![]() Outdoor animal areas include both the exhibit and the off-exhibit holding. The Heart of Africa encompasses 173,922 m2 (43 acres) of land. The Heart of Africa was designed with several project goals and interpretive outcomes in mind: to bring giraffe and zebra back to central Ohio to create fun, exceptional guest experiences that offer inspiring conservation success stories and that feature Jack Hanna as the virtual “tour guide” and develop a region of the zoo that exceeds current standards and trends for animal care and management, and fiscal and environmental sustainability. In the distance, a hill with scrubby plants completes what appears to be an endless savanna, and screens views of the adjacent residential neighborhood and perimeter fence system. The landscape mimics a savanna grassland with pockets of trees scattered throughout the animals habitats and public area spaces. Continuing, guests come across a watering hole in which animals are continually rotated throughout the day one may see ostrich in the morning only to return in the afternoon to see a cheetah run demonstration. A seemingly stranded airplane offers close views of lions. Graphic panels take on the look of a field guide of the savanna animals. Beyond the village, guests enter the theme area of Ajabu National Park, where they can enjoy more views of the 3.2 hectare (eight-acre) savanna and the animals that live there. From the village, guests can take in the grassland vista and gaze onto the savanna dotted with clusters of wildebeests, gazelle, ostrich, zebras and giraffes. The Mapori Restaurant serves local, freshly prepared and vegetarian food with some menu items featuring African cuisine. Once guests have entered Mudiwa Village, they find brightly painted kiosks which define a market area where Fair Trade products from Africa are offered for sale. Conservation messaging begins on this pathway as well – for example, a large wooden map of Africa highlights the countries and field projects that the zoo supports. A camel ride is located on the opposite side of the path. A half-dozen bikes or so, laden with empty water jugs have been parked along fences, gates and walls that are covered with hand-painted murals. Pathway theming anticipates the exploration that awaits the guests. Entering the region through a hand-painted portico, guests begin their experience at the outskirts of Mudiwa – a lively, colorful African village replica, located at the edge of the savanna exhibits. ![]() The guest is transported with the sights and sounds of a busy village. The Heart of Africa is home to 155 animals and 25 species. 2015 LEED Certified Restaurant Building.2014 Green Restaurant Association 4-Star Status.
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