News and Stories

Enjoy FREE admission for military on Memorial Day

CINCINNATI, OH – (May 26, 2016) Spend a memorable Memorial Day weekend at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden!  Summer Adventure at the Cincinnati Zoo, presented by Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky Honda Dealers, kicks off on Saturday, May 28, with the return of summer shows, animal encounters, unique new experiences and extended hours!  All members of the military — active and retired — will receive FREE admission to the Zoo on Monday, May 30. The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) half-price admission tickets for members of their immediate family.

VIDEO: GoPro View of Cheetah running in the Cheetah Encounter!

The spectacular Ameritas Wings of Wonder Bird Show is back with performances at 1pm and 3pm, Wednesdays – Sundays, and cheetahs will reach top speeds during the Cheetah Encounter in the Cathryn Hilker Running Yard twice daily (excluding Wednesdays & Thursdays). Zoo visitors will encounter some new animals at the Zoo this summer and hear keepers talk about their favorite subject – the animals they care for – in chats scheduled throughout the day. Feeding opportunities include giraffes and camels.  Check out the shows and encounters schedule.

“Visitors often come to the Zoo to see lions, tigers, elephants and other animals that you would expect to see here but leave talking about a random encounter with a snake or a bird,” said Zoo Director Thane Maynard. “That’s why our wildlife encounter team circulates through the Zoo with a variety of small, non-dangerous animals that guests can see up close and sometimes touch!  It’s so great to witness the look of wonder on a kid’s face when he or she encounters an animal for the first time.” The Zoo’s new tamanduas are likely to trigger a few of these looks!

The highlight of the summer season is sure to be the opening of Hippo Cove! Starting July 29, visitors will get to experience a nose-to-nostril underwater view of the Zoo’s new hippos.  The exhibit features a scenic overlook where guests can admire the full girth of the hippo pair in their 70,000-gallon pool and an interactive play area for children young and old to explore and learn more about these giant and amazing animals.

Visitors will also see a giant and amazing baby this summer!  Two of our giraffes are expecting babies, and one is due in July.  It’s going to be a BIG summer!