Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
The zoo’s Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) center has been internationally recognized for their saving species projects related to Sumatran rhinos, greater one-horned rhinos, polar bears, imperiled cats, and exceptional plants. Cincinnati Zoo has made a major difference with their manatee rescue and rehabilitation partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Manatee Springs is one of the only manatee facilities in the US outside of Florida.
In the US, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden are celebrated as one of the best zoos, best gardens, and best zoo holiday lights events in the nation for Festival of Lights. In the past, they have been referred to as the “greenest zoo in America” and “sexiest zoo in America” for their conservation efforts and frequent zoo baby booms.
The zoo has been designated a National Historic Landmark with National Historic Structures. The Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America and was originally known as the Monkey House. The majestic Elephant House has received some major renovations and restoration in recent years. The zoo is currently building the 5-acre Elephant Trek, a world-class habitat and gardens for their Asian elephant herd expected to open in 2024, on the opposite end of the park. The new land will also feature Gibbon’s Point and a clawed river otter habitat.
Cincinnati Zoo’s latest major addition is the kangaroo walkthrough habitat Roo Valley where you share the same space as the hoppin’ marsupials and there’s the possibility of a roo coming right up to you. The Night Hunters building features an impressive number of nocturnal and small cat habitats including the only aardwolves in the country.
Other top stops include having lunch on the Base Camp Cafe deck overlooking the layered and gorgeous Africa savanna, visiting the gorilla troops at the recently expanded Gorilla World, and the taking a stroll down the lush and interaction forests of Jungle Trails. You won’t want to miss the bonobos, orangutan, aye-ayes, and other primates along the trails.
Seasonal highlights include Cheetah Encounter, Wings of Wonder experience, goat yard, Galapagos tortoise encounter, and aviary. They also feature several engaging upgrade opportunities and special events during the year including giraffe feedings, behind-the-scenes encounters, breakfast with the animals, Wild About Wine, and a challenging adventure ropes course.
The Solar Canopy in the zoo’s main Vine Street parking lot was the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the country when it debuted back in 2011. It continues to pull double duty to shade your vehicle while you visit the zoo and to produce a serious amount of energy for the park.
*Note: always check official websites, social media, or call location if possible for pricing, hours, and availability before setting a visit to make the most of your travel plans and for the most up-to-date information
Find Yourself Here
- Admire the sprawling solar canopy in the main Vine Street parking lot
- Check out the historic Reptile and Elephant House buildings
- See the only aardwolves in the country at Night Hunters
- Visit Fiona the hippo – the princess of Cincinnati – at Hippo Cove
- Have lunch outside at Base Camp Cafe overlooking the Africa savanna
- Plan a stop during Zoo Blooms in April to see the tulips – and another one during the holiday season to take in Festival of Lights