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 district in 1987.
Quick Facts
- 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. The first successful breeding of California sea lions in a zoo was at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1932. 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.
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.
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.
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.
More in Stadium & Fan Culture
Elsewhere in Cincinnati Bengals
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced