Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
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In addition, the zoo also operates in Conservation and Research for Endangered Wildlife (CREW) through its Lindner Center. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and one of only two accredited botanical gardens in Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens proves to be a must see when in Cincinnati!
History
The Cincinnati Zoo was originally founded on 65 acres of land in the middle of town. With help from the Zoological Society of Cincinnati, founded in 1873, doors officially opened to the public in 1875. This makes Cincinnati Zoo the second oldest zoo in the United States behind the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania.When the zoo first opened, it was home to a very small collection of animals made up of just eight monkeys, two bears, three deer, six raccoons, two elk, a buffalo, a hyena, a tiger, an alligator, an elephant, and over four hundred birds. In well over one hundred years of history the zoo has expanded in size and number of animals dramatically!
The zoo also has a long history with captive breeding and conservation efforts. After about one hundred years of captive breeding, the zoo finally established the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) in 1986. This has simply upheld their long-standing commitment to conservation of both endangered plant and animal species.

Exhibitions

Africa
This is a large exhibit that is still growing. It features many of the mammals that are characteristic to Africa. This exhibit showcases lions, cheetahs, painted dogs, vultures, giraffes, and more. Africa has been designed to reflect the true landscape of the continent including waterfalls, streams, and a congregating place for lions.Elephant Reserve
This exhibit reminds visitors of the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts, and why it merits a place as a national historic landmark. The architecture of the main building in the Elephant Reserve is a massive structure that was constructed in 1906. With a Taj Mahal-esque feel to the design, it is one of the more popular buildings in the zoo. This exhibit is home to the Asian Elephant
Cat Canyon
The Cat Canyon exhibit gives an up-close look at some of the most admired big cats. The exhibit offers viewing from a variety of angles, including a viewing space that puts you just inches away from the majestic Malayan tiger. In addition to Malayan tigers, the Cat Canyon exhibit also features snow leopards, white tigers, and cougars.

Visiting
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is open year-round with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve in the evening, and all day Christmas Day. For visitors under the age of two, admission is free. Regular adult admission for those ages 13-61 is $ 16 USD . The child/senior admission for those between the ages of 2 and 12 and adults who are 62 and older is $ 11 USD . In addition, parking is $ 9.00 USD for the zoo.Due to the unpredictable nature of Cincinnati weather (particularly in the winter), certain exhibits may not be open all year depending on the needs of the animals. In addition, some rides and attractions may also be closed during the winter months for routine maintenance.
There are, however, some notable events that may help one decide when to visit. For example, from late-November to early-January each year the zoo extends its evening hours and hosts a Festival of Lights. This features a variety of holiday festivities amidst a zoo full of bright lights, and many of the exhibits are still open to go inside and see the animals! In the spring, the zoo really highlights the botanical garden as a display of more than 100,000 tulips blossom all over the park. Also in spring, during the month of May, the zoo features all of the “zoo babies” that are welcomed into the family.
How to get there


Similar and nearby landmarks
With regards to zoos in Ohio, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Toledo Zoo

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Author: brendalyn.r. Last updated: Mar 13, 2015
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