Untamed

September 18, 2026Untamed, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s signature fundraising gala, returns on September 18 for an evening where conservation takes center stage. Join community, corporate, and philanthropic leaders in celebrating and advancing wildlife conservation here in Ohio and around the world. After a sold-out inaugural event that raised more than $600,000, Untamed returns with an even greater opportunity to make an impact. Guests will enjoy extraordinary animal encounters, exceptional dining, and powerful storytelling that connect them directly to the Zoo’s conservation mission. Together, we can protect wildlife today and inspire hope for generations. Our sincere gratitude goes to Sandy Doyle-Ahern, President of EMH&T, and Michael Ahern. Sandy and Michael have been personally committed to wildlife conservation for decades and powering the mission of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds for over 18 years. With a passion for our local institutions and global habitat protection, Sandy and Michael's leadership for Untamed and conservation work is unmatched. "The work around conservation and the vision of the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds is personally important to us. We are so lucky to have these huge resources in our community, and to be part of the thought process for the future is exciting!" said Sandy.