CINCINNATI — Hamilton County residents have a special "thank you" from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden as Hamilton County Appreciation Days returns.

From Aug. 25 through Aug. 27, county residents will have half-price admission for the zoo.

“Hamilton County’s support is crucial to the Zoo’s success,” said Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard in a news release. “For every dollar of levy funding that the Zoo receives, we bring 10 times that amount back into the county. That benefits everyone in the area, but we want to make sure that residents get an even greater, direct return on their investment.”

Hamilton County commissioners recently approved the zoo's renewal levy of 0.46 mills, which has been in place since 2008, but declined the increase of 0.11 mills for the November ballot. The current levy costs $9.01 per $100,000 of home value; the increase would have cost an additional $3.85 per $100,000 of home value.

“Expenses covered by the levy are up 79% since voters last approved a tax increase 15 years ago. Costs for animal care alone have doubled in that time,” said Maynard. “The inflationary increase that we’ve requested would amount to about 25 cents more per month for the owner of a $100,000 home, and it would help us remain the world-class Zoo that we are. We think that residents value what we bring to the community and would support what we’re asking if they’re given the opportunity to vote for it.”

Tickets for Hamilton County Appreciation Days can be purchased online in advance. A valid Hamilton County photo ID will be checked upon entry.

“We look forward to welcoming Hamilton County residents during Hamilton County Appreciation Days later this month,” said Maynard.

The zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the zoo at 9 a.m.