The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Cincinnati Zoological Gardens

CINCINNATI ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Mr. Andrew Erkenbrecher, were opened to the public 18 Sept. 1875. There existed in the city a society of acclimatization, and it was at a meeting of this body, 30 June 1873, that the matter of instituting a zoological park was first agitated, followed by the formation of an influential stock company. The gardens embrace 60 acres of ground diversified with valleys and undulating plains, covered with verdure and tree growth, about three miles from Fountain Square, the city centre, in a group of picturesque hills in a charming suburb. The collection of animals averages over 500 mammals, 1,200 birds and 125 reptiles, including fine specimens of lion, buffalo, polar bear, giraffe, zebu, elephant, python and alligator. The condition of the collection, the attractive buildings, fine structures of pleasing designs erected in iron and stone, the exceptional beauty and taste of the landscape gardening, the general arrangement of the grounds, the care displayed and success achieved with the animals and birds, rank this institution as second to none. Under good management it has become a self-sustaining as well as an excellent paying proposition without any detriment to its valuable educational advantages.