Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, Zoo and botanical garden in Avondale, Cincinnati, United States
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a zoological and botanical complex in the Avondale neighborhood of Cincinnati, covering roughly 26 hectares (65 acres). The site houses around 500 animal species and about 3000 plant species distributed across several themed exhibit areas and garden sections.
The site was founded in 1873 and opened its gates in 1875 as the second oldest zoological facility in the United States. Over the decades the complex has been expanded and redesigned several times to implement new concepts in animal care and species conservation.
The name combines the function as an animal park with a botanical garden that was part of the concept from the beginning. Visitors move through areas where animals and plants are presented together and the design draws on natural habitats.
The complex offers accessible pathways, several food stands, gift shops and restrooms distributed across the grounds. Parking areas are located near the entrances and the site is accessible during regular opening hours.
A hippopotamus birth in 2017 drew worldwide attention when the calf was born six weeks premature and survived through intensive medical care. The animal named Fiona became a visitor favorite and is now displayed in one of the main enclosures.
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