Opening in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the second-oldest zoo in the United States and the Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America, dating from 1875. Located in the Cincinnati suburb of Avalon, the zoo has been consistently rated as one of the best in the country. Situated on 65-acres in the middle of the city, the urban setting differs from any other American zoo in an urban area. The zoo is dedicated to a mission of creative adventure, conservation, conveying knowledge and serving the surrounding community.
Due to significant architecture featured in the Elephant House, Reptile House and Passenger Pigeon Memorial, the Cincinnati Zoo was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. In 1975, the zoo became a part of the Ohio public school system and hosts a 4-year college preparatory program, called the Zoo Academy. As one of the finest zoos in the nation, the Cincinnati Zoo welcomes over 1.2 million visitors per year and features more than 500 animals and 300 plant species, making the collection one of the largest in America.
While the zoo is noted for its outstanding educational programs, it is also famous for breeding a Sumatran Rhinoceros, three times. The zoo has some of the most unique and vast collections of plants and animals in the United States. Some of the major exhibits featured at the zoo are the Cat House, Gibbon Islands, Giraffe Ridge, Gorilla World, Jungle Trails, Lemur Lookout, and Monkey Island, Nocturnal House, Penguin Walkabout, Spaulding Children's Zoo, Tiger Canyon and many more exhibits.
The Cincinnati Zoo participates in the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife. Founded in 1981, the purpose of CREW is to use science and technology to advance reproduction, preservation and conservation of endangered flora and fauna and endangered wildlife. The Cincinnati Zoo has one of the largest Frozen Labs, which has more than 2,500 specimens representing approximately 60 animal and 65 plant species.
The Zoo is committed to preserving and saving endangered animals through research, education and habitat protection. The facility participates in a Species Survival Plan, and is managed by the Association for Zoos and Aquariums. Some of the endangered animals found at the zoo are River Otters, Mexican wolves, Blue and Gold Macaws, Indian Rhinos, Florida Manatees, Cheetahs, Brazilian Ocelots, Pallas Cats, Western Lowland Gorillas and Sumatran Rhinos.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the finest display gardens in America. Guests are invited to explore the gardens each season and experience the new and changing look of the landscape. The Botanical Garden area has a Butterfly House, a Food Garden, African Violet Display, a Botanical Center, an Endangered Species Garden, a Native Plant Garden and a Rain Garden.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens hours change according to season, so it is necessary to check the website or contact the facility when planning the best time to visit. The park offers stroller and wheel chair rentals and parking is available for a nominal fee. The zoo welcomes visitors to come and explore, stroll around the facility and get familiarized with the wide and diverse array of plants and animals.
