Things are heating up at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
After several months of winter, the Heart of Africa exhibit will reopen on May 2.
More than 130 animals that represent about 20 species – including lions, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, camels, wildebeest, gazelles and ostriches – make their home in the zoo’s newest and largest region.
The savanna lets multiple species interact with each other and guests can connect with some of the animals as well. A raised platform lets visitors come face-to-face with giraffes and the exhibit also offers camera rides.
Heart of Africa also hosts talks from lion and vervet monkey keepers to give visitors an inside look at how the animals are cared for and holds “Sunrise on the Savanna” tours for visitors to see the savanna before the park officially opens.
The exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 23, when the Zoo extends its hours to stay open until 7 p.m.
Giraffe feedings happen every two hours starting at 9 a.m.
