The world famous Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the second oldest intentionally built zoo in the United States. It was built fourteen months after the Philadelphia Zoo, in 1875. It was built originally on 65 acres in the middle of the city and has since acquired more lands around it. This zoo was started with just twenty-six creatures plus over four hundred birds.

Found also on the grounds of the zoo are walkways for people, roads, refreshment stands and even a dance hall. If picnics are your thing, pack a lunch and eat with the animals. Roads are there also, for maintenance and for observers to be able to ride through the savannah.

The zoo is now home to 27 animal exhibits, with exhibits such as insects, elephants, wolves, fowl of all kinds and reptiles, to name but a few. Soon-to-be-finished is the African Savannah and Night Hunters exhibit. The Night Hunters exhibit will merge the present Nocturnal House and the Cat House. This fantastic zoo is especially interested in its breeding programs of the cheetah, white Bengal tigers, black rhinoceros and the western lowland gorilla.

The zoo is presently building a new eight acre African Savannah and when that is completed they will be adding many more animals such as leopards, giraffes, hippos and zebras. You will think you are actually on an African safari. More species of animals will be added as time and money permit. Since this zoo is non-profit, many donations are needed to keep the zoo and its inhabitants in tip top shape.

The super indoor pool has the relaxing effect required by you after this active day. The kids have gone a few rounds of one-on-one at a basketball court there and you are all ready to eat at Max & Erma’s Restaurant, where they serve American style food for your dining pleasure. Don’t forget to ask for the famous chocolate chip cookie they bake for their guests.

Many amenities are offered at the hotel, including such things as a tiny refrigerator, a microwave oven and free internet connection for guests. It can seem like your own home with all of these super features available for you and your family.

Connecting rooms are a special feature of this hotel, making it easy for you to get away from the children in your own room but still able to keep an eye on happenings there. After spending the day going from one exhibit to another at the Cincinnati Zoo, you will be more than ready to crash in your comfy hotel room in the Holiday Inn Cincy.

Looking for more info on the Cincinnati Zoo and the best accommodation in Cincinnati? Get the low down now in our guide to the best Cincinnati Ohio hotels including Cincinnati Zoo Hotels .

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