The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the fiftholdest zoo in the United States, opening in 1875, after the Philadelphia Zoo (1874), the Roger Williams Park Zoo (1872), the Lincoln Park Zoo (1868), and the Central Park Zoo (1864). It is located in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. It originally began with 64.5 acres (26.5 ha) in the middle of the city, but has spread into the neighboring blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati's outer suburbs. It was appointed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.

The zoo houses over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species. In addition, the zoo also has conducted several breeding programs in its history, and was the first to successfully breed California sea lions. In 1986, the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) was created to further the zoo's goal of conservation.

The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Exhibits:

Reptile House
Visitors to the Reptile House are introduced to a diversity of reptile species, encouraged to face their fears and implored to value reptiles for more than their skins.

Gorilla World
The characteristics we share with other primates are amazing and entreat us to appreciate and conserve these wonderful creatures. Gorilla World invites visitors to explore the world of the endangered gorilla, one of our closest relatives, and asks them to consider how their actions impact the survival of this great primate.

Cat Canyon
In addition to Malayan tigers, Cat Canyon is home to white tigers and snow leopards in immersive exhibits that showcase the majesty and grace of these amazing cats.

Manatee Springs
Otto M. Budig Manatee Springs is a celebration of Florida’s magnificent biodiversity, highlighting the Florida manatee, and a plea for its longterm conservation. Much of Florida’s biodiversity is under siege. The fate of Florida’s wildlife and wild places is in our hands. Each one of us can make a difference.

Kroger Lords of the Arctic
Kroger Lords of the Arctic provides a waterfall, a stream and two pools, including an underwater viewing area, that enrich both the lives of the bears and the experiences of the visitors.

Jungle Trails
The Equator’s year round warm and wet climate supports the tropical rainforest ecosystem. Here a wide variety of interconnected plant and animal species have flourished, giving rise to some of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Jungle Trails takes visitors on a journey through the rainforests of Asia and Africa to witness just a sampling of the amazing wildlife that lives there.

Gibbon Islands
Gibbons are excellently adapted to life in the rainforest canopy. For example, these lesser apes are built for swinging among the trees with long arms and fingers. Gibbons are famous for their loud musical calls, which can carry over long distances to communicate through the dense foliage.

Spaulding Children’s Zoo
The Children’s Zoo is the perfect place for families to relax, interact with animals and have lots of fun! The exhibit features a petting yard, animal nursery, playground, and a variety of animals including baby miniature cows, llamas and alpacas!

Rhino Reserve
When people think of wildlife, they often think of species from the continents of Africa and Asia such as rhinos, zebras and flamingos. Many have witnessed the grandeur and grace of these animals only on television or in books. Rhino Reserve brings these exotic species to life for those who live in the Western hemisphere.

Africa
Visit the openvista hoof stock exhibit with ostrich, lesser kudu, pinkbacked pelican, and Rüppell’s and lappetfaced vultures, to name a few!

Painted Dog Valley
Painted Dog Valley is home to a pack of African painted dogs. African painted dogs are known for their large, round ears and beautifully “painted”, multicolored coats.

Hippo Cove
Hippo Cove, home of the World’s most famous hippo, Fiona, was designed to bring visitors #CloseEnoughToCare!

Meerkats
Meerkats are known for their upright posture and the tennismatchstyle head turns they use to scan the African desert where they live. They tend to be skittish and often hide in holes to protect themselves from predators and heat.

Wetland Trails & Swan Lake
Wetland Trails and Swan Lake provide visitors with the opportunity to observe many native species such as turtles and waterfowl while learning about the importance of wetlands. Interactive stations along a boardwalk encourage visitors to look through telescopes and press buttons to hear various frog and bird calls.

Elephant Reserve
View Asian Elephants, the largest land animal in Asia.