Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Up for Best Zoo AND Best Botanical Garden – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Vote in both categories in USA TODAY’s 10Best 2026 Awards Poll
CINCINNATI (February 19, 2026) – Since 2019, voters in USA TODAY’s 10Best Awards have placed Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in the top five in the Best Zoo category every year and have ranked it #1 three times. In 2024, the Zoo’s botanical garden took the top spot in the Best Botanical Garden category. The Zoo is asking the Cincinnati community help put us at the top by voting daily for the next 17 days.
“Our friends and followers have been so supportive over the years. They are the reason that we’ve been recognized as a great Zoo AND a great Botanical Garden,” said Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden vice president of business operations Chad Yelton. “We are known around the world for being home to Fiona the hippo and other charismatic animals, and we’re so happy that our botanical garden is also starting to get the attention it deserves.”
See for yourself why Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the best and be sure to vote to help the Zoo and Botanical Garden win the top spots this year! The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. For more information visit www.cincinnatizoo.org.