News and Stories

Enjoy the sights and smells of the season in person this year.

CINCINNATI, OH (March 12, 2021) — One year after closing to the public due to COVID, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is thrilled to be able to offer visitors a chance to redo spring!  Although the Zoo did its best to deliver spring virtually to people at home last year, it was impossible to share the smells, good and bad, and feelings that visitors get when they’re on Zoo grounds surrounded by wildlife.

“I am incredibly thankful to hear kids laughing and squealing and having fun,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.  “Last year at this time, the Zoo was silent. There were no visitors and only a handful of essential employees were reporting to work.  This year, we’re all wearing masks, but we are here!  And everyone seems to have a renewed appreciation for that.”

The Zoo’s spring season kicks off tomorrow, which means that the Safari Express Train, sponsored by Superior Credit Union, and Conservation Carousel will be up and running and a favorite member perk, Early Entry, will resume.  Reservations are still required, but the addition of 9 a.m and 9:30 a.m spots will give members more opportunities to visit.  Reservations are not required for members from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Thursday.  Memberships are worth their wild and are on sale now!

Visitors can walk with kangaroos and see the Zoo’s little blue penguin colony swim in their brand new habitat from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Roo Valley, and giraffe feedings, presented by Chick-Fil-A, will be open from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m.  For more information on what’s happening daily at the Zoo, visit cincinnatizoo.org.

In accordance with CDC recommendations, visitors are required to wear masks while on Zoo property.