New VIP Animal Experiences Add WOW to Cincinnati Zoo Visits

Posted July 27, 2020

Feathered Flights experiences available starting this week!

CINCINNATI, OH (July 27, 2020) –  Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden visitors can now make visits even more memorable by adding a VIP Animal Experience! The new Feathered Flights experience, presented by Ameritas, takes off this week and will feature a special close encounter with some of the world’s most beautiful birds!

“I got to test the experience and actually thought the rhinoceros hornbill was going to land on my head!  It was thrilling,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.  “Don’t worry, the bird trainers have been working with the birds to make sure they fly close but not too close!”

Since the Zoo was not able to offer the popular Ameritas Wings of Wonder Bird Encounter to the public this summer due to COVID safety considerations, the Zoo’s bird trainers had to spread their wings and get creative. The Feathered Flights experience allows birds that would normally be in the Encounter to demonstrate some of their amazing natural behaviors to a more intimate group.

Feathered Flights experiences are available Wednesdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and noon and are limited to 10 participants per time slot.  The cost is $25 per person, which can be added during the reservation process or purchased at the Zoo.  More VIP Animal Experiences will be added later this summer.

The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.  Cincinnati Zoo members enjoy early entry at 9 a.mReservations are required for all guests. For more information visit www.cincinnatizoo.org.