Meet Hank, Columbus Zoo's New Big Man On Campus

Hank arrived at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on December 8, 2011 and began a standard quarantine period at the Zoo. His quarantine period is now complete and Hank is ready to make his debut and meet the Zoo's guests.

Weighing in at an impressive 15,600 lbs. and standing 9' 5" tall, Hank is the largest elephant in a North American zoo and will no question win over the hearts of many.

The Columbus Zoo elephant experts now care for four elephants and hope Hank might contribute to the population of Asian elephants within zoos. In the past ten years only 13 Asian elephants have been born successfully in nine AZA zoos in the U.S. including Beco and Bodhi at the Columbus Zoo.

An endangered species, Asian elephants are represented by an estimated 38,000 to 51,000 individuals in range countries. Fragmented wild populations, agriculture, deforestation and conflict with humans pose a constant threat to wild Asian elephants.

Visit Hank Friday, Jan. 13 through Monday, Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a celebration at 11 a.m. on Monday for Hank's 24th birthday.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 9,000 animals representing 675 species and provides more than $1 million annually to support over 70 conservation projects worldwide. A recreational and education destination that includes the 22-acre Zoombezi Bay water park and 18-hole Safari Golf Club, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium hosts more than two million visitors annually and was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Columbus Zoo has earned Charity Navigator's prestigious 4-star rating. For more information and to purchase advance Zoo admission tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org.