Being a tour guide is more than just pointing out landmarks; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. They are the bridge between a place and its visitors, weaving stories, sharing knowledge, and fostering connections. Let’s delve into the multifaceted role of a tour guide and discover what makes them such an integral part of the travel experience.
The article below highlights the experiences of Brianne Warthman, a Senior Educator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who also works as a zoo tour guide!
Elephant Bath Experience: A Behind-the-Scenes Adventure
Imagine getting up close and personal with an elephant, not just as a spectator, but as an active participant in its care. This is the magic of the Elephant Bath Experience. Tour guides like Brianne begin their day by greeting small groups of eager guests, some local, some from afar, all united by a shared love for these gentle giants.
The tour begins with an introduction to Hank, one of the zoo’s resident elephants. As the animal care team prepares Hank for his bath, the tour guide provides fascinating insights into elephant skin health and the importance of this routine for the keepers. The guide can also share background about the animals like Hank.
The highlight, of course, is the opportunity for guests to scrub Hank themselves, under the watchful eyes of the keepers. As guests take turns, the guide answers questions about everything from Frankie, the two-year-old elephant, to elephant foot care and sleeping habits. The tour concludes with a Q&A session with an elephant keeper, who shares insights into elephant training and the zoo’s research on Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV).
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Animal Wellness Experience: A Glimpse into Animal Healthcare
The Animal Wellness Experience offers a unique perspective on the dedication and expertise that goes into caring for the Columbus Zoo’s diverse animal population. Led by knowledgeable tour guides, visitors gain access to the Animal Health Center, a state-of-the-art facility where animals receive medical attention.
The tour includes visits to the labs and surgery suite, where the guide shares photos and stories of past procedures and training behaviors. Guests learn about the zoo’s commitment to training animals to voluntarily participate in their own care.
If the doors to the large treatment room are open, the tour might catch a glimpse of a procedure in progress. On one tour, guests were able to observe turtles undergoing their annual check-up, complete with x-rays and bloodwork. The tour continues with a visit to the ICU rooms and small animal suites, where guests can see new arrivals undergoing quarantine. The experience ends with a visit to the Wild Encounters Outreach building, where guests meet one of the zoo’s animal ambassadors, such as Sophie, the swift fox, and witness a demonstration of her scale training behavior.
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Reindeer Experience: A Christmas Adventure
The Reindeer Experience offers a magical encounter with these iconic animals. Tour guides lead guests into the reindeer barn, where they meet Sugarplum and Abby, the zoo’s resident reindeer.
The tour typically involves touching the reindeer’s fur and antlers, but on special occasions, guests may even have the opportunity to hand-feed Abby. The guide ensures that these moments are captured with photos, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
The tour also includes educational insights into reindeer biology, behavior, and conservation. Guests learn about the reindeer’s relatives, the endangered southern mountain caribou, as well as the training, hoof care, and antler shedding process.
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More than just Guides: Facilitators of Connection
The experiences of Brianne Warthman show that the role of a tour guide extends beyond simply conveying information. Tour guides provide a connection with the natural world and help foster appreciation for the animals and their conservation. They are skilled communicators, educators, and storytellers, capable of adapting to diverse audiences and creating meaningful interactions. They create lasting memories.
The experiences provide an enriching and unforgettable experience for all involved.
See all Tours and Experiences at the Columbus Zoo
