MAY ZOO DAY COLUMBUS ZOO

The safety of our students, families and staff is paramount to us. We've made some updates to ensure that our May Zoo Day is SAFE and full of FUN!

Recent news of threats at our Ohio zoos has raised safety concerns. At OHVA, we've been working through a safety plan and watching things closely. We want to reassure you that the FBI found no tangible threat to safety with these recent reports and has deemed them as "swatting."

We are prepared with safety measures and ready for a great day together.

ALL ATTENDEES MUST WEAR AN OHVA SAFETY LANYARD.

• We will have these available at check-in if you do not already have one.
• You will be given a name card to insert into the badge holder. If you have a school ID, please use that.
• Adults must always be with their students.
• Our Teacher-Led Groups are still happening! Adults, please go along with your students.
• Emergency Meet Up Spot in case of evacuation and parent/child separation: parking lot TRAM 2 STOP where you checked in with OHVA. Susie Ebie and Julene Knudson will be present with RED OHVA shirts and signs. 419-731-8944.
• You will be given a sticker at checking in with the number above. Stick this to your lanyard badge holder.

Bring a credit or debit card to pay for parking, food or gift items.

Zoo opens at 9 AM.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL TYPES OF BAGS / WAGONS / STROLLERS ARE CHECKED BY SECURITY BEFORE YOU ENTER THE COLUMBUS ZOO

MEET OHVA STAFF OUTSIDE THE ZOO GATE @ TRAM STOP 2 FOR HOMETOWN CHECK IN!

PURCHASED HomeTown paid TICKETS:

• Check in w/ OHVA Staff and receive a paper ticket to enter through the zoo turnstiles.
• Your check in staff will be standing awaiting you at TRAM STOP 2
• Your HomeTown ticket will not give you entrance to the zoo. See OHVA staff for your paper ticket from the zoo to go through the turnstiles.

• Use your zoo membership to enter the zoo.
• Check-in after 10 at the OHVA Shelters in THE GROVE

ALL HOMETOWN TICKETS MUST BE CHECKED IN WITH OHVA NO LATER THAN 11:30 AM!

9:00 ZOO OPENS

10:00-11:30 CHECK-IN w/ HOMETOWN TICKETS:

*Paid HomeTown Tickets - OHVA staff with phones will be available to check you in and give out zoo entry tickets from TRAM STOP 2

*Zoo Members - enter zoo with membership and come to THE GROVE between 10:00 and 11:30 to check in with OHVA

10:30-1:30 GAS CARDS AND LANYARDS ARE AVAILABLE at SHELTERS #2 and 3 at THE GROVE

10:30 STAFF LED GROUPS LEAVE FROM OUTSIDE THE ZOO NEAR OHVA TABLE

11:30 ALL HOMETOWN TICKETS CHECKED IN WITH OHVA OUTSIDE THE ENTRY TURNSTILES OR AT THE GROVE

12:00 STAFF LED GROUPS RETURN TO THE GATHERING SPOT

1:30-2:00 OHVA GATHERING AT THE SHELTERS THE GROVE FOR CLOSING

*OHVA SENIOR RECOGNITION

*STUDENT GIVE-AWAYS

2:00 OHVA WRAP UP - ENJOY THE ZOO UNTIL CLOSING at 5 PM

• Zoo Members' HomeTown Tickets: Check in with OHVA between 10:00 - 11:30 am
• Teacher-Led Groups:leave from at 10:30 from The Grove

STUDENTS SIGN UP FOR THESE GROUPS ON HOMETOWN

From 10:30-12:00, OHVA Staff will lead students for tour of the zoo.

• Students sign up for these Teacher-Led Student Groups when they secure their HomeTown tickets.
• These groups leave from the OHVA picnic shelters in THE GROVE - BE SURE TO GET TO THE ZOO IN TIME TO PARK-CHECK IN WITH OHVA-TO BE AT THE GROVE BEFORE 10:30
• Families are to tag along with OHVA students in these groups, but students need to be engaged with the group and with the teacher.
• Students will be checked out at noon by the parent/adult that checked them in and stayed with the group.

• If requested on the HomeTown order, Learning Coaches may sign for a $10 Speedway Gas Card from 10:30-1:30.
• Even though requested, the gas cards are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
• These are made possible with Title I Parent-Family Engagement funds.

1:00-1:30 - OHVA GATHERS AT END OF EACH ZOO DAY

JOIN OHVA AS WE HONOR OUR 2026 SENIORS!

STUDENT SWAG GIVE-AWAYS

2:00 End of May Zoo Day

Families are welcome to enjoy the zoo until close

Outside food and drink are permitted at the zoo.

NOT ALLOWED:

• Glass containers, alcohol, and straws are prohibited.
• No bags or coolers on wheels are permitted inside the Zoo.
• Click here for specific bag/cooler size restrictions.

Purchasing Food: Click here for information about snack and food choices within the Columbus Zoo.

ALL BAGS, WAGONS, AND STROLLERS ARE CHECKED BY SECURITY BEFORE YOU ENTER THE ZOO.

PARKING is paid as you enter the zoo parking lot - $12/vehicle

REMEMBER THE COLUMBUS ZOO IS CASHLESS - YOU MUST USE CREDIT CARDS

Zoo tickets have been pre-purchased from the Zoo. No refunds are possible for the $7 orders - NO EXCEPTIONS. Contact sebie@k12.com if you have concerns about this. Thank you.