News and Stories

CINCINNATI, OH (October 7, 2020) – Every visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is fun and memorable, but VIP Animal Experiences for small groups can make a great day even better!  The new “Little Blue” experience, presented by Mrs. T’s Pierogies, is the latest offering and allows up to six people to meet the world’s smallest penguin up close!  Other VIP options include special encounters with cheetahs, elephants and birds.

“We were not able to offer the popular Ameritas Wings of Wonder Bird Encounter to the public this summer due to COVID safety considerations, so we got creative and found a way to give smaller groups the opportunity to be amazed by bird behaviors,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “These Feathered Flights experiences were so popular that we added up close encounters with cheetahs and elephants. The up-close penguin experience is our latest addition and is already getting rave reviews.”

Roo Valley, which opened in August, features a little blue penguin paradise, complete with a private meeting area where VIP groups can go behind the scenes to meet one of these charismatic creatures.  A member of the penguin care team will guide the experience and share fun facts about these pint-sized penguins.

Little Blue Penguin experiences are available Tuesdays & Thursdays at 2:30 pm and are limited to 6 guests. The cost is $50 per person, which can be added during the reservation process or purchased at the Zoo.  Click here to reserve a spot for a penguin, elephant, cheetah or bird experience!

The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.  Cincinnati Zoo members enjoy early entry at 9 a.m.  Become a member in October and SAVE – click here for membership sale details!  Reservations are required for all guests. For more information visit www.cincinnatizoo.org.