Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
Wings of Wonder
The Wings of Wonder Bird Experience utilizes volunteers every year to ensure that the visitors are informed and have a good experience. If you are interested in helping visitors into the amphitheater, showing where to park the strollers and helping the WOW team, please send me an e-mail to learn more about it! [email protected]
*If you have helped with the shows before, you are currently able to sign up in Better Impact.
PREVIEW Shows will happen Wednesday – Thursday of next week at 1:00pm and 3:00pm, please feel free to come and catch a sneak peek (Volunteers only). All we ask that you please arrive five minutes before show time and keep the gates closed behind you at this time. No Sign Up Required!
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Interested in helping with some of the Zoo’s Conservation work?
We’re prepping for an upcoming American Burying Beetle (ABB) reintroduction, and we need your help with a critical hands-on task!
We’re looking for volunteers to help cut 200 pieces of chicken wire fencing into 2’x2’ squares, bend in the edges, and bundle them. It’s straightforward work, but a big job — and with enough helping hands, we can knock it out quickly!
Join us Tuesday, May 27 for a fun and impactful work session.
If you’re interested, email me for details and location. ( [email protected] )
Can’t make it on the 27th but still want to help? Reach out! There may be other opportunities to assist — you might even be able to help from home. Let’s do this for the beetles!
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Stuffed Animal Clinic is Coming Back this year and we need your help!
Last year we were able to see almost 200 stuffed animals in our first ever Stuffed Animal Clinic! We are so lucky to have such wonderful volunteers who provided a one of a kind experience to our visitors and one that we will never forget! The event was such a success that we are bringing back bigger and better for 2025!
This year’s event will be on Tuesday, June 10th from 9:00am-4:00pm!
If you are interested in helpign out with the clinic, please click the interest form below and sign up!
Click Here to Sign up for the 2025 Stuffed Animal Clinic
Here is a highlight reel from last year if you missed it:
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Better Impact has a New Look
You may have noticed that your Better Impact account looks a little different this week. Better Impact did a refresh and updated their logo. As you can see above, the colors have changed from orange and green to shades of blue and the squares within a square logo has flown the coop. Nothing has changed in the functionality, but wanted to give everyone a heads up.
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History & Hijinks spots still available
There are still openings for the History & Hijinks Volunteer After Hours Event on Monday, 5/19. If you are interested, please go ahead and sign up. I will be sending an e-mail with instructions on where to park and where to go on Monday morning!
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Accepting Applications for several Volunteer Roles
There are several volunteer roles accepting applications, with a few more popping up this week! If you are interested in other roles, or know someone else who is, please point them to the Volunteer webpage to see what roles are accepting applications!
Zoo Updates
Did you know?
We are celebrating our 150th anniversary this year so we will be sharing snippets of our past on social media throughout the year!
Cincinnati Zoo has cared for elephants for almost as long as it has existed. The world-famous Elephant House, which was built in 1906, still towers over the Zoo, but the elephants have moved to a bigger and better habitat. Elephant Trek is now home to a herd of Asian elephants.
W.I.L.D. Time (Wonder, Inclusion, Learning, Discovery)
Article by Molly Takeute, Education Program Manager
55 individuals from 15 families came to the Zoo’s first ever “W.I.L.D. Time (Wonder, Inclusion, Learning, and Discovery)”, a program created for families that have a child with developmental disabilities. Families were given a passport and a map of stations when they arrived. They were then able to move at their own pace through 6 stations that each hosted a game, activity, craft, or animal encounter, designed to cater to a variety of ages and ability levels. The program took place on Sunday, May 4th from 5-7pm – after hours to avoid the crowds, but while it was still light outside. While it was a chilly, drizzly evening, families still had a good time! A formal survey was sent to families. Informal statements collected from families at the program include (all paraphrased) :
- “We were thankful to not feel rushed—staff allowed us to spend as much time as we needed at each station. And sometimes our kids took a long time. We appreciated that.”
- “Our child uses a wheelchair and it was so nice to be able to see the animals and be up front by the glass. You’d be shocked at how often people push and shove in front of us. This was really impactful for us to have this space to ourselves.”
- One child who came utilizes a wheelchair and was so excited to see John the lion that he unbuckled himself and ran up to the glass! His parents cried they were so excited to see this joy and passion from him—they said he’s never done something like that before!
- “This was my child’s first time at the Zoo. She behaves differently than other children, shouts inappropriate things, and physically lashes out sometimes. I never knew what to expect from her here, so we had never came. This let us experience the Zoo her way without feeling judged.”
The goal is to grow this program into something that can be hosted twice annually (spring and fall) for even more families in our community. The Education Team was so excited to collaborate with Annie Degrood on this program—we are thrilled to see how it develops as we move forward! Stay tuned for news this fall and next spring if you would like to volunteer to assist with this style of program!
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150-Second Video #2
Can’t get enough Zoo History? Click Here to read an article from the Cincinnati Enquirer
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Sea Otter Coast Water System Update
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ZooTales Podcast
In this episode of the Cincinnati Zoo Tales podcast, hosts Jenna & Mark celebrate the zoo’s 150th anniversary! They share behind-the-scenes stories & talk about exciting new habitats coming soon! https://cincinnatizoo.podbean.com/e/celebrating-150-years-of-the-cincinnati-zoo/… #czbg150
Plant & Animal Updates
Fritz will always be a Zoo Baby to us:
Fritz will always be a Zoo Baby to us! This not-so-little hippo is two years old and already 1500 pounds! Male hippos are typically much larger than females. Their large tusks, which never stop growing, are not used for eating, but rather for fighting.
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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Rico Munchies
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Tulip season may be over, but the bloom never stops here at the Zoo!
Our incredible horticulture team is already hard at work prepping garden beds and getting ready to plant thousands of vibrant annuals across the grounds. From colorful petunias to bold marigolds, these blooms will add bursts of color and beauty throughout the summer months — creating a stunning backdrop for your next visit and a wonderful home for pollinators!
Be sure to stop and admire their work the next time you’re here. Check out our expert’s list of the Best 2024 Annuals for your home landscape: https://cincinnatizoo.org/gardens/plants/
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Meet the tiniest of Zoo Babies!
Sunburst diving beetle larvae are fierce aquatic hunters, using their curved jaws to snatch prey. With their sleek bodies and ambush skills, they’re the underwater tigers of the insect world! When this larva is ready to undergo metamorphosis, it will create a cozy chamber on a sandy beach where it’ll spend two weeks turning into a black and yellow spotted adult beetle.
This thorny devil walking stick nymph may be small now, but it’s already sporting the spiky armor it’ll need to mimic a thorn-covered twig. It’s a master of disguise, blending in with leaves and branches to avoid hungry predators. As they grow, these clever insects molt several times, shedding their old exoskeleton and revealing a slightly larger, thornier version underneath.
The dead leaf mantis doesn’t just look like a dried-up leaf—it moves like one too, swaying gently to sell the disguise. It’s the perfect camouflage for a patient predator lying in wait. Dead leaf mantises even have leaf-like veins and jagged edges on their bodies to complete the illusion—predators and prey alike often don’t see them until it’s too late!
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Munti’s babies have arrived!
Click Here to see the first video of the pups
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Kris is WALKING!
Kris update! She’s WALKING!!! We are so thrilled to share that Kris is up and walking now! Her steps are a little shaky but she’s getting stronger each day! She is purring, enjoying time outside, and is happily spending time with her care team.
Fun Fact!
May is Healthy Vision Month. Bald eagles have legendary eyesight—it’s one of their most remarkable adaptations and a big part of why they’re such successful hunters. They have 4–5 times sharper vision than humans! With eyes the size of ours and UV color detection, they see the world in supercharged HD.
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A Sad Goodbye to Cinder
Article by Eunice Frahm, Senior Keeper – Children’s Zoo
It is with a very heavy heart I am sharing the sad news that Cinder the Juliana pig passed away Thursday night. Cinder was a big star in the Blakely’s Barnyard Bonanza Show doing close to 1,000 shows over his 13 years. He also walked hundreds of miles throughout the zoo with his daily walks with his sister and brother, giving guests memorable experiences as they walked past. He was part of carpet rolls for the members and even walked the warning track of Great American Ball Park during Zoo night at the Reds. Always dressed up with a bow tie, he was a regular at Zoofari. In his younger years, he walked in the Reds Opening Day Parade and even went to an art gallery opening promoting the zoo. He will forever be remembered as the pig trailing his siblings likely basking in the sun or rubbing against a curb getting that itch he can’t quite reach. He loved his daily belly rubs and to annoy his sister Magnolia. We will miss you Cinny pig.
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Waffles having a bad feather day!
It’s that time of year again—our little blue penguins are going full fluff mode! Molting season is here, and while they might look like they lost a bet with a hairdryer, this “catastrophic molt” is totally normal.
They’ll stay on land, fast for a couple of weeks, and grow fresh, waterproof feathers—basically, it’s a penguin glow-up.
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Dead Leaf Mantises
Dead leaf mantises even have leaf-like veins and jagged edges on their bodies to complete the illusion—predators and prey alike often don’t see them until it’s too late!
Conservation Corner
Protecting the Endangered Species Act
Article from David Orban, Director of Animal Science and Strategy
The Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973, currently serves as the most effective wildlife legislation ever enacted to preserve biodiversity. Species such as the California condor, gray wolf, American alligator, and bald eagle are all here today as a result of this legislation. A newly proposed rule under the current administration of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service would change the definition of “harm” within the Endangered Species Act to exclude habitat modification. This change would significantly weaken protection for the habitats in which endangered species rely. If enacted, this would have considerable implications for biodiversity, as well as the conservation programs we and our partners engage in.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, AZA, and many organizations and citizens have opposed this rule change. See the CZBG and AZA statements below, as well as a blog post authored by Thane sharing the importance of the Endangered Species Act.
https://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation-works-thanks-to-the-endangered-species-act/
We encourage you to take action and consider encouraging others to do the same.
TAKE ACTION:
As an individual, submit a public comment to the Federal Docket urging the government to keep the Endangered Species Act strong
— including protections for habitat.
Submit your own comment here by Monday, May 19.
Please use your personal email address and speak from your own perspective.
Example Messages:
As someone who cares deeply about wildlife and the future of our planet, I urge you to withdraw the proposed rule that would change the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act. This change would go against decades of conservation progress and weaken one of our nation’s most important environmental laws.
It is critical to protect not just individual animals but the habitats they need to survive. Removing habitat destruction from the definition of “harm” would strip away essential protections and allow more species to slip toward extinction. Habitat loss and fragmentation is already the number one driver of species decline, and this rule would make it even harder to protect vulnerable wildlife.
The Endangered Species Act was designed to prevent extinction by protecting both species and the ecosystems they rely on. I urge you to uphold that mission and keep the current definition of “harm” in place. Our wildlife, wild places, and future generations are counting on it.
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Coexistence Fellows
This week we welcomed six global conservationists to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for our 3rd annual Fellows Week! Our Coexistence Impact Fellowship program empowers emerging conservation leaders to engage in projects and research that help both people and wildlife thrive. Part of the program involves a week of in-person coaching, collaboration, and professional development between Fellows and Zoo staff – with a whole lot of Cincinnati-flavored fun along the way!
Meet the Fellows!
After spending time with one of our Fellows, Gabriel from Elahka Alliance (paired with my excitement about our new Sea Otter Coast habitat) I was inspired to become an Otter Ambassador!
Did you know: Sea otters, once abundant along Oregon’s coastline, vanished over a century ago due to the fur trade. Their absence has disrupted the balance of our marine ecosystems. The Elakha Alliance is dedicated to bringing these vital creatures back, and you can be a part of this transformative effort.
From May 9 to June 8, 2025, the Elakha Alliance is hosting the “We Otter Bring Them Back” campaign—a grassroots initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for sea otter restoration. By becoming an Otter Advocate, I’m hoping to spread the word, engage my community, and support the return of sea otters to their native habitat.
How You Can Help:
We’ve already seen a generous contribution from one of our Cincinnati Zoo volunteer groups — let’s follow their lead and make a real impact together!
Support our efforts by donating through the Otter Ambassador account page I created. Every dollar goes toward outreach, education, and building the foundation for sea otter reintroduction in Oregon.
Whether you give a little or a lot, you’re part of something big — a ripple effect for coastal restoration and species recovery.
Click Here to Join Me in supporting the Reintroduction Efforts
*On Monday, I will also have a bucket on the third floor of education (at my desk) collecting any in person contributions! No contribution is too small, so bring that pocket change and dig in those sofas to support Sea Otters!
In Case You Missed It
Saying Goodbye to a Valued Volunteer
We were saddened to hear of Patrick Preziosi’s passing earlier this month. Patrick was a wonderful volunteer logging hundreds of hours during his time here and volunteering in over 12 different roles around the Zoo. Although I only was able to meet and interact with Patrick a few times before he pulled back from being a volunteer, his passion for the Zoo was evident and energizing! I have heard many stories of Patrick’s time here, he made so many friends and will be remembered fondly!
Click Here for Patrick’s Obituary
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ZooLaLa Volunteer Opportunity
We need YOUR help at Zoo La La on Friday, June 20, 2025!
Zoo La La supports the Zoo’s education efforts like Zoo Troop, Zoo Field Trips, Zoo Teens and Zoo Camps! Zoo La La also helps provide funding to enable all kids to be able to enjoy these programs, through the Living Classroom Education Access Fund.
We’re so excited about Zoo La La this year! We have a lot of amazing additions, including NSL’s Silent Disco and Buzz Bin on the main stage in Vine Street Village! We’re beyond thankful for all of the support and hard work from our Zoo teams and the Ambassador Council.
We have 2 shift options available! Click on the link below to check out the shift times and sign up! Thanks in advance for your willingness to help!
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Ocelotapalooza
We are back again this year for Ocelotapalooza!
Saturday May 24th, 5-8 pm @ Tokyo Kitty
Join the Greater Cincinnati Chapter AAZK for a fun-filled event aimed at supporting some of the rarest cats in the nation – the last remaining ocelots on public land in the United States! Hosted at Tokyo Kitty, there will be merchandise, raffle items, and of course, karaoke!
Address: 535 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-2347, United States
We will receive a 10% kickback from the bar from 5-8pm. So even if karaoke isn’t your thing, come have a drink and show some support! The money raised will go to Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
This organization is located in South Texas and works to help save the last remaining ocelots on public land in the United States.
There is a parking garage located nearby, and the event is 21 years or older.
This event is hosted by the Greater Cincinnati Chapter American Association of Zoo Keepers
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2025 Barrows Lecture Series Recordings
Did you miss any of our AMAZING speakers this year? Well, you are in luck – we are sharing all the recordings with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Volunteers!
Click Here to Watch the Recordings
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Natural History Lecture Series for Volunteers
Carol facilitated her first Lecture this week and it was a smashing success with many kudos sent her way by attendees! If you would like to attend a future session, please sign up for the event in Better Impact! Arrival information is sent out 2-3 days before the event with all the logistic information.
Schedule and Topics:
- Tuesday January 14, 2025 – Cat-like Carnivores
- If you missed the lecture, or would like to review the material, check out the link below
- Trosset 202501 Cat-Like Carnivores.pdf
- Tuesday February 11, 2025 – Vernal Pools
- If you missed the lecture, or would like to review the material, check out the link below
- 202502 Trosset Vernal Pools.pdf
- Thursday March 13, 2025 – Dog-like Carnivores
- The suborder Caniformia includes wolves, foxes, weasels, bears, and more. We’ll discuss their defining characteristics, then visit several zoo habitats to observe seven species on display.
- Trosset 202503 Dog-Like Carnivores.pdf
- Thursday April 10, 2025 – Woodland Wildflowers
- Cincinnati’s woodlands are home to many species of wildflowers, which bloom in the early spring before the trees leaf out. We will examine the different types of spring wildflowers, their ecology, and their blooming sequence.
- 202504 Wildflowers.pdf
- Tuesday May 13, 2025 – Introduction to Birdwatching
- Early May brings many migratory birds to Cincinnati. We’ll cover key features for identifying bird species, followed by birdwatching on zoo grounds. Bring binoculars if you can; a limited number will be available to borrow.
- 202505 Birdwatching.pdf
- Thursday June 12, 2025 – Primates **DATE CHANGE**
- Primates are categorized into prosimians, Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and apes—all represented at the zoo. We’ll discuss their similarities and differences, then observe members of each group on exhibit.
Sign up for all lectures in Better Impact! Please RSVP by registering in the system. If you can’t attend, we’ll aim to record and share the lecture portion with all volunteers. We hope to see you there!
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Donor Buzz Newsletter
Click Here to check out the latest issue of the Donor Buzz Newsletter