Newspaper Article

VENTURE OUT TO THE WILD SIDE; THREE SOLID ZOOS NOT FAR FROM MIAMI VALLEY

LAURA DEMPSEY STAFF WRITER DAVID CATROW GO! COVER STAFF ILLUSTRATION

2007

Overview

K The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the second-oldest zoo in the United States. It opened in 1875, just 14 months after the Philadelphia Zoo on July 1, 1874. The Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America (opened 1875). K The zoo was founded on 65 acres in the middle of the city, and since then it has acquired some of the surrounding blocks and several reserves in Cincinnati's outer suburbs. The zoo's urban setting sets it apart from most other American zoos, which are often in suburbia. K The zoo is sometimes called \"The Sexiest Zoo in America\" because of its successful breeding programs, especially cheetahs. K Seven bonobos live at the Cincinnati Zoo. K Martha, the last living passenger pigeon, died at the zoo in 1914; the zoo was also home to the last living Carolina parakeet, which died in 1918. K The annual spring Zoo Blooms is the one of the Midwest's largest collection of tulips. Insider's view: According to regular patron Margerie Kimbrugh, who lives in Fairfield, the Cincinnati Zoo is well worth the trip at least twice a year: In spring and during the winter holidays. \"The tulips are everywhere and they're just amazing -- exactly the right thing to get you ready for the warm weather,\" she said, \"and I believe the animals respond to them, too, though I could be projecting!\" As far as coldweather zoo-travel goes, the Cincinnati Zoo's annual Festival of Lights must be seen to be appreciated, Kimbrugh said. \"It could be cold and snowy, and you're walking around all bundled up thinking about the hot chocolate you'll have, and then an hour later you'll realize you've just been wandering ... It's so beautiful, with all the lights strung up and twinkling. \"Not to take away from the animals -- all of which I enjoy -- but it's the special events in Cincinnati (at the zoo) that make it special for me.\"

• Publisher: Atlanta Journal Constitution, LLC