News and Stories

Zoo Members No Longer Need to Make Reservations

CINCINNATI (June 1, 2021) – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will lift most mask-wearing requirements for fully-vaccinated guests and employees starting tomorrow, June 2, in accordance with changes to COVID restrictions by the CDC and local health officials.  Unvaccinated guests should continue to wear masks.  Masks will only be required in some close human-animal contact areas.

“Pack a mask if you want to participate in giraffe feedings, pet a goat, or interact with the Galapagos tortoises,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “They will also be required for private animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours.  We are pursuing vaccinations for animals that participate in all of these programs and should be able to lift restrictions once they are protected.”

To promote and facilitate vaccinations for guests, the Zoo hosted a clinic last weekend and will have Cincinnati Health Department’s Mobile Vaccination Unit on site June 15.  The Zoo is offering free admission to all who get vaccinated that day.

Members will be thrilled to know that they no longer need to make reservations, starting tomorrow!  For now, non-members will still need to make reservations. Click here for membership options.

FREE experiences, such as the Ameritas Bird Experience, the Barnyard Bonanza, and Kroger Cheetah Encounter do not require reservations and seating is not assigned.  Come early if you have a seating preference. It’s all part of the Zoo’s Summer Adventure, presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers.

The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.  Members enjoy early entry at 9 a.m.  

NOTE: The Education Center will remain closed to the general public for the summer, and campers ages 4 and up will be required to wear masks.