Discover the Thrilling 5 Differences Between Columbus Zoo vs Cincinnati Zoo

Zoo Core Editors Desk

Discover the Thrilling 5 Differences Between Columbus Zoo vs Cincinnati Zoo

by

The Columbus Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo are two of the most popular and well-known zoos in Ohio, each offering a unique and exciting experience for visitors. As a zoo enthusiast, it’s important to understand the key differences between these two institutions to make an informed decision on which one to visit.

Location and History

The Columbus Zoo is located in Powell, Ohio, just north of the state capital, while the Cincinnati Zoo is situated in the heart of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Columbus Zoo was founded in 1927, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States, while the Cincinnati Zoo was established in 1873, making it the second-oldest zoo in the country.

Size and Layout

Columbus Zoo vs Cincinnati Zoo

In terms of size, the Columbus Zoo covers an impressive 580 acres, while the Cincinnati Zoo spans 74 acres. The Columbus Zoo is divided into several distinct regions, each with its own unique theme and exhibits, while the Cincinnati Zoo is laid out in a more circular format, making it easier for visitors to navigate.

Exhibits and Animals

The Cincinnati Zoo boasts a larger collection of animals, with over 500 species, compared to the Columbus Zoo’s 9,000 animals. However, the Columbus Zoo offers a more diverse range of exhibits, including a water park, a golf course, and a hotel on-site.

The Cincinnati Zoo is known for its impressive indoor exhibits, such as the reptile building, the nocturnal building, the bird building with penguins, and the manatee building. The Columbus Zoo, on the other hand, has a manatee building, a small aquarium, an Asian animal building, and indoor viewing areas for many of its exhibits.

Shows and Interactions

Both zoos offer exciting shows and interactive experiences for visitors. The Columbus Zoo showcases the speed of its resident cheetahs in a 10-minute demonstration, while the Cincinnati Zoo turns its cheetah show into a 30-minute production, incorporating other animals such as a warthog and serval. The Cincinnati Zoo also offers a bird show, while the Columbus Zoo provides more opportunities for animal interactions, including giraffe and lorikeet feedings, stingray feedings, and a goat petting area.

Cost and Hours

The Cincinnati Zoo is generally more affordable, with a family of four paying around $42 for admission, compared to the Columbus Zoo’s $50 for the same family. The Cincinnati Zoo is open from 10 am to 5 pm, while the Columbus Zoo is open from 9 am to 7 pm, offering visitors more time to explore the exhibits.

Conclusion

Both the Columbus Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo offer unique and exciting experiences for visitors, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The Columbus Zoo is larger, has more exhibits, and provides more opportunities for animal interactions, while the Cincinnati Zoo is more affordable and has a larger collection of animals. Ultimately, the choice between the two zoos will depend on your personal preferences and the specific experiences you’re looking for in a zoo visit.

References

Leave a Comment