Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Ladies and Gentlemen, put your hands together for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – the sixth-oldest establishment in the United States, with a history as rich as a well-aged bottle of wine! Founded way back in 1873 and officially opening its doors to the public in 1875, this zoo has been providing entertainment and education to visitors for nearly 150 years.

Located in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Cincinnati Zoo has grown from its original 64.5 acres in the middle of the city to now include several reserves in the surrounding suburbs. And with that growth came accolades – in 1987, the zoo was awarded the prestigious title of National Historic Landmark.

But it’s not just history that makes this zoo special – it’s also home to over 500 species of animals and a whopping 3,000 species of plants! With 1800 animals roaming around, there’s no shortage of excitement. And if you’re in the mood for a bit of a challenge, try counting all the species of plants – we dare you!

The Cincinnati Zoo is also known for its breeding programs, including being the first to successfully breed California sea lions. And if you’re a fan of conservation, the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife was created to further the zoo’s goal of preserving our planet’s precious wildlife.

But wait, there’s more! This zoo is also home to Martha, the last living passenger pigeon, and Incas, the last living Carolina parakeet. It’s like stepping back in time and getting a glimpse of species that have since disappeared from the earth.

And if you’re wondering if this zoo is the real deal, rest assured that it’s an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. So grab your sunscreen and head on over to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – where history meets excitement, and conservation meets fun! Check out this area too.