Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located in Cincinnati, Ohio and opened in 1875 as the second oldest zoo in the United States. They are most famous across the world for their conservation efforts, the inspirational survival story of premature baby hippo Fiona, the tragic loss of their western lowland silverback gorilla Harambe, and the last known passenger pigeon Martha. Their 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.
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. Seasonal highlights that
take a visit to the zoo to the next level 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