Columbus Zoo announced Friday the plans for the new John F. Wolfe Aquarium. The project was made in part from a $50 million gift, the largest charitable gift received by the zoo, from The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation
The 100,000 square feet aquarium will contain more than 1 million gallons of water habitats with more than 10,000 aquatic animals representing more than 300 species across 27 immersive exhibits. It will become the largest aquarium in the state.
Major galleries will highlight aquatic ecosystems from around the world: the Amazon River Basin, the Pacific Northwest, the Open Ocean, the Indo-Pacific Reef and the backyard of the Scioto River.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how people connect with wildlife and conservation,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and John F. Wolfe Aquarium. “The John F. Wolfe Aquarium will immerse guests in some of the world’s most extraordinary marine and freshwater environments while inspiring action to protect them. It will strengthen our conservation impact, elevate the guest experience, and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
The aquarium will be a separately ticketed attraction to create a new channel for revenue for the zoo, according to officials. It is expected to bring in economic growth in Central Ohio through job creation and tourism.
“As Columbus continues to grow as a destination city, Wolfe Aquarium will serve as a world-class attraction that reflects the innovation, ambition and momentum of our region,” Schmid said. “This project positions Central Ohio as a national leader in wildlife conservation, education and immersive guest experiences.”
The project is funded by The Robert F. Wolfe and Edgar T. Wolfe Foundation, whose family helped start the Columbus Zoo. The Wolfe family donated the first animals, six Alaskan reindeer for a city Christmas celebration, to Columbus 100 years ago, later creating interest in a city zoo.
Currently, no plans have been announced for the future of the existing aquarium. Construction is expected to begin early 2027 with a target opening in 2029.
