A Behind the Scenes Tour of the Toledo Zoo

I have to start out with a confession, I honestly didn’t really know if the Toledo Zoo could compare to my home zoo (Cincinnati Zoo) and I was pleasantly surprised that the Toledo Zoo exceeded my expectations. Our first visit to the Toledo Zoo began at the Aquarium with a Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Ron Fricke, deputy director of the Zoo.

The newly renovated aquarium has over 3,000 animals. The exhibit space has greatly increased from it’s previous design in the same 30,000 square foot space.

One of my favorite moments of the day was when we went behind the scenes to see the octopus tank from above. The best part was that we got to touch the octopus. His tentacles felt like little suction cups. It was equal parts awesome and creepy.

There are a variety of behind the scene tours that you can purchase at the Toledo Zoo that allow you to to get up close to your favorite animals.

We also loved watching the Galapagos Tortoise at the Reptile House.

There are over 9000 animals from over 750+ species from around the world which means that you are very likely to see some of your favorite animals here.

The 51 acre zoo is relatively flat which makes it easy for families with strollers or wagons.

For dinner, the boys and I ate at the cafe that was a former cat house. Guests can dine inside the former exhibit space.

If you visit during the winter, you will enjoy the gorgeous sites at night during Lights Before Christmas that has ranked in the top 10 list of Zoo light displays by USA Today.

If you visit in the warmer months, you can enjoy the new Aerial Adventure Course that is open Memorial Day to Labor Day that offers a challenge course, zipline, freeflight, quick drop and sky bridge. (*Reservations are recommended)

We enjoyed our winter visit to the Toledo Zoo. We would definitely recommend checking out this zoo year round. You can find out more about the Toledo Zoo from their website.

The Toledo Zoo is located at 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609.

 

Thanks to the Toledo Zoo and Destination Toledo for hosting our visit.