By 1808Delaware
A day at the Columbus Zoo may begin with lions, giraffes or a trip through the aquarium. Its economic reach, however, extends far beyond the gates.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay and Safari Golf Club generated an estimated $612.6 million in statewide economic activity during 2025, according to a new study conducted by Silverlode Consulting and shared by the Zoo.
Together, the three Powell-area attractions supported 4,703 Ohio jobs and produced nearly $39 million in state and local tax revenue. The findings place the organization among the region’s most consequential tourism destinations, with an impact stretching across Delaware and Franklin counties and throughout Ohio.
Visitors Carry Their Spending Beyond the Parks
More than 2.2 million guests visited the three attractions during 2025, including approximately 293,000 people from outside Ohio. The study estimated those out-of-state visitors spent $102.5 million at hotels, restaurants, stores, gas stations and other businesses during their trips. The Zoo alone welcomed more than 1.7 million guests, including approximately 233,000 visitors from outside the state. Their spending at other central Ohio businesses was estimated at $88.2 million.
Those figures illustrate why major attractions matter to the broader hospitality economy. Admission revenue represents only part of their impact. Visitors arriving from other states frequently add overnight stays, meals, shopping and other activities to their itineraries.
“When guests choose to visit one of our parks, they are creating memories with their families while also supporting businesses, jobs, and communities throughout Ohio,” Columbus Zoo President and CEO Tom Schmid said.
Schmid said that impact is particularly significant in Liberty Township, Powell and Delaware and Franklin counties, even as the organization’s influence reaches statewide.
Thousands of Jobs and Households Supported
The study found the Zoo and its associated attractions supported 4,703 jobs, with 99 percent of those positions located within the Columbus metropolitan area. Their combined activity also supported 3,124 Ohio households and generated an estimated $194.9 million in labor income.
The economic total includes the direct effects of operating the parks, along with indirect activity involving vendors and suppliers. It also accounts for additional spending generated when employees and businesses supported by the attractions circulate money through the economy.
“The Columbus Zoo is one of Ohio’s premier destinations, drawing visitors from across the country and creating economic opportunities for businesses and communities throughout our state,” Ohio Chamber of Commerce President Steve Stivers said.
Stivers said the findings reflect not only the Zoo’s popularity but also its role in supporting employment, tourism and economic activity.
Investment Inside the Gates
The organization invested $22.8 million in park improvements during 2025, adding construction and capital spending to its overall economic footprint. It also contributed more than $775,000 to the community through complimentary admission, tours and other experiences. Those programs expand access to the parks while supporting the Zoo’s educational and conservation mission.
In addition to the estimated $38.9 million generated in state and local taxes, the study attributed another $41.3 million in federal tax revenue to the organization’s economic activity. The analysis was conducted using IMPLAN, an economic modeling system commonly used to estimate how spending moves through regional and statewide economies. Silverlode examined operational expenses, capital investments and visitor spending, along with their combined effects during 2025.
For the Zoo, the numbers represent the economic results of a mission centered on connecting people with animals and supporting wildlife conservation.
For the surrounding region, they also show what happens after visitors leave the parking lot. The spending continues through hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses, carrying the impact of a day at the Zoo well beyond the animals and attractions.
