Photos and videos from the new Unextinct exhibit at Columbus Zoo

The new Unextinct exhibit at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a bittersweet visualization of what has been and what could be. For those that love animals and dream of seeing animals that no longer roam the Earth in large numbers, Unextinct features 70 animals ranging from African forest elephants to fireflies, all brought to life utilizing amazing special effects. This is an immersive tech-driven nighttime experience, including what the creator believes is the largest water screen in the state of Ohio.

By Chip Downs

The event is a collaboration between the Columbus Zoo and Mangolin Creative, a Los Angeles-based design studio that bases their inspiration on nature, creating “immersive experiential designs.” They have created many exhibits at zoos and theme parks around the world including “Avengers Campus”, “Zootopia” at Shanghai Disney, and “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge”.

The inspiration behind the ethereal nature of many of the 15 experiences is the near mystical view that people have of animals – especially those that are extinct. Morgan Lee Richardson, former Disney Imagineer and the artist behind a lot of Unextinct, and co-founder of Mangolin Creative, is recognized as a wildlife conservationist specializing in immersive themed experiences. He believes in leveraging art and design to connect humans with animals, and that with this exhibit, he has balanced the mystic and the edgy to create something that can empower people to stand up for wildlife and wild places.

In addition to this special exhibit, the historic 1914 Mangels-Illions Grant Carousel will be open during this event, along with the 4D theater. Various animals in areas such as Adventure Cove and the Aquarium will also be available to see, if you’ve always been curious what the animals do in the evening after the crowds normally depart.

Unextinct runs 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays until April 6, and then Fridays and Saturdays until April 27, 2024. Allow 90-120 minutes to walk through the 15 different scenes. Special event nights, including VIP experiences and adults only nights, are available. Ticket prices start at $21.99 for zoo members and $25.99 for non-members. Parking is an additional $10 for non-members. 

You can find out more information about this amazing event at the zoo’s website at ColumbusZoo.org/UNEXTINCT.