POWELL – Celebrate the mothers and grandmothers in your life with a special visit to the Zoo. In celebration of Mother’s Day, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is offering free admission to mothers and grandmothers (an $11.99-$21.99 value) who are accompanied by at least one of their children/grandchildren, regardless of age. (The child’s admission rate will follow the Zoo’s regular admission rules based on his or her age or membership affiliation.)

Some of these recent births include the hatching of three Humboldt penguin chicks and the arrival of five Asian small-clawed otter pups and a baby, silver-leafed langur.

During their visit, guests can also enjoy recently-opened seasonal attractions at the Zoo. Family favorites like giraffe feedings*, Jungle Jack’s Landing rides* (open weekends only, then daily starting on May 26), dromedary camel rides*, pony rides*, lorikeet feedings* and the Kangaroo Walkabout are now open for the season.

Mother’s Day weekend is also a great time to take in the two new stage shows at the Zoo – Wild Africa, presented by The Goddard School, and Surfin’ Safari. 

In Wild Africa, presented by The Goddard School on the Mudiwa Primary Schoolhouse stage in the Heart of Africa region, guests will have the opportunity to see African animals’ natural behaviors in action and be inspired to take conservation actions to help protect these species’ future.

The Surfin’ Safari stage show is a fun, fast-paced show featuring over 120 exotic and rescued domestic animals. Set to the theme of an old beach town, the animals perform energetic and specialized behaviors throughout, proving that this animal-friendly beach really has “gone to the dogs.”

The Wild Africa show is currently taking place on weekends only at 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., with daily shows beginning on May 26. Guests can enjoy Surfin’ Safari previews on weekends only at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with the full show running at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. daily starting on May 26. A 6 p.m. show will also be offered weekends only from May 26 to Sept. 3. 

This special Mother’s Day offer is only available at the Zoo’s entrance. For more information, visit ColumbusZoo.org.

*A nominal fee is required for these rides and attractions.