CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was just named the best zoo in the U.S.
The Queen City’s zoo earned the No. 1 spot in the Best Zoo category of USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers’ Choice poll, according to our news partners at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati.
Per the poll, North America is home to “hundreds of zoological parks, including more than 200 facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).”
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The zoo’s botanical garden took home the second place spot in the Best Botanical Garden category. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida, was named first place in that category, WCPO reported.
After USA Today travel experts select 20 top nominees, the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards are picked based on reader votes. The overall awards cover everything from food and lodging to travel gear and things to do.
“It’s wonderful to be recognized for being a great zoo and a great botanical garden,” said Thane Maynard, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden director, WCPO reported.” The zoo is a special place to Cincinnatians and visitors alike, and we want to thank everyone who voted for us in both categories.”
The Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the U.S. — the Zoological Society of Cincinnati began in 1873 and the zoo officially opened its doors in 1875.