The Cincinnati Zoo opened to the public in September 1875 but the appearance of amusement rides didn’t debut until 1902 under the direction of Director Sol Stephen.

In 1902, a Gustav/Dentzel carousel was added for $11,000. Any additional rides at this time consisted of camel and elephant rides on the actual animals – what else would you expect from a zoo? The next addition of a traditional amusement park ride did not occur until 1918 when a PTC carousel was purchased to replace the original model. The PTC #45 carousel sported three rows and seated 48 riders.

By the early 1920’s, the Cincinnati Zoo featured a dance hall, ice skating rink, pony rides, concerts and regular fireworks, in addition to the growing array of animals. In 1924, a ride called the Beehive was introduced and advertised as “barrels of fun.” Apparently, the attraction did not meet expectations and was dropped the following year in favor of the Fun House.

In 1926, the “Kiddies Electric Playground” debuted with a new Schmeck junior roller coaster. Kiddieland also featured regular entertainers such as Uncle Josh and his pig and Happy Curtis the clown. In the early 1930’s, despite the Depression, a Whip and Ferris wheel were added to the Zoo’s ride line up. These were the last major attractions added to the Zoo until after WWII.

In 1945, a streamlined train was added to transport visitors around the Zoo. The following year, a second train was added and a second Pony Ride was installed. Other changes included a name change from Kiddieland to Playland and an arcade replaced the Fun House. The most important move was the announcement of a 10-year contract between the Zoo and the Cincinnati Concession Company under the direction of Charles J. Beal. The company leased the rides and attractions which allowed the Zoo to concentrate on the animal exhibits.

In 1951, an $8000 miniature trackless diesel train was purchased from the National Amusement Device Company in Dayton, Ohio. The train has a top speed of 15 M.P.H. and could transport 48 passengers around the Zoo. It was referred to as the “Little Palm” and sponsored by the Southern Railway complete with the company’s color scheme. It also featured Ned Hastings as the engineer.

By 1959, Playland featured the Caterpillar, the PTC carousel, the Panther, a Tilt-A-Whirl, the Porpoise, the Swings, an antique car ride, and the Airplanes. The Helicopter ride was added in 1960. By this time, the Zoo also sported three transport trains, called “Swan Lake Special,” the “Bear Pit Train,” and the “Buffalo Express.”

Between the late 1960’s and the early 1970’s, Playland took a back seat to the Zoo’s growing ability to give away cars every year and feature live local personalities to increase attendance. As time went, the Zoo began experiencing a need to acquire new land for additional animal exhibits.

In 1974, the PTC carousel was the first ride to be sold. It was moved to Paramount’s Great America in Santa Clara, California where it remained until being put into storage in Seattle in 1999. It still remains a new home today.

In 1978, the remainder of the rides were dismantled or sold to make way for the new Ape House. A smaller amusement area was developed next to the Whiting Grove but it was closed in 1987 to make room for the Coors Peacock Pavilion.

In 2003, the Zoo’s purchase of a $100,000 Chance Morgan carousel marked the return of mechanical rides to the Cincinnati Zoo. The 36-foot diameter carousel features 30 animal figures and is protected under an impressive looking thatch roof that keeps it in character with the zoo surroundings. The carousel features two chariots, an okapi, white rhino, manatee, camel, shark, mountain lion, coyote, giraffe, eagle, cheetah, black rhino, hummingbird, ostrich, seal, gorilla, panther, elephant, tiger, white tiger and zebra.

 Cincinnati Zoo Photo Album

Photo credits: Top: soaphs file, T.Rhein, park archive.