When planning a visit to the renowned Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, located on Vine Street in Cincinnati, OH, ensuring a positive experience for everyone is key. To help you prepare, it’s important to be aware of the zoo’s policies designed to maintain a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all guests, staff, animals, and plants. Understanding these guidelines in advance will contribute to a smooth and memorable trip to this beloved Cincinnati attraction.
Respect and Conduct at the Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying. This means all guests are expected to treat zoo staff and fellow visitors with kindness and respect. The use of foul, hurtful, or discriminatory language is strictly prohibited, as is any form of violence directed towards staff, other guests, the animals, or the botanical collections. Creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone is a top priority at this Cincinnati institution.
Smoke-Free Environment
To ensure a healthy and pleasant atmosphere for all, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a completely smoke-free and vape-free environment. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on zoo grounds. For any questions or to report violations of this policy, guests are encouraged to call 1-866-559-OHIO for assistance. This policy helps maintain the well-being of visitors, staff, and the delicate animal and plant collections.
Firearm Policy
The safety of all visitors and animals is paramount. Therefore, firearms are not allowed on the grounds of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This policy applies to everyone, regardless of whether an individual possesses a concealed carry permit. This measure is in place to ensure a secure and family-friendly environment within the zoo.
General Visitor Guidelines
Several other guidelines are in place to protect the animals, plants, and overall visitor experience. Guests are kindly asked not to feed the animals or disturb any of the botanical garden’s plants. For safety and convenience, bicycles, skates, Heelys, hoverboards, skateboards, roller blades, scooters, and portable radios are not permitted within the zoo. Visitors are required to stay on designated paths to protect habitats and ensure personal safety. Pets are not allowed on zoo grounds, even if left in vehicles, to safeguard the health and well-being of the zoo’s animal collection and prevent any potential disturbances. Appropriate attire is required at all times, meaning shirts and shoes must be worn.
Please note that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden remains open during inclement weather. As such, the zoo does not offer refunds or rainchecks due to weather conditions. Additionally, due to the specific needs of the animals, certain buildings or exhibits may sometimes close early. Your understanding of these operational aspects is appreciated.
Photography and Video Policies
Guests are welcome to capture their memories at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden through photos and videos for personal use. Feel free to share your zoo experiences with friends and family online using #CincyZooPic! However, the commercial use of photographs, video, and film taken at the Cincinnati Zoo is strictly prohibited without obtaining prior written consent from the zoo administration.
For professional filming or location shoots, film crews must contact the zoo in advance at [email protected] to arrange the video shoot and to discuss applicable fees for filming on location.
The use of drones is strictly forbidden on or above the Cincinnati Zoo for the safety of visitors and animals. This policy is in place to prevent any potential disturbances or hazards within the zoo environment.
By adhering to these policies, visitors contribute to maintaining the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden as a premier destination for wildlife conservation and botanical appreciation in Cincinnati, Ohio, located right on Vine Street. Enjoy your visit!
