Summer at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Founded in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the country's second oldest zoo and a national historic landmark. This beautiful and innovative zoo welcomes 1.2 million visitors per year for a unique educational experience. The zoo's website, www.cincyzoo.org, maintains a calendar of special events and activities that helps visitors enhance their zoo and garden experiences this summer.

The first question guests might ask when entering the zoo is where is the award winning botanical garden? The Cincinnati Zoo is the actual Botanical Garden which demonstrates the diversity and interaction of plants and their relationship to animals. 3,000 varieties of plants grace the zoo's 75 acres and surround 500 animal species.

The special event, Summer Safari runs until September 3, with interactive exhibits such as Great American Wings of Wonder Bird Show and the new Cheetah Encounter where spectators can watch cheetahs running at top speeds. Another new experience this year is Meet-A-Keeper, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with animals such as rhinos, penguins, elephants, insects, reptiles, polar bears, and many more.

As described in Cincinnati's Visitor's guide, Chad Yelton, the Cincinnati Zoo's Media Relations Manager says, "you're immersed with the animals." Keeper encounters, such as holding and feeding birds at LoriKeet Landing are indicative of the zoo's many "immersion exhibits where we try to make the public feel like they are part of the exhibit."

Another 2007 first is Touch-A-Truck Day from 10am until 2pm on Saturday July 14. Kids will see and interact with construction trucks, a helicopter, an armored van, a fire truck and others during the event which is free with admission.

John Morrell is sponsoring 'Dog Days of Summer' at the Cincinnati Zoo with free hot dogs from 11am until 2pm on Sundays July 22, July 29, and August 12.

Wild about Wine is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's fund raiser with proceeds benefiting the Zoo's research facility, The Lindner Center for Conservation & Research of Endangered Wildlife, known as CREW. The 2007 wine and brew tasting will take place from 6pm until 8pm on Thursday August 2. Aside from the tasting, this quarterly event will include live music, appetizers, a silent auction, and visits from some of the zoo's various animal ambassadors.

During Hamilton County Appreciation Days the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden will offer 50% off regular admission and parking prices to all visitors from August 10 to August 12.

The 28th Annual Cheetah Run 5K features a 3.1 mile run through zoo's botanical gardens and past the exotic animal exhibits starting at 8am on Sunday September 2. Children under 12 can participate in a Cheetah 'Cub' Run following the 5K race.

Zoofari is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's major annual fund raising gala occurring on Friday September 14 from 6pm until midnight. This year's 25th Anniversary black-tie event features the theme Artic Expedition. Zoofari guests will experience elegant food and wine, an impressive silent auction, and premiere live entertainment.

Fund raisers help the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden retain its reputation as one of the best zoos in the world at protecting, breeding and ensuring the propagation of endangered animals. Daily visitors witness animals interacting with one another in their natural habitats and can enhance their visits with interactive, educational activities. Save some money or raise some money, get a free hot dog or run a race, there are many reasons to visit a top-rated zoo and award-winning botanical garden this summer.