For animal lovers and great places to bring children in the Dearborn County area, look no further than the Red Wolf Sanctuary or the nearby Cincinnati Zoo.
The Red Wolf Sanctuary and Raptor Rehabilitation Center preserves native North American wildlife in its own habitat through environmental education and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. Tours are available by appointment.
The Red Wolf, which was nearly extinct in the 1970’s, serves as the sanctuary’s mascot. Most of the wolves you will find there are the more common grey wolves.
The rehabilitated animals change from time to time since some are released after being rehabilitated, but you are likely to see black bears, coyotes, red foxes, and often owls, hawks, or cougars.
The Raptor Center allows visitors to overlook a 100-acre prairie, home to Bald Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, and various other raptors, fowl, and sing birds.
The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located just 20 miles from Lawrenceburg and is one of the most famous zoos in the country. The zoo is the second-oldest in the United States and its Reptile House is the oldest zoo building in America, dating back to 1875 when the zoo itself was built.
The zoo features more than 500 animal and 3,000 plant species as well as various exhibits. In addition to simply covering the zoo’s grounds, there are self-guided tours focused on kids’ favorites, indoor exhibits to stay out of the elements, and a section of endangered species that the zoo is dedicated to saving.
There are various exhibits at the zoo, including newer projects such as “Night Hunters” and an “African Savannah” featuring such animals as Maasai giraffes and cheetahs. Adults and children alike have the opportunity to feed giraffes at “Giraffe Ridge”, get up close to a polar bear, or watch elephants get their baths among other opportunities.
