the radio three four different times.
We've done interviews over the phone together, and for the
first time, I think it was maybe last year, I
(24:23):
finally got to meet you in person. So I was
looking around and Jane and marketing. I said, Jane, is
Tom around today? Oh yeah, he's right over there.
Speaker 1 (24:32):
I'm like, well where and here you were?
Speaker 2 (24:35):
You were picking up garbage and I thought, wait, him
over there?
Speaker 1 (24:40):
Is he picking up garbage? Oh yeah, he does that
all the time.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
And I thought, well, there's a guy who you're not
above doing anything. And it just goes to show just
how much you truly care about the zoo.
Speaker 1 (24:52):
So hats off to you.
Speaker 4 (24:53):
Well, thank you for that, and I mean that's sort
of zoo director one on one and Jack Hannah definitely
ext amplified that as well. Well.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Look, before we close out today's episode, we have one
more segment, Tom, and that is what are you saying
yes to in Columbus this season?
Speaker 4 (25:09):
So more Columbus crew. We're super excited season kicked off
and that's an amazing organization. Love the Blue Jackets, but
really excited about the crew this summer.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Second guest that said Columbus.
Speaker 3 (25:21):
Yes, they're getting a lot of votes and it is
an amazing experience at lower dot com. So Tom, what
a journey. Thank you so much for joining us today
and sharing your passion for animals, conservation and the Columbus community.
Really appreciate you being here.
Speaker 4 (25:35):
Well, thanks for the opportunity you guys help us tell
our story. We appreciate that.
Speaker 2 (25:39):
And by the way, if you haven't been to the
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium lately, now is the time plan
your visit Columbus Zoo dot org. You can experience everything new,
wild and wonderful. Well, and for even more ways to
explore Columbus.
Speaker 1 (25:53):
That's awesome.
Speaker 2 (25:53):
By the way, check out Experience Columbus and social media
and Experience Columbus dot com. Thank you again, as always
for listening. Name the Yes Columbus and we'll see you
next time. That's a wrap on this week's episode of
Yes Columbus and Experienced Columbus podcast. Tune in next week
as we take you on a tour of what's new,
what's hot, and what makes Columbus a city on the rise.
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