If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could launch myself down a giant waterslide while also learning about freshwater mussels,” then buckle up, babe, because Zoombezi Bay heard you.
Opening summer 2025, Conservation Tower is the newest addition to Zoombezi Bay, and it’s doing the most—in the best way. Not only will it feature three brand-new waterslides that are each the first of their kind, but it’s also got a heart of gold. This tower isn’t just about soaking your swimsuit; it’s about saving the planet (with a splash).
First up: The Hive 🐝
This slide is buzzing with drama. The Hive is the first waterslide of its kind in the world, and it’s basically a G-force tornado in a bee costume. Riders fly through massive, translucent beehive structures and double helixes like they’re pollen-powered astronauts. It’s fast. It’s twisty. It’s scientifically designed to make you yell, “OH MY GOD!” at least twice.
Bonus: It also highlights the Zoo’s real-life work to save Ohio’s native pollinators. Since 2021, they’ve planted over 11 acres of native prairie for bees and butterflies, proving that pollinator-friendly can also mean thrill-seeker-approved.
Then there’s Mussel Mayhem 🐚
You and your ride buddy hop into a raft, facing each other for maximum eye contact panic, and then it’s off into one of the longest, wildest slides in the park. Expect halfpipe cutbacks, double funnels, and a healthy dose of “I regret nothing!”
This slide is all about freshwater mussels, which are endangered, important, and surprisingly cute (Google it, trust us). Zoombezi Bay’s partner, the Watters Aquatic Conservation Center, is helping restore mussel populations with the help of OSU and the Ohio Division of Wildlife. It’s science! It’s splashy! It’s mussel madness!
Finally: Captina Falls 🐸
This one is headfirst. You race a friend through twisty tubes and epic drops on the world’s only RallyRACER with FlyingSAUCER 8’s (don’t worry, we don’t know what that means either, but it sounds fast and fun).
It’s named after Captina Creek, home of the Eastern hellbender, aka the giant salamander of your dreams. Zoombezi Bay, The Wilds, and the Columbus Zoo are all doing their part to protect this weird little water lizard, including raising and releasing hellbenders into their native habitats. It’s conservation—but make it competitive.
Whether you’re in it for the speed, the science, or the sweet satisfaction of beating your bestie in a head-to-head splash race, Conservation Tower is bringing the heat (and the water) this summer.
