Columbus Zoo & Aquarium – Heart of Africa

This highly-interactive 43-acre exhibit replicates the African Savanna and features open grazing areas and individual animal enclosures for 20 different animal species including Giraffes, Zebras, Camels, Vervet Monkeys, African Lions, Cheetahs, Gazelles, Kudus, Impalas, Oryx, Warthogs, Meerkats and Ostriches.

The exhibit is designed so visitors can observe the animals both at a distance, wandering the savanna, and up close. The savanna appears to be one long open expanse, but it is broken up by narrow valleys known as “ha-ha moats.” Fences deep within the moats separate the various animal groups. Close-up views are provided by a watering hole, a giraffe-feeding station, a restaurant overlooking the savanna, and an African camp that is half for humans and half for the Vervet Monkeys.