Extended Hours and Summer Encounters Start Tomorrow at the Cincinnati Zoo

Posted May 24, 2019

FREE admission for military on Memorial Day, May 27!

CINCINNATI, OH (May 24, 2019) – The #1 Zoo in the Nation just got better as Summer Adventure at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers, kicks off tomorrow with the return of summer encounters and extended hours!  Members of the military — active and retired — can experience all the Zoo has to offer for FREE on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.*

“There’s so much to see, do and eat at the Zoo this summer,” said Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard. “Ten painted dog pups just moved in next to Fiona in Painted Dog Valley, and a baby giraffe could arrive any day!  The gardens are gorgeous, and the food is better than ever.”

Visitors will enjoy a variety of food options in The Grove, the Zoo’s new dining and snack area that features food trucks serving delicious tacos, chicken, burgers and ice cream! And, save room for dessert.  Some members make special trips to the Zoo just to get the churro doughnut, a round pastry coated with cinnamon-sugar and topped with a delicious caramel sauce!

“We’re committed to providing better experiences for visitors and better homes for the animals,” said Maynard.  “Our Eurasian eagle owls, scarlet macaws, and helmeted curassows have spacious new aviaries with room to fly and opportunities to forage.  The Galapagos tortoises have a new indoor space that will accommodate their increasing size, and Moe the sloth has more room to climb in his upgraded habitat in Discovery Forest.”

Henry the orangutan’s outdoor habitat renovations include 600 feet of artificial vines networked to create a “skyway”. New artificial trees and rocks feature built-in enrichment devices that can be raised and lowered to encourage arboreal behaviors and exploration.  Be sure to look up when you stop by Jungle Trails on your next visit.

Ameritas Wings of Wonder Bird Encounter is up and flying, and you’ll notice some new faces and beaks in the mix! The Kroger Cheetah Encounter and First Watch Blakely’s Barnyard Bonanza are back and better than ever. Check here for experience days/times.

Zoo Babies continues through the end of the month. Summer hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. from May 25 – Labor Day. Early entry for members and Adventure Ticket holders begins at 9 a.m. For more information visit www.cincinnatizoo.org.

* This offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family at ticketing windows only. Offer not available online and may not be combined with other offers.