Crisp air, vibrant changing leaves, and clear autumn skies; there is truly no better time to live in or explore Clifton! Whether you are strolling down Ludlow Avenue with a warm coffee or taking a quick hop down the road, this season brings some of the best activities of the year to our doorstep.
🍁 Perfect Autumn Days at the Cincinnati Zoo
Located just minutes down the street from Clifton, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an absolute highlight this time of year. The crisp fall weather makes for ideal walking conditions: cool enough to keep you comfortable, yet warm enough to enjoy every step.
Plus, the Zoo is fully decked out for autumn!
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Jack O’Lantern Glow: Pumpkins and festive decorations line the pathways throughout the park, making for fantastic photo ops during daytime walks or evening after-hours strolls.
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PNC Festival of Lights Ahead: Keep your calendar open—the famous Zoo Lights are just around the corner, marking the shift into late fall and winter magic!
🦒 Baby Watch: Tessa’s Historic Giraffe Birth
If you haven't been keeping an eye on the Zoo's updates, history is currently in the making! For the first time ever, the Zoo is livestreaming an animal birth as giraffe mom Tessa prepares to welcome her fifth calf.
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Watch Live Below: Catch all the action right inside the Clifton Connect app! We have embedded both the indoor and outdoor cameras directly below so you can watch for the big arrival in real time.
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Name the Baby! After the calf arrives, the Zoo is launching a special giraffe ADOPT program. Anyone who adopts the baby will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win naming rights for the newest addition!
🌊 Welcome Smidge, Tuglet, and Zimomo!
Giraffes aren't the only ones making headlines. The Zoo also just welcomed three rescued orphaned manatees—Smidge, Tuglet, and Zimomo—to Manatee Springs!
Transferred from SeaWorld Orlando, this trio is continuing their rehabilitation in Cincinnati through the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership before eventually returning to Florida’s native waters. Pop into Manatee Springs during your fall visit to wish them well on their journey!
🕒 Visitor Information & Quick Tips
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Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Members get early entry at 9:00 AM!).
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App Tip: Download the Zoo's mobile app with GPS navigation to guide you straight to Giraffe Ridge and Manatee Springs.
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Neighborhood Pro-Tip: Skip long drives and traffic—take advantage of our neighborhood proximity and make a quick morning walk or afternoon outing out of it!
To see the latest updates on Tessa or watch the livestream directly, check out the video coverage on the Cincinnati Zoo Giraffe Birth Watch, or go straight to the indoor stream or outdoor stream.