Ohio State faculty, staff, students and their families are invited to see the Columbus Zoo in a whole new light.
Tomorrow, the College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, in conjunction with the Student Wellness Center and the Undergraduate Student Government, will be presenting Late Night at the Columbus Zoo for all people affiliated with the university.
The zoo will open its gates at 5 p.m. to help provide students with an alternative to other weekend night activities.
“This is a great event to help promote an evening without alcohol, and it is a good way to meet with the faculty and staff and enjoy the zoo,” said Adam Marx, CFAES Student Council president.
This is the third year for the Late Night at the Zoo program, but the first for the CFAES Student Council to take control. In the past, the department of plant pathology has spearheaded the event.
“The student council helped with it last year, but it had just gotten too big for a single department to do alone, so the council decided to do it as a college,” said Kelly Koren, adviser for the student council.
“When asked to take on this great opportunity, we jumped at the idea because it would give us more exposure to the main campus students, as well as a way for us to give back to the university with an event that can bring us all together,” said Nick Kennedy, social and outreach chair for the council.
The faculty, staff and students will be able to visit the outdoor exhibits, which will be open until dusk. The shores exhibits will be available for viewing until 11 p.m. The college will be providing a free meal at 6 p.m., including hamburgers, hot dogs and bratwursts. Karaoke will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. The Alpha Zeta Partners will provide games and activities from 10 p.m. until midnight to round out the evening.
Marx said he feels everyone can receive something from this event, whether it be those who helped in planning the event or those who will attend.
“For those people who were involved in planning the event, it has given us a great experience in writing grants, dealing with the logistics with a program like this and dealing with so many little things that go into ensuring a successful event,” Marx said. “And for those who attend it is a very economical evening, and they will have a chance to enjoy many things that the zoo has to offer.”
The council is anticipating a great event.
“It has been growing every year and has been successful, rain or shine,” Marx said.
Organizers said they believe this is a great opportunity for all people affiliated with the university.
“What can be better than a free meal, free entertainment, free parking and a free chance into a great zoo? Not to mention a chance to get out on a Saturday night and do something different for a change,” Kennedy said.
Free transportation will be provided by CABS from both the Ohio Union and the bus stop on Woodruff Avenue. Tickets do not need to be purchased in advance; they will be available at the gate. For more information, visit the event Web site at cfaes.osu.edu/zoo.
