POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium released a statement addressing the hourslong wait for people to leave Wildlights on Sunday.
According to the zoo, more than 25,000 people visited the zoo on Sunday for regular hours and the Wildlights display. Some visitors said it took at least two hours to leave the lot. The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and the Ohio State Highway Patrol assisted with traffic flow Sunday evening.
OSHP told 10TV that the warm weather brought more visitors to the zoo on Sunday, leading to traffic congestion.
Visitors experienced a similar event last year where it took them hours to leave the vicinity after attending Wildlights on a weekend. At the time, President and CEO Tom Schmid said the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office couldn’t fill requests for special duty work to assist with traffic. Zoo employees also don’t have the legal authority to direct traffic on Powell Road or Riverside Drive.
Zoo officials said before this year’s Wildlights, they implemented several measures to improve traffic flow and minimize congestion.
According to the statement, the zoo reconfigured the traffic flow into and out of the parking lot to make sure both entrances from Powell Road are open. More directional signs were placed in the parking lot and more staff members are helping to assist with traffic.
Additionally, officials said they worked closely with the sheriff’s office to request special duty assistance ahead of the Wildlights season. Zoo parking staff also assisted with traffic flow.
“In addition to the proactive measures, we are committed to evaluating and continuing to refine our traffic management strategies to better serve our guests. Through collaboration with local law enforcement and ongoing improvements, we strive to ensure a safe and magical experience for all visitors this holiday season. We also kindly ask for our guests’ patience as they exit, similar to the wait after a busy sporting event or concert. While the energy is vibrant and exciting, we want everyone to leave with their hearts full and their safety top of mind as we navigate this joyful, yet busy, experience together,” zoo officials said in part.
Wildlights runs through Jan 5 and starts at 5 p.m. You can find more information about the experience here.