Zagat Survey ranked the world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden the #1 attraction in Cincinnati and one of the top zoos in the nation. It has also been recognized by Parents Magazine as #7 of the "Top 10 Best Zoos for Kids" in the nation and by Child Magazine as one of "The 10 Best Zoos for Kids."
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, is the second-oldest zoo in the United States and is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It opened in 1875: just 14 months after the Philadelphia Zoo on July 1, 1874. The Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America, dating from 1875.
The Cincinnati Zoo is located in the Cincinnati neighborhood of Avondale. It was founded on 65 acres (260,000 m²) in the middle of the city, and since then it has acquired some of the surrounding blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati's outer suburbs. Cincinnati Zoo's urban setting differentiates it from some other American zoos which are in suburban areas. the zoo conducts breeding programs, especially for cheetahs, black rhinoceros, white Bengal tigers, and lowland gorillas. A bonobo was born at the zoo in December 2003, bringing the U.S. zoo population to 60, of which seven are in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Zoo was the home of Martha, the last living passenger pigeon, which died there in 1914. It also was home to the last living Carolina parakeet in 1918.
Over the next several years, the zoo operated as a business known as the Cincinnati Zoological Company. To increase the number of visitors, the zoo invited one hundred Sioux Native Americans to establish a village at the site in 1896. The Sioux lived at the zoo for three months. In 1901, the Cincinnati Traction Company bought a majority of the Zoological Company’s stock, gaining control of the zoo and its holdings. The company hoped to demonstrate its products at the zoo to attract customers. The Cincinnati Traction Company’s plans failed, and in 1915, two women, Anna Sinton Taft and Mary Emery, purchased the zoo. Upon these two women’s deaths, the city of Cincinnati bought the zoo in 1932. Since that year the Board of Park Commissioners has operated the site.
Today, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden commonly ranks among the top five zoos in the United States. During the 1980s, it had 780 different species of wildlife in its collections. It is also known as the “world’s sexiest zoo,” because more than fifty percent of the black rhinoceroses, white Bengal tigers, and lowland gorillas currently in captivity were born at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Ride & Attractions
Be sure and check out one of the most popular values at the Zoo - the All Day Ride Pass! With the purchase of the All Day Ride Pass guests enjoy UNLIMITED rides on the train, shuttle and carousel!
The All Day Ride Pass is a great value and you can enjoy the unlimited use of all rides!
Hours of OperationThe Train, Carousel, and the 4D Special FX Theater are all open Monday-Friday 11am-3pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm. The shuttle is currently closed due to road construction. Please check back soon for more details.
Individual Ride & Attraction Pricing
| Ride or attraction Type | Price |
|---|---|
| 4D Theater | $4.00 member, $6.00 non-member |
| Train* | $3.00 |
| Shuttle* | $2.00 |
| Carousel* | $2.00 |
| *Unlimited Rides (excludes 4D Movie) | $6.00 member, $7.00 non-member |
Remember that GOLD members enjoy unlimited rides everytime they come to the Zoo! Contact Membership today to join! (Remember that due to seasonal restrictions rides do not operate year-round)
Attractions
4-D Special FX Theater
The Cincinnati Zoo is the first zoo in the country to open a 4-D Theater (Presented By Coldwell Banker West Shell). You’ll see it. You’ll move with it. You’ll taste it and you’ll even smell it. Believe it or not, it will even touch you.Experience a NEW 4-D Special FX Theater only at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Digital 3-D visual effects coupled with 4-D environmental effects, such as wind, scents and other amazing surprises will leave you on the edge of your seat.