Ohio zoo among Top 25 Best Zoos in the World

CINCINNATI, Ohio — If you love animal wildlife, one of the best zoos in the entire world is located right here in Ohio, one report says.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Zoo is one of the top 25 best zoos in the world, according to a report from Travel + Leisure magazine. The report, “25 of the Best Zoos in the World,” named the best zoos that “offer educational programs, invest in research projects to help endangered animals, or have release programs to help get animals back into the wild.”

“The second-oldest zoo in the U.S., the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden began as the Zoological Society of Cincinnati in 1873 before officially opening to the public in 1875. Today, it remains a beloved destination with more than 400 animal species, ranging from smaller critters like blue death feigning beetles to larger ones like black rhinos. Behind-the-scenes experiences with elephants, kangaroos, hippos, lions, manatees, penguins, and other animals can be purchased, too.”

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of 11 zoos in the U.S. to make the list. The others are San Diego Zoo, Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Bronx Zoo in New York City, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Alaska Zoo in Anchorange, Houston Zoo, Honolulu Zoo, ZooTampa at Lowry Park in Tampa, Saint Louis Zoo and Audobon Zoo in New Orleans.

When purchased online, general admission to the Cincinnati Zoo ranges from $9 to $23 for people aged 13-61, and $6 to $17 for children aged 3-12 or seniors aged 62 and older.

Last year, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s annual Zoo Blooms floral celebration was nominated as one of the best flower festivals in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best awards.

Travel + Leisure’s full list of the top 25 best zoos in the world can be found online.