By 1808Delaware, from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
A growing dispute between one of Ohio’s most beloved attractions and a local government has now landed in court. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has filed a lawsuit against Liberty Township in Delaware County, challenging the township’s plan to impose a new tax on Zoo admissions and memberships.
The Zoo is also seeking a preliminary injunction to stop Liberty Township from collecting the tax while the legal process plays out. At the center of the case is a proposed per-guest and per-membership fee the township says is needed to offset Fire and EMS costs. In 2024, the Zoo welcomed 1.8 million visitors—a number Liberty Township sees as an untapped source of revenue.
Zoo officials strongly disagree. They note that the Zoo’s own EMS and safety teams handle most on-site medical and safety incidents, with Liberty Township Fire Department stepping in only for major cases requiring hospital transport—services that account for less than 3 percent of the township’s total emergency calls.
Mutual Respect, But a Firm Stand
The Zoo is careful to emphasize that the legal fight is not about diminishing the role of first responders. In fact, the Zoo and Liberty Township Fire Department often work together on joint training exercises, a collaboration they say benefits the whole community.
“This is an important legal issue and a matter of standing up for our guests, our mission, and our work in education, conservation, and animal care,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. “Through our educationally-focused wildlife conservation mission, we have rightly earned our designation as a tax-exempt not-for-profit institution, and it’s critical for us to preserve this designation, not just for our organization, but for not-for-profit organizations throughout Ohio.”
A Law Meant for Concert Venues?
The tax proposal traces back to House Bill 315, passed by state lawmakers in April 2024. The bill allows townships to levy up to a $1 charge on admission tickets in certain situations to help cover public safety expenses. The measure was initially crafted with large concert venues in mind.
However, Liberty Township believes the language also applies to the Columbus Zoo, even though it is an accredited, private, not-for-profit zoological institution. Zoo leaders argue this interpretation stretches the law beyond its intent and risks setting a precedent that could affect nonprofits across the state.
The Legal Ask
In its lawsuit, the Zoo is requesting the court to:
• Clarify that the new statute does not apply to the Columbus Zoo.
• Rule that Liberty Township has no authority to impose or collect the tax.
Protecting the Mission
For the Zoo, the case is also about safeguarding its ability to keep admission prices reasonable and ensure long-term stability. Officials point out that the Zoo is a major driver of local economic activity, contributing roughly 15 percent of Liberty Township’s total economic output in 2024 from guest spending at nearby restaurants, gas stations, and shops.
While the legal process moves forward, the Zoo says it will continue to act in the best interests of its staff, animals, supporters, and the public—maintaining its dual commitments to world-class animal care and community benefit.
