I could be wrong, but I think Cincinnati was the first zoo to have a building dedicated solely to arthropods (insects, spiders, etc). This is an often overlooked section of the animal kingdom, and in terms of ecosystems, probably the most important. More zoos need to focus on helping people overcome their fear and hatred of "bugs," because without them life on earth as we know it could not exist.
London's first Insect House opened in 1881, which I think is the earliest zoo Insect House on a worldwide level. Do you know when Cincinnati's opened? The zoo was certainly around at this time. I always like to see a good invert collection at a zoo - London's is still very good but Bristol is probably Britain's best zoo-based arthropod collection.
In terms of the collection and outstanding exhibits this is usually hailed as the best insect house in America, with perhaps Saint Louis coming in a close second. Cincinnati opened this invertebrate display around 30 years ago but it has not aged at all and is simply superb.
The Bullet Ant display shown is a real rarity, due to the particular interest of one of the curators. (I actually got to assist him on a collecting trip once.)
Opened in 1978, this is the largest building in North America devoted to the display of live insects. The Cincinnati Zoo has been given four awards by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association for successful propagation of insects. Insect World (former name) received the prized American Zoo and Aquarium Association exhibit award in 1979. And has the longest Leaf-cutter ant exhibit in the world
