Columbus Zoo Extends Shutdown to Jan. 30 Amid Record Snowfall
Updated (3 articles)
Zoo Announces Closure Through January 30 The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium posted on Facebook that it will remain closed until Jan. 30, a decision confirmed by 10TV to protect guests, staff, and animals during the severe weather event [1].
Safety and Animal Welfare Remain Top Priorities The zoo emphasized that guest and employee safety, along with animal health, are paramount; staff will continue to monitor and care for the animals despite the public shutdown [1].
Central Ohio Receives Over Sixteen Inches of Snow A major winter storm deposited more than 16 inches of snow across Central Ohio, creating hazardous conditions that prompted numerous closures, according to regional weather reports [1].
Forecast Predicts Additional Twelve to Sixteen Inches Meteorologists project an extra 12‑16 inches of snow for the Columbus metro area by Monday morning, making this the season’s largest storm and the fifth‑largest on record for the city, guiding emergency response efforts [1].
Subzero Temperatures and Wind Chills Expected Weeklong Temperatures are forecast to stay below freezing through the end of January, with wind chills ranging from –10 °F to –20 °F on Monday and Tuesday mornings and subzero chills persisting for at least a week, triggering daily Weather Impact Alerts [1].
10TV Publishes Centralized Closure List for Residents 10TV will continue updating viewers on severe weather and related shutdowns, offering a comprehensive list of closures and delays on its website to help the public plan travel and activities during the storm [1].
Timeline
Jan 16, 2026 – The Columbus Metropolitan Library announces it will open a portion of its main branch at 96 S. Grant Ave as a cold‑weather shelter from noon to 9 p.m. on Monday, offering seating, Wi‑Fi and restrooms while suspending regular library services; all other CML locations remain closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. [2]
Jan 16, 2026 – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium posts on Facebook that it will close on Monday (Jan 19) because frigid temperatures threaten guest safety, stating “the safety and health of our guests, staff and animals is our top priority,” and confirming staff will continue to care for the animals during the shutdown. [3]
Jan 19‑20, 2026 – A major winter storm blankets central Ohio with more than 16 inches of snow, and forecasts call for an additional 12‑16 inches by Monday morning, making it the season’s biggest storm and the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus; subzero temperatures and wind chills of –10 °F to –20 °F persist, triggering daily Weather Impact Alerts. [1]
Jan 21, 2026 – The Columbus Zoo extends its closure through Jan 30, citing the ongoing record snowstorm and hazardous travel conditions; a Facebook update reiterates that “safety and health are top priorities” and confirms staff will monitor and care for the animals throughout the extended shutdown. [1]
Jan 21‑30, 2026 – The zoo’s extended closure coincides with citywide emergency measures, including 10TV’s centralized list of weather‑related closures, highlighting community efforts to protect residents, staff and wildlife during a week‑long period of subzero wind chills. [1]