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Cincinnati Zoo kicks off year-long celebration of its anniversary 

Cincinnati, OH (January 1, 2025) – This year marks the 150th anniversary of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s opening. As the second oldest zoo in North America, it has grown from humble beginnings into a world-renowned Zoo and Botanical Garden, earning the top spot in each category in multiple national polls. 

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“The Zoo has been my home for the past 50 years, so I’ve witnessed and participated in its growth and evolution,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.  “We’ve made incredible strides in wildlife conservation locally and globally, are nationally recognized as leaders in sustainable practices, and have brought millions of people “close enough to care” about animals and the planet.” 

The Cincinnati Zoological Garden was established in 1873 by Andrew Erkenbrecher and other German immigrants who wanted to bring some of the Old World to America. They began building a beautiful garden in an urban setting, filled with exotic animals, and hosting a variety of cultural events. Some of today’s Zoo is still much like it was in the Victorian era. 

“In our anniversary year, we will reflect on our rich history while running toward our bright future,” said Maynard. “We will highlight the anniversary throughout 2025 and will ramp up celebrations leading up to the actual anniversary of the date of opening, September 18.” 

A Rich History: 

• The Reptile House has been at the Zoo since the beginning and is the oldest building in any North American zoo. 

• The first giraffe born in the Western Hemisphere was born in Cincinnati in 1889. 

• “Martha,” the world’s last surviving passenger pigeon, died at the Zoo in 1914. 

• The Cincinnati Summer Opera, better known as the Zoo Opera, started at the Zoo in 1920. 

• Cincinnati Public Schools began an accredited high school vocational program at the Zoo in 1975. 

• In 1978, the first building devoted to insects in any U.S. Zoo opened. 

• CREW (Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife) opened in 1981, becoming the first facility of its kind dedicated to both animal and plant conservation. 

• The Cincinnati Zoological Garden was renamed the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in 1987. 

• Used science to unlock the secret to breeding the rare Sumatran rhino and, in 2001, became home to the first Sumatran rhino born in human care in 112 years. 

• Built the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the U.S. in 2011. 

• A hippo named Fiona was born at the Zoo’s Hippo Cove in 2017. She was two months premature, and her struggle to survive made people around the world root for her and fall in love. 

• Opened Elephant Trek, the largest habitat in Zoo history in 2024. 

A Bright Future 

During its 150th anniversary year, the Zoo will open several new habitats, including Siamang Point, Bear Ridge, Sea Otter Coast, and a new space for mixed primate species in Jungle Trails. These projects demonstrate the Zoo’s commitment to creating exceptional animal environments that inspire guests to connect with nature. 

“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we thank the Cincinnati community and our supporters worldwide,” Maynard said. “The Zoo has always been a place where people of all ages can come together, connect with wildlife, and create memories. Here’s to the next 150 years of making a difference for people and wildlife!” 

Throughout the anniversary year, Cincinnati Zoo will share fun and interesting facts and highlight key stories from over the years. Follow @CincinnatiZoo on social media, #CZBG150, to learn more. 

The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today through January 5, the last official night of PNC Festival of Lights.  It will re-open for After Glow, an adults-only encore of PNC Festival of Lights, on January 10.  Winter Discount Days start January 6 when regular Zoo hours return to 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.