POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — More than a thousand people ran in the second annual Run Wild 5k at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Sunday morning.
“It’s a great way to end the July 4th weekend. It’s a great celebration of the healthy, active lifestyle and everybody loves the zoo,” said David Babner, race director for Run Wild 5k.
Runners went on a tour throughout the zoo including Asia Quest, Heart of Africa and more. They finished at the wave pool of Zoombezi Bay. “It was definitely hot, but it’s always fun to be at the zoo and for the chance to be at Zoombezi Bay afterwards. It’s been great,” said Tim Beehler, a participant.
This run holds a special meaning to Beehler and his family. “There’s a tree that’s dedicated to my son that we got a chance to run past,” he said, “Andrew was a ranger here at the zoo. He was killed a little over two years ago in a car accident. He was a runner. Prior to this, I was a spectator and now I run all of his races.”
Proceeds from the run go to some of the zoo’s most pressing needs including wildlife conservation efforts all over the world and the Animal Wellbeing program.
“Our goal here is to have the animals act like they would out in the wild,” said Josh Keller, Assistant Curator of North America Trek at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
NBC4 got a look at how that program is being used at the new North America Trek. The team said their mission isn’t just for their animals to survive, but thrive.
“These habitats have been designed perfectly for the species in particular. Otters for example, they have a deep swimming pool. We have the ability to change and adjust the flow of the water,” said Adam Felts, Senior Curator and Director of Wellbeing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
“Our whole Mexican wolf hill is actually built on a hill that provides them an opportunity to be above guests which as an apex predator is really what they need to thrive,” said Keller.
The 5k sold out and organizers said this community support is going to allow more upgrades for the animals.
“This event has provided opportunities to enhance especially these new habitats,” Keller said.
The race is over but that doesn’t mean you can’t still make a difference at the zoo. Felts said proceeds from general admission also go towards these causes. You can also learn more about their conservation projects and how to donate here.
