Cincinnati Zoo to celebrate 150th anniversary in 2025

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is dedicating 2025 to celebrating its 150th anniversary of opening to the public.

In 1873, Andrew Erkenbrecher and other German immigrants founded the Cincinnati Zoological Garden, aiming to bring a piece of the Old World to America. They created a beautiful urban garden, featuring exotic animals and hosting various cultural events. The zoo welcomed its first visitors in 1875. Some areas of the current zoo still retain their Victorian-era charm.

As the second oldest zoo in North America, the organization has evolved from humble beginnings into a cherished local institution and renowned center for ecology and conservation efforts.

This year, the zoo will unveil new habitats, including Siamang Point, Bear Ridge, Sea Otter Coast and a mixed primate species area in Jungle Trails. According to Thane Maynard, the zoo’s director, these projects showcase the organization’s commitment to creating exceptional animal environments that inspire guests to connect with nature.

“The zoo has been my home for the past 50 years, so I’ve witnessed and participated in its growth and evolution,” he added.  “We’ve made incredible strides in wildlife conservation locally and globally, are nationally recognized as leaders in sustainable practices, and have brought millions of people close enough to care about animals and the planet.”

The zoo officially opened its doors on Sept. 18, 1875, and it will celebrate its rich history and bright future all year long.

“In our anniversary year, we will reflect on our rich history while running toward our bright future,” said Maynard. “We will highlight the anniversary throughout 2025 and will ramp up celebrations leading up to the actual anniversary of the date of opening, Sept. 18.”

A rich history

Since opening in the late 1800s, the Cincinnati Zoo has gone through a great deal of change. But one thing that’s remained the same is the Reptile House, has been a part of the zoo since its beginning. It holds the distinction of being the oldest building in any North American zoo.

A few years after opening, in 1889, a giraffe was born at the Cincinnati Zoo. It was the first time this had happened in the Western Hemisphere.

Below are several other interesting dates and facts about the zoo’s history.

• The world’s last surviving passenger pigeon, “Martha,” passed away at the zoo in 1914.
• The Cincinnati Summer Opera, commonly known as the Zoo Opera, began performing in 1920.
• In 1975, Cincinnati Public Schools launched an accredited high school vocational program at the zoo.
• The zoo opened the first building in the United States dedicated to insects in 1978.
• CREW (Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife) opened its doors in 1981, becoming the first facility of its kind to focus on both animal and plant conservation.
• In 1987, they renamed the Cincinnati Zoological Garden the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
• By using science, zoo officials were able to unlock the secret to breeding the rare Sumatran rhino, and in 2001, they successfully bred one in human care for the first time in 112 years.
• In 2011, the organization built the largest publicly accessible urban solar array in the United States.
• In 2017, a hippo named Fiona was born at the zoo’s Hippo Cove, two months premature, and her struggle to survive captured the hearts of people around the world.
• The zoo opened Elephant Trek, the largest habitat in zoo history, in 2024.

Throughout the anniversary year, Cincinnati Zoo will share fun and interesting facts and highlight key stories from over the years. Follow @CincinnatiZoo on social media, #CZBG150, to learn more.

“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we thank the Cincinnati community and our supporters worldwide,” Maynard said. “The zoo has always been a place where people of all ages can come together, connect with wildlife, and create memories. Here’s to the next 150 years of making a difference for people and wildlife.”

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden