Author Topic: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Read 25448 times)

buildingcincinnati · « **on:** August 02, 2004, 02:09:48 AM »

This is very big news, and spotlights the Cincinnati Zoo's continuing excellence in its captive breeding program. The article appeared in the 7/31/04 Cincinnati Enquirer:

Zoo's Emi gives birth to a daughter
Rare Sumatran rhino makes history
By Dan Klepal Enquirer staff writer

After just 47 minutes of labor Friday afternoon, the most endangered mammal on the planet numbers one more. Emi, the Cincinnati Zoo's Sumatran rhino, gave birth at 12:51 p.m. inside her indoor stall at the zoo. Mother and daughter are doing fine, zoo officials said.

The birth is historic: There are fewer than 300 Sumatran rhinos in the world, and it's the first time a female has given birth twice in captivity, thanks to methods pioneered by scientists at the zoo's Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports on the full story.

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2005, 09:55:05 AM »

This hasn't been in the news and it's not even on the zoo's website. But it looks like they have applied for a permit to build a $22 million animal hospital at/around 3400 Vine St.

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #2 on:** June 05, 2005, 03:27:55 AM »

The New Zoo
Cincinnati landmark plans $40 million expansion
By Dan Klepal Enquirer staff writer

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, a 130-year-old city landmark and the nation's second-oldest zoo, is set to begin raising money for its most expensive and ambitious expansion in history. And perhaps its most important. Zoo officials have crafted a $40 million plan that is meant to shape the park's personality and future for decades.

They'll begin raising the money this fall to pay for a new entrance way into the park, a new one-of-a-kind cheetah exhibit, and expansions of four displays that demonstrate the scientific work at the zoo to save animals from extinction. The improvements, zoo officials say, will further establish the zoo as a leader in conservation of endangered animals and a top-shelf educational center.

Read full article here:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050605/NEWS01/506050396

jmecklenborg · « **Reply #3 on:** June 05, 2005, 04:24:51 PM »

I used to live in an apartment that is going to be razed for all this -- I think this plan is fallout too from whenever that levy failed back in the 90's when they planned a parking garage on Dury Ave. and/or tore down some houses. Even after the zoo claims its current parking lot for exhibit space it still has a lot more potential space because all those houses right along Vine back directly into the zoo's exhibits. I remember walking past there and you could frequently smell the rhino crap from the Vine sidewalk. Also, exactly one time a roommate's girlfriend heard one of the elephants sound its trumpet but otherwise living next to the zoo was pretty uneventful.

AddisonJM · « **Reply #4 on:** June 06, 2005, 03:26:06 AM »

I think this is awesome. I just moved back to Cincinnati and got a family pass. We've taken the kids every weekend. While the zoo is great, it does lack some indoor exhibits that Columbus and Louisville have, such as the indoor Gorilla Sanctuary at Gorilla Forest in Louisville. Overall the zoo is one of the best in the country and I would love to support making it even better.

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2005, 04:38:48 AM »

The new zoo
By Mark Hansel Post staff reporter

A man in a steel cage looks on eagerly as gorillas emerge from the trees and begin to mill around him. Like sharks in the ocean, the hulking primates move toward the cage and then veer off, occasionally rocking it with their massive bodies as they pass. The man observes the actions of the great beasts and relays information to his partner waiting at a nearby observation post.

The scene is not from an African wildlife film. It is a new approach to entertaining and educating zoo visitors. While specific plans for the gorilla "shark cage" are still being worked out, the Cincinnati Zoo hopes to unveil it soon. "This is another step in the evolution of zoos," said John Dinon, director of animal conservation programs for the zoo.

Read full article here:
http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050801/NEWS01/508010360

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2006, 01:24:54 PM »

Here are some renderings by glaserworks of the $8.2 million education center, which is mentioned in the story link in the first post "More room for them...." This is supposed to open some time in the second half of 2006.

The photos appear to be from some time in October, maybe, or possibly early November. I think they were posted November 28.

Plan:

Renderings of north and south elevations:

East elevation:

East elevation - conservatory:

North elevation:

South elevation:

http://www.glaserworks.com/www2/Current/index.cgi?mode=album&album=Zoo%20Education

ColDayMan · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2006, 08:09:53 PM »

A lipstick?

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2006, 12:05:50 PM »

New at the Zoo
Bigger hospital means better care for animals; education center means study opportunities for you
BY JIM KNIPPENBERG | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is approaching the home stretch of the first phase of an unprecedented building boom that will forever change the face of the 130-year-old institution. It's a boom that will mean better animal care, more extensive research and a major boost of community involvement in zoo projects and conservation efforts.

"This year is seeing the most capital improvements at any one time in the zoo's history," said zoo president Gregg Hudson. He's referring to more than $12 million in projects, including a $4 million hospital to open early May, and an $8.4 million education center that will be ready in September. Both projects began last fall and are on schedule.

Read full article here:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060327/LIFE/603270309/1025/

UncleRando · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2006, 02:54:49 PM »

I havent been to the zoo in awhile. However, I have been trying to make time to make my return to one of the greatest zoos in the US. I love the plans for improvement/expansion. Combine this with the rest of the renaisance occuring Uptown and you will see a truly great product.

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #10 on:** July 18, 2006, 11:10:14 AM »

Zoo goes green on inside, too
Education center sports flora, fauna, energy efficiency
Cincinnati Business Courier - July 14, 2006
by Laura Baverman Staff Reporter

When the Cincinnati Zoo's Harold C. Schott Education Center opens this fall, children will roam the 55-foot tall greenhouse, gaze at toucans flying wild and learn about the features that make the building environmentally friendly.

A display along the building's Erkenbrecher Avenue interior describes the energy efficiency created by its solar panels and reflective roof, the re-use of the zoo's old white oak tree for wood trim and benches and the cost savings of installing waterless urinals.

Read full article here:
http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2006/07/17/focus1.html

gaslight · « **Reply #11 on:** July 18, 2006, 01:25:07 PM »

"And despite the zoo's water being provided free by the city of Cincinnati, it installed waterless urinals and used low-flow plumbing fixtures to send the message of conservation to the public."

Bravo

David · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2006, 01:30:06 PM »

Conservation message? Probably more like lack of funds for something more intricate.

gaslight · « **Reply #13 on:** July 18, 2006, 02:07:27 PM »

^ but its actually more expensive to install the things that the zoo installed
In an effort to be more conservative with natural resources.

buildingcincinnati · « **Reply #14 on:** August 23, 2006, 02:12:38 PM »

School's a zoo
Cincinnati Public Schools' Zoo Academy is different kind of animal
BY JIM KNIPPENBERG | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

Come 8 a.m. Wednesday, "back to school" for most students means a quick stint in homeroom, then a sprint to English or algebra class. But for students at the Zoo Academy, it means a sprint to give an elephant a bath. Or assist with a sonogram on a pregnant rhino. Or clean up a mound of dung.

The Zoo Academy is a fully accredited Cincinnati Public School in the zoo's new $8.4 million Harold C. Schott Education Center. At the southern edge of zoo grounds near the corner of Vine Street and Erkenbrecher Avenue, the state-of-the-art facility is the zoo's most expensive building project. Home of the Academy and several public attractions, it has its "soft opening" this week for students and for the public on Sept. 5, followed by a dedication and grand opening Oct. 5.

Read full article here:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060822/LIFE/608220317/1086

UncleRando · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2007, 01:05:15 AM »

Zoo wants new $38 million levy; panel advises asking $36.3M
BY JESSICA BROWN | November 27, 2007

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden got the green light Monday from the county panel that reviews tax levies to put a five-year, $36.3 million levy on the March ballot. The zoo, however, is hoping to get more than that. It is requesting $38 million.

"We run a tight ship," said Thane Maynard, the zoo's executive director. "But expenses go up." Discussions are continuing and Hamilton County commissioners are expected to vote on a levy amount Dec. 5 or Dec. 10. Maynard and zoo board Chairman Otto Budig Jr. said the zoo has made significant changes over the past year to cut costs and increase revenue. The zoo is more efficient than it has been in years, but still needs those tax dollars to fund operations, they said.

Read full article here:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071127/NEWS01/711270348/1056/COL02

thomasbw · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2007, 01:13:42 AM »

the zoo's economic impact per year is something like $122,000,000 so I think 0.42 mils is a pretty reasonable

UncleRando · « **Reply #17 on:** December 10, 2007, 01:57:27 PM »

Commissioners set to approve zoo levy
December 10, 2007 | CINCINNATI BUSINESS COURIER

A five-year levy proposal that will raise $36.3 million for the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is headed for formal approval by the Hamilton County Commissioners. Commissioner David Pepper said Monday that all three commissioners voiced their approval for the levy, which was given the go-ahead in late November by the Hamilton County tax levy review committee.

Read full article here:
http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2007/12/10/daily11.html

dmbfanatpsu · « **Reply #18 on:** December 14, 2007, 12:27:57 AM »

I love the Cincinnati Zoo and it's always a big hit with my out of town guest, esp. the younger ones. I'm all for the levy.

BallHatGuy · « **Reply #19 on:** December 14, 2007, 01:05:36 AM »

Totally for it.

UncleRando · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2008, 02:33:11 PM »

Going green with 'zoo poop'
BY JIM KNIPPENBERG | January 18, 2008

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has launched a project that will turn one of its most abundant natural resources into energy. Poop. There are no specific numbers on how much it will save the zoo in energy costs, but the team working on the project says it will be tens of thousands of dollars annually at the outset and more as the program progresses.

In about two years, when the plan is fully implemented, the elephant and giraffe houses will be heated, cooled and lit by animal waste converted to energy. At least two other zoos – Denver and Dallas – are in the beginning stages of similar projects.

Poo Power, as the senior staff is calling it, is one phase of Go Green, a multi-tiered initiative that informally began in 2005 with a water-saving project and construction of the Harold C. Schott Education Center aimed at making Cincinnati one of the country’s greenest zoos, said Mark Fisher, senior director of facilities and planning.

Read full article here:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080118/NEWS01/301180088

Sherman Cahal · « **Reply #21 on:** January 18, 2008, 03:12:32 PM »

POOP!

oakiehigh · « **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2008, 08:50:13 AM »

Ha Ha!

thomasbw · « **Reply #23 on:** March 31, 2008, 01:22:05 PM »

Now a Gold Zoo member, which means I get free parking, but live about .5 mi from the zoo so I don't really need it, It was a nice gift though

UncleRando · « **Reply #24 on:** June 23, 2008, 03:41:19 PM »

Also Giraffes are back at the Zoo with their new/improved area where you can actually feed them yourself.

ForTheLoveOfDayton · « **Reply #25 on:** June 23, 2008, 03:46:49 PM »

Great zoo

UncleRando · « **Reply #26 on:** July 23, 2008, 05:46:31 AM »

Zoo gets funds for cat-breeding center
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080723/NEWS01/307230040/1055/NEWS

UncleRando · « **Reply #27 on:** October 03, 2008, 06:43:31 AM »

Cincinnati Zoo wins federal research grant

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden’s Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) has won a National Leadership Grant to research breeding programs for rhinoceroses and small cats. The $835,000 grant, from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, will allow CREW to continue with its efforts to incorporate genome resource banks and assisted reproduction into the breeding and management of the endangered species.

Read full article here:
http://cincinnati.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/stories/2008/09/29/daily50.html

jmecklenborg · « **Reply #28 on:** October 03, 2008, 10:19:06 AM »

New entrance looks hideous.

so it goes · « **Reply #29 on:** October 03, 2008, 10:23:48 AM »

it's not done...

UncleRando · « **Reply #30 on:** October 04, 2008, 04:08:10 AM »

It's like they're re-digging the Panama Canal over there. It's a complete mess...I wonder what the need was?

Johio · « **Reply #31 on:** October 04, 2008, 04:52:56 AM »

Quote from: jmecklenborg on October 03, 2008, 10:19:06 AM

New entrance looks hideous.

I'm assuming you mean the Vine St. entrance...not the vehicular one off of Dury?

so it goes · « **Reply #32 on:** October 10, 2008, 07:30:36 AM »

I stopped by the zoo last Friday and have some interesting tidbits:
1) The full plan for the new entrance is posted by the Elephant House. I hadn't seen this before. It has new membership, admission and shop buildings. Which I'd imagine means those buildings at the current main entrance will be demoed for new exhibits (more on this later). It doesn't look like they're going to do much with the massive retaining wall... bummer.
2) The Iams Animal Wellness Village in front of CREW is almost complete. Hopefully this means higher visibility for all the amazing conservation work happening at the zoo.
3) The new rain gardens look pretty good, they're in the parking lot in front of the new Education Center. One is mostly local species, the other has a mix of local and exotic species. They hope to have more info (pamphlets, classes, etc.) on them soon.
4) While I was checking out the rain gardens I bumped into a couple girls from the Cat Ambassador program. I asked about plans for the current main parking lot once the entrance is shifted and they tell me it's going to be turned into an African Savannah. Which I think sounds awesome. The cheetahs will have an expanded area for running and hanging out (since the current run is more of an afterthought than an exhibit) and it should help the giraffe exhibit, since right now its basically part of the parking lot.

JoeL · « **Reply #33 on:** October 30, 2008, 05:56:49 AM »

I went to the Zoo for the first time a couple weeks ago, and to be perfectly honest, I was very disappointed given all the praise that people have given it.

In particular, does anyone know what happened to their cat house? It must have flooded, because it was filled with an extraordinary stench from moldy carpet. The smell was so oppressive that people instantly turned around to exit. Also, all the indoor plants - including a large tree - had died, and the facility looked like it hadn't been cleaned or updated since the 1980s. If it weren't for the animals on display, you would honestly assume that the building had been abandoned.

The worst part of all was that there wasn't any staff, or even a simple sign, explaining why their exhibit was in such unacceptable condition. I got the horrible feeling that it's been like this for awhile and they just don't care.

I'll give the zoo another chance once they finish the new entrance and convert the parking lot into a Savannah exhibit. Until then, I'm certainly going to suggest that people avoid it.

thomasbw · « **Reply #34 on:** October 30, 2008, 06:07:21 AM »

^that is a bit of an overreaction.

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Author Topic: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Read 25448 times)