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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is world-renowned as a leader in endangered species protection, conservation, and for being the second-oldest zoo in the US. Famous for breeding programs.

Rebrand & Collateral Development | Case Study

Brand Overview

Current Branding

1873

1987

Early 2000's

Zoo opens! Began building a beautiful garden in an urban setting, filled with exotic animals, and hosting a variety of cultural events.

Renamed from "Cincinnati Zoological Gardens" to "Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden"

First and only logo. Reflects the zoo's mission to preserving endangered species No branding created really...ever

Cultural Icon

Fiona inspired merchandise, murals, and local businesses, raising nearly half a million dollars for conservation programs.

Social Media Star!

She became a global sensation, boosting the Cincinnati Zoo's social media presence and gaining millions of followers.

Fiona was born six weeks early in 2017, weighing just 29 pounds, and survived against the odds with dedicated care.

Premie Hippo

Fiona,

the adopted mascot

Brand Overview

  • Education & Awareness

  • Commitment to Sustainability

  • Restoration of conservation

Conservation

Developing a Concept

The Vision

Community & Connection

  • Engage with Wildlife

  • Learn & Advocate Collaborate for Impact

  • Partnering with conservation organizations to amplify global efforts.

Creativity

  • Future focused

  • Sustainable environment

  • Innovative exhibits

Focusing on the zoo's role in conservation, its connection with the community, and its ability to inspire creativity in both nature and conservation efforts. Branding would emphasize these 3 pillars:

Target Audience

Educational Explorers 

Visitors who enjoy interactive learning, wander through the animal exhibits, and pause to admire the seasonal plant displays.

Nature‑Inspired Creatives

Guests seeking visual inspiration, photograph the diverse wildlife and gardens, and appreciate the native‑plant trails.

Visual Storytelling

Brand Guidelines

Textured Patterns

Our pattern system serves as a rich background texture, creating a dynamic and emotional connection between visitors and the animals, plants, and environment.

Solo'd Animals as Anchors

By separating them from environments, the design highlights their form, movement, and personality while maintaining a cohesive connection to the broader habitat-inspired textures.

Image Treatment Inspo

Typography & Color

Brand Guidelines

Fun & Readable

Calluna Sans paired with Adelle Sans will ​keep it fun and accessible while ensuring clarity and legibility. 

Reflective Palette

Reinforces the dual conservation and family-friendly mission but also visually cohesive.

Brand Guidelines

Logomark

Keeping Fiona the hippo's newfound fame in mind, and using Cincinnati's favorite traveler, the Monarch butterfly; the butterfly hippo was developed.

Single Color

Full Color

Color System

Brand Guidelines

Logo Lockup

Brand Guidelines

Identity System

Trand identity system is built on the concept of containers and DNA to create dynamic patterns and textures that reflect the intricate, interconnected beauty of nature.

Containers

These are visual representations of the diverse ecosystems we protect, acting as the “framework” for our design.

Patterns

Used to create dynamic textures that evoke movement, growth, and the continuity of life.

Environmental 

Merchandise

Environmental 

Creative Playground

Dino National Monument

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