Julie and I have visited the Cincinnati Zoo more times than we can count, and even we are surprised by how much has changed recently. If you are wondering what’s new at the Cincinnati Zoo this year, the answer is quite a lot. Between major exhibit openings, new species, expanded events, and fresh conservation initiatives, the zoo has been busier than many visitors realize. If you have not been in a while, 2026 is a great time to return.
This guide highlights what is new, what has been updated, and what is worth seeing on your next visit.
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1. Elephant Trek (Opened Late 2024, Still a Must-See in 2026)
Elephant Trek officially opened in October 2024, but it still feels new for most visitors. The five-acre habitat is one of the largest in the country and gives the zoo’s herd of eight Asian elephants room to roam, socialize, and explore.
Julie and I love this exhibit. Elephants have always been one of my favorite animals, and it is a relief to see them in such a spacious, natural setting. During the Festival of Lights, we watched the elephants feeding and playing together. One trumpeted loudly before three of them took off in a short race. It was one of those moments that stays with you.
If you want help planning which animals to prioritize, check out my guide to the must-see animals at the Cincinnati Zoo.
2. Siamang Point and New Species (Opened April 2025)
In April 2025, the zoo opened Siamang Point, an expansion of Elephant Trek that introduced several new species to the public. This area features Asian small-clawed otters, Siamang gibbons, and rhinoceros hornbills.
These species share a beautifully landscaped habitat that feels immersive and lively. The otters are playful, the gibbons are vocal and energetic, and the hornbills add a striking visual presence. It is a great stop for families and photographers.
3. Bear Ridge (Opened Late 2025, New for 2026 Visitors)
Bear Ridge opened in October 2025 and is still new for most visitors in 2026. The habitat is home to Hazel and Juniper, two orphaned American black bear cubs that arrived at the zoo last fall. Hazel is brown, and Juniper is black, making them easy to tell apart as they climb, splash in the waterfall, and explore their new space.
The exhibit features multiple viewing areas, a cave window, and a redwood‑tree tunnel that plays woodpecker sounds as you walk through. A short Adventure Trail above the habitat includes rockwork, hidden animal statues, and a rope bridge that feels like a mini hike. The space also includes an Indigenous peoples and places acknowledgment created with input from Miami University’s Myaamia Center.
Because black bears are cold‑tolerant, you may see the cubs outside even during the winter months.
4. Sea Otter Coast (Opened November 2025, New for 2026 Visitors)
Sea Otter Coast opened in late November 2025 and will be a fresh experience for most visitors in 2026. The habitat features sea otters in a space designed to highlight North American species and their cold‑weather adaptations. Like Bear Ridge, it reflects the zoo’s shift toward immersive, naturalistic habitats that encourage climbing, swimming, and playful behavior.
Because sea otters tolerate cold well, visitors may see them outside even in winter. Sea Otter Coast opened shortly after Bear Ridge and adds another engaging stop along the zoo’s North American species corridor.
With the major new habitats covered, here’s a look at the events and seasonal programs happening throughout 2026.
5. Events and Experiences in 2026
Most of the zoo’s 2026 events are returning favorites, but there are a few updates and special programs worth planning around.
2026 Zoo Events
- Winter Discount Days — January 5 to March 1
- After Glow — January 9, 5:00 to 10:00 pm
- Landscaping for the Homeowner — February 4 to March 4
- Galentine’s Day Brunch — February 14, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
- Barrows Conservation Lectures — March 18 to April 29
- Tunes and Blooms — Thursdays in April, 6:00 to 8:30 pm
- Easter Celebration — April 4, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
- Zootanical — April 10, 5:30 to 9:00 pm
- Bourbon Flights — May 7, 7:00 to 10:00 pm
- Zoo Golf — May 11
- Mother’s Day — Moms traditionally receive free admission
- Zoo La La — June 26
- Reds Day at the Zoo — July 6, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Wild About Wine — August 6, 7:00 to 10:00 pm
- Zoofari — September 18, 7:00 to 11:00 pm
- Zoo Brew — October 1, 7:00 to 10:00 pm
- HallZOOween — October 10–11, 17–18, 25–26, and 31–November 1, 12:00 to 5:00 pm
Because many events repeat annually, the notes below focus on the programs with new updates or helpful details for planning a visit this year.
After Glow
After Glow debuted in early 2025 and returns on January 9, 2026, as an adults-only evening event from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. The zoo describes it as a final chance to enjoy the PNC Festival of Lights atmosphere without the crowds.
Winter Discount Days
From January 5 through March 1, visitors can enjoy discounted admission during Winter Discount Days. Tickets start as low as $9 for adults and $6 for children on select days. It is a great time to learn about winter-hardy animals and how they adapt to the cold.
Galentine’s Day Brunch
New for 2026, the zoo is introducing a Galentine’s Day Brunch set against the backdrop of Elephant Trek. The event takes place on February 14 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and features a brunch spread, a signature cocktail, themed activities, and special animal moments. It’s a fun way to celebrate friendship in mid‑February.
If you’d like a deeper look at the event, I put together a full guide with everything you need to know.
Barrows Conservation Lectures
The annual Barrows Conservation Lecture Series returns from March 18 to April 29, and this year includes a special appearance from leaders with the Wildlife Network Initiative (WNI). Their visit offers a rare chance for guests to hear firsthand stories from the field and learn about current conservation work in Tanzania.
Tunes and Blooms
Tunes and Blooms returns on Thursday evenings in April with free live music set among the peak of Zoo Blooms. Thousands of tulips, hyacinths, and flowering trees create a colorful backdrop for the concerts, making April one of the most vibrant times to visit.
HallZOOween
HallZOOween takes place on select October weekends and remains one of the zoo’s most popular fall traditions. Families can enjoy trick‑or‑treat stations, costumed characters, and seasonal activities throughout the park as the fall colors arrive.
Festival of Lights Updates
The 2025 holiday season featured an increase from four million to five million lights and earned the top spot in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Zoo Lights for the eighth consecutive year. The 2026 season promises even more lanterns and expanded displays.
If you are planning a holiday visit, you can explore my guide to the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights.
6. New Babies and Animal Updates
Baby animals are always a highlight at the Cincinnati Zoo, and even those born in late 2024 or 2025 still feel new to most visitors in 2026. If you have not visited recently, you may be seeing some of these youngsters for the first time.
One of the biggest arrivals of 2025 was Mboka Jo, a western lowland gorilla born on September 20 to twelve‑year‑old Gladys. His name means “community” or “village” in Lingala, a nod to the region where his species lives. Mboka Jo has quickly become a guest favorite, and it’s common to see a crowd gathered to watch him cling to Gladys or explore his surroundings.
Other recent arrivals include Zola, Lulu, and Kiara, a trio of cheetah cubs who are part of the zoo’s ambassador program. You may spot them during a random animal encounter around the zoo or on the zoo’s social media channels. The zoo will share updates once they are on a regular public schedule.
Daisy, a bonobo born on September 8, 2024, continues to grow and explore with her troop. Maple, a lesser kudu born on October 20, 2024, can often be seen in the savannah area of the Africa habitat.
The zoo also celebrates its youngest residents each spring during the annual Zoo Babies event in May, which is a fun time to visit if you want to see the newest additions and learn more about their care. Julie especially loves this time of year. She never misses a chance to see the newest zoo babies, and it has become one of our favorite traditions each spring.
7. New Landscaping and Garden Additions
The zoo had a landmark year for landscaping and gardening in 2025, with major updates focused on wildlife-friendly plantings and pollinator support. Visitors will notice refreshed garden areas, new plantings around Elephant Trek, and seasonal displays that continue to evolve.
Zoo Blooms in April remains one of the most impressive spring floral events in the region, with tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and flowering trees creating a colorful backdrop for your visit.
8. Conservation Initiatives and What’s Coming Soon
The zoo has several important conservation projects and future plans taking shape in 2026.
Giraffe Tower Project
The zoo will soon begin construction on a new Giraffe Tower habitat that will expand the space for the giraffe herd. This project also supports conservation efforts in Tanzania through the WNI. In 2026, the zoo will host a Tanzania Hoffman Coexistence Fellow who will conduct research and community work in the field.
Barrows Lecture Series
WNI leaders will also take part in the 2026 Barrows Lecture Series, sharing insights that reflect the zoo’s long‑term conservation partnership in Tanzania. Their involvement underscores the growing collaboration behind the upcoming Giraffe Tower project and the work of the Tanzania Hoffman Coexistence Fellow.
Leadership Transition
The zoo’s longtime director, Thane Maynard, will transition to a new role as Executive Chair of the Board in 2026, with Dave Jenike stepping in as the new director. This shift marks a new chapter for the zoo’s long-term planning and conservation goals.
FAQ
Here are a few common questions visitors have as they plan a trip this year.
Elephant Trek opened in late 2024, so it is still new to most visitors. The habitat continues to evolve with new landscaping and expanded viewing areas.
Visitors can see Hazel and Juniper, two American black bear cubs that arrived in 2025 and now live in the new Bear Ridge habitat. Siamang Point also introduced Asian small-clawed otters, Siamang gibbons, and rhinoceros hornbills in 2025. You may also see young animals born in 2025 and 2026 during your visit.
Bear Ridge opened in October 2025 and is the newest completed habitat, home to two American black bear cubs named Hazel and Juniper. Sea Otter Coast opened shortly after, in late November 2025, and will be new to most visitors in 2026. The Giraffe Tower project is the next major habitat on the horizon.
Featured image credit: Miles with McConkey
