POWELL – The staff at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is proud of a new addition, and it’s one that has neither fur nor fins.
The zoo’s North America Train ride has been converted to a new lithium-ion battery system, which replaces a 25-year-old compressed natural gas and a 12-year-old gasoline-powered engine, according to Jen Ryan, the zoo’s senior vice president of operations and sustainability.
“The North America Train is the most popular ride with our guests, and we are proud to offer our community this fun experience while reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our core values of working toward a more sustainable future,” she said.
The Electric C.P. Huntington train’s new engine, acquired by Chance Rides based in Wichita, Kan., requires very little maintenance, lower operating costs, will provide guests with a smoother ride and will emit zero emissions, Ryan said.
In addition to one engine, the train includes four coaches that can accommodate up to 52 riders and novelty audio effects featuring a bell sound selected by the zoo’s rides team.
The North America Train is open daily through Oct. 29, with extended operating hours for Boo at the Zoo, then on weekends only until Nov. 15, resuming daily service on Nov. 16 through the “12 Days of Wildlights.”