Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Cincinnati Zoo News 2024

Status
Not open for further replies.
upload_2024-10-3_7-16-38.jpeg
The zoo has released a new map on their website, I have to say I love how it looks! Several interesting things on the new map.
upload_2024-10-3_7-17-53.jpeg
I zoomed in on some areas so it’s easier to see. First off what we already know, Elephant Trek is open and Siamang point opens in 2025. Elephant Trek looks breath taking and I can’t wait to see it for myself soon! I know it was discussed on here that an animal would be going in the former white lion exhibit… looks like it’s going to be the Mexican Wolves. I’m interested to know if they are moving from wolf woods and if this is permanent. Is another animal going in wolf woods?
upload_2024-10-3_7-20-55.jpeg
You can also see here that Sea Otter Coast and Bear Ridge are still set to open in 2025 as well. I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map. The most interesting thing to me on the new map is the former elephant exhibit that now says “ Future Giraffe Exhibit”. This would seemingly confirm that they have plans to move the giraffe to the old elephant area. I know it’s been discussed on here several times but I never saw anything official from the zoo. I would be very interested in seeing some renderings of what this area would potentially look like. I will be very curious to see how they use the old giraffe area as well as it’s a pretty big plot of land. One last thought as well, most of the $150 million dollar plan is completed…one of the few things left that have not been completed is Rhino Reserve renovations. It will be interesting to see if they complete the new giraffe exhibit first or work on Rhino Reserve first.
Lots of recent renovations and new habitats over the past several years and looks like there is no slowing down in the future! Cincinnati zoo is already one of the best (if not the best) zoo’s in the country and it’s only going to keep getting better! How exciting! Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on some of these things I noticed.
 

Attachments

  • upload_2024-10-3_7-16-38.jpeg
    upload_2024-10-3_7-16-38.jpeg
    122.3 KB · Views: 123
  • upload_2024-10-3_7-17-53.jpeg
    upload_2024-10-3_7-17-53.jpeg
    90 KB · Views: 134
  • upload_2024-10-3_7-20-55.jpeg
    upload_2024-10-3_7-20-55.jpeg
    104.2 KB · Views: 127
:p:p
AndrewH100 said:
View attachment 735985
The zoo has released a new map on their website, I have to say I love how it looks! Several interesting things on the new map.
View attachment 735986
I zoomed in on some areas so it’s easier to see. First off what we already know, Elephant Trek is open and Siamang point opens in 2025. Elephant Trek looks breath taking and I can’t wait to see it for myself soon! I know it was discussed on here that an animal would be going in the former white lion exhibit… looks like it’s going to be the Mexican Wolves. I’m interested to know if they are moving from wolf woods and if this is permanent. Is another animal going in wolf woods?
View attachment 735987
You can also see here that Sea Otter Coast and Bear Ridge are still set to open in 2025 as well. I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map. The most interesting thing to me on the new map is the former elephant exhibit that now says “ Future Giraffe Exhibit”. This would seemingly confirm that they have plans to move the giraffe to the old elephant area. I know it’s been discussed on here several times but I never saw anything official from the zoo. I would be very interested in seeing some renderings of what this area would potentially look like. I will be very curious to see how they use the old giraffe area as well as it’s a pretty big plot of land. One last thought as well, most of the $150 million dollar plan is completed…one of the few things left that have not been completed is Rhino Reserve renovations. It will be interesting to see if they complete the new giraffe exhibit first or work on Rhino Reserve first.
Lots of recent renovations and new habitats over the past several years and looks like there is no slowing down in the future! Cincinnati zoo is already one of the best (if not the best) zoo’s in the country and it’s only going to keep getting better! How exciting! Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on some of these things I noticed.
Click to expand...
We had the same idea :p
 
AndrewH100 said:
View attachment 735985
The zoo has released a new map on their website, I have to say I love how it looks! Several interesting things on the new map.
View attachment 735986
I zoomed in on some areas so it’s easier to see. First off what we already know, Elephant Trek is open and Siamang point opens in 2025. Elephant Trek looks breath taking and I can’t wait to see it for myself soon! I know it was discussed on here that an animal would be going in the former white lion exhibit… looks like it’s going to be the Mexican Wolves. I’m interested to know if they are moving from wolf woods and if this is permanent. Is another animal going in wolf woods?
View attachment 735987
You can also see here that Sea Otter Coast and Bear Ridge are still set to open in 2025 as well. I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map. The most interesting thing to me on the new map is the former elephant exhibit that now says “ Future Giraffe Exhibit”. This would seemingly confirm that they have plans to move the giraffe to the old elephant area. I know it’s been discussed on here several times but I never saw anything official from the zoo. I would be very interested in seeing some renderings of what this area would potentially look like. I will be very curious to see how they use the old giraffe area as well as it’s a pretty big plot of land. One last thought as well, most of the $150 million dollar plan is completed…one of the few things left that have not been completed is Rhino Reserve renovations. It will be interesting to see if they complete the new giraffe exhibit first or work on Rhino Reserve first.
Lots of recent renovations and new habitats over the past several years and looks like there is no slowing down in the future! Cincinnati zoo is already one of the best (if not the best) zoo’s in the country and it’s only going to keep getting better! How exciting! Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on some of these things I noticed.
Click to expand...
Word around the membership pages is the new Jungle Trails exhibit is or was intended for the howlers. The excuse I read for not moving them over from their old space is they received a new male but the females rejected him.
 
AndrewH100 said:
View attachment 735985
The zoo has released a new map on their website, I have to say I love how it looks! Several interesting things on the new map.
View attachment 735986
I zoomed in on some areas so it’s easier to see. First off what we already know, Elephant Trek is open and Siamang point opens in 2025. Elephant Trek looks breath taking and I can’t wait to see it for myself soon! I know it was discussed on here that an animal would be going in the former white lion exhibit… looks like it’s going to be the Mexican Wolves. I’m interested to know if they are moving from wolf woods and if this is permanent. Is another animal going in wolf woods?
View attachment 735987
You can also see here that Sea Otter Coast and Bear Ridge are still set to open in 2025 as well. I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map. The most interesting thing to me on the new map is the former elephant exhibit that now says “ Future Giraffe Exhibit”. This would seemingly confirm that they have plans to move the giraffe to the old elephant area. I know it’s been discussed on here several times but I never saw anything official from the zoo. I would be very interested in seeing some renderings of what this area would potentially look like. I will be very curious to see how they use the old giraffe area as well as it’s a pretty big plot of land. One last thought as well, most of the $150 million dollar plan is completed…one of the few things left that have not been completed is Rhino Reserve renovations. It will be interesting to see if they complete the new giraffe exhibit first or work on Rhino Reserve first.
Lots of recent renovations and new habitats over the past several years and looks like there is no slowing down in the future! Cincinnati zoo is already one of the best (if not the best) zoo’s in the country and it’s only going to keep getting better! How exciting! Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on some of these things I noticed.
Click to expand...
I wonder if they will combine some/all of the old giraffe space into the old elephant yards and make a larger "Savannah" exhibit as seen in other zoos. Africa could use the improvement and the yards are adjacent. I haven't seen any renderings on the project or what they plan to do with the iconic elephant house.
 
Frankie_number_1_fan said:
I wonder if they will combine some/all of the old giraffe space into the old elephant yards and make a larger "Savannah" exhibit as seen in other zoos. Africa could use the improvement and the yards are adjacent. I haven't seen any renderings on the project or what they plan to do with the iconic elephant house.
Click to expand...
If you're referring to the current giraffe yard, and combining it with Elephant Reserve, I don't see that as a possibility considering there's a steep drop off in between the two. From a certain perspective, the two are not adjacent. The map does not show the zoo's variety of elevation. This would also cut off access to the Discovery Forest.

According to the latest known plans, which I believe were released early 2022, the two now former elephant yards will be combined to make one giraffe exhibit. Taking up space in the garden by the Elephant House guest entrance. Coincidentally close to where giraffes were exhibited 15 years ago.

https://media.bizj.us/view/img/10931417/zooentryvillage.jpg
 
Last edited:
AndrewH100 said:
I know it was discussed on here that an animal would be going in the former white lion exhibit… looks like it’s going to be the Mexican Wolves. I’m interested to know if they are moving from wolf woods and if this is permanent. Is another animal going in wolf woods?
Click to expand...

I'm curious if this means they are going to improve on North America by repurposing current Wolf Woods at some point. Or if this is part of a larger shift for the eventual revamping of the entirety of Rhino Reserve.

AndrewH100 said:
I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map.
Click to expand...

This exhibit is extremely close to being completed. They have the viewing glass covered in the front so it's very difficult to get a good photo. But it is a netted top exhibit with a lot of close to the ground climbing opportunities. It has its own off-exhibit holding as its not connected to the large sloped orangutan/gibbon yard. I am hoping, deep in my heart, that this is an outdoor clouded leopard exhibit but I'm not getting my hopes up.
 
Last edited:
AndrewH100 said:
You can also see here that Sea Otter Coast and Bear Ridge are still set to open in 2025 as well. I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map. The most interesting thing to me on the new map is the former elephant exhibit that now says “ Future Giraffe Exhibit”. This would seemingly confirm that they have plans to move the giraffe to the old elephant area. I know it’s been discussed on here several times but I never saw anything official from the zoo. I would be very interested in seeing some renderings of what this area would potentially look like. I will be very curious to see how they use the old giraffe area as well as it’s a pretty big plot of land. One last thought as well, most of the $150 million dollar plan is completed…one of the few things left that have not been completed is Rhino Reserve renovations. It will be interesting to see if they complete the new giraffe exhibit first or work on Rhino Reserve first.
Lots of recent renovations and new habitats over the past several years and looks like there is no slowing down in the future! Cincinnati zoo is already one of the best (if not the best) zoo’s in the country and it’s only going to keep getting better! How exciting! Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on some of these things I noticed.
Click to expand...

This is excellent news! With the Cincinnati Zoo's top-tier facilities and social media team, I can't wait to see what they do with their sea otter exhibit. My own personal affinity for sea otters aside, it is great that more institutions are providing homes for them. There have been occasions in the past where rescued pups had to be euthanized because there was no available space for them in the zoos/aquaria permitted to hold sea otters and the pups wouldn't have been able to survive in the wild.
 
Joseph G said:
I'm curious if this means they are going to improve on North America by repurposing current Wolf Woods at some point. Or if this is part of a larger shift for the eventual revamping of the entirety of Rhino Reserve.



This exhibit is extremely close to being completed. They have the viewing glass covered in the front so it's very difficult to get a good photo. But it is a netted top exhibit with a lot of close to the ground climbing opportunities. It has its own off-exhibit holding as it’s not connected to the large sloped orangutan/gibbon yard. I am hoping, deep in my heart, that this is an outdoor clouded leopard exhibit but I'm not getting my hopes up.
Click to expand...
I love that idea but is the exhibit large enough to adequately hold one or more clouded leopards?
 
AndrewH100 said:
View attachment 735985
The zoo has released a new map on their website, I have to say I love how it looks! Several interesting things on the new map.
View attachment 735986
I zoomed in on some areas so it’s easier to see. First off what we already know, Elephant Trek is open and Siamang point opens in 2025. Elephant Trek looks breath taking and I can’t wait to see it for myself soon! I know it was discussed on here that an animal would be going in the former white lion exhibit… looks like it’s going to be the Mexican Wolves. I’m interested to know if they are moving from wolf woods and if this is permanent. Is another animal going in wolf woods?
View attachment 735987
You can also see here that Sea Otter Coast and Bear Ridge are still set to open in 2025 as well. I know the zoo has been working on a new exhibit in Jungle Trails so I thought it was interesting that did not mention or show that on the updated map. The most interesting thing to me on the new map is the former elephant exhibit that now says “ Future Giraffe Exhibit”. This would seemingly confirm that they have plans to move the giraffe to the old elephant area. I know it’s been discussed on here several times but I never saw anything official from the zoo. I would be very interested in seeing some renderings of what this area would potentially look like. I will be very curious to see how they use the old giraffe area as well as it’s a pretty big plot of land. One last thought as well, most of the $150 million dollar plan is completed…one of the few things left that have not been completed is Rhino Reserve renovations. It will be interesting to see if they complete the new giraffe exhibit first or work on Rhino Reserve first.
Lots of recent renovations and new habitats over the past several years and looks like there is no slowing down in the future! Cincinnati zoo is already one of the best (if not the best) zoo’s in the country and it’s only going to keep getting better! How exciting! Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on some of these things I noticed.
Click to expand...



So If you look on the Cincinnati year in review you can see that the Cincinnati zoo plans to take the existing giraffe yard and make it into 4 habitats which includes bongos, zebras, and black rhino. This expansion also includes a expanded flamingo habitat. these 3 habitats will push all the way back closer to the education area. With this if you look back to the Cincinnati zoos 2003 original master plan that area was converted into a north America area. I think the zoo has something huge planned that is going to take from the wolf woods area down to the black rhino loop. All the animals in the wolf woods area like the Mexican wolf are also being relocated so this proves this more. I'm really exited to see what the zoo has in store.
 
Isaac Hicks said:
So If you look on the Cincinnati year in review you can see that the Cincinnati zoo plans to take the existing giraffe yard and make it into 4 habitats which includes bongos, zebras, and black rhino. This expansion also includes a expanded flamingo habitat. these 3 habitats will push all the way back closer to the education area. With this if you look back to the Cincinnati zoos 2003 original master plan that area was converted into a north America area. I think the zoo has something huge planned that is going to take from the wolf woods area down to the black rhino loop. All the animals in the wolf woods area like the Mexican wolf are also being relocated so this proves this more. I'm really exited to see what the zoo has in store.
Click to expand...
What where are you getting this from? o_O The zoo plans to use the old giraffe habitat for black rhinoceros but the rest in incorrect. There is not space for all those animals to be moved to Africa. The 2003 masterplan is very outdated and not something the zoo is following at all these days. Current idea the zoo is working on is that current Rhino Reserve will be demolished for polar bears and sea lions farther down the line connecting all of the North America sections together. However the whole center of the zoo will not become a North America section like proposed in the 2003 masterplan.
 
Isaac Hicks said:
So If you look on the Cincinnati year in review you can see that the Cincinnati zoo plans to take the existing giraffe yard and make it into 4 habitats which includes bongos, zebras, and black rhino. This expansion also includes an expanded flamingo habitat. these 3 habitats will push all the way back closer to the education area. With this if you look back to the Cincinnati zoos 2003 original master plan that area was converted into a north America area. I think the zoo has something huge planned that is going to take from the wolf woods area down to the black rhino loop. All the animals in the wolf woods area like the Mexican wolf are also being relocated so this proves this more. I'm really exited to see what the zoo has in store.
Click to expand...
Cincinnati year in review? Where can I find that?
 
Jonathan Petersson said:
What where are you getting this from? o_O The zoo plans to use the old giraffe habitat for black rhinoceros but the rest in incorrect. There is not space for all those animals to be moved to Africa. The 2003 masterplan is very outdated and not something the zoo is following at all these days. Current idea the zoo is working on is that current Rhino Reserve will be demolished for polar bears and sea lions farther down the line connecting all of the North America sections together. However the whole center of the zoo will not become a North America section like proposed in the 2003 masterplan.
Click to expand...
https://cincinnatizoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AnnualReport_2022-23.pdf
look at this link and on page 7 u can see the plan and the rest is just speculation
 
Isaac Hicks said:
https://cincinnatizoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/AnnualReport_2022-23.pdf
look at this link and on page 7 u can see the plan and the rest is just speculation
Click to expand...
Hmm that is very interesting and I have not heard of that plan before it looks like you are correct. The designs show the zebra, okapi, bongo, and black rhino moving to the giraffe's former space and surrounding area. I feel like there is not enough space there to make suitable habitats for all those species but I could be quite wrong. Thanks for sharing this!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top