A Guide to Ohio's Zoos

If you are looking for an adventure that is fun for the whole family, then a trip to the zoo may be just what you are looking for. For those that live in or near Ohio, or for those that are visiting, there are five zoos within the state that are just waiting to be discovered. Each zoo offers its visitors a fun and unique experience.

The Akron Zoo

What began as a small children's zoo in 1953 has now grown into a 50-acre zoo that is home to more than 700 animals from all over the world. The Akron Zoo is designated as a world conservation zoo because of its commitment to education and conservation.

There are many animal exhibits to visit at the zoo including the African Lions, Chilean flamingos, Humboldt Penguins, Jaguars, Komodo Dragons, snow leopards, and the new jellyfish exhibit. In addition the animal exhibits, there is also a train, pony rides, and animal feeding opportunities. Moreover, there are also several educational opportunities for all ages as well as events that take place throughout the year such as the very popular "Boo at the Zoo" during Halloween season.

The Akron Zoo is located at 500 Edgewood Avenue in Akron. For more information such as ticket prices and hours of operation, please visit http://www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Consistently rated as one of the top zoos in the nation, The Cincinnati Zoo is America's second oldest zoo, opening in 1875. The zoo differs from most American zoos because of its urban location. Often referred to as "The Sexiest Zoo in America", it earned the nickname because of its world renowned breeding programs and is perhaps most famous for Andalas, the first Sumatran rhino born in captivity in over a century. The zoo is also noted for its extensive educational work.

The Cincinnati Zoo is home to more that 700 species of animals that are housed in twenty-five exhibits including the Cat House, Jungle Trails, Monkey Island, Reptile House, Tiger Canyon, and many more. The train, tram, carousel, and 4D Special FX Theater are other attractions at the zoo. There are also several educational opportunities and events throughout the year. Additionally, the zoo is home to one of the nation's finest botanical gardens featuring several thousand kinds of plants with exhibits that change with the season.

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine Street in Cincinnati. For more information, please visit http://www.cincyzoo.org or call (513) 281-4700.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is the seventh oldest zoo in the nation and the most popular year round attraction in northeast Ohio. The zoo has more primates than any other zoo in North America. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is also famous for being the home of the Sarah Allison Steffe Center for Zoological Medicine, a veterinary hospital that not only supports groundbreaking research but also engages visitors and offers them hands-on education opportunities.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is the home of more than 3000 animals representing more than 600 species from all over the world. The zoo is broken up into different areas: the African Savanna, the Australian Adventure, the Northern Trek, the Primates, Cats, and Aquatics House, the Rainforest, and Waterfowl Lake. Animals are housed according to where their species originates. Some of the zoo's newest members include a baby Northern spider tortoise, a baby girl black rhino, and a baby boy red panda named Tian Tong. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo also offers several educational opportunities and events throughout the year that are fun for the whole family.

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way in Cleveland. For mre information, please visit http://www.clemetzoo.com or call (216) 661-6500.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo is a non-profit zoo that is known worldwide mainly because of its director emeritus Jack Hanna. The zoo is very serious about education and conservation. In fact, the Columbus Zoo operates its own conservation program that not only uses the money raised for projects at the zoo but also donates money to outside programs that support conservation.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to more than 6000 animals representing nearly 800 species. Animal exhibits are divided into regions and there are currently six regions at the zoo: Asia Quest, North America, African Forest, Australia, The Islands of Southeast Asia, and The Shores. Visitors can also enjoy the train, pony rides, the carousel, boat rides, over a dozen rides and attractions located in Jungle Jack's Landing, as well as numerous educational opportunities and events throughout the year. Additionally, the Columbus Zoo also owns and operates a golf course called Safari Golf Club and a water park called Zoombezi Bay.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located just north of Columbus at 9990 Riverside Drive in Powell. For more information, please visit http://www.columbuszoo.org or call (614) 645-3400.

The Toledo Zoo

The Toledo Zoo opened more than 100 years and has since grown into a popular destination visited by nearly a million people each year. The zoo is home to more than 5000 animals representing more than 750 species. Dedicated to conservation, the zoo currently participates in over thirty Species Survival Plans.

The Toledo Zoo has numerous animal exhibits. Some exhibits found at the zoo are the aviary, wolves, aquarium, African savanna, snow leopards, hippoquarium, frog town, and children's zoo. In addition to the many exhibits at the zoo, there are many educational opportunities and events throughout the year including the summer concert series during the summer months and Lights before Christmas during the holiday season.

The Toledo Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), just south of downtown Toledo, at 2 Hippo Way. However, the zoo can also be entered on Broadway Street at 2700 Broadway in Toledo. For more information, please visit http://www.toledozoo.org or call (419) 385-4040.

Source

Ohio.com