Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
In case you missed it:
The earned comp tickets for 2023 are in and ready to be distributed! If you haven’t done so already, please complete the form below and let me know the best way to get them to you!
Click Here to Request Your Tickets
*Make sure to check the January Update to see the hours and years recognitions and request your pins!
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New Volunteer Opportunities
Have you been looking for another Volunteer Opportunity around the Zoo? Continue to check back in on the Zoo’s website to see what new Volunteer opportunities will pop up through the off season!
We are currently accepting Applications for Habitat Ambassador Volunteers and Volunteer Divers. Click on the links below to learn more:
Click Here for the Weekday Habitat Ambassador Application
Click Here for the Weekend Habitat Ambassador Application
Click Here for the Volunteer Diver Application
Zoo Updates
Renew the Zoo
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help with the Honk and Waves and the Polls, we are so grateful for your support! It takes all of us getting the word out to RENEW the ZOO!! Make sure to shout it from the rooftops!
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Did you see the Halloween Flash Mob?
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Movers & Makers Article
ZooTales
Spooky season is almost over and podcast hosts Mark and Jenna are back to teach you about vultures! This episode is full of fun facts about these amazing animals like Bubba and the rest of the vultures that call the Cincinnati Zoo home.
Click Here to Listen to the Podcast
Plant and Animal Updates
Teamwork and Technology help Larkin the Penguin
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Nothing Spooky Here
Spiders are not spooky. We repeat, spiders are not spooky! This is a red-kneed tarantula molting. Learn more about spiders and how they are great for the environment, including helping to keep pesky insect populations in check! https://cincinnatizoo.podbean.com/e/kelli-walker-cincinnati-zoo-1697649973/
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Meerkats get Halloween Enrichment
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Did You Know?
CREW’s Plant Division is home to a plant that we all know & love-the chocolate tree! The Cacao tree is not endangered but it’s an example of an exceptional plant species! CREW works daily to preserve plant biodiversity for future generations
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Mexican Wolf added to SAFE
Wildlife Conservation Committee has approved Mexican Wolf as the 34th SAFE species program! This program will help promote the recovery & conservation of Mexican wolves in both Mexico and the United States. Kim Scott, of the Cincinnati Zoo, leads the program!
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Can Manatees Bite?
Manatees have no “biting” teeth, only “grinding” teeth. Their teeth (all molars) are constantly being replaced. New teeth come in at the back of the jaw & move forward about a centimeter a month. The front molars eventually fall out & are replaced by the teeth behind them.
Do Manatees have Hair?
Manatees have hair covering their body?! The hairs, called vibrissae, are believed to help them monitor changes in currents & detect energy reflected off objects as they navigate through murky water, helping to understand the size & location of things in the environment
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October 28th – Tommy T’s Birthday
Happy 15th birthday to cheetah Tommy T!
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Beaudan
Beaudan is a 3-month-old critically endangered Eastern bongo. His horns are just starting to come in! Both sexes have smooth horns with 1 to 1.5 turns. The horns can grow to 2.5 ft long. They are hollow and are made out of keratin. Check out his mom’s beautiful horns.
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Eagle Eye?!? – Now that’s Impressive
Bald eagles have the best eyesight in the animal kingdom and can spot and focus on prey up to 2 miles away. Although eagles weigh only around 10lbs, eagles’ eyes are roughly the same size as human eyes.
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See if you can identify these x-rays taken during some of our animal’s routine health assessments.
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Bonobo
Sweet dreams from Amali the 3-year-old bonobo.
Both male and female bonobo youngsters stay close to Mom for several years while they grow and learn how to be a part of bonobo society. The mother gives birth every five to six years, allowing her time to bond with each offspring.
Conservation Corner
Back from the Dead?
CREW Plant Lab Director Dr. Valerie Pence has been working with Wesley Knapp of NatureServe to resurrect extinct plants from herbarium. These seeds weren’t originally collected for conservation purposes, but we’re trying to think outside of the box to save plants in our rapidly changing world
Click Here to Read the Article
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Our Zoo adds Support to Proposed Marine Sanctuary
David Orban has accepted a seat on the AZA Government Affairs Committee. He will be our CZBG’s point person on the interests before the U.S. Congress and Federal agencies on matters pertaining to animal welfare, wildlife conservation field programs, conservation research, education initiatives and the public display of wildlife including animal care, transport and conservation breeding. This work includes building effective partnerships with our elected Federal representatives and our zoo colleagues working to advance our mission.
One such effort was adding our voice along with 12 other zoos and aquariums to support the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of California. The attached letter provides more detail and underscores the importance of protecting natural spaces in ways that help people and wildlife thrive. And it is home to sea otters!!
In the future you will be seeing other updates from David as we work to strengthen our involvement in partnerships with Federal agencies and other conservation and animal welfare organizations in order to pursue mutual goals.
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Increase Energy Efficiency of Your Home
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Hefty ReNew Bags_Increase your Impact
If you recycle with Rumpke, like many Greater Cincinnati residents, there are exciting developments coming your way!
Starting this month, Rumpke customers will have the option to recycle hard-to-recycle items using orange Hefty ReNew bags.
Who is Eligible
- Ohio:
- Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren counties
- Kentucky:
- Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties
- Indiana:
- Dearborn County
How to Get a Bag
- Rumpke customers will purchase Hefty ReNew bags at Kroger
- Boxes of 20 will be available for $10-$12 starting in November
- FREE starter kits are available at HeftyReNew.com
How to Recycle
- Fill bag with hard-to-recycle items only
- Once full, tie bag and place in your Rumpke recycling bin
- Recycling will be collected as normal
What to Recycle
- See the attached document for accepted items
- All items must be clean, dry, and free of foil lining
- Items NOT accepted are listed at the bottom of the document
- The following are recycled unbagged:
- Paper, cardboard
- Cartons, glass
- Aluminum/steel cans
- Plastic bottles, tubs, or cups
Where it Goes
- Rumpke sends orange bags to specialized recyclers that:
- Use the materials to create new products
- Help to divert plastics from landfills
Get Free Starter Kit Here
For more information, visit HeftyReNew.com and look for a potential display at Festival of Lights!
Volunteer Updates
AZADV Conference
Several Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Volunteers attended the AZADV conference last month. Thank you Deb Maruffi for letting us know about your experience!
