Today at the Zoo
Today’s Hours: 10:00am-10:00pm
NOTE: Animal visibility is not guaranteed. Many have access to their behind-the-scenes areas and may not be viewable, so you might have to circle back if you don’t see your favorite animal the first time you visit their habitat.
Animal News
- Elephant Trek is Now Open!
Animals Off-Habitat for the Season
- Brown Mountain Tortoises
- Ring-tailed Lemurs
News for Today
- The Base Camp Café Nursing Nest is closed until further notice.
- The North American River Otters will have access to their habitat until further notice, and may not be viewable.
- The Giraffes and Elephants will not have access to their outdoor habitats, but both will be viewable in their indoor habitat.
- The Hippos will not access to their outdoor habitat today (12/6) until temperatures are above 40 degrees.
- The African Lions, Painted Dogs, Tigers, Cougars, and Snow Leopards will have access to their indoor habitats and may not be viewable.
- Some animals in the Tropical African Animals building in Jungle Trails will be off habitat until further notice and will not be viewable.
Encounters & Chats
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Zoo Map
When you’re at the Zoo, find your destination with our FREE mobile app!
Souvenir Zoo Maps are also available at the Zoo for $1.
Directions & Parking
Directions
The main Zoo lot is located at 3427 Vine Street. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220. You can also take Metro routes 1, 46, 38x, 78 or hop on a Red Bike.
Group transportation to the zoo is available through a variety of charter bus providers, including GOGO Charters, National Charter Bus, and Shofur.
Parking
Parking lots are located across the street from the Zoo on Vine St., Erkenbrecher Ave, and Dury Ave. Parking cannot be guaranteed.
Visitors may enter the Zoo using the pedestrian bridges over Vine and Erkenbrecher. Both are ADA accessible.
Members will exit the lot by scanning their digital membership or a physical membership card on the top scanner. Any other visitors can purchase a parking ticket by scanning the QR codes posted around the park or by using the parking kiosk at the zoo’s front entry. Watch this video for more info.
You can charge your electric vehicle at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! We have 8 charging ports in our main Vine St. parking lot. The charging stations are provided by Electrada and can be used with FLO or ChargePoint apps, and also appear on Plugshare.
Zoo Rides & Attractions
Rides are an included benefit of Platinum and Gold Members. Standard members and non-members may purchase tickets at each respective attraction. Rides and attractions are weather dependent.
Train
2:30pm - 9:00pm (10pm on Fridays/Saturdays)
$5 per person per ride. Included in Gold, Platinum, and Donor memberships.
Sponsored by:
Carousel
2:30pm - 9:00pm (10pm on Fridays/Saturdays)
$4 per person per ride. Included in Gold, Platinum, and Donor memberships.
Sponsored by:
Giraffe Feeding
Returns Spring 2025
$4 per person
Sponsored by:
Dornette Kanga' Klimb
Closed for the season. 2025 Kanga Season Pass on sale now!
Members: $12 | Non-Members: $15
Face Painting
Friday and Saturday in the Club House until 9pm during PNC Festival of Lights
Prices range from $14-$20. Membership discount available. Weather dependent.
Wildlife Encounters
These are included with Zoo admission
Cheetah Encounters
Will return in Spring 2025!
Discover the wonders of African wildlife with our fascinating animal ambassadors! During the Kroger Cheetah Encounter, guests may witness the incredible agility of a serval as it leaps, marvel at the cuteness of a baby porcupine, or experience seeing a cheetah do what they do best: run!
Sponsored by:
Barnyard Bonanza
Will return in Spring 2025!
The Barnyard Bonanza is a fast-paced, fun, family-friendly demonstration of barnyard animal behaviors in our Children’s Zoo!
Sponsored by:
Wings of Wonder
Will return in Spring 2025!
Join us for an action-packed free-flight demonstration in the Zoo’s amphitheater. See, hear, and feel birds fly over your head and marvel at other amazing bird behaviors.
Sponsored by:
Interested in booking a Behind-the-Scenes Experience?
Proceeds from Behind-the-Scenes Experiences are used to support global conservation efforts.
Learn MoreShopping & Dining
The main Zoo Shop, located in Vine Street Village, carries a wide range of items to commemorate your trip to the Zoo and also stocks practical items, such as sunscreen, to make your visit more enjoyable!
Gift Shops
You can now shop at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Gift Shop online! Don’t miss all of the latest merch!
Food
From Food Trucks featuring chicken strips, tacos, and burgers to snack stations and Hops, overlooking Roo Valley, the Zoo has something for everyone!
Food Locations Open Today
Base Camp
10am - 10pm
Hops
10am - 10pm
Tuskers
4pm - 10pm
LaRosa's
4pm - 9pm
Outpost Cafe @ Mai Thai’s Market
4pm - 9pm
Vine Dippin Dots
5pm - 9pm
Train Dippin Dots
5pm - 9pm
LaRosa's Dippin Dots
5pm - 9pm
Canopy Canteen
5am - 8pm
Wild Burger
5pm-8pm
The Coop
11am-2pm
Cup and Cone @ Mai Thai’s Market
10am-10pm
Savannah Soft Serve
4pm - 9pm
Taco Caja
5pm-9pm
Trunk Stop
4pm - 9pm
Refill & Refresh (Train Station)
11am - 4pm
S'mores & More
5pm-9pm
Santa's Sweets (Santa's Village)
5pm-9pm
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
5pm-10pm
Candy Cane Cottage
4pm-9pm
Hot Hippo Headquarters
5pm-9pm
Where To Stay
Coming to Cincinnati to visit the Queen of the Zoo? The Graduate Cincinnati is less than a mile from the Zoo and has you covered!
The Fiona: Queen of the Zoo hotel package includes:
- Their best available room rate
- Two (2) tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- $20 daily credit to Fiona’s, the lobby-level bar and restaurant
Book with code ZOOFUN
FAQ: Zoo Information and Policies
In case of Lost Child or other emergencies, call the Zoo’s public safety team at 513.475.6112
The Cincinnati Zoo has a Zero Tolerance Bullying Policy. Guests must be kind to Zoo staff, no foul/hurtful/discriminatory language, and no violence against our staff or fellow guests, plants, and animals allowed.
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.
The Zoo does not allow any firearm to be brought on grounds, regardless if the individual has a conceal/carry permit.
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.
Photo & Video Policies
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.
For the safety of our visitors and animals, drones are not permitted on or above the Cincinnati Zoo.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to providing a safe, secure, and supportive environment for all visitors, wildlife, and staff. To achieve this, the Zoo has established policies that prohibit inappropriate behavior in the park.
Please note these prohibited behaviors:
- Any conduct that disrupts or adversely affects the well-being of any Zoo animal or plant, such as crossing into any enclosed animal areas, feeding the animals, throwing objects at the animals, sticking items through barriers, verbally harassing animals with words or sounds, striking any glass/barriers in any way, displaying objects, “props”, stuffed animals, or any other behavior to illicit an animal reaction, etc.
- Any conduct that disrupts or adversely affects Zoo staff, such as any deliberate and/or repeated behavior that is intimidating, hostile, offensive, or adversely impacts staff work performance. Examples of this behavior include: aggressive and unwelcome conduct and/or unwelcome comments of a romantic or sexual nature, requests for personal information, photographing or video recording without consent the staff, and repeated contact with staff upon their direction to cease.
Additional Visitor Expectations
- NO smoking/vaping inside the park.
- NO climbing on any rocks or destroying any plants or Zoo property.
- NO possessing/carrying of weapons (including toy), dangerous ordnance, explosive devices, regardless of the possession of any concealed carry permits on the premises – unless the possessor is a properly credentialed and identified member of law enforcement.
- NO trespassing on the premises or in any area under Zoo control.
- NO utilizing personally owned bicycles, skates, “Heelys,” hoverboards, skateboards, roller blades, scooters and portable radios on Zoo grounds.
- NO personal pets on Zoo grounds, even if left inside vehicles. The Zoo abides by federal and state law pertaining to service animals. Information can be found on the Zoo’s website.
- All clothing, including shirts and shoes, must be worn at all times to maintain decorum and to ensure safety. Offensive or provocative clothing and language are prohibited. Costume face masks are also prohibited.
- Other prohibited items include: glass, outside alcohol, laser pointers and balloons.
- Parking lots are for visitors to the Zoo and only for the duration of the visit. Parking for other purposes may result in the vehicle being towed.
- Visitors must comply with applicable health and safety regulations as mandated or recommended by federal, state, or local health officials and/or those in effect per the Zoo.
If these guidelines and expectations are not followed, consequences include removal from premises, suspension/revocation of membership, permanent ban, and/or calling for assistance from authorities.
Yes. Re-entry is allowed for the date of ticket purchase. Please stop by turnstiles for a stamp that will allow re-entry.
The Zoo does not have lockers. Guests are encouraged to secure items that are not needed during their visit at home or in the trunk of their vehicles.
We do allow coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, strollers, wagons, outside food and drink (with the exception of alcohol). All guests of all ages must wear a shirt and shoes at all times.
We do NOT allow outside alcohol, glass containers, bikes, rollerblades/skates/heelies, Segways, balloons, balls, weapons of any kind (even toy weapons), or offensive clothing.
Yes! The Zoo has two dedicated nursing nests.
Nursing Nests sponsored by Trihealth.
Click here and use Option 1 to look up your member ID and to find your membership expiration date.
If your pass is currently expired, please email [email protected]
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.
It must be 40 degrees or higher and sunny for Fritz to be outside. This could change at any time due to the keeper’s discretion.
The Zoo is generally busiest on weekends and holidays (holiday weekends, Spring Break, etc.), but may have higher attendance than normal on beautiful weather days.
To avoid most traffic and parking delays- we suggest arriving before 10:30am or after 2:30pm during the Spring/Summer/Fall on those busy days. During PNC Festival of Lights, we suggest visiting before 4:30pm or after 7:30pm on nice weather days, weekends, and the week of Christmas.
Should you plan to arrive during those times on a weekend or beautiful weather day, there may be lines and delays for entry. Please know that our staff is doing everything possible to facilitate entry for all of our visitors!
Yes! Please visit the Welcome Center to rent a stroller, wheelchair, or ECV.
Rental Prices: Members/Nonmembers
Single Strollers–$12/$13
Double Strollers–$15/$16
Wheelchairs–$12/$13
ECVs–$38
You can also rent ECVs online, in advance of your visit. Limited quantities are available online. Must be at least 18 years of age to rent/operate the ECV
We offer military and first responder discounts. Valid military, fire or police ID is required to obtain the discount. Military and First Responder discounted tickets can be purchased online here. Valid military or first responder credentials and matching photo ID must be shown upon entry.
All members of the military (both active military and veterans) receive a 10% discount on all Zoo membership levels. Please bring your military or veteran ID to a Ticketing Window to redeem. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer/deal/discount.
A full list of our discounts can be viewed here.
If your current membership is held with a Zoo that participates in the reciprocal program with the Cincinnati Zoo, you are entitled to a discount on admission. You can check our list of participating reciprocal institutions here.
Reciprocal Zoo discounted tickets are available online here. Valid proof of membership and matching photo ID must be shown upon entry.
Yes. If you’re still at the Zoo, please check at the ticketing windows or Welcome Center. If you are not still at the zoo, please submit a Lost Item Form or call the Visitor Experience help line at 513-487-3414.
A Child must be 13 years or older in order to visit the zoo without a parent or guardian present. School groups have separate age requirements (see field trip materials for more information). If the child is coming into the zoo on a membership (and they are one of the children on the membership), they will need a note from one of the named adults on the membership stating they give their permission and knowledge for the child to enter the zoo without them present. They will also need one of the membership cards for entry.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to welcoming all visitors, and complies with the ADA Title III regulations regarding service animals. Therapy or emotional support animals are not permitted in the Zoo. If your animal does not meet the ADA requirements for entry, we will gladly provide information on local kennels where your dog can stay during your Zoo visit.
Upon entry, service animal users will be greeted by a Visitor Experience Supervisor to be checked in with the two legal ADA questions regarding service animals. Members are encouraged to get a notation on their membership card to expedite entry during future visits.
Check out the Zoo Access for All program for additional resources, policies, and tips to make your Zoo visit as fun and comfortable as possible.
Per the ADA, service animals may be excluded if their presence alters the nature of the Zoo’s services or if the animal is out of the owner’s control. If a service animal is excluded, the owner will be able to visit without the service animal. For more information or assistance, please call or stop in to see a Visitor Experience Supervisor.
Yes, parking is $10 and can be paid at any parking kiosk or by using the Scan to Pay QR codes posted around the lots. Cash is not accepted for parking. Parking lot is for visitors to the Zoo and only for the duration of the visit. Parking for other purposes is explicitly prohibited and may result in your vehicle being towed.
Electric Vehicle charging stations and Red Bike stations are also available.
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!
The Zoo offers a Courtesy Cart service for those with mobility concerns who need assistance returning to the front of the Zoo and is on a first-come first-served basis. This cart has a predetermined path starting from the Grove food truck area back to Vine Street Village. To request the Courtesy Cart, please contact Public Safety at (513)475-6112, or visit the Guest Services Podium across from Mai Thai’s Marketplace.
This service is not a constantly running shuttle, and you may experience a brief wait time. The Courtesy Cart can accommodate 1 mobility device at a time. Please note that due to manufacturer safety regulations, some mobility devices may not fit on the cart.
The Courtesy Cart is made possible by the Heidt Family Foundation: