$60 million gift transforms zoo & botanical garden thanks to philanthropist Hugh Hoffman
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is celebrating a landmark moment in its history with the announcement of a $60 million gift from Cincinnati businessman and philanthropist Hugh Hoffman.
The donation, one of the largest ever received by the Zoo, is being hailed as transformative and will help propel the organization into its next era of growth, conservation, and community impact.
Zoo Director Thane Maynard said the contribution will serve as the foundation for a new initiative called the Impact Fund, which will strengthen the Zoo’s commitment to world-class animal care while also broadening its role as a center for conservation and education.
The Impact Fund, according to Zoo leaders, is designed not only to support the animals who call Cincinnati home but also to create new opportunities for collaboration with local and international communities in order to encourage coexistence between people and wildlife.
“This generous gift from Hugh, a cherished friend and passionate advocate for wildlife, is more than a donation—it’s a launchpad for A Wilder Tomorrow,” Maynard said in announcing the news.
“His investment in our future allows the Zoo to remain a place where families learn, wildlife thrives, and nature is protected. Hugh believed deeply in leaving a legacy of stewardship. Thanks to him, the Zoo can continue to play a critical role in nurturing curiosity, compassion, and community.”
The gift comes at a pivotal time for the Cincinnati Zoo, which has been working to expand its facilities and enhance its conservation efforts. Over the next five years, the Zoo plans to use this support to fund several highly anticipated projects, including a new, immersive habitat for giraffes, a dedicated space for Mexican wolves, and the return of rhinos—an iconic species that has long captivated visitors and represents a critical part of global conservation initiatives.
Each of these projects, Zoo officials say, is aimed at deepening the bond between people and wildlife while raising awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species.
Hoffman, one of Cincinnati’s most dedicated supporters of education, culture, and the natural world, has been admired for his quiet but impactful philanthropy.
His connection to the Zoo, which he considered one of the city’s crown jewels, reflected his belief that protecting wildlife and creating opportunities for families to learn about nature were essential to building a stronger community. His gift now ensures that future generations will have access to world-class exhibits and educational opportunities while also allowing the Zoo to expand its conservation mission across the globe.
Maynard emphasized that while the $60 million gift represents a historic milestone, it is also an invitation to the community to take part in shaping the Zoo’s future.
“We invite the community to dream with us and to invest in a future where people and wildlife thrive,” he said.
“With generous partners and passionate supporters, the possibilities are as vast as the wild places we are working to protect. It’s not just about building something today—it’s about tomorrow. It’s about our wilder tomorrow.”
The Cincinnati Zoo, already recognized as one of the top zoos in the nation and known worldwide for its conservation programs and animal care, now stands poised to expand its leadership role thanks to Hoffman’s remarkable gift.
From enhancing local partnerships to advancing global conservation, Zoo leaders say the impact will be felt for decades to come.