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CINCINNATI, OH (August 4, 2023) – As a “Thank You” to Hamilton County for their continued support, the Zoo will offer Hamilton County residents half-price admission August 25 through August 27.

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“Hamilton County’s support is crucial to the Zoo’s success,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “For every dollar of levy funding that the Zoo receives, we bring 10 times that amount back into the County.  That benefits everyone in the area, but we want to make sure that residents get an even greater, direct return on their investment.”

On Monday, August 7, Hamilton County commissioners Alicia Reece, Denise Driehaus, and Stephanie Summerow Dumas will decide whether to allow the requested inflationary increase to be on the ballot. If the request is placed on the November ballot and passes, the Zoo will be able to extend the benefit by offering Hamilton County residents a year-round discount on memberships and tickets.

“Expenses covered by the levy are up 79% since voters last approved a tax increase 15 years ago. Costs for animal care alone have doubled in that time,” said Maynard.  “The inflationary increase that we’ve requested would amount to about 25 cents more per month for the owner of a $100,000 home, and it would help us remain the world-class Zoo that we are. We think that residents value what we bring to the community and would support what we’re asking if they’re given the opportunity to vote for it.”

The Cincinnati Enquirer’s editorial board agrees. In an editorial opinion published on July 24, it said that “Hamilton County voters should have the right to decide whether the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden gets a tax increase or not.”

“We look forward to welcoming Hamilton County residents during Hamilton County Appreciation Days later this month and hope to be in a position to offer them a year-round discount in the near future,” said Maynard.

Tickets for Hamilton County Appreciation Days can be purchased online in advance.  A valid Hamilton County photo ID will be checked upon entry.

The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the Zoo at 9 a.m.