The zoo added a third polar bear in 2013 and is expanding Polar Frontier for spring 2014. The center of the exhibit includes a Conservation/Education Building and a new play area. The region also marked the return of polar bears to the zoo, whose habitat includes a 167,000 gallon pool and underwater viewing area. It was created as an extension of the North America region, featuring animals native to colder climates including Arctic fox and brown bears. Polar Frontier opened in May 2010, making it the newest region at the zoo. Pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana americana).North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis).American black bear ( Ursus americanus).
Black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus).In addition to the exhibits, the North America region contains the train ride that circles the region and travels past the open plains exhibits. In total, North America contains 15 large exhibits featuring a wetlands area and an 10,000 sq ft (930 m 2) migratory songbird aviary containing over 40 species. The North America region of the Columbus Zoo is the second-largest and the oldest. These include a train that circles the North America region, a tram that borders the southern part of the North America Region that takes visitors to Polar Frontier, and a boat ride around the Islands of Southeast Asia region. There are three modes of transportation through the zoo other than walking. Food and souvenir shops are located throughout the zoo, each one also themed for the region the shop is in. Each region is themed for the particular area of the world they are representing, though older regions are themed less than the newly constructed ones. The Columbus Zoo is divided into regions, each housing animals from a particular region of the world. The zoo also has a close working relationship with the Wilds, a 9,154-acre (37.04 km 2) animal conservation center located in southeast Ohio and is featured on the Columbus Zoo's website. Over the past five years the zoo has contributed over $3.3 million to more than 70 projects in 30 countries. The zoo operates its own conservation program, donating money to outside programs as well as participating in their own conservation efforts. In total, the zoo owns 234 hectares (580 acres) of land, with 164.424 hectares (406.30 acres) dedicated to the zoo itself. The zoo also owns Zoombezi Bay which encompasses 9.187 hectares (22.70 acres) and Jungle Jack's Landing which encompasses 4.452 hectares (11 acres).
In addition the zoo owns an 18-hole golf course, known as the Safari Golf Club which encompasses 56.656 hectares (140 acres). The animal exhibits are divided into regions of the world, with the zoo currently operating eight such regions. The Columbus Zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals representing over 800 species and sees over 2.3 million visitors annually. It was also ranked number one best zoo in 2012 by Besties Readers Choice. It has a worldwide reputation and in 2009, it was named by the USA Travel Guide as the number one zoo in the United States. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a non-profit zoo located near Powell in Liberty Township, Delaware County, Ohio, United States, north of the city of Columbus. North America, Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, Shores & Aquarium, Polar Frontier, Australia and the Islands, and Congo Expedition