Well, it's been awhile but I have to say that I loved the Cincinnati Zoo infinitely.
I didn't even make it to the 'left' side of the zoo so I can't even review the rhino, elephant, or giraffe exhibits (if they were even out). The gorillas weren't out at all but everything else was top notch.
The Little Penguins walkabout was phenomenal and I LOVED being able to see baby animals in the nursery. I don't know about the rest of you, but I've been following Tommy T's cheetah blog ever since meeting him!
The Wings of the World was easily the best bird exhibit I've ever seen. Walk in aviaries, open faced exhibits and basic displays were all phenomenal. If it wasn't for the sliding doors, there are times I would have been unable to say I was in a zoo. My only complaint would be that the penguin exhibit (featuring three of the species--rockhopper, emperor and Magellanic all in one display) was a little on the small side.
Jungle Trails--wow, talk about an exhibit that deserves it's AZA exhibit award! I'd imagine the luxurious outdoor areas are phenomenal during the summer but even without them, this exhibit is amazing. The best part--the smaller exhibits before the indoor bonobo viewing area--are some of the most luscious displays I've ever seen.
The Lords of the Arctic display was amazing. The area for the 'other' bears were on the small side but the actual polar land for the polar bears was top-notch, easily one of the best I've seen.
I don't know how I feel about the white lions. While I was there they were just sitting on a platform and I couldn't really see all too many other options for them.
The Manatee building was spectacular. It was great to be that close to them. The ones exhibited knew how to entertain too--they refused to stay still the whole time.
I don't like nocturnal houses. Being afraid of the dark and not liking bats, they tend to be one of my least favorite places in zoos but the nocturnal house was amazing. What struck me most was that there was so much light inside. I've been to other night houses with so little light that you cannot read the displays--let alone see anything. This one was phenomenal and the animals had great areas.
Not being a fan of insects either, I really thought seeing the insect house would be something I would do just to say I saw it but WOW. So many species, so little time! Great displays and the hand-on ants exhibit was spectacular.
The tiger canyon was pretty mediocre. One cat per paddock, lots of space but nothing too interesting.
The cat house (which I'm assuming is 'popping' in summer) was great too. The chance to see so many cats in one place was amazing. While I was there, the pallas cats were undergoing their light treatment but it was great to see them even from a distance.
The red panda exhibit had SO much space for the animals. I was amazed--I'm used to tiny little exhibits for these animals (between the Bronx Zoo and Central Park) and they sure seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Finally the reptile house. While small, there's a great feel to the building. The individual animal displays are wonderful and the site makes use of it's small space.
I cannot WAIT to go back to this zoo, especially during the summer. As someone looking to immediately relocate to the Cincinnati area (once I find a job there), I am thrilled that there's such a great zoo there!
Anyone else have any thoughts on this zoo?
Were you very short of time? If I had only half an hour I would pay the entrance fee to see the Sumatran rhinos alone.
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