PTR: Zoombezi Bash! at Zoombezi Bay, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

[PREMiERdrum]

Last night, the Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosted their annual Zoombezi Bash! fundraiser. Your ticket includes admission to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Jungle Jack's Landing, and Zoombezi Bay for the afternoon. At 7pm, when the park starts to close, you can check in and receive your wristband and drink tickets. It's important to note that this event is adult only, which gives you a rare shot at this park without thousands of screaming kids.

The event takes place within Zoombezi Bay, at the park's adult only, 21 and over lazy river (yes, they have an adult only lazy river. It's heavenly.), and the Crocktail Creek bar area nestled in the center of it. A buffet dinner is provided, a live band is rockin', and the bar tenders were always willing to pour.

After the meal was completed, members from the Columbus Zoo's promotions department paid a visit with several different animals. These animals aren't the ones you'll see on exhibit at the zoo, rather, they're the ones who tour with Jack Hanna and the zoo's promotions staff, serving as "animal ambassadors" for their species.

The party lasted until 11pm, at which time you were able to take a leisurely walk through Jungle Jack's Landing, and even portions of the zoo, before returning to your car.

This event was a blast - and raised a good bit of money towards a great cause. The Friends of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium describe themselves as:

FRIENDS of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium supports the Columbus Zoo through volunteerism, fundraising, public awareness and community outreach. FRIENDS of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium volunteers are a group of professionals and committed Zoo advocates interested in supporting the Columbus Zoo's mission of promoting awareness and understanding of the natural world.

The historic Sea Dragon roller coaster at Jungle Jack's Landing rises just beyond Crocktail Creek, site of Zoombezi Bash

Crocktail Island, the bar and sun deck nestled within Crocktail Creek, the park's adult only lazy river

Delilah, a 9 month old gray Kangaroo, works the crowd with a member of the zoo's promotions team

Mrs. PREMiERdrum spends some time with Delilah

Fletcher, a 5 month old Fennec Fox

Thor, an African Servil

[The Interpreter]

Wow. What a different perspective! And a unique experience!

Thanks for this.

[Jayblazer]

Yeah I would have loved this. I will keep a look out for the event next year. The sound of an adults only lazy river and drinks is very appealing..

[SonofBaconator]

I need to get back up there. Maybe I can get some connections if I wear my Cincinnati Zoo uniform.

[PREMiERdrum]

The sound of an adults only lazy river and drinks is very appealing..

It is VERY nice... the current is slow, the area has its own music track, the landscaping around the river is tall, and the drinks are good (and, for the venue, quite affordable). The lazy river is strictly enforced as "adults only". There are big signs on the boardwalk leading up onto the island that say that "Children are only allowed to 'check in' with their parents periodically, but aren't allowed to stay for any length of time."

It's arguably my favorite part of the park. Being right in the shadows of the Sea Dragon certainly helps.