Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden®

Home of the world famous hippo Fiona. Family friendly Zoo committed to inspiring visitors with wildlife and saving species.

Friday, May 14th, 2021

Today’s Hours — 9am – 5pm

(9am-10am is Early Entry for Members Only; Reservations still required)

Make Your Reservation

Zoo Hours

March 13 – Oct 31: 10am – 5pm (with Early Entry at 9am for members)

From March 1 – May 31, 2021, no Member reservations required from 2-4pm Monday through Thursday.

Animal News

Today’s Updates

  • Elephant House and Discovery Forest building are closed. All other buildings are now open.
  • Sloth may be on view in the AAC building, near the Children’s Zoo. Please note they might not be viewable during all operating hours.
  • Bald Eagles will be off habitat after 3pm.
  • Andean Bear will have access to his indoor area.
  • River Otters will have access to their indoor area.
  • Galapagos Tortoises will be out late today due to temperatures.
  • Outdoor Bonobo habitat will be closed today for maintenance.
  • American Crocodile will be on view late.

Please note:

  • While our goal is to provide opportunities for our visitors to see all the animals in our care, there are times when an animal may be off view or given access to their indoor space in order for our team to provide the best care possible.
  • Mask Policies:
    • Yes. Masks are required in all areas of the Zoo for guests ages 6 and up.
    • Giraffe feedings: Due to close proximity with staff and animals, participants must wear masks to participate except ~2 and under; no medical exceptions.
    • Roo Valley: All participants must wear masks to participate except ~6 and under.
    • Goat Yard: Due to close proximity with staff and animals, participants must wear masks to participate except ~5 and under; no medical exceptions.

Animal Encounters

Zoo Rides & Attractions

Train & Carousel

Safari Train: 9:30am – 5pm **weather permitting**

Conservation Carousel: 9:30am-3pm **weather permitting**

More Info

Rides are an included benefit of Platinum and Gold Members. Standard members and non-members may purchase tickets at each respective attraction.

  • Train- $4
  • Carousel- $3
  • Unlimited Rides Package – $8
  • Zoo Adventure Upgrade (Unlimited Rides and a Zoo Key)- $10
Official Safari Express Train Sponsor:

*Hours may vary due to inclement weather, maintenance, and low attendance.

Kanga’ Klimb

Opens Summer 2021!

Elevate your Cincinnati Zoo experience! This elevated course features a series of activities designed to safely test your balance and climbing skills plus increase self-reliance.

More Info

Spring Encounters

Included with Zoo Admission

Cheetah Encounter

See cheetahs do what they do best – run! Thursday-Sunday at 10:30am & 12:00pm (weather depending)

cheetah running

Cheetah Encounter Sponsored by: 

Kroger Logo

Barnyard Bonanza

A fast-paced, fun, family-friendly interaction in our Children’s Zoo. Thursday-Sunday at 11am

barnyard bonanza

Blakely’s Barnyard Bonanza Presented by: 

Wings of Wonder

Starting May 29! Watch birds mimic, fly and soar above during this encounter. Friday – Tuesday at 1pm and 3pm

Wings of Wonder Bird Encounter Sponsored by: 

Ameritas_Bison_tag_color

Gift Shops & Food Locations Open Today

Gift Shop Locations

Historic Vine Village Main Gift Shop*: 9am-5pm

Mai Tai’s Marketplace Gift Shop: 9am-5pm

*For a wider variety of retail items, please shop our online store.

Face Painting Locations

Location
Open
Closed
Vine Street Village 10:30am 5pm
Safari  Closed Closed

Food Locations

Location
Open
Closed
Historic Vine Street Village
Hops: 9am 5pm
Vine Street Dippin Dots Closed Closed
Africa & Train Station
Base Camp Cafe: 9am 5pm
Savannah Soft Serve: 10am 5pm
Tuskers: 10am 5pm
Skyline: Closed Closed
 
Jungle Trails & African Veldt
LaRosa’s: 10am 5pm
LaRosa’s Dots: Closed Closed
The Grove
Cup & Cone @ Mai Tai’s Market: 9am 5pm
Outpost Cafe @ Mai Tai’s Market: 10am 5pm
The Coop: 10am 5pm
Wild Burger: 10am 5pm
Taco Caja: Closed Closed
Sweet Retreat: 10am 5pm
 

Getting Around the Zoo

Food location hours & animal appearances vary by season. Ask us when you arrive for details on how to make the most of your visit!

Zoo Map

Click here to see PDF of map

spring 2021 zoo map

Directions

The Cincinnati Zoo is located at 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

The main Zoo lot is open! Please pay attention to signage in the event this parking lot fills, we will begin directing to the overflow lot on Louis Avenue.

Visitors may enter the Zoo using the Pavilion Entry Building from the Main Parking Lot, equipped with stairs & elevators to get to bridge level.

FAQ

Will I see baby hippo Fiona on my visit?

Temperatures must be above 40 degrees with fair conditions for our hippos to be in their outdoor habitat. (This is at the discretion of our animal care team and can change without notice.)

Does the Zoo have strollers and wheelchairs?

Stroller and wheelchair rental has resumed! Please visit the Welcome Center to rent a stroller or wheelchair. NEW! You can also rent your items online, in advance of your visit. Limited quantities are available online.

Where can I get a Zoo Gift Card?

 Zoo Bucks (Gift Certificates) are available for purchase here and can be spent anywhere at the Zoo, including admission! Gift Memberships are also available by clicking here.

Can I bring food and beverages?

Visitors are welcome to bring food and beverages to the Zoo with them. Glass and Alcohol are prohibited.

Where can I find nutritional information about food sold at the Zoo?

Please click here for nutritional information, including information about allergy needs and Zoo food!

Does the Zoo have a Lost and Found?

Yes. For all Lost and Found inquiries, please visit Membership Services/Guest Relations or call us at 513-559-7713.

Are service animals allowed in the Zoo?

Please click here for more information on service animals in the Zoo.

Do you charge for parking?

The current parking fee is $10.00 and can be paid at any ticketing window or in the parking lot. Both cash and credit cards are accepted to pay for parking.

Do you offer a military discount?

Yes. A full list of our discounts can be viewed here. You can check our list of participating reciprocal institutions here.

I was given a code from my company to obtain tickets. Where do I purchase these?

Corporate Discount Tickets can be purchased here. Please create a new account to proceed. Corporate discounts are not accepted at the Cincinnati Zoo ticketing windows and may only be purchased online.

I have a conceal/carry permit. I am allowed to bring my firearm on Zoo grounds?

The Zoo does not allow any firearm to be brought on grounds, regardless if the individual has a conceal/carry permit.

I have a question about wildlife outside of the Zoo. Who can I contact?

In an effort to make sure our keepers have enough time with their animals, we unfortunately cannot accept calls regarding questions about animals outside of the Zoo. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (1-800-WILDLIFE) is a great resource!

Photo/Video Policy

Commercial use of photographs, video and film taken at the Cincinnati Zoo is strictly prohibited without the Zoo’s full written consent.  Feel free to share photos with family and friends using #CincyZooPic!

Location Filming Guidelines: Film crews must contact [email protected] in advance to set up their video shoot and pay a fee to shoot on location.

Zoo Policies

NO SMOKING or VAPING! The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT. Call 1-866-559-OHIO for questions or to report violations.

ZOO POLICIES

For health and safety reasons, please do not feed the animals or disturb any plants. Bicycles, skates, Heelys, hoverboards, skateboards, roller blades, scooters and portable radios are not permitted on Zoo grounds. Please stay on paths. Pets are not permitted on Zoo grounds even if left inside vehicles. Shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Because the park remains open during inclement weather, the Zoo offers no refunds or rainchecks. Because of the varying needs of the animals, some buildings or exhibits may close early. All visitors grant the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden permission to use their image, or that of their children, in advertising, publicity and other promotions without payment or compensation to the visitor. Masks are required.

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