Overview
The Cincinnati Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo are two of the most renowned zoos in the United States, offering visitors a diverse array of animal species, interactive exhibits, and educational experiences. As a zoo enthusiast, it’s essential to understand the unique features and offerings of these two zoos to determine which one best suits your interests and preferences.
Animal Collections
Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo is home to over 500 animal species, including some rare and endangered species like the Sumatran rhino and the Amur leopard. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, including the Africa exhibit with giraffes and lions, the Manatee Springs exhibit, and the Cat Canyon with big cats.
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the country, housing over 18,000 animals from 600 species. The zoo features a diverse range of animals, including penguins, polar bears, and red pandas, and has a strong focus on conservation and education.
Exhibits and Visitor Experience
Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo offers a variety of interactive experiences for visitors, such as the Giraffe Encounter, where visitors can feed giraffes, and the Kangaroo Walkabout, where visitors can walk among kangaroos. The zoo also boasts a beautiful botanical garden with over 3,000 plant species.
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo features a range of exhibits, including the Insectarium, the Herpetarium, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast. Visitors can also enjoy interactive experiences like the Sea Lion Sound exhibit and the River’s Edge exhibit with fish and otters.
Tickets and Prices
Cincinnati Zoo
General admission to the Cincinnati Zoo costs $25.95 for adults and $19.95 for children (2-12), with free admission for children under 2. Some special experiences, like the Giraffe Encounter and the Manatee Springs exhibit, may require additional fees.
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo offers free general admission, although there may be fees for special exhibits and experiences. The zoo also provides a variety of membership options for frequent visitors.
Conclusion
Both the Cincinnati Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo offer unique and engaging experiences for zoo enthusiasts. The Cincinnati Zoo is known for its diverse animal collection, interactive exhibits, and beautiful botanical garden, while the St. Louis Zoo boasts a larger animal collection, a strong focus on conservation, and a variety of exhibits. 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.