POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — A big change is coming to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium that could change how some guests visit the park.
The zoo announced on its website that its operations will be cashless on Oct. 28, meaning attendees can no longer use physical currency to pay for most things at the park.
For people who rely on cash, the park will offer debit card machines that convert bills to a pre-paid Mastercard for free. Otherwise, payment methods will include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and debit cards. Apple Pay and Google Pay will also be available for most transactions, for attendees who want to use their phones to pay.
The reasoning behind the decision to drop cash as a form of payment included many points. The park said it wants to create a more seamless and secure experience, support its mission of “empowering people” and “saving wildlife,” offer faster checkout and safer transactions, and reduce paper currency to support sustainability.
“By going cashless, we’re not only making your visits easier, but we’re also taking another step toward sustainability,” the zoo wrote to its email subscribers. “It’s a small change with a big impact, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.”
Potential visitors can find more information on the zoo’s dedicated web page, including answers to dozens of questions.
