View source for Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

{{Short description|Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox zoo
|zoo_name        = Cincinnati Zoo
|image           = Cincinnati Zoo.jpg
|location        = 3400 Vine St, [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], U.S.
|coordinates     = {{Coord|39.145|N|84.508|W|display=inline,title|source:nlwiki}}
|area            = {{Convert|75|acre}}<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-I6TgnxWnj8C&pg=PA491 |title=Frommer's USA |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |date=February 17, 2009 |access-date=May 9, 2013 |author=Baird, David |page=491|display-authors=etal|isbn=9780470458938 }}</ref>
|date_opened     = 1875<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|num_animals     = 1,896
|num_species     = 500+<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|annual_visitors = 1.2 million+<ref name="zoo_about"/>
|members         = [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums|AZA]],<ref name="aza_list"/> [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums|WAZA]]<ref name="waza_list"/>
|publictransit= {{rint|bus|1}} [[Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority|SORTA]]
|website         = {{URL|https://cincinnatizoo.org/}}
}}

The '''Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden''' is the second oldest [[zoo]] in the United States, founded in 1873 and officially opening in 1875. It is located in the [[Avondale, Cincinnati|Avondale]] neighborhood of [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]. It originally began with {{cvt|64.5|acre}} in the middle of the city, but has spread into the neighboring blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati's outer suburbs. Several historic buildings were designated as a [[National Historic Landmark]] in 1987.<ref name="zoo_about" /><ref name="cincinnativiews_zoo_main" />

The zoo houses over 500 species, 1,800 animals and 3,000 plant species. In addition, the zoo also has conducted several [[breeding program]]s in its history, and was the first to successfully breed [[California sea lion]]s. In 1986, the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) was created to further the zoo's goal of conservation.<ref name="zoo_about" /> The zoo is known for being the home of [[Martha (pigeon)|Martha]], the last living [[passenger pigeon]],<ref name="cincinnativiews_zoo_main" /> and of [[Incas (parakeet)|Incas]], the last living [[Carolina parakeet]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://johnjames.audubon.org/last-carolina-parakeet|title=The last Carolina Parakeet|date=December 22, 2015|work=John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove|access-date=October 30, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

The zoo is an accredited member of the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA),<ref name="aza_list" /> and a member of the [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (WAZA).<ref name="waza_list" />

A 2014 ranking of the nations's best zoos by ''[[USA Today]]'' based on data provided by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] lists the Cincinnati Zoo among the best in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-us-zoo/ |title=Best US Zoos: 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards |date=May 21, 2014 |publisher=10best.com |access-date=September 24, 2018}}</ref> A 2019 reader's choice ranking of the nation's best zoos by ''USA Today'' named the Cincinnati Zoo the top zoo in North America.<ref>{{cite web |title=Best zoo in North America? Readers choose Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden |url=https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-zoo-2019/ |website=USA Today 10 Best |date=May 3, 2019 |publisher=USA Today}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Cincinnati Zoo Eingang.jpg|thumb|left|Entrance of the Cincinnati Zoological Gardens from the year of its opening in 1875]]
In 1872, three years before the zoo's creation, Andrew Erkenbrecher and several other residents created the ''Society for the Acclimatization of Birds'' in Cincinnati to acquire insect-eating birds to control an severe outbreak of caterpillars. A collection of approximately 1,000 birds imported from Europe in 1872 was housed in [[Burnet Woods]] before being released. Besides a group of birds that he had collected, Erkenbrecker owned a group of mammals of all types, including monkeys and an elephant that he had bought from a circus.<ref name="dohp" /> In 1873, members of the Society of Acclimatization began discussing the idea of starting a zoo and founded The Zoological Society of Cincinnati.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Gale|first=Oliver M.|date=Summer 1975|title=The Cincinnati Zoo: 100 Years of Trial and Triumph|url=http://library.cincymuseum.org/topics/c/files/cintizoo/chsbull-v33-n2-cin-087.pdf|journal=Cincinnati Historical Society Bulletin|volume=33|issue=2|pages=86–119|via=Cincinnati History Library and Archives|access-date=November 4, 2018|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925133412/http://library.cincymuseum.org/topics/c/files/cintizoo/chsbull-v33-n2-cin-087.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> One year later, the Zoological Society of Cincinnati purchased a 99-year lease on {{convert|65|acre}} in the cow pasture known as Blakely Woods.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kgnS65gAbJoC&q=cincinnati+workhouse&pg=PA89|title=Cincinnati Landmarks|author=Rolfes, Steven|date=Oct 29, 2012|publisher=Arcadia Publishing|page=89|access-date=May 19, 2013|isbn=9780738593951}}</ref>

[[File:Assistant Secretary Tangherlini at the Cincinnati Zoo (5707944456).jpg|thumb|Assistant Secretary of the Treasury [[Dan Tangherlini]] traveled to Cincinnati to help dedicate the nation's largest publicly accessible urban solar array in 2011. The 6,400 solar panels provide shaded parking for the Cincinnati Zoo's visitors and will produce about 20 percent of the Zoo's annual energy needs]]The Cincinnati Zoological Gardens officially opened its doors on September 18, 1875. [[Architect]] [[James W. McLaughlin]], who constructed the zoo's first buildings, designed the earliest ''completed'' [[zoological]] exhibits in the United States.<ref name="architecture">
{{cite book|title=Architecture In Cincinnati|last=Painter|first=Sue Ann|publisher=[[Ohio University Press]]|year=2006|isbn=0-8214-1701-0}}</ref> The zoo began with eight [[monkey]]s, two [[grizzly bear]]s, three [[white-tailed deer]], six [[raccoon]]s, two [[elk]], a [[American bison|buffalo]], a [[laughing hyena]], a [[tiger]], an [[American alligator]], a circus [[elephant]], and over four hundred [[bird]]s, including a talking [[crow]].<ref name="zoo_about" /> The first guide book about the Cincinnati Zoo was written in 1876 in German. The founders of the zoo, including its first general manager, were German immigrants and the city had quite a large German-speaking population. The first English-language edition (illustrated) was published in 1893.<ref>
{{Cite journal |last=Solski |first=Leszek |title=The Zoo and Aquarium Guide Book: Its Evolution and Uncertain Future |year=2006 |journal=International Zoo News |volume=53 |issue=5 |pages=260–273 }}</ref>

In its first 20 years, the zoo experienced many financial difficulties, and despite selling {{convert|22|acre}} to pay off debt in 1886, it went into receivership in 1898. In order to prevent the zoo from being liquidated, the stockholders chose to give up their interests of the $225,000 they originally invested.<ref name=":0" /> For the next two years, the zoo was run under the Cincinnati Zoological Company as a business. In 1901, the Cincinnati Traction Company, purchased the zoo, hoping to use it as a way to market itself to potential customers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/w/Cincinnati_Zoo_and_Botanical_Garden|title=Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden – Ohio History Central|website=www.ohiohistorycentral.org|language=en|access-date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> They operated the zoo until 1917, when the Cincinnati Zoological Park Association, funded by donations from philanthropists Mary Emery and Anna Sinton Taft and a wave of public desire to purchase the increasingly popular zoo, took over management. In 1932, the city purchased the zoo, an action that had been advocated for by Ohio state senator [[Robert J. O'Brien]] in 1916, and started to run it through the Board of Park Commissioners. This marked the zoo's transition from its period of financial insecurity to its modern state of stable growth and fiscal stability.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=31 January 1916 |title=Pride Should Compel Citizens To Purchase Zoo, Says R.J. O'Brien, Who Suggests Plan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/33849253/ |work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]] |pages=5}}</ref>

In addition to its live animal exhibits, the zoo houses refreshments stands, a dance hall, roads, walkways, and picnic grounds. Between 1920 and 1972, the [[Cincinnati Opera|Cincinnati Summer Opera]] performed in an open-air pavilion and were broadcast by NBC radio.

=== Historic structures ===
{{stack begin}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures
| nrhp_type = nhl
| image = ReptileHouseCZ2.jpg
| caption = Reptile House
| location = 3400 Vine St., [[Cincinnati]], [[Ohio]]
| built = {{Start date|1880}}
| architect = [[James W. McLaughlin]]
| architecture = East Indian Temple
| added = February 27, 1987
| designated_nrhp_type = February 27, 1987
| area = Less than {{convert|1|acre}}
| refnum = 87000905<ref name=nris>{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Cincinnati Zoo District
| nrhp_type = hd
| nocat = yes
| image = 
| caption = 
| location = Cincinnati Zoological Gardens, Cincinnati
| built = {{Start date|1876}}
| delisted = January 1, 1999
| area = {{convert|25|acre}}
| refnum = 75001415<ref name=nris>{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
}}
{{stack end}}

In 1987, parts of the zoo were designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures, due to their significant architecture featured in the Elephant House, the Reptile House, and the Passenger Pigeon Memorial.

Four zoo buildings were listed on the National Register in 1975 as the "Cincinnati Zoo District", although they were removed in 1999. This district comprised the [[Kemper Log House|Kemper Log Cabin]] (built in 1804 and moved to the zoo in 1912), the Aviary, the Monkey House, and the Elephant House, the oldest existing structures in the complex at that time.<ref name="dohp">Owen, Lorrie K., ed.  ''Dictionary of Ohio Historic Places''.  Vol. 1.  [[St. Clair Shores, Michigan|St. Clair Shores]]: Somerset, 1999, 578.</ref>  The Monkey House and the Elephant House were separately included in the Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures designation in 1987 and named a [[National Historic Landmark]].<ref name="nhl">[http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1995&ResourceType=Building Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119060818/http://tps.cr.nps.gov/nhl/detail.cfm?ResourceId=1995&ResourceType=Building|date=2008-01-19}}, [[National Park Service]], 2008.  Accessed 2013-11-26.</ref>  Built of concrete and stone,<ref>{{OHC NRHP|87000905|Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures}}, [[Ohio Historical Society]], 2007.  Accessed 2013-11-26.</ref> the Monkey House had been constructed by 1880, along with the Aviary, and the Elephant House was built in 1902. The Kemper Log Cabin was moved to [[Heritage Village Museum|Sharon Woods Village]] in [[Sharonville, Ohio|Sharonville]] in January 1982.<ref>"Potpourri".  [https://books.google.com/books?id=Qx4DAAAAMBAJ ''Cincinnati Magazine'' 1983-05], 183.</ref>

==== Elephant House ====
[[File:CincinnatiZooHistoric.jpg|left|thumb|250x250px|An elephant at the Elephant House]]
Equipped with [[Minaret|minarets]] and a windowed dome, the Elephant House was built to evoke the [[Taj Mahal]] and a sense of [[British Raj|contemporary India]].  This concrete structure measures {{convert|150|x|75|ft}}.  The zoo followed the pattern of many other zoos, which constructed animal houses in the styles of the countries whence the animals came, but the Elephant House was one of the last zoo buildings in the United States constructed with such a philosophy.  Designed by architects Elzner and Anderson, it was placed atop the zoo's highest hill.  Its original cost was $50,000, and in later years the zoo has expended further money on renovations.<ref name="kraft">Kraft, Joy W.  ''The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden''.  [[Charleston, South Carolina|Charleston]]: Arcadia, 2010.</ref>{{rp|32}}

==== Reptile House ====
Originally built as the Monkey House, the Reptile House is a round [[Moorish Revival architecture|Moorish Revival]] building designed by [[James W. McLaughlin]] for use as the aviary.  Its design centers around a large dome more than {{convert|40|ft}} high, with numerous windows and [[Skylight|skylights]] that enable it to be lit by sunlight, in addition to [[Corinthian order|Corinthian columns]].  Although it was expanded in 1922 by the construction of a veterinary hospital, the zoo arranged for an extensive remodeling to prepare it for the reptiles that were first placed within it in 1951.  Zoo historians claim that the Reptile House was the oldest zoo building anywhere in the United States.<ref name="kraft" />{{rp|26}}  The original Aviary no longer stands, having been destroyed in the 1970s;<ref name="kraft" />{{rp|119}} a collection of gorilla exhibits occupies the site now.<ref name="kraft" />{{rp|69}}

==Animals and exhibits==

===Elephant Reserve (currently unoccupied)===
[[File:AsianElephants CincinnatiZoo.jpg|thumb|Asian Elephants (''Elephas maximus'') at the Elephant Reserve]]
The Herbivora building was constructed in 1906 for $50,000, a huge sum at the time, which was home to the zoo's [[Elephants]], [[Giraffes]], [[Hippopotamuses]], and [[Rhinoceroses]] until the late 1990s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, it is considered one of the most spectacular historic buildings in the zoo world. At {{convert|150|feet}} long and {{convert|75|feet}}, this was the largest and most complete concrete animal building in the world, intended for hoofed animals. In 2000, the attraction became Vanishing Giants, featuring [[Giraffe|giraffes]], [[Okapi|okapis]] and [[elephant]]s. From 2007 to 2008, the giraffe and okapi yards were renovated into a food court area and their respective species moved to other areas in the zoo. It has since undergone several renovations and became the Cincinnati Zoo's Elephant Reserve at that time.

Elephant Reserve was the home to two subspecies of the [[Asian elephant]] in a {{convert|4|acre|spell=in|adj=on}} exhibit with a 60,000 gallon pool in the female yard. The zoo has been trying to breed the two, but they have been unsuccessful since their last baby in 1998.

On the October 1st of 2024, the elephants were moved to the Elephant Trek. Plans for what will become the current Elephant Reserve of becoming a giraffe tower have not been released to the public yet.

===P&G Discovery Forest===
Renovated in 1989, this classroom is used for live animal demonstrations for school groups and zoo visitors presented regularly during the summer. The building houses a few species, including a [[Linnaeus's two-toed sloth]]s, [[blue-and-yellow macaw]]s, and [[boa constrictor]]s. It also contains many small animals used for demonstrations as part of the zoo’s visitor engagement program.

===Eagle Eyrie===
This flight cage opened in 1970 as one of the largest flight cages of its time. Originally containing [[bald eagle]]s, these were moved elsewhere, and the exhibit currently features a [[Steller's sea eagle]] and an [[Andean condor]].

===Reptile House===
The Reptile House is America's oldest surviving zoo building, built in 1875. Originally, it housed monkeys and other primates until 1951. Now, it is home to over 30 reptile species from around the world in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Selected species include [[Chinese alligator]]s, [[Gila monster]]s, [[brown anole]]s, [[emerald tree monitor]]s, [[quince monitor]]s, [[Pascagoula map turtle]]s, [[pancake tortoise]]s, [[spider tortoise]]s, [[poison dart frog]]s, [[Telmatobius culeus|Titicaca water frog]]s, [[hellbender]]s, [[black rat snake]]s, [[corn snake]]s, [[rattlesnake]]s, [[Pituophis melanoleucus|pine snakes]], [[king cobra]]s, [[Indochinese spitting cobra]]s, [[boa constrictor]]s, [[emerald tree boa]]s and [[Bitis rhinoceros|West African Gaboon vipers]]. Neighboring the Reptile House are two outdoor exhibits featuring the [[Chelonoidis niger microphyes|Galápagos tortoises]] and rescued bald eagles, the latter formerly contained [[Japanese macaques]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Reptile House Archives – Cincinnati Zoo |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals/habitat/reptile-house/ }}</ref>

===Gorilla World===
This exhibit opened in 1978 as a naturalistic, rain forest habitat for the Cincinnati Zoo's [[western lowland gorilla]]s. The Cincinnati Zoo leads the country in [[gorilla]] births with 48. Elle was the last gorilla born at the zoo in 2015. The zoo holds the record for having 6 gorilla births in one year in 1995. In this same year, one of their gorillas gave birth to the world's first test-tube gorilla. Near the gorilla exhibits, the zoo also features [[Mantled guereza|black-and-white colobus monkeys]].

===Night Hunters===
[[File:Ocelot and Cub 2.jpg|thumb|A mother [[ocelot]] (''Leopardus pardalis'') and her cub at the zoo]]
The Carnivora Building was built in 1952. In 1985, it was renovated to become the Cat House. From 2010 to 2011, it was renovated again to become the Night Hunters exhibit. It is home to many nocturnal and/or predatory animals previously found in other exhibits throughout the zoo, including [[aardvark]]s, [[aardwolf|aardwolves]], [[binturong]], [[black-footed cat]]s, [[fishing cat]]s, [[clouded leopard]]s, [[common vampire bat]]s, [[fennec fox]]es, [[Indian flying fox]]es, [[northern greater galago]]s, [[Cape genet|large-spotted genets]], [[ocelot]]s, [[Pallas's cat]]s, [[ringtail]]s, a [[Gambian pouched rat]], [[sand cat]]s, and [[tawny frogmouth]]s. During the day, lights inside the building are kept very low to allow visitors to view the animals in their natural nocturnal habitats.

===Cat Canyon===
Cat Canyon links the Night Hunters experience with the former Tiger Canyon area to include new exhibits for [[cougar]]s, [[Malayan tiger]]s, and [[snow leopard]]s. Cat Canyon provides an exciting, sensory adventure into the world of the great feline predators while strengthening the Zoo's commitment to the conservation of threatened species through education and scientific research in the wild and at the zoo. Included at the end of this trail is an exhibit housing [[Eurasian eagle-owl]]s.

===World of the Insect===
[[File:EasternLubberGrasshopper RomaleaMicroptera.jpg|thumb|Eastern lubber grasshopper (''Romalea microptera'') at the World of the Insect exhibit]]
Opened in 1978, this is the largest building in North America devoted to the display of live insects. The Cincinnati Zoo has been given four awards by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for successful propagation of insects, and World of the Insect received the prized American Zoo and Aquarium Association exhibit award in 1979. This building also features the longest ant exhibit in the world, housing colonies of [[leafcutter ant]]s. Some of its species include [[Antilles pinktoe tarantula]]s, [[Brazilian whiteknee tarantula]]s, [[Lesina (katydid)|dragon-headed katydids]], [[Romalea|Eastern lubber grasshoppers]], [[marbled crayfish]], [[Neoponera villosa|Texas bullet ants]] and [[Laccotrephes|water scorpions]]. Despite being an insect house, it also displays [[Fire belly newt]]s, the [[Phelsuma grandis]],
[[poison dart frogs]], [[Argentine horned frog]]s and even [[naked mole-rats]]

===Dragons!===
This building features five species of colorful monitor lizards ranging from Southeast Asia and Australia. In the past, this exhibit housed other animal species until the zoo received the largest [[Komodo dragon]] to ever live in captivity in the Western Hemisphere, named Naga. He was a gift from [[George H. W. Bush]] from the [[Government of Indonesia|Indonesian Government]]. The Cincinnati Zoo was the second U.S. zoo to exhibit Komodo dragons and the second zoo to breed them outside of [[Indonesia]]. The exhibit was renovated in 2009 and opened in June 2010. A few other species of lizards such as [[armadillo girdled lizard]]s, [[Varanus macraei|blue tree monitors]] and [[Nile monitor]]s are also housed in this complex.

===Lemur Lookout===
This open-aired exhibit was built in 1962 as Baboon Island and renovated as Ibex Island. It allows guests to look down at some of the zoo's [[ring-tailed lemur]]s on a {{convert|30|ft|adj=on}} tall, man-made rock with many lush and shady areas, surrounded by a small stream.

===Wings of Wonder===
Wings of Wonder is an educational live show featuring different species of birds.

===Otto M. Budig Manatee Springs===
[[File:FloridaManatee56.jpg|thumb|Florida Manatee (''Trichechus manatus latirostris'') at the zoo]] 
Manatee Springs, a $4,500,000 attraction, opened on May 21, 1999, and was awarded the Munson Aquatic Conservation Exhibitry Award and a Significant Achievement Exhibit Award from the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in 2000. The sights, sounds, and smells of [[Florida]] greet visitors as they enter Manatee Springs. Close-up viewing on both dry land, as well as dramatic underwater viewing of over 45 magnificent species provide an exciting experience for every Zoo visitor.

Manatee Springs facilities include a greenhouse (304 m<sup>2</sup>) and an exhibit building (1035 m<sup>2</sup>). The entire facility (1339 m<sup>2</sup>) includes 171 m<sup>2</sup> (1,900&nbsp;ft²) of staff and support areas and 369m² (4,100&nbsp;ft²) of filtration equipment space on two levels. The manatee tank is 120,000 gallons with 3 viewing areas including a bubble window. In addition to the central exhibit with [[West Indian manatee|Florida manatees]], other Florida species are featured, including [[American alligator]]s, [[American crocodile]]s, [[alligator gar]]s, [[alligator snapping turtle]]s, [[coastal plain cooter]]s, [[loggerhead musk turtle]]s, [[greater siren]]s, [[two-toed amphiuma]]s and the invasive [[Burmese python]].

=== Siegfried and Roy's White Lions of Timbavati ===
This exhibit opened as Big Cat Canyon in 1975, containing three one-year old White tigers. In February and in August 1988, the Zoo attained rare [[white lion]] cubs donated to the zoo by [[Siegfried & Roy|Siegfried and Roy]]. These lions successfully bred four offspring in April 2001, but as of May 2022, they all died, and their exhibit temporarily contains [[Red-necked wallaby|Bennett's wallabies]] and soon it’ll contain the zoo’s [[Mexican wolves]].

===Rhino Reserve===
Built in 1935 as the African Veldt with large hoofed animals, the series of exhibits was renovated in 1997 to become Rhino Reserve. This area is home to Flamingo Cove with over twenty [[greater flamingo]]s. The Cincinnati Zoo ranks as a U.S. leader in breeding [[Eastern black rhinoceros|eastern black rhinos]] with eighteen births over the course of their existence. Other featured species include [[okapi]], [[yellow-backed duiker]], [[plains zebra]], [[Bongo (antelope)|eastern bongo]], and [[Visayan warty pig]]s.

On July 17, 2017, a black rhino calf, Kendi, was born to parents Faru and Seyia. Kendi's birth was captured on camera and can be viewed on the zoo's website. Curator of mammals at the zoo, Christina Gorsuch states, "This calf is only the fifth eastern black rhino born in the last two years in North America." She goes on to say "Every rhino calf born is incredibly important for the population, which includes fewer than 60 in North America. Calves will stay with their mothers for 3–4 years which means that the average female can only have one calf every 5 years."<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 18, 2017 |title=Rare Glimpse of Cincinnati Zoo Rhino Birth and First Wobbly Steps Caught on Video! – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden |language=en-US |work=The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/rare-glimpse-of-cincinnati-zoo-rhino-birth-and-first-wobbly-steps-caught-on-video/ |access-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref> In 2015, AZA and [[Species Survival Plan]] (SSP) determined that parents Utenzi (known in Cincinnati as Faru) and Seyia were a good genetic match and recommended that they breed. Faru came to Cincinnati from Atlanta in the summer of 2015 and was introduced to Seyia. Kendi was sent to [[San Diego Zoo Safari Park]] October of 2019 and later to the [[Honolulu Zoo]] in 2022. Faru and Seyia's second calf, a male named Ajani Joe, was born in August 2020. Faru/Utenzi was moved to the [[Lincoln Park Zoo]] in September 2022. The zoo's two current rhinos, Seyia and A.J, are planned to be transferred out in 2025.

===Spaulding Children's Zoo===
Renovated in 1984–1985, {{cvt|55,000|sqft}} of exhibits that feature common [[Livestock|barnyard animals]], animals of the eastern American woodlands, and animals of the southwest American desert such as [[alpaca]]s, [[llama]]s, [[Nigerian Dwarf goat]]s, [[Mini pig|Juliana pigs]], [[guinea pig]]s as well as [[Brazilian porcupine]]s, [[radiated tortoise]]s and [[southern tamandua]]s. There is a nursery where guests can see either babies born at the zoo or babies that came to the zoo. Volunteers and keepers bring a certain harmless animal out every day for guests to be able to touch, and learn more about them. Lucille, a two-year old binturong,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rivers |first1=Corrine |title=Cincinnati Zoo's bearcat Lucille celebrates her second birthday |url=https://www.fox19.com/2021/09/12/cincinnati-zoos-bearcat-lucille-celebrates-her-second-birthday/ |website=fox19.com |date=September 12, 2021 |publisher=Gray Media Group |access-date=7 October 2021}}</ref> is the ambassador for the [[Cincinnati Bearcats]], there is also a [[ground squirrel]] named Yam, Scamper, a rescued [[American red fox]], and a [[Virginia opossum]] named Opal who was rescued in Northern Ohio in early 2023, she was brought to the zoo to educate guests about the importance of local wildlife.

===Gibbon Islands===
Completed in 1972, Gibbon Islands occupies the former location of the old Opera Pavilion. (From 1920 to 1971, the Cincinnati Zoo was home to the [[Cincinnati Opera]] Summer Festival.) These two islands are surrounded by water that flows from Swan Lake. Bamboo exercise bars are the stage for [[yellow-cheeked gibbon]]s who entertain visitors with their acrobatic antics and loud whooping calls while climbing on their giant jungle gyms.

===Red Panda Habitat===
[[File:RedPandaFullBody.JPG|thumb|A [[red panda]] taking a stroll at the zoo]]
Opened in 1985, this naturalistic woodland landscape includes many native Chinese plant species to simulate the natural forest habitat of the [[red panda]]. One pair of red pandas was a gift to the Cincinnati Zoo from the [[Beijing Zoo]] in China. These lavish exhibits are opened aired, connected by a small flowing stream under low elevated bridge. It also provides many tall trees for the three red pandas to relax and sleep on.

===Swan Lake===
This big body of water takes up a lot of the zoo's ground near the entrance. The Cincinnati Zoo was the first place to exhibit and breed [[red-crowned crane]]s, [[trumpeter swan]]s, [[wood duck]]s and various other waterfowl species are kept here.

===Wolf Woods===
Wolf Woods opened in 2005 after a renovation of Otter Creek. After another renovation in the summer of 2011, the second section focuses on the conservation story of the [[Mexican wolf|Mexican gray wolf]] native to the [[southwestern United States]]. Here, a rustic, historical trapper's [[Log cabin|cabin]] has been converted into a Mexican wolf field research station. Other species include the [[gray fox]]es, [[North American river otter]]s, and [[barred owl]]s.

===Lords of the Arctic===
Lords of the Arctic opened in 2000, housing species representing northern parts of the world in a {{cvt|21,000|sqft|adj=on}} attraction. Originally housing [[polar bear]]s; the last individual having died in 2021, the exhibit also features [[Arctic fox]]es. According to the zoo's master plan, the exhibit will be retooled to house North American wildlife, along with [[American black bear]]s and [[sea otter]]s in 2025. <ref>{{cite web | url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/black-bears-and-sea-otters-coming-to-cincinnati-zoo/ | title=Black Bears and Sea Otters Coming to Cincinnati Zoo | date=June 23, 2023 }}</ref>

===Jungle Trails===
[[File:SUMATRAN ORANGUTAN.jpg|thumb|Sumatran orangutan in a tree at the zoo]]
Jungle Trails takes visitors through a {{convert|2.5|acre|adj=on}} naturalized rain forest habitat, teeming with rare and exotic wildlife and hundreds of plant species from Asia, South America, and Africa. Each region in the exhibit is divided by outdoor and indoor habitats with enjoyable viewing of the Zoo's collection of rare primates birds, reptiles, insects, small mammals.

The attraction received the AZA prestigious exhibit award in 1994, a year after it opened. First, a series of outdoor exhibits features [[Sumatran orangutan]]s, [[Lar gibbon|white-handed gibbons]], [[Müller's gibbon]]s, [[helmeted curassow]]s and [[blue-throated macaw]]s. Next, an indoor building houses [[pygmy slow loris]], [[golden-headed lion tamarin]]s, and [[white-faced saki]]s, in addition to indoor housing for the orangutans and gibbons. Further on, another series of outdoor exhibits features [[black howler]]s, [[bonobo]]s, [[Coquerel's sifaka]]s, and [[Angola colobus]]es. The second building features [[West African potto]]s, and an [[aye-aye]].

===Birds of the World===
[[File:Ramphastos swainsonii -Cincinnati Zoo-8a.jpg|thumb|[[Chestnut-mandibled toucan]] (''Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii'')]]
[[File:King Penguins Marching (242668945).jpeg|thumb|King Penguins marching through the zoo]]
Birds of the World features a wide-variety of bird species from throughout the entire world, including a selection of aviaries that guests can enter to get up close and personal. Birds housed include [[Bali myna]]s, [[boat-billed heron]]s, [[buff-crested bustard]]s, [[Guam rail]]s, [[Inca tern]]s, [[masked lapwing]]s, [[sunbittern]]s, [[thick-billed parrot]]s, [[penguin]]s and [[puffin]]s.

(outside)

* [[Salmon-crested cockatoo]]
* [[Cape Barren goose]]
* [[Major Mitchell's cockatoo]]

(inside)

* South America: [[Scarlet ibis]], [[Sunbittern]], [[Boat-billed heron]], [[Southern lapwing]], [[Indian peafowl]] (indigenous to Asia), [[Maranon pigeon|Peruvian pigeon]], [[Cattle egret]], [[Blue-gray tanager|Blue-grey tanager]], [[Red-capped cardinal]], [[Yellow-rumped cacique]], [[Inca tern]], [[Guira cuckoo]], [[Mata mata|Matamata turtle]]
* [[Blue-faced honeyeater]], [[Asian fairy-bluebird|Asian fairy bluebird]]
* Australasia: [[Bali myna]]h, [[White-breasted woodswallow]], [[Guam rail]], [[Pheasant pigeon|White-naped pheasant pigeon]], [[Nicobar pigeon]], [[Masked lapwing]], [[Magpie-robin|Shama thrush]], [[Collared finchbill]], [[Blue-crowned laughingthrush]]
* Mexico: [[Thick-billed parrot]]
* [[Savanna|African Savannah]]: [[Buff-crested bustard]], [[Golden-breasted starling]], [[Red-and-yellow barbet]], [[Yellow-fronted canary]], [[Crested coua]]
* Southeast Asia: [[Rhinoceros hornbill]]
* Northern Oceans: [[Atlantic puffin]], [[Pigeon guillemot]], [[Common murre]], [[Smew]], [[Common eider]], [[King eider]], [[Harlequin duck]], [[Horned puffin]]
* Southern Oceans: [[King penguin]], [[Magellanic penguin]], [[Southern rockhopper penguin]], [[Chiloé wigeon|Chiloe wigeon]], [[Black-faced ibis]]
* Free Flight Aviary: [[Victoria crowned pigeon]], [[Ruddy shelduck]], [[Chestnut-bellied malkoha]], [[Kea]], [[Magpie goose]], [[Lady Ross's turaco]], [[Red-legged seriema]], [[Pied imperial pigeon]], [[Ring-billed gull]]
===Africa===
[[File:The Long Arm of the Serval (4939719461).jpg|thumb|Cleo the [[Serval]] demonstrates reaching for prey]]
[[File:Cheetahs tracking scents.jpg|thumb|Two cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) tracking scents]]
The {{cvt|27,000|sqft|adj=on}} $1.6 million Dobsa Giraffe Ridge opened on June 6, 2008, and allows guests to feed [[Masai giraffe]]s from a tall elevated platform. Guests can also view the giraffes in their indoor {{cvt|25,000|sqft|adj=on}} stalls especially during winter.

In the 2010s the zoo built an {{convert|8|acre|adj=on|spell=in}} Africa exhibit, the largest animal exhibit in its history.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals-exhibits/exhibits/africa/ |title=Africa Exhibit Website |access-date=May 20, 2021 |archive-date=February 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227192508/http://cincinnatizoo.org/animals-exhibits/exhibits/africa/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Phases I and II, completed in 2010, added an exhibit for cranes and expanded the Cheetah Encounter yard so that the [[cheetah]]s had a 40% larger running space.<ref>{{cite web |title=Phase 1 of Africa Savannah Opens Saturday | website=[[Facebook]] |url=https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=381434037608&1&index=0 |access-date=June 10, 2013}}</ref> Phase III opened on June 29, 2013, and included a wider vista that offers visitors an opportunity to see [[lion|African lion]]s, [[serval]]s, a [[bat-eared fox]], [[African wild dog]]s, and a new cheetah exhibit.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ohio zoo readies Africa exhibit |url=http://www.wlky.com/news/local-news/ohio-news/Ohio-zoo-readies-Africa-exhibit/-/9718610/19835520/-/qkvvxlz/-/index.html |access-date=June 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022015755/http://www.wlky.com/news/local-news/ohio-news/Ohio-zoo-readies-Africa-exhibit/-/9718610/19835520/-/qkvvxlz/-/index.html |archive-date=October 22, 2013 }}</ref> A new Base Camp Café, said to be the greenest restaurant in the US, was also added in the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cincinnati Zoo's restaurant greenest in United States |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/06/07/cincy-zoo-greenest-restaurant/2402093/ |access-date=June 10, 2013 |newspaper=USA Today |date=June 7, 2013}}</ref>

Phase IV, the largest phase of the Africa expansion, opened on June 28, 2014.<ref name="painted_dog">{{cite web |title=Painted Dog Valley Now Open at the Cincinnati Zoo |date=July 2014 |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/painted-dog-valley-now-open-at-the-cincinnati-zoo/ |access-date=September 12, 2014}}</ref> It introduced a wide savanna with [[lesser kudu]]s, a [[saddle-billed stork]], [[common ostrich]]es, [[crested guineafowl]], [[pink-backed pelican]]s, [[Rüppell's vulture]]s, [[lappet-faced vulture]]s, and [[grey crowned crane]]s.

Phase V, the final phase of the expansion, opened on July 23, 2016,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2016/07/23/cincinnati-zoo-opens-new-75-million-hippo-exhibit/87491144/ |title=Cincinnati Zoo opens new $7.5 million hippo exhibit |newspaper=Springfield News-Leader |date=July 23, 2016 |agency=Associated Press }}</ref> adding an area for [[hippopotamus|Nile hippos]], Hippo Cove, which provides both above and below-water viewing.<ref name="painted_dog" /> A 34-year-old male named Henry from the Dickerson Park Zoo and a 17-year-old female named Bibi from the St. Louis Zoo joined the zoo.<ref name="Henry">{{cite web |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2017/10/31/cincinnati-zoo-mourns-loss-henry-hippo/ |title=Cincinnati Zoo Mourns Loss of Henry the Hippo |website=Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden blog |date=October 31, 2017 }}</ref> On the morning of January 24, 2017, Bibi gave birth to a six-weeks premature calf.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2017/01/24/hippo-baby-arrives-six-weeks-early-cincinnati-zoo-staff-providing-critical-care-for-premature-calf/|title=Hippo Baby Arrives Six Weeks Early|date=January 24, 2017|website=Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden blog |access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Fiona the Hippopotamus (detail).jpg|thumb|[[Fiona (hippopotamus)|Fiona]] in Hippo Cove]]
The baby female hippo, named [[Fiona (hippopotamus)|Fiona]] by zoo staff, is the first hippo to be born at the zoo in 75 years. Fiona was also the first [[Nile hippopotamus|Nile hippo]] to ever be captured on an [[Ultrasound imaging|ultrasound image]]. After intensive care from zoo keepers, veterinarians, and NICU specialists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Fiona survived.  The story of her trials and success made her an internet celebrity and city hero, and has dramatically increased zoo attendance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://moneyish.com/heart/meet-fiona-the-cincinnati-zoos-200000-baby/|title=Meet Fiona, the Cincinnati Zoo's $2,000 Baby Hippo|date=July 20, 2017|website=moneyish.com|access-date=August 18, 2017}}</ref> Henry's health declined later in 2017 and he was euthanized on October 31.<ref name="Henry" /> On September 6, 2021, a 19-year-old male named Tucker from the San Francisco Zoo joined the zoo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sanderson |first=Emily |date=2022-09-07 |title=On this date: Tucker joined the hippo bloat one year ago at the Cincinnati Zoo |url=https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-zoo-fiona-bibi-new-hippo-fritz-tucker/41104966 |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=WLWT |language=en}}</ref> On August 24, 2022, Bibi gave birth to another calf which weighed roughly 60 pounds.<ref>{{Cite web|author=<!--Not stated--> |title=New Cincinnati Zoo hippo is named 'Fritz' |url=https://www.journal-news.com/news/new-cincinnati-zoo-hippo-is-named-fritz/DUCGOCMHBFEIRNO76QBKKHW7Z4/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=journal-news |language=English}}</ref> This calf was named Fritz, which was decided through a public vote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hello Fritz! |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/hello-fritz/ |access-date=2023-02-27 |website=Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden® |date=August 15, 2022 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Painted Dog Valley ===
[[File:LycaonPictus.jpg|thumb|[[African wild dog|African painted dog]] at the zoo]]
* [[African wild dog|African painted dog]]
* [[Meerkat]]

=== Hippo Cove ===

* [[Hippopotamus]]
* [[Nile tilapia]]

===Roo Valley===
In August 2020, the Cincinnati Zoo finished the first part of their master plan "More Home To Roam". They turned their old Wildlife Canyon exhibit (former home of the critically endangered [[Sumatran rhino]]) into an exhibit called Roo Valley, the exhibit features the Zoo's first-ever kangaroo walkabout, with a new beer garden and restaurant, a big rope course over the habitat, and provides the largest outdoor [[little penguin]] habitat. Roo Valley adds five new species to the zoo as well, including [[red kangaroo|red]] and [[western grey kangaroo]]s, [[Australian wood duck]]s, [[New Zealand scaup]]s and [[freckled duck]]s, the latter three species living side by side with the little penguins.

===African Penguin Point===
In September 2020, the Cincinnati Zoo finished the second part of the master plan. They turned their old sea lion habitat, sometimes referred to as "Seal Falls" until the passing of Duke the [[California sea lion]] in 2019, into a bigger exhibit for their [[African penguin]]s, increasing their breeding success rate, while at the same time including some other African sea birds like the [[white-breasted cormorant]]s, [[Great white pelican|great white pelicans]], and [[yellow-billed duck]]s.

=== Harry and Linda Fath Elephant Trek ===
On June 15, 2021, the Zoo Broke ground on the Biggest Habitat in Zoo History: The Harry and Linda Fath Elephant Trek. The Elephant Trek is five times the size of the Zoo's former elephant habitat. The current exhibit opened on October 1st, 2024 and is home to a multi-generational herd of eight [[Asian elephants]], including a family unit from the [[Dublin Zoo]] and four elephants that the zoo had before construction. It includes swimming pools, streams, overhead feeding stations, mud wallows, and enrichment opportunities at every turn. These enrichments encourage movement and other natural behaviors. The herd of eight can access three different yards that serve different purposes and can accommodate separation for training and medical procedures. It is also home to [[Vietnamese pheasant]]s and [[Azure-winged magpie]]s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Cincinnati Zoo Breaks Ground on Biggest Habitat in Zoo History – Elephant Trek |url=http://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/cincinnati-zoo-breaks-ground-on-biggest-habitat-in-zoo-history-elephant-trek/ |website=Cincinnati Zoo |access-date=16 June 2021 |date=15 June 2021}}</ref> 

Phase 2  opened on April 14th, 2025 and includes [[Siamang]]’s Point, a [[rhinoceros hornbill]] exhibit, [[Asian small-clawed otter]]s  for the Clawed River Otter Habitat and the New Picnic Shelter Complex.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Curley |first1=Michelle |title=More Home To Roam Update |url=https://www.dropbox.com/s/si2advhobx05i7s/MoreHomeToRoam_Update.pdf?dl=0 |publisher=Cincinnati Zoo |access-date=17 June 2021 |pages=5, 11 |format=PDF |date=16 June 2021}}</ref>

==Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW)==
The Cincinnati Zoo has been active in breeding animals to help save species, starting as early as 1880 with the first hatching of a [[trumpeter swan]] in a zoo, as well as four [[passenger pigeon]]s. This was followed in 1882 with the first [[American bison]] born in captivity.<ref name="cincinnativiews_zoo_main" />

In 1986, the zoo established the Carl H. Lindner Jr. Family Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife for the purpose of using science and technology to understand, preserve, and propagate endangered flora and fauna and facilitate the conservation of global biodiversity.<ref name="zoo_about" />
Its [[Frozen zoo|Frozen Zoo]] plays a major role. In it are stored over 2,500 specimens representing approximately 60 animal and 65 plant species.
[[Terri Roth]] is CREW's director.<ref name="Steigenwald 2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/11/28/ipuh-rhino-makes-science-history-and-grandkids/92521318/|title=Ipuh the rhino makes science, history and grandkids|last=Steigerwald|first=Shauna|date=November 28, 2016|website=The Enquirer|access-date=October 4, 2018}}</ref>

The successful breeding programs have earned the zoo nicknames like "the world's sexiest zoo" and "sexiest zoo in America".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38434239| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516164254/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38434239| url-status=dead| archive-date=May 16, 2021| title=Heat brings out the cool in zoos across the nation| author=Sue Manning| date=28 July 2010| access-date=5 February 2023| publisher=The Associated Press| website=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/11/cincinnati-zoo-contraception/1696871/| title=Did the world's sexiest zoo get too sexy?| author=John Johnston| date=11 November 2012| access-date=5 February 2023| website=usatoday.com}}</ref>

== "More Home to Roam" expansion campaign ==
[[File:Reticulated Giraffe (7714874236).jpg|thumb|[[Rothschild's giraffe]]s (''Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi'') at the zoo]]
In 2018 the zoo launched an expansion campaign named "More Home to Roam" with the goal of raising $150 million to be used on developing new attractions and infrastructure.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/cincinnati-zoo-transform-habitats-with-million-donation/hKfb6EqxLd8mZICRcOduPO/|title=Cincinnati Zoo to transform habitats with $50 million donation|work=daytondailynews|access-date=October 7, 2018}}</ref> The zoo opened the Roo Valley and African Penguin Point in summer of 2020, and they have plans to renovate the Lords of the Arctic area to bring back the [[American black bear|black bears]] and introduce [[sea otters]] after their last [[polar bear]] named Little One was euthanized due to a renal failure in March of 2021. The Rhino Reserve renovations and a 1,800 vehicle parking garage will hopefully be open by 2023, Elephant Trek will open in fall of 2024, and the old elephant exhibit will be changed into Giraffe Junction, where they will repair the concrete dome, replace the roof, install new windows, adding a new garden area, and a habitat for [[giraffe]]s.<ref name="aus">{{Cite news|url=https://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/blog/21008378/cincinnati-zoo-to-open-new-australiathemed-area|title=Cincinnati Zoo to Open New Australia-Themed Area|work=CityBeat Cincinnati|access-date=October 7, 2018|language=en}}</ref> The plan also includes a new entrance to facilitate traffic into the zoo. The additions are also aimed at making the zoo [[Carbon neutrality|net zero]] in terms of waste, water, and energy, making the facilities waste free.<ref name="aus" />

Philanthropists Harry and Linda Fath contributed $50 million to the campaign in June 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2018/06/07/cincinnati-businessman-gives-50m-to-zoo.html|title=Cincinnati businessman gives $50M to zoo|website=Cincinnati Business Journal|first1=Barrett J.|last1=Brunsman|date=June 7, 2018|access-date=November 5, 2018}}</ref> Previous expansion efforts, such as the Africa exhibit and gorilla exhibit, cost $34 million and $18 million respectively.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/06/07/who-harry-and-linda-fath/677153002/|title=Meet Harry and Linda Fath. They just made the biggest donation ever to the Cincinnati Zoo|work=Cincinnati.com|access-date=October 17, 2018|language=en}}</ref>

As result on the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the zoo tabled its original plan to build a parking garage and bumped Elephant Trek to the top of the priority list.  

== Notable animals ==
Animals at the zoo have held several records, including the longest living [[American alligator]] in captivity at the time (at about 70 years of age),<ref name="cincinnativiews_zoo_main" /> the fastest [[cheetah]] in captivity,<ref name="zoo_amazing" /> and the largest [[Komodo dragon]]. The zoo was the first in the United States to put an [[aye-aye]] on display, and after losing its last aye-aye in 1993, it finally acquired another in 2011 – a six-year old transferred from the [[Duke Lemur Center]] in North Carolina.<ref name="new_arrivals">{{cite web |url=http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110714/NEWS01/107150324/Zoo-s-babies-year-round-thing |title=Zoo's babies are a year-round thing |work=news.cincinnati.com |publisher=Cincinnati.com |access-date=23 July 2011}}</ref>

The zoo is one of only a dozen in North America to house and breed [[bonobo]]s (also known as pygmy chimpanzees), an endangered species of the great apes.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bray |first=Shasta |title=Re-interpreting Jungle Trails to Engage Families |url=http://blog.cincinnatizoo.org/?s=bonobo |work=Cincinnati Zoo Blog |access-date=29 February 2012}}</ref>

On January 6 and 7, the zoo celebrated the birth of its first babies of 2020. Two penguin chicks hatched, one each day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox19.com/2020/01/13/watch-first-zoo-babies-arrive-with-birth-penguin-chicks/|title=WATCH: First zoo babies of 2020 arrive with birth of penguin chicks|website=fox19.com|date=January 15, 2020 |language=en-US|access-date=2020-01-30}}</ref>

=== Martha ===
{{Main|Martha (passenger pigeon)}}
[[File:Passenger Pigeon memorial at Cincinnati Zoo.jpg|thumb|222x222px|The statue of Martha outside of pagoda that is believed to have housed her and Incas]]
[[Martha (passenger pigeon)|Martha]] was the last [[passenger pigeon]] housed at the Cincinnati Zoo. She was named after [[Martha Washington]], the very first [[First Lady of the United States|First lady of the United States of America]]. Following the death of her last mate on July 10th, 1910, Martha became the sole passenger pigeon of the zoo and the last known individual of her species.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-10-16 |title=In 50 Years Passenger Pigeons Went From Billions To A Lone - 12.08.75 - SI Vault |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090575/1/index.htm |access-date=2024-09-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016000821/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090575/1/index.htm |archive-date=October 16, 2011 }}</ref> She became one of the most famous individuals in the zoo due to her status as the species' [[endling]] and the $1,000 reward ($33,000 in 2024) for a successful capture of another living individual.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Shell |first=Hanna Rose |date=May 2004 |title=The Face of Extinction |journal=Natural History |publisher=[[American Museum of Natural History]] |volume=113 |issue=4 |page=72 |issn=0028-0712}}</ref>  On September 1st, 1914, Martha died of natural causes and following her death, the passenger pigeons were declared extinct. Since then, Martha's body has been taxidermised and is currently on display at the [[National Museum of Natural History|Smithsonian's]] Wonders of the World exhibit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Institution |first=Smithsonian |title=Objects of Wonder |url=https://www.si.edu/es/exhibitions/objects-wonder:event-exhib-5999 |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Smithsonian Institution |language=es}}</ref> Outside of the building that is believed to have housed Martha, a statue of her was built to immortalise her and Incas, the last known [[Carolina parakeet]] and to raise awareness of conservation to prevent similar species from meeting the same fates as Martha and Incas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Images |first=Ohio |title=Passenger Pigeon Memorial, Cincinnati |url=https://www.ohiomagazine.com/travel/article/passenger-pigeon-memorial |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=www.ohiomagazine.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Incas ===
{{Main|Incas (parakeet)}}
Incas was the last known [[Carolina parakeet]], and similar to Martha, he was housed at the Cincinnati Zoo. He was brought to the zoo in 1885 as part of a [[captive breeding]] programme to establish a population.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Mallorie |title=The last Carolina parakeet ever, lost in memory and now just lost |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2018/02/22/last-carolina-parakeet-ever-lost-memory-and-now-just-lost/359375002/ |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=The Enquirer |language=en-US}}</ref> He had a mate named Lady Jane, but they were unsuccessful in producing offspring.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Christopher Cokinos |url=https://archive.org/details/hopeisthingwithf00coki |title=Hope Is the Thing with Feathers |date=2000-03-20 |publisher=Tarcher |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-1-58542-006-3}}</ref> In the Summer of 1917, Lady Jane died which led to Incas becoming [[Grief|very depressed and mournful]].<ref name=":1" /> In the evening of February 21st, 1917, Incas died of abnormal freezing temperatures at the age of 33. However, unlike Martha, the location of the remains of Incas are unknown with possibilities that he may be on display unlabelled at the [[Cincinnati Museum Center|Cincinnati Museum of Natural History]].<ref name=":1" /> 

=== Susie ===
[[File:Susie, World's only trained Gorilla, Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio (73382).jpg|thumb|upright|Susie on a postcard]]
In 1931, Robert J. Sullivan permanently loaned the zoo a female [[eastern gorilla]] named Susie.<ref name="Joy W. Kraft 2010">Joy W. Kraft, ''The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden'', (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub, 2010), 72.</ref>  Captured in the Belgian Congo, Susie was first sold to a group of French explorers who sent her to France.<ref name="Joy W. Kraft 2010"/>  In August 1929, Susie was transported from Europe to the United States aboard the airship ''[[LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin|Graf Zeppelin]]'' accompanied by William Dressman.<ref name="Joy W. Kraft 2010"/>  After Susie completed a tour through the United States and Canada with [[Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus|Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus]],<ref>“Susie, Cincy Zoo’s Gorilla, Near Death,” ''The Billboard'' 59, no. 43 (November 1, 1947): 57.</ref>

Sullivan purchased Susie for $4,500<ref name="Susie Dies 1947">"Cincy Zoo’s Susie Dies; Local Paper Plans Replacement," ''The Billboard'' 59, no. 44 (November 8, 1947): 53.</ref> and loaned her to the zoo.<ref>Joy W. Kraft,''The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden,'' (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub, 2010), 72–74.</ref>  Dressman, who stayed on as Susie's trainer after she was loaned to the zoo, taught her how eat with a knife and fork and orchestrated two performances every day.<ref>Ohio Writers' Program, ''Cincinnati; A Guide to the Queen City and Its Neighbors,'' (Cincinnati: Wiesen-Hart Press, 1943), 350.</ref>  Susie was so popular that on her birthday on August 7, 1936, more than 16,000 visitors flocked to the zoo.<ref>”8,000 at Cincinnati Attend Party for Susie, the Gorilla,” ''The Milwaukee Journal'', August 3, 1936: 8.</ref>  Susie remained one of the most popular animals at the zoo until her death on October 29, 1947.<ref>Joy W. Kraft,''The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden,'' (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub, 2010), 72–75.</ref> Her body was donated to the University of Cincinnati,<ref name="Susie Dies 1947"/> where her skeleton remained on display until it was destroyed in a fire in 1974.<ref>Joy W. Kraft,''The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden,'' (Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub, 2010), 76.</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Newman |first1=James L |title=Encountering gorillas: a chronicle of discovery, exploitation, understanding, and survival|date=2013|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |location=Lanham, Maryland, US|isbn=978-1-4422-1957-1|pages=117–118}}</ref>

=== Harambe ===
{{Main|Harambe}}

On May 28, 2016, [[Harambe]], a 17-year-old, {{convert|200|kg|lb|adj=on}} male [[western lowland gorilla]], was fatally shot by zoo officials after a three-year-old boy climbed into Harambe's enclosure. The incident was recorded by a bystander and uploaded to [[YouTube]], where the video went [[viral video|viral]].<ref>{{YouTube|id=Zfuz7cTDNeI|title=Cincinnati zoo kills gorilla to save boy who fell into enclosure}}</ref> Zoo director [[Thane Maynard]] stated, "The child was being dragged around ... His head was banging on concrete. This was not a gentle thing. The child was at risk."<ref name="McPhateGorillaZoo">{{cite news|last1=McPhate|first1=Kate|title=Zoo's Killing of Gorilla Holding a Boy Prompts Outrage|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/31/us/zoos-killing-of-gorilla-holding-a-boy-prompts-outrage.html?_r=0|access-date=May 31, 2016|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/28/us/zoo-kills-gorilla/index.html|title=Gorilla shot to save child at Cincinnati zoo|last1=Ralph|first1=Ellis|first2=Rashard|last2=Rose|date=May 29, 2016|work=CNN|access-date=May 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/30/us/gorilla-killed-after-child-enters-enclosure-at-cincinnati-zoo.html|title=Gorilla Killed After Child Enters Enclosure at Cincinnati Zoo|date=May 30, 2016|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 30, 2016}}</ref> The shooting was controversial,<ref name=standard>{{cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/zoo-faces-backlash-over-decision-to-shoot-gorilla-dead-after-boy-4-fell-into-enclosure-a3259326.html|title=Zoo faces backlash over decision to shoot gorilla dead after boy, 4, fell into enclosure|date=May 29, 2016|work=Evening Standard|access-date=May 30, 2016}}</ref> with some observers stating that it was not clear whether or not Harambe was likely to harm the child.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/killed-gorilla-seemed-protect-child-who-fell-enclosure-witness-n582311|title=Killed Gorilla Seemed to Protect Child Who Fell in Enclosure: Witness|work=NBC News|date=May 29, 2016 |access-date=May 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/animal-behaviour-expert-says-silverback-gorilla-harambe-was-not-trying-to-harm-defenceless-child/news-story/94d83332fbb86df234989f66ae621d67|title=Gorilla shot dead in zoo: Killing unnecessary, primate expert says – Video|date=May 30, 2016|work=NewsComAu|access-date=May 30, 2016}}</ref> Others called for the boy's parents and/or the zoo to be held accountable for the gorilla's death.<ref>{{cite news | last=Grinberg | first=Emanuella | title=Critics blame parents, Cincinnati Zoo for gorilla's death | website=CNN | date=May 29, 2016 | url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/29/us/cincinnati-zoo-gorilla-shot/index.html | access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref>

The boy was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being rescued.<ref name=standard /> Police investigated possible criminal charges{{vague|date=October 2022}}, while the parents of the boy defended the zoo's actions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ohio-gorilla-idUSKCN0YM1XH|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531220300/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ohio-gorilla-idUSKCN0YM1XH|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 31, 2016|title=Gorilla killing at Cincinnati zoo sparks probe into possible criminal charges|newspaper=Reuters|date=June 2016}}</ref><ref name="news">{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com/technology/science/animals/mother-of-boy-who-fell-into-gorilla-enclosure-lashes-out-at-critics/news-story/770769a5eb332798f1f75292f66f |title=Mother of boy who fell into zoo enclosure lashes out at critics |work=News Corp }}{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="mirror">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/astounding-new-footage-shows-gorilla-8082168|title=Astonishing new footage shows gorilla 'PROTECTING' boy and holding his hand before being shot dead|author=John Shammas|website=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=June 1, 2016}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The incident received global publicity; comedian and actor [[Ricky Gervais]], rock guitarist and astrophysicist [[Brian May]], and journalist and television personality [[Piers Morgan]] criticized the shooting,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/31/ricky-gervais-joins-backlash-over-shooting-of-harambe-the-gorill/ |title=Celebrities joins backlash over shooting of Harambe the gorilla – but Ohio zoo defends decision |work=Daily Telegraph |author=Chris Graham |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref> while real estate developer and then-presidential candidate [[Donald Trump]] and zoo director and notable animal expert [[Jack Hanna]] both lamented the shooting but defended the zoo's decision to prioritize the boy's safety.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4352497/donald-trump-cincinnati-zoo-harambe-gorilla/ |title=Donald Trump Defends Cincinnati Zoo's Shooting of Harambe the Gorilla |magazine=Time |author=Eliana Dockterman |date=May 31, 2016 |access-date=May 31, 2016}}</ref>

===Fiona===
{{main|Fiona (hippopotamus)}}
In January 2017, the zoo had its first birth of a hippopotamus in 75 years. Named Fiona, she was born six weeks prematurely and her survival was in doubt.  At the time of her birth, she weighed only 29 pounds,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wlwt.com/article/cincinnati-zoos-beloved-hippo-fiona-celebrates-5th-birthday/38864793 | title=Cincinnati Zoo's beloved hippo Fiona celebrates 5th birthday | date=February 2022 }}</ref> which was 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birthweight for her species. The zoo's efforts to save her and her subsequent improvement to good health provided a viral sensation on the internet.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kevin Tidmarsh |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/07/24/538874374/while-fighting-the-odds-fiona-the-hippo-became-a-social-media-star |title=While Fighting The Odds, Fiona The Hippo Became A Social Media Star |website=[[Morning Edition]] |publisher=NPR |date=July 24, 2017 }}</ref> At the age of four, Fiona weighed 1,600 pounds.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2021/01/21/cincinnati-zoo-fiona-the-hippo-birthday/4156327001/| title=Happy Birthday Fiona! 4 iconic moments of Cincinnati Zoo's world-famous hippo who turns 4| author=Sarah Brookbank| date=21 January 2021| access-date=6 February 2023| publisher=Cincinnati Enquirer| website=cincinnati.com}}</ref>

===Gallery===

<gallery>
Tulips at the Cinci Zoo.jpg|Various tulips in the gardens
Snowmonkeyscincyzoo.jpg|Japanese macaques on one of the zoo's "monkey islands"
Bald Eagle (52314616357).jpg|Bald eagle at the zoo
Gorilla 063.jpg|Gorilla at the zoo
Cathy's Cincinnati Zoo Pics (11) (3820677375).jpg|White tiger
Pavo cristatus -Cincinnati Zoo, Ohio, USA-8a.jpg|Indian Peafowl
Cincinnati Zoo Lions.jpg|Lions in an exhibit
GrevysZebra1 CincinnatiZoo.jpg|Grevy's Zebra (''Equus grevyi''
PolarBear7 CincinnatiZoo.jpg|Polar Bear (''Ursus maritimus'')
Good Red River Hog (9648940505).jpg|Good Red River Hog with trainer
Solar panels at cincinnati zoo.jpeg|Solar panel canopies over parking lots
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Binti Jua]]
* [[Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures]]
* [[List of botanical gardens and arboretums in the United States]]
* [[Sarah (cheetah)]]
* [[Martha (passenger pigeon)]]
* [[Incas (Carolina parakeet)]]

==References==

{{Reflist |colwidth=30em |refs=

<ref name="zoo_about">
{{cite web |url=https://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/history-and-vision/ |title=History, Mission, and Vision |work=cincinnatizoo.org |publisher=Cincinnati Zoo |access-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref>

<ref name="zoo_amazing">{{cite web |url=http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2011/05/25/every-day-is-amazing-at-the-cincinnati-zoo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620025915/http://cincinnatizoo.org/blog/2011/05/25/every-day-is-amazing-at-the-cincinnati-zoo/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 20, 2011 |title=Every Day is Amazing at the Cincinnati Zoo |work=cincinnatizoo.org |publisher=Cincinnati Zoo |access-date=July 23, 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="aza_list">
{{ZooOrg|aza|zoos|access-date=September 4, 2011}}
</ref>

<ref name="waza_list">
{{ZooOrg|waza|zoos|access-date=September 4, 2011}}
</ref>

<ref name="cincinnativiews_zoo_main">
{{cite web |url=http://www.cincinnativiews.net/zoo_main.htm |title=Cincinnati Zoo |work=cincinnativiews.net |publisher=Don Prout |access-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref>

}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Americana Poster|Cincinnati Zoological Gardens}}

*{{Official|https://cincinnatizoo.org}}
*[https://zooinstitutes.com/zooinstitutes/cincinnati-zoo-amp-botanical-garden-58.html Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden] on [http://Zooinstitutes.com zooinstitutes.com]

{{Zoos of Ohio}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Zoos in Ohio]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Cincinnati]]
[[Category:Botanical gardens in Ohio]]
[[Category:1875 establishments in Ohio]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Hamilton County, Ohio]]
[[Category:Institutions accredited by the American Alliance of Museums]]
[[Category:Educational organizations established in 1875]]
[[Category:Zoos established in the 19th century]]