By 1808Delaware
When the lanterns flicker on at 6:00 PM on Friday, September 19, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Water’s Edge Pavilion will transform into an after‑hours sanctuary for animal lovers and conservation champions. The new signature fundraiser—aptly titled Untamed: An Evening of Conservation—invites guests to sip, savor, and bid their way through four immersive hours that blend gourmet bites with close‑up wildlife encounters, all while the Zoo’s dazzling Lantern Festival casts a soft glow over the Scioto River. The evening wraps at 10:00 PM, but organizers hope its impact on endangered species will echo far beyond closing time.
Conservation in Action—From Ohio Streams to African Forests
Every ticket sold advances the fieldwork already under way by the Columbus Zoo and its sister facility, The Wilds. Local victories include the head‑starting and release of hellbender salamanders—native amphibians whose survival signals clean rivers—through the Ohio Center for Wildlife Conservation. Farther south, rescued manatees rehabilitated in Columbus have swum home to Florida’s warm waters, and the Zoo’s scientists now co‑lead the Wider Caribbean Manatee Alliance across twenty nations. On the opposite side of the globe, the Asian Elephant Center for Species Survival convenes range‑country experts to keep dwindling elephant populations on the map, while the long‑standing Partners In Conservation program bolsters gorilla protection and community well‑being in East Central Africa.
An Evening Curated for Impact
The program’s heartbeat will be a keynote address by Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation. “Untamed marks an exciting new opportunity for our organization,” Dr. Ramer said in advance of the gala. “With the community’s passion, we can empower people and save wildlife, ensuring a future where both animals and human neighbors thrive.”
Between courses, guests will raise their paddles in a live auction offering once‑in‑a‑lifetime experiences—from behind‑the‑scenes tours with animal keepers to field expeditions aligned with conservation projects. Cocktail chic attire is encouraged; curiosity is mandatory.
Community Leaders at the Helm
Event chairs Sandy Doyle‑Ahern, President of engineering firm EMH&T, and her husband Michael Ahern view Untamed as a natural extension of their family’s multigenerational bond with the Zoo. “What inspires us most is seeing how our community shows up with generosity, compassion, and action,” Doyle‑Ahern said. “You’re part of protecting something meaningful for generations to come.”
Corporate sponsors have already staked their claim in the cause: Battelle serves as Conservation Champion Sponsor, EMH&T as Dinner Sponsor, Cardinal Health Foundation underwrites the animal encounters, Diamond Cellar powers the auction, and Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation refills the wine glasses.
Why the Stakes Matter
In the past twelve months alone, the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds supported more than fifty‑five field projects across six continents and provided expert care for over six hundred species—many on the brink in their native habitats. Funds raised on September 19 will help sustain and expand those efforts, from field equipment in remote jungles to medical supplies in the Zoo’s own manatee rehabilitation pools.
How to Join the Adventure
• Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
• Time: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Place: Water’s Edge Pavilion, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Tickets: On sale now at ColumbusZoo.org
Unable to attend? Supporters can still bid online in the gala auction or make a direct donation to conservation programs. More details—and vivid glimpses of the mission in action—are available on the Zoo’s social channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn).
As twilight settles over Water’s Edge Pavilion and lanterns shimmer across the river, Untamed promises more than a magical evening. It pledges a stronger, wilder tomorrow—one paddle raise, one cheetah sprint, one hellbender release at a time.
Photo: Graham Jones through the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
