Eastward Bound: Indianapolis & Cincinnati

Sumatran Orangutan - Indianapolis Zoo

Almost done with the recaps of the trips this year with a little weekend trip down to Indianapolis and Cincinnati! Both zoos had opened up major new exhibits since I last visited and it was exciting getting to check them out finally.

First was Indianapolis Zoo, which I've been to several times over the years. The zoo has a knack for unique exhibit design with the giant Orangutan tower and Dolphin dome and it's new attraction is the equally unique International Chimpanzee Center. Its a series of different elevated tunnels connecting several small interactive yards. While the concept is interesting, it seemed on my visit that the spaces for the animals were just a bit too man made and small. So unfortunately the first of the two new exhibits I drove to see wasn't exactly a smash hit.

I then drove down to Cincinnati and had enough time to check out the Newport Aquarium before calling it a night. It was a great little aquarium with some really rare species among its collection! I really enjoyed the oddball themed areas such as Frogs, the Ring of Fire and a Shark touch tank! Its a short but great visit that I can easily recommend.

Lastly was the incredible Cincinnati Zoo! The newest attraction is their Elephant Trek, dedicated to Asian Elephants and a few other animals of Southeast Asia. Now this was the grand new exhibit I was hoping for! The massive elephant barn, large yards for the pachyderms and amazing sightlines made for an amazing visit. There is great theming and the smaller habitats for Hornbills, Siamangs and Otters are also done well! It really is a great addition to the zoo! These visits were fun and checking in on zoos a few years down the line always reminds me how ever changing the field is. Now I only have one more trip to post before I'm caught up on the 2025 traveling season!