CINCINNATI — It’s officially the New Year — a time to celebrate new beginnings.

Friday night, families gathered together to start 2022 off on the right foot. Some even rang in the New Year early at the zoo. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Cincinnati Zoo hosted its 13th annual Happy Zoo Year event

  • It's a family-friendly event to kick off the New Year early

  • This was the Ward Family's first time spending New Year's Eve at the Zoo

  • Families enjoyed exploring all the exhibits and participating in the early countdown

Petting turtles at the zoo was an exciting moment for the Ward family. It was their first time spending New Year’s Eve there.

Nicole Ward said it was a good decision. 

“We’re just happy to be here and get out and doing something with the kids — something that’s non-COVID and family-friendly,” said Ward. 

The family also checked out the frog exhibit. The bright green Amazon Milk Frog stole the show.

Nicole’s husband, Daren, said he was amazed by how it looked.

“I love the coloration of it, but it looks very, very poisonous, which I think it is,” said Daren. “I’ll stay away from it. But it was very beautiful to see.”

Pythons were just some of the reptiles at the next exhibit.

Those weren't the only party animals along the way.

Sloths and birds got their greetings as well.

It’s all a part of the 13th annual Cincinnati Zoo’s Happy Zoo Year, a family-friendly event for kids of all ages. 

“I just love to come out with the kids and the family to make sure we see all the animals that we can see,” he said. 

At 8 p.m., the zoo hosted an early countdown before the New Year.

It was a sight for all families to enjoy — a wonderful way to kick off the New Year. 

“It feels great,” he said. “There’s no better place I’d rather be than be with my family in the New Year.” 

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