Cincinnati Zoo

• Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220 (Map)
• Phone Number: (513) 281-4700
• Email Address: info@cincinnatizoo.org
• Hours of Operation: The zoo is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 6:00 PM on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
• Date Founded: 1875
• Accreditation: The Cincinnati Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
• Number of Animals: Over 2,000 individual animals
• Number of Species: Over 500 species
• Park Size: 75 acres
• Website Link: https://cincinnatizoo.org/

The Cincinnati Zoo was founded in 1875, making it the second-oldest zoo in the United States (behind the Philadelphia Zoo, which was founded in 1859). It was established on 65 acres of land in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, and originally featured a modest collection of animals, including monkeys, bears, and a pair of lions.

Over the years, the Cincinnati Zoo has become known for its innovative animal habitats and groundbreaking conservation efforts. In 1906, it became the first zoo in the country to successfully breed California sea lions in captivity. In 1931, it introduced the first insectarium (a facility for displaying live insects) in the United States. And in 1976, it became the first zoo in the world to successfully breed a Sumatran rhinoceros in captivity.

Today, the Cincinnati Zoo is home to over 500 animal species and has a strong focus on animal conservation and education. In addition to its animal exhibits, it offers a variety of educational programs and events, including school field trips, summer camps, and adult education classes.

The Cincinnati Zoo has also received numerous accolades over the years. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is the leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums in the United States. It has been named the “Greenest Zoo in America” by the Green Restaurant Association and has received awards for its sustainability efforts, including a 2017 Green Globe certification. In addition, the zoo has been recognized for its innovative animal exhibits and conservation efforts and is widely considered one of the top zoos in the country.

• The Cincinnati Zoo is the second-oldest zoo in the United States.
• The zoo was the first zoo in the world to successfully breed California sea lions.
• The Cincinnati Zoo is home to the largest indoor insectarium in North America.
• In 2016, the zoo was named the best zoo in the United States by USA Today.
• The zoo’s Botanical Garden features over 3,000 plant species from around the world.
• The Cincinnati Zoo is home to the largest publicly accessible solar array in the city.
• The zoo’s animal care team has developed innovative enrichment activities for the animals, including painting, music, and sensory activities.
• The Cincinnati Zoo has a successful cheetah breeding program that has produced over 70 cheetah cubs since 2002.
• The zoo’s education programs reach over 300,000 students and teachers each year.
• The zoo’s Cat Ambassador Program has helped to raise awareness and funds for wild cat conservation around the world.

• Fiona the hippo, born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2017, became an internet sensation and has her own line of merchandise.
• The zoo’s giraffe exhibit features a two-story viewing platform that allows visitors to get up close and personal with the giraffes.
• The Cincinnati Zoo was the first zoo in the world to use a night vision camera to capture footage of a Sumatran rhino giving birth.
• The zoo’s Komodo dragon exhibit is home to the largest lizard species in the world.
• The Cincinnati Zoo’s Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in the United States, dating back to 1875.
• The zoo’s Wildlife Canyon exhibit features a simulated rainforest, complete with a 50-foot waterfall.
• The Cincinnati Zoo has a special Halloween event called “HallZOOween” where kids can trick-or-treat at the zoo and see animals enjoying Halloween treats.
• The zoo’s “Wings of Wonder” bird show features a variety of birds, including a bald eagle and an Andean condor.
• The zoo’s “Cheetah Encounter” allows visitors to see the cheetahs up close and learn about their conservation status in the wild.

• The Cincinnati Zoo has a train ride that takes visitors around the zoo, with stops at different animal exhibits.
• The zoo’s Meerkat exhibit has a bubble that visitors can crawl through to get an up-close view of the meerkats.
• The zoo’s Penguin Parades, held during the winter months, allow visitors to see the penguins waddling around the zoo.
• The Cincinnati Zoo has a “Zoo Troop” program where kids ages 6-12 can learn about animals and conservation through hands-on activities.
• The zoo’s Manatee Springs exhibit allows visitors to see the manatees swimming underwater through a large viewing window.
• The Cincinnati Zoo has a “Petting Zoo” where kids can interact with domestic animals like goats, sheep, and llamas.
• The zoo’s “Wild About Art” event allows kids to create their own animal-themed art projects and meet zookeepers and animals.
• The Cincinnati Zoo has a “Zoo Babies” program where visitors can see and learn about the zoo’s newest arrivals, including baby giraffes, tigers, and more.
• The zoo’s “Tunes & Blooms” event combines live music and blooming flowers for a fun and colorful experience.
• The Cincinnati Zoo’s “Safari Camp” allows kids to spend a week at the zoo learning about animals, conservation, and nature through hands-on activities and games.