Where will the road take YOU?

Destination Diaries

E-mail Print PDF

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

cicncizook

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Junior Journalist Kendyl Rae

By Angela Ash

Who’s up for some adventure? The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is rated one of the top zoos in the nation, and I can definitely see why. It boasts over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species.

From feeding the giraffes at Giraffe Ridge to petting the animals at the Spalding Children’s Zoo, this is one interactive place! With the opening of "Africa" in June 2013, the zoo is even bigger and better than ever!

I definitely think my favorite animals here are the manatees. There is a peace whilst watching them that can not be described.  And if you crave for even more interaction with these beautiful mammals, there are events and animal encounters just for these fantastic creatures! Our junior journalist, Kendyl Rae, was absolutely enthralled with the manatees.  She asked question after question, which is absolutely what an attraction is after when providing exhibits for children.  We literally had to tear her away, with a promise that she could visit Betsy and Woodstock soon.

And then there’s the vampire bat. I mean, how frequently do you get to see a vampire bat? Hopefully, your answer is “not often”. But they are intriguing creatures, and quite rare to see in a zoo setting.

Other inhabitants to be noted were actually gifts from Siegfried and Roy in 1998. Four rare white lions, two males and two females, were presented to the Cincinnati Zoo . The males, Sunshine and Future, and the females, Prosperity and Gracious, are gorgeous, regal animals, and you may view them as they take turns in their outdoor enclosure, on display on alternate days. 

The Cincinnati Zoo also offers playgrounds, a train, a carousel, and a 4-D theater.  This is definitely a place where you could spend the entire day, and still not see everything.  This zoo not only demands a look, but repeat visits. 

Special packages are offered for admission and attractions, so visit today and plan a wonderful excursion to the Cincinnati Zoo!

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

3400 Vine St.

(800) 944-4776