Cincinnati Zoo
Second oldest zoo in the United States, home to Martha the last passenger pigeon.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second 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 opened on 65 acres (26.3 ha) in the middle of the city, but has spread into the neighboring blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati's outer suburbs. Several historic buildings were designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
- Location
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Team Affiliation
- Official Community Partner
- Mascot Name
- Who Dey
- Partnership Status
- Active
Lore & Background
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. The zoo is known for being the home of Martha, the last living passenger pigeon, and of Incas, the last living Carolina parakeet.
In Their Own Story
The autumn air was crisp as fans gathered near the gates of Paycor Stadium, but the real excitement began earlier at Vine Street. A young fan traced the stripes on Bruno's costume, remembering the roar that echoed from the Zoo's tiger habitat just days before. In that moment, the spirit of the team felt alive, not just in the players' jerseys, but in the heartbeat of the city itself.
Reader's Guide
The zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). A 2014 ranking of the nation'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. 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.
Did You Know?
- The zoo originally opened on 65 acres (26.3 ha) in the middle of the city.
- The zoo was the first to successfully breed California sea lions.
- The zoo was home to Martha, the last living passenger pigeon, and Incas, the last living Carolina parakeet.
- The Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the connection between the Cincinnati Zoo and the Bengals?
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden serves as an official community partner to the team, sharing the city's deep cultural identity with the franchise. While the team's tiger name originated from Paul Brown reviving a 1930s NFL club rather than a direct zoo partnership, both institutions celebrate the spirit of the Bengal Tiger.
Does the Cincinnati Zoo host Bengals games?
No, the Cincinnati Zoo is not a playing venue for football; it remains a historic cultural landmark located in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team plays its home games at Paycor Stadium, though the Zoo frequently collaborates on community events and fan engagement initiatives.
Who is 'Who Dey' and how does he relate to the Zoo?
'Who Dey' is the beloved mascot of the Cincinnati Bengals who often appears at the Zoo for special appearances and educational programs. This partnership highlights the active relationship between the team's spirit animal representation and the real tigers residing at the Garden.
Why do fans visit the Zoo during Bengals season?
Fans often visit to support the official community partnership, which includes themed events that celebrate the shared tiger symbolism of both the franchise and the animals. These visits allow supporters to experience the 'roar' of the Bengal Tiger beyond the gridiron in a unique educational setting.
When did the Bengals and Zoo start working together?
The collaboration is an active, ongoing partnership rather than a single historical event tied to the team's founding in 1967. The relationship focuses on modern community outreach, leveraging the Zoo's status as a local landmark to strengthen the bond between the franchise and Cincinnati residents.
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