U.S. News Names 2 Ohio Zoos Among Best In Nation

We love a good zoo as much as anyone. And while folks in the Cincinnati and Columbus may not be shy about their fondness for their zoos, it’s always nice to get some national recognition. That’s exactly what happened this week when U.S. News & World Report listed both zoos among the 30 best in America.

Here's what the publication said about The Wilds, in Cumberland:

"The Wilds was founded in 1984 when the Central Ohio Coal Company gifted nearly 10,000 acres of surface-mined land to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Zookeeper and TV host Jack Hanna helped develop the plot of land roughly 75 miles southeast of downtown Columbus into a large educational preserve that complements the main zoo. For a thrilling twist to wildlife viewing, book a horseback or zip line safari. Adults can prolong their stays by reserving private yurts at the Nomad Ridge camp, where binoculars are available to watch passing animals like rhinos and red-tailed hawks. The adults-only camp is open seasonally from May through October."

And here's what they said about the Cincinnati Zoo:

"Open in Cincinnati's Avondale neighborhood since 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo uses the latest techniques to engage visitors with its nearly 2,000 animals. Check out the animal footprints on each pathway and guess which animals can be seen next, or ride the colorful Safari Train past various habitats. The latter is one of the zoo's most popular attractions, so be sure to arrive early to avoid long wait times. Favorite activities include Penguin Parades (events on select days below 50 degrees where you can follow king penguins to the Wings of the World birdhouse), as well as the Cheetah Encounter and the Blakely's Barnyard Bonanza show in the children's zoo."

Sadly the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo didn't quite make the cut.

Other zoos that made the list: The Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Memphis Zoo in Tennessee, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and the Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona.

The Alaska Zoo, which has rescued abandoned and injured animals, features a facility dedicated to teaching visitors about climate change, the report said. It also promotes bear conservation.

Those who enjoy imbibing adult drinks will love the Memphis Zoo, which hosts conservation fundraisers including Pints for Pangolins, Wine for Rhinos and Beers for Bears. Because nothing says “I support animals” like tipping back a few boozy beverages.

Being named one of the 30 best zoos in the country is no small feat. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit that represents such facilities across the globe, there are 215 accredited zoos and aquariums in 45 states and Washington, D.C.

Those accredited organizations contributed more than $22.5 billion to the U.S. economy in 2016.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report.