Cincinnati Zoo: Future neighbor to PKI!

The Dayton Daily News had this story on the front page yesterday, (Saturday). Anybody who knows the area knows that the Cincy Zoo has always been cramped for space in a very rundown side of the city. Because of the layout of the land at the current site it's also a VERY hilly experience, so this will be good for them. This will also give them a leg to stand on against the Columbus Zoo.

No actual details have been given yet, but they do own a comparable amount of land to PKI. But reading into it they seem to want to do a more realistic experience for the animals, and visitors. I'm seeing something like BGT without coasters and rides on the property. But, it was mentioned that they want to keep daily attendance low, (now I'm thinking Discovery Cove @ Sea World Orlando).

Anyway, thought I'd pass this along. They're looking at 2010 as an opening. Will this be a plus for PKI in your minds? Do you think CZ will eventually, down the road take on a BGT concept and add rides? These are just thoughts going through my head.

Sounds like a great move. It will make that area even more of a tourist destination.

The idea of making the Kings Island area more of a tourist destination is intriguing, no doubt. However, I'm not entirely sure I'm crazy about the idea. Sure the current location of the zoo is kind of run down, but having the zoo where it is brings in people which helps it from getting completely run down. There's also a lot of history you would be messing with there. Anyway, why not use the zoo as a catylist to help revitalize the area? Buy up some of the run down commercial and residental areas nearby and expand? It could have a dramatic affect on that area. Don't believe me? Look at Clifton, and what the University of Cincinnati has done to help revitalize that area. Talk about a face lift in progress, wow!

Besides, I guess I'm one who believes that the Cincinnati Zoo should be in... well... Cincinnati. Might as well call it the Cincinnati Zoo and Botannical Gardens of Mason. Rank that one right up there with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

*** Edited 5/23/2005 3:26:56 PM UTC by Danimales***

Or the Columbus Zoo of Powell. I like the location of the Cincinnati Zoo. It's interesting to me to see the integration of different elements into the urban environment. A lot of the charm would be lost if if became a stop off I-71.

But taking care of the animals is the most important thing and I would like to see some larger habitats for them.

According to the article, the new facility isn't replacing the "mother" zoo (as the zoo spokesperson described it.) This will be a second facility, more "safari-like" in nature to do things that they can't at the main zoo. The Columbus Zoo operates a facility called "The Wilds" in Eastern Ohio (between Zanesville and Cambridge) that is a safari park. (In that case however, the Columbus Zoo didn't build the park--they just took over after the original group couldn't make it viable...)

I'm not really familiar enough with the area to get a good idea where the zoo's 528 acres are in relation to PKI...

Joel *** Edited 5/23/2005 3:58:03 PM UTC by JZarley***

You know, I am excited about this possibility. The area around PKI is sure to become a great destination with the addition of the Great Bear Lodge and now this.

Someone beat me to it, but the article clearly states that this would not replace the existing zoo. Rather, it would act as a sattelite facility. Since well over half of the zoo's annual passholder live in the Mason area, it's a great idea.

I would suspect that the land may be that next to King's Island where the former Kings Mills Outlet Mall used to be located. Probably the vacant lands behind that and along the I-71 corridoor. Or it may be that located down Kings Mills Road near the Golf Center.

Imagine a more safari type area, that would enable larger animals to roam more freely, while guests could be "trucked" out to see them. Very cool, very BGT.

For years KI operated the Wild Animal Habitat very successfully. It closed only when Paramount took over and corprorate decided that revenue was not worth the investment it was to require for an overhaul.

Bottom line, the zoo would protect some of the lands that housing developments are clamoring for around the park. This would help create a destination... which I am all for... and would help thwart more residential develpmental plans near the park.

Shaggy

Like Danimales, I'm not entirely crazy about the idea...yet. More details will have to come out first showing exact intentions, and location, ect.

More power to them. As far as the zoo's current location their continually trying to improve it. In the last couple of years they've really focused on the giants of Africa area, (Elephants, Giraffes, ect.). Now, they've moved across the street near the old entrance. I've got no idea what they have in the works, could just be additional parking for all I know.

But, having been to every major zoo for about 200+ miles, I have to say competition is fierce! Cincy has to do something to keep from slipping too far behind. Columbus, Cleveland, Toledo, Louisville, and Indianapolis ALL having projects either nearing completion, or in the works. And they all are doing things to preserve & prolong the animals futures.

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Floorless Fan said:But reading into it they seem to want to do a more realistic experience for the animals, and visitors. I'm seeing something like BGT without coasters and rides on the property.

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More like AK, it has the realistic experience and no rides! :D

j/k

Also, Floorless, what's Cleveland's current plan, a replacement for the bird building? I miss the bird building..... :(