First Friday Update _ July Edition 7/5/24

Volunteer Updates and Opportunities

Wild About Wine Volunteer Opportunity

We are 6 weeks away from our second Toast to the Wild Event, WILD ABOUT WINE! We are now accepting Volunteers for the August 8th Event. If you are interested, please click the link below. I will be sending a follow up e-mail 2 weeks prior to the event with additional information!

Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer at Wild About Wine 

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THE AAZK ART AUCTION IS Coming Soon!

We will be choosing the Orianne Society (www.oriannesociety.org) to be the beneficiary this year!

They do amazing work with reptile conservation, particularly the incredible Eastern Indigo Snake! (Which is really cool, because we have our very own Indigo Snake here at CZBG!)

There will unique artwork available for merchandise, auctions and raffle items! 

Many of these items are rare and unique to this event.

Location: Wooden Cask Brewing Co. in Newport, KY 

Date & Time: Thursday July 11th @6pm

This event is family friendly so bring the whole crew!

We’re excited for this great opportunity to support wildlife conservation and we really hope to see you there!


Zoo Updates

Insect Fest

Last week we celebrated Insect Fest! Thank you to all the volunteers who stepped in to help pass out host plant seeds to create pollinator habitat, helped visitors create their own insect antennae, make buttons inspired by exotic insects and most importantly spiked the curiosity around insects to countless visitors!

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Rickey Kinley talks about Crows!

Check out the Article below where Rickey Kinley, Aviculture head keeper, answers a cincinnatians pressing questions about something seen in the sky.

https://www.wvxu.org/local-news/2024-06-26/big-black-birds-cincinnati

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ZooTales

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a zookeeper? Join Jenna and Mark, experienced keepers, as they share their expert insights and answer all your questions. Tune in now for their invaluable advice on starting your zookeeper career! https://cincinnatizoo.podbean.com/e/jenna-and-mark-cincinnati-zoo/


Plant & Animal Updates

Sam Update

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Sabu is Back!

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Gladys is back with the troop!

Good news! Gladys, the gorilla that broke her arm in April, continues to do well with physical therapy and was cleared to be reintroduced to her troopmates!  They are still figuring a few things out, but you may see Gladys with her gang the next time you stop by Gorilla World! 

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Aardvark Info

The aardvark is specialized to eat ants & termites. They dig at insect nests with shovel-shaped claws & lick up ants and termites with its long, sticky tongue. One aardvark eats more than 50,000 insects a night!

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Who called me a stinkpot

When threatened, the loggerhead musk turtle secretes a foul-smelling liquid from glands at the base of its tail that has earned it the nickname “stinkpot”.

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Did You Know

Hippos eyes, nose & ears are located on the top of their head so they can see & breathe while still submerged in the water. Hippos can close their nostrils & ears to prevent water from entering. This is why hippo calves can suckle on land or underwater.

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Violet Update

Violet is 8 months old & weighs 28lbs! When threatened, the Cape porcupine erects its spines and quills to look bigger. Contrary to popular belief, a porcupine cannot shoot its spines and quills.

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Beautiful Views, courtesy of our FATASTIC Horticulture Team!


Conservation Corner

Simple Tips to Save Energy this Summer!

1. Dial it down.

Turning your thermostat up for 8 hours a day 7-10 degrees from your regular setting, can save you money and help conserve energy! Try making these adjustments when you will be out of the house!

2. Change and clean filters.

Regularly cleaning and replacing your cooling units’ filters is the quickest way to save energy while also cooling your home.

3. Draw your curtains to keep the hot sun out.

Summer means longer days and increased sunlight. During the day, draw your curtains or drapes closed to keep out the heat from the sun.

8. It’s grill season! Avoid the oven when possible.

Avoid using the oven on hot days. Cook on the stove, or better yet: grill outside – this will help your airconditioning from kicking into overdrive!

9. Prep before leaving home for vacation.

If you’re leaving your home for an extended period, make sure to unplug all devices, including computers, televisions, game consoles, coffee makers, toasters, lamps, and microwaves. Even when powered down, many appliances and electronics continue to use energy.

10. If you’re taking a road trip, prime your vehicle for maximum efficiency.

Simple tricks like keeping tires properly inflated, avoiding speeding, and using cruise control will save you money at the pump and reduce your footprint on the environment!