Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the sixth oldest zoo in the United States, founded in 1873 and officially opening in 1875. It is located in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. It originally began with 64.5 acres (26.1 ha) in the middle of the city, but has spread into the neighboring blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati's outer suburbs. It was appointed as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.[2][5]
The zoo houses over 500 species, 1,800 animals and 3,000 plant species. In addition, the zoo also has conducted several breeding programs in its history, and was the first to successfully breed California sea lions. In 1986, the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) was created to further the zoo's goal of conservation.[2] The zoo is known for being the home of Martha, the last living passenger pigeon,[5] and of Incas, the last living Carolina parakeet.[6]
The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA),[3] and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).[4]
A 2014 ranking of the nations's best zoos by USA Today based on data provided by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums lists the Cincinnati Zoo among the best in the country.[7] A 2019 reader's choice ranking of the nation's best zoos by USA Today named the Cincinnati Zoo the top zoo in North America.[8]
Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW)[edit]
The Cincinnati Zoo has been active in breeding animals to help save species, starting as early as 1880 with the first hatching of a trumpeter swan in a zoo, as well as four passenger pigeons. This was followed in 1882 with the first American bison born in captivity.[5]
In 1986, the zoo established the Carl H. Lindner Jr. Family Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife for the purpose of using science and technology to understand, preserve, and propagate endangered flora and fauna and facilitate the conservation of global biodiversity.[2]
Its Frozen Zoo plays a major role. In it are stored over 2,500 specimens representing approximately 60 animal and 65 plant species.
Terri Roth is CREW's director.[30]
The successful breeding programs have earned the zoo nicknames like "the world's sexiest zoo" and "sexiest zoo in America".[31][32]
Various tulips in the gardens
Japanese macaques on one of the zoo's "monkey islands"
Bald eagle at the zoo
Gorilla at the zoo
White tiger
Indian Peafowl
Lions in an exhibit
Grevy's Zebra (Equus grevyi
Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
Good Red River Hog with trainer
Solar panel canopies over parking lots
