Fodor's Expert Review Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Famous for its white Bengal tigers, this is one of the country's most respected zoological institutions. In 1999 it was one of three facilities outside of Florida to be allowed to take in Florida manatees; the mammals can be observed at the Manatee Springs exhibit. The zoo is also home to walruses, lowland gorillas, polar bears, and Sumatran rhinos, for which it has the world's only successful captive breeding program. Rhino Emi gave birth to an unprecedented third calf in captivity in 2007. In summer there are animal shows and camel and train rides. The zoo is open evenings from mid-November to early January for its annual Festival of Lights. Be sure to put on your sneakers; there are a lot of hills in Cincinnati, and they all seem to be here. Follow the paw-print signs off I–75 Exit 6 or I–71 Exit 5, the Dana Avenue exit.