The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it's going smoke-free. Officials say it will join several other zoos around the country, including all Ohio zoos, by prohibiting smoking on zoo grounds beginning Friday.
The ban includes electronic cigarettes. It also applies to an affiliated nonprofit conservation center in Muskingum County known as The Wilds.
Smoking had been allowed only in designated areas. Such areas will remain in the zoo's water park, Zoombezi Bay, and for overnight guests at The Wilds.
The zoo's president and CEO says staff anticipate a positive response to the smoking ban based on comments received from zoo guests and the community.
