11 Seasons in Aquatics, 24 Years In Amusement Industry
Anthony Sabo has been an integral part of the amusement industry for over two decades, with the last 11 seasons focused on aquatics. His journey to becoming Vice President of Zoombezi Bay and overseeing guest services for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a story of dedication, growth, and a genuine passion for people.
From Kennywood Park to Zoombezi Bay: Building a Career
Anthony’s career in the amusement industry started in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, at the renowned Kennywood Park. Spending most of his early years in the Maintenance department, he gained hands-on experience caring for various rides and attractions. This foundational knowledge in maintenance and operations proved to be a strong asset in his later roles.
In 2012, Anthony made the move to Columbus, OH, where he took on the role of Rides Maintenance Manager at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay. It was here that he truly immersed himself in the world of aquatics, gaining in-depth expertise in the maintenance and operation of pools and waterslides. His years of experience culminated in 2019 when he returned to Ohio as Vice President of Zoombezi Bay, overseeing both the waterpark and guest services at the Columbus Zoo.
Anthony’s professional experience spans beyond waterparks. In 2017, he joined Universal Orlando Resort, where he held various leadership positions in Attractions Operations. Working in a park that welcomes 10 million guests a year gave him an unparalleled view of large-scale park operations, further enriching his understanding of guest experience and safety.
Recognition and Leadership in the Industry
Although Anthony hasn’t received formal awards for his work, his expertise has earned him a place on the Advisory Board for Amusement Ride Safety for Ohio’s Department of Agriculture. His leadership and dedication to safety have positioned him as a key figure in ensuring the highest standards of safety in the industry.
A Chance Encounter with Aquatics
Anthony’s entry into the aquatics industry wasn’t exactly planned. Growing up near Kennywood Park, he knew from the age of 10 that he wanted to work in amusement parks. However, his transition into aquatics came later, and almost by accident. While seeking a management role in the amusement industry, he stumbled upon a Rides Maintenance Manager position at Zoombezi Bay. Initially hesitant due to its waterpark focus, Anthony only applied after hearing the zoo was still searching for the right candidate. Looking back, he considers it one of the best career decisions he ever made.
“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Anthony says, reflecting on his unexpected but rewarding journey into aquatics.
Inspiration and Mentorship: A Nod to John Gannon
Throughout his career, Anthony has drawn inspiration from many industry veterans, but one person stands out: John Gannon. As the last General Manager of the old Wyandot Lake amusement park and the first General Manager of Zoombezi Bay, John had more than 30 years of experience in the amusement industry. His wealth of knowledge and leadership left a lasting impact on Anthony and helped shape his approach to park management.
A Forklift Lesson to Remember
When asked about a memorable moment from his career, Anthony recalls a humorous yet valuable learning experience. While moving a water ride vehicle that weighed around 8,000 lbs., he failed to account for rainwater that had filled the vehicle overnight. As a result, he and the vehicle tipped forward with the forklift, slowly teetering until it was at a 45-degree angle.
Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage, but the incident left an indelible mark on Anthony. “I’ll never forget that lesson,” he says with a smile.
Beyond the Waterpark: Hobbies and Passions
Outside of his professional life, Anthony is an avid traveler, particularly enjoying visits to other amusement parks and waterparks. While he’s always on the lookout for new ideas, he genuinely enjoys the experience of visiting these places as a guest. Additionally, his passion for history often leads him to explore historical sites, from battlefields to national monuments, combining his love for learning with travel.
Advice for Aspiring Aquatics Professionals
For anyone considering a career in the aquatics industry, Anthony’s advice is clear: “Do it! But understand why you want to do it.” He emphasizes the importance of passion for people, as the job is both rewarding and challenging. Whether focusing on guest service or team member satisfaction, Anthony believes that every decision should be centered around the well-being and enjoyment of others.
“Everything we do revolves around people,” Anthony explains. “Take care of the people first, and the financial benefits will follow.”
His advice reflects the core of his leadership philosophy—caring for guests and staff alike to create a safe, enjoyable, and thriving environment.
Connect with Anthony Sabo at Zoombezi Bay
