Velvet Ice Cream, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announce exclusive partnership

POWELL – Today, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Velvet Ice Cream announced an exclusive partnership that will make Utica, Ohio-based Velvet Ice Cream the zoo’s official ice cream provider for hand-dipped ice cream. The three-year partnership also makes Velvet the presenting partner for the birthday party program held at the zoo as well as the Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights event series.

“As we round out July—National Ice Cream Month—it is only fitting that we announce our partnership with Velvet Ice Cream, an iconic Central Ohio brand. We’ve enjoyed Velvet Ice Cream having a presence at our property for over 25 years and it is wonderful to continue this partnership as we both focus on family fun and shared special moments,” said Tom Schmid, President/CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay.

The hand-dipped ice cream will be available at four locations (Village Ice Cream, Funnel Cake Shoppe, Africa Treats and Hurricane Heather's Ice Cream) scattered throughout the nearly 600-acre Zoo and Zoombezi Bay properties. Visitors will be able to select from classic Velvet flavors like Buckeye Classic, Dutch Chocolate, and Cookies 'n' Cream.

“When I think of both the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Velvet Ice Cream, the word that immediately comes to mind is family,” said Velvet CEO Luconda Dager. “Both of our organizations take great pride in making lasting memories and traditions for people of all ages and we could not be more proud to partner with the zoo over the next three years and hopefully many more to come.”

As part of the agreement, the zoo and Velvet will be running a joint social media campaign highlighting birthday party options and offering a lucky follower a free birthday party for up to 30 people.

For additional updates about the Columbus Zoo, events and more, be sure to follow the Zoo’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, and visit us at www.columbuszoo.org. 

For more information about Velvet Ice Cream, visit www.velveticecream.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram accounts.