let s give them better homes for them. better zoo for you.

let s give them better homes for them. better zoo for you.

One of the oldest nonprofits in the city, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is nationally recognized as one of the top zoos in the country and the #1 year-round family attraction in the Tri-State area. It s a crown jewel of the city, drawing 1.8 million visitors annually, and boasts a regional economic impact of $143 million. 2

As a center of excellence in its field, the Cincinnati Zoo is: a leader in both formal and informal science education. It s an irreplaceable educational asset with over 450,000 people participating every year in education programs such as field trips, camps, overnights and outreach programs. The Zoo is also home to the country s first full-time, college preparatory zoological high school. internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered plants and animals, and engages in more than 30 research and conservation projects worldwide. 3

a community connector partnering with dozens of diverse and economically challenged communities, providing a welcoming venue to people from all walks of life. known as the Greenest Zoo in America. The Zoo is doing its part to conserve natural resources that are critical to saving wildlife and habitats and is committed to greening its daily operations and reducing its impact on the environment through the use of rain gardens, recycled building materials, solar panels and more. A Commitment to Outstanding Animal Care We will transform the Zoo s physical landscape by renewing facilities, habitats and gardens so that the Zoo setting matches our growing expertise in animal care, education, conservation and horticulture. We strive to lead in the ever-progressing world of zoos and aquariums, learning from the latest in evidence-based understanding of how animals behave, and implementing changes to promote animal excellence. We ll advance behavior-based husbandry, increase complexity of habitats, and introduce pioneering animal health techniques and reproductive strategies in the pursuit of outstanding animal care. So, let s give them 4

VISION More Home to Roam is a bold, $150-million capital campaign with the goal to provide better homes for our animals and a better Zoo for you. It will enable us to dramatically enhance animal habitats, improve the visitor experience and remain a multi-generational source of pride for Cincinnati. Better Homes for Them! Better Zoo for You! The Zoo s master plan will be completed in phases and includes: A shared space where visitors can interact with kangaroos in a 15,000-square-foot kangaroo walkabout! A new home for little blue penguins with underwater viewing for guests An adventure ropes course with options for all skill levels and abilities A parking garage and an additional entry for better visitor access into our Zoo More Home to Roam for black rhinos and polar bears A new, nature-based play area FIVE TIMES MORE SPACE FOR ELEPHANTS!! 5

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2025 MASTER PLAN 9

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roo valley Wildlife Canyon will be transformed to include a two-level adventure course with 60 activities, 25 feet high in the treetops, with options for all skill levels and abilities. Beneath the trees, guests will share space with kangaroos in a 15,000- squarefoot kangaroo walkabout. Little blue penguins will also get a new home complete with underwater viewing. Guests can relax and enjoy the view of Roo Valley from a new, multi-tiered Beer Garden behind the Watering Hole. 11

ENTRY VILLAGE Ten new ticket windows and additional queuing space will streamline entry into the Zoo. Amenities such as more family style restrooms and more storage space for strollers and wheelchairs, as well as a calming room for guests with developmental disabilities, will improve visitors experience. 12

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RHINO RESERVE To provide more home to roam for black rhino breeding pairs and their offspring, the Rhino Reserve will be redesigned to include multiple outdoor yards. This critically endangered species is solitary except when breeding or rearing young, so alone time space is crucial for them to thrive. Plans for this area also include a larger, mixed species yard, expanded moats and visitor viewing decks. 15

16 Artist s rendering of Rhino Reserve

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SAFE AND EFFICIENT VISITOR ACCESS The Zoo is the #1 attraction in Hamilton County, creating a significant economic and cultural benefit to the families in the region. Attendance growth is directly connected to the Zoo s ability to provide access into the Zoo. An 1,800-car parking garage, featuring a new pedestrian bridge over the street and into the Zoo, will offer safe visitor access and alleviate parking and traffic issues for neighboring businesses and residents. 18

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elephant trek Removing cars from Zoo grounds will allow the Zoo to give elephants more trunk space. Their new, next generation habitat will be nearly five times the size of their current yards and will feature naturalistic trees, mud wallows, grasses, pools and streams. Kids will also enjoy a nature-based play area with water elements. From the day it opened, the Cincinnati Zoo has led the way in the care and management of Asian elephants. The effort to build a better home for them demonstrates its continued commitment to care for this magnificent species. 21

22 Artist s rendering of Elephant Trek

LET S GIVE THEM Better homes for them. Better zoo for you. FSC Logo