Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures facts for kids

Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. National Historic Landmark
Reptile House
Location in Ohio Show map of Ohio Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio
Area	Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built	1880 (1880)
Architect	James W. McLaughlin
Architectural style	East Indian Temple
NRHP reference No.	87000905
Quick facts for kids Significant dates
Added to NRHP	February 27, 1987
Designated NHL	February 27, 1987

The Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures are a group of very old and important buildings at the Cincinnati Zoo in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. These buildings were officially named a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 1987. This means they are special places recognized for their history.

The Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest zoo in the United States. It first opened its doors to visitors in September 1875. The zoo is famous for its many different animals and for helping rare and endangered species. It was once home to Martha, the very last passenger pigeon in the world.

Zoo History and Old Buildings

The Cincinnati Zoo has a long and interesting history. When it first opened in 1875, it started with animals collected by Andrew Erkenbrecker. He was a big bird collector who wanted to create the country's first zoological gardens. His collection included many birds, different types of monkeys, and even an elephant he bought from a circus!

Some of the zoo's oldest buildings were once part of a group called the "Cincinnati Zoo District" in 1975. This group included the Aviary, the Monkey House, and the Elephant House. Later, in 1987, the Monkey House and the Elephant House were chosen as part of the "Cincinnati Zoo Historic Structures" and became National Historic Landmarks.

The Elephant House

An elephant at the Elephant House

The Elephant House was built in 1902. It was designed to look like buildings from India, with tall towers called minarets and a big dome with windows. It was meant to remind people of famous places like the Taj Mahal. This building is made of concrete and is about 150 feet long and 75 feet tall.

Many zoos used to build animal houses in styles that matched where the animals came from. The Elephant House was one of the last buildings in the U.S. to be built this way. Architects Elzner and Anderson designed it, and it was placed on the highest hill at the zoo.

The Reptile House

The Reptile House is a very old building at the zoo. It was originally built as the Monkey House around 1880. It has a round shape and a Moorish Revival style, which means it looks like buildings from North Africa and Spain.

This building was designed by James W. McLaughlin. It has a large dome that is over 40 feet high. Many windows and skylights let in lots of sunlight. It also has fancy Corinthian columns. In 1951, the building was changed to house reptiles, and it has been the Reptile House ever since. Zoo historians believe it is the oldest zoo building still standing in the United States!