Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
Volunteers Needed for Wild About Wine!
Wild about Wine is scheduled for August 7th and we need volunteers to help serve our guests with a smile! If you are interested in helping, please click on the link below to sign up!
Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer at Wild About Wine
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Thank you to all those involved in making INSECT FEST a Success!
National Insect Week was July 7-13. To celebrate, the zoo went all buggy!
From the dazzling displays of butterfly aviary to the intricate ecosystems of leaf cutter ants, there was something for every bug enthusiast…including their very own antennae.
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Brown Bag Opportunity
Please join us for a unique Brown Bag experience to hear in-person from visiting conservationist, Jeremy Phan the leader of the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife. Many of you know Jeremy from when he used to work here at the Cincinnati Zoo! All of you will enjoy hearing about his career journey from Cincinnati to Laos and his stories about the important conservation work of yellow-headed temple turtles and more. LCTW is a conservation partner who has received funding via the CREW-facilitated, staff-sponsored conservation grants.
Event Details:
Tuesday, July 22nd
12:30–1:30 PM
Treetops Conference Room
Please note:
- Space is limited, so if you’d like to attend, sign up in Better Impact/MVP to reserve your spot.
- This is a staff brown bag, and volunteers are warmly invited to join! Feel free to bring your lunch, and come and go as needed.
- Because these opportunities often come together quickly, we appreciate your flexibility—we always aim to include volunteers when possible in moments like this.
Zoo Updates
Zoo Instagram Hits 1 Million Followers!
🎉Over the weekend, the Cincinnati Zoo’s Instagram hit 1 MILLION FOLLOWERS! 🐘📸
This milestone is a testament to the incredible work of our team, the charm of our animal ambassadors, and the love and support from our global community. From behind-the-scenes peeks to heartwarming animal stories, every post has helped us connect, educate, and inspire.
Thank you to everyone who collaborates with our Social Media Team to share content and images worldwide through our followers — your creativity and dedication make the zoo’s mission come alive online every day.
It’s no wonder that our Instagram account consistently wins Best Instagram Account!
Let’s keep the momentum going — here’s to the next million! 💚
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National Zookeeper Week, July 20th- 26th
Join us in celebrating our AMAZING zoo keepers on this week of recognition!
There will be tables set up all around the Zoo next week where you can write a card or sign a banner to thank our Zoo Keeper staff! Make sure to stop by and write them a note!
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July 16th is World Snake Day!
Be sure to check out our SNAKE WEEK post!
Meet Rob the yellow-tail cribo with reptile keeper, Jenna HERE
Meet the Emerald Tree Boa
Emerald tree boas have the longest teeth of any non venomous snake species. Unlike its look-a-like, the Green Tree Python, it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Emerald tree boas were given the scientific name “caninus” due to their dog-like appearance in profile.
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Our Zoo Director, Thayne Maynard, Gifted Precious Maasai Cow
From Thayne: “Last month, when visiting our Maasai partners in the South Rift Valley of Kenya with a group of Cincinnati Zoo supporters, it was a tremendous honor to be presented with a cow from our colleague John Kamanga, the leader of the South Rift Association of Land Owners (SORALO).”
This is a true honor as cattle remain the cornerstone of the Maasai identity and livelihood. Thayne’s lovely white heifer represents the beautiful collaboration between the Cincinnati Zoo & SORALO for the past twenty years. Together, the two have implemented coexistence strategies, built sustainable infrastructure, launched education initiatives, and more! Click HERE for the posted article.
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North America Construction Update
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Winos Saving Rhinos Fundraiser TONIGHT!!!!
Hosted at Piazza Discepoli, raffle will include gifts such as a case of wine and smaller prizes. Raffle tickets will be sold as one for $1, six for $5 and 30 for $20. Winning tickets will be selected at 8:30 pm. (Do not have to be present to win.)
Event tickets are $50 each and may be purchased HERE. This event only has 50 tickets available; there are still a few left! We hope to see you there to support rhinos and have a good time doing so!
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ZOO LA PALOOZA
Join us July 25, 2025, 6-9pm, for an action-packed evening of fun and learning at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s brand-new event – Zoo La Palooza!
This exciting adventure is designed especially for young explorers to discover the amazing world of animals and plants through interactive experiences, hands-on activities, and up-close animal encounters.
Come enjoy a wild night of discovery and fun for all ages at Zoo La Palooza! Don’t forget to come dressed as your favorite animal and participate in the Zoo La Palooza dance-off at the end of the evening!
Plant & Animal Updates
Summertime Blooms with Steve Foltz
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We have a New Zoo Baby
Welcome to the world! There’s a new kudu on the block! The 3 day old calf is male and doing well. Fjorda is being a great Mom.
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Elephant Trek Pool is a HIT!
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Sweet Moments at Hippo Cove!
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Gilda Nesting
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Cheetah Cubs Learning
Cheetah cubs Lulu, Zola, & Kiera are 8 months old and are training to be part of the Cheetah Encounter sponsored by Bobcat Enterprises, Inc..
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The Cincinnati Zoo will remain here for our Community…wings and all.
Sam the bald eagle was found injured by the side of the road in 1999 when he was just months old. His wing damage could not be repaired, so he could not be released back into the wild. He came to the Cincinnati Zoo in 2003 and spent 20 years flying during the national anthem at Cincinnati Reds games. Same retired in 2024 due to vision issues.
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Keeper Andie Gives Positive Update on Kris the Cheetah
Cheetah Keeper, Andie, shares an exciting update on how the beloved cat, Kris, is doing in her recovery. From her playful personality to recent health milestones, Kris continues to thrive—and steal hearts—at the Cincinnati Zoo. Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories, keeper insights, and why Kris remains one of the Zoo’s most inspiring animals.
LOTS OF BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS!
July 15th – HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY, MOE!
Please wish this handsome guy a Happy 26th Birthday! Moe is a two-toed sloth. They can live 30-40 in human care so we plan to have many more Birthday celebrations for Moe!
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July 17th – Happy 14th Birthday, Imani!
Did you know? Lions develop dark spots on their noses as they age. Scientists can use these spots to relatively age unknown individuals in the wild.
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HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY, KRIS! (July 7)
Kris, one of our fastest runners, is doing great in her recovery after falling unexpectedly in one of her runs earlier this year due to a fluke, spinal injury. She did not need surgery, but continues with her physical therapy daily. She is receiving plenty of rest and love to also help her heal. Sweet Kris may never reach her maximum speed again, but she will certainly continue to be an amazing ambassador for her kind and we wish her a speedy recovery! Thank you to our amazing TEAM at her side!
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July 14th – Happy 5th Birthday, Munti!
This new mom has her hands full this year with four baby boys! Wow-zah! Baby otters, also known as pups, are born blind, deaf, and toothless, relying entirely on their mother for warmth, nourishment, and protection. Typically, they are weaned at around 3 months old and begin to leave their mother at around 6 months.
Conservation Corner
The Cincinnati Zoo and Reds Create Community Greenspace
For more details of this success, click HERE and Mr. Redlegs below.
Sustainability Stories
Solar-Helping Sheep – “Lambscaping”
The Sustainability Team and the staff at Bowyer Farm have some exciting (and adorable) news to share—sheep are now grazing beneath the solar array at Bowyer Farm!
This marks a major milestone in our partnership with Ohio Solar Grazing (OSG) and our ongoing commitment to innovative land stewardship through agrivoltaics—the co-location of solar energy production and agriculture.
Click HERE for the complete story by our own Jada Rushing
In Case You Missed It
Continuing to Accept Applications for Several Volunteer Roles
Be sure to visit our VOLUNTEER page for opportunities!
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Carol Trosset’s Lecture Series
Carol’s Lecture Series has been a HUGE hit and she has agreed to extend the series through the end of the year! Take a look at the topics that will be available July through December! You can sign up to attend in Better Impact!
August 15 – Desert Life. Carol will discuss several different desert environments and how plants and animals are adapted to life in those conditions. We will then look at some desert animals around the zoo.
September 16 – The Zoo’s Beginnings and Opera at the Zoo. In honor of the Zoo’s sesquicentennial, Carol will talk about the founding of the zoo and its history of hosting opera performances.
October 16 – Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals – This group of mammals includes deer, antelope, giraffes, camels, pigs, and hippos.
November 13 – Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals – This group of mammals includes horses, zebras, tapirs, and rhinos.
December 10 – Plants in Winter – How do plants survive the winter? We will examine different survival strategies used by our local plants.
*Review the PowerPoint presentations from the previous lectures below
- Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Cat-like Carnivores
- Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Vernal Pools
- Thursday, March 13, 2025 – Dog-like Carnivores
- Thursday, April 10, 2025 – Woodland Wildflowers
- Tuesday, May 13, 2025 – Introduction to Birdwatching
- Thursday, June 12, 2025 – Primates
- Thursday, July 17 – Insects with Dr. David Russell
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Do you crave an out-of-the-ordinary intimate travel experience?
Come travel with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! We have been taking folks around the globe since 1964. Our trips are adventurous, educational, and fun. All our tours are escorted by zoo naturalists who are knowledgeable, friendly, and well-traveled. Our trips create real-life connections with like-minded travelers. Come join us today on our next exciting adventure!
Questions? Please contact Christina Anderson at 513-487-3318 or [email protected]
- Monarch Migration to Mexico February 10 – 16, 2026, led by Brian Jorg, Horticulture Manager.
- Bird Watching in Cuba February 22 – March 1, 2026, led by David Orban, Director, Animal Science and Strategy
- Tanzania – October 4 – 16, 2026 – more details coming soon…
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Celebrating Disability Pride Month!
Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities. The disabled community embraces the term “pride” to affirm that disability is a natural and valuable aspect of human diversity, rather than a deficit or condition that needs to be fixed.
Disability Pride Month originally began as a day-long celebration in July 1990, with the first official celebration happening in Boston as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed.
Get Creative at Downtown Library’s MakerSpace
Thursday, July 24th from 4-6pm
Downtown Library
Details: Tour of the MakerSpace (30-45 minutes) and then have time to make Disability Pride buttons, keychains, stickers, and more organized by Hamilton County DDS.
Celebration of the 35th Anniversary of ADA
Saturday, July 26th from 3-8pm
OTR Stillhouse
Details: Includes live music, panel food truck, and open mic for anyone to share their thoughts and experiences.
| Ways to Celebrate That Matter Connect Authentically: Look for local events, support marches, performances by disabled artists, community gatherings. Show up not just as an ally, but as someone ready to listen and learn. If you’re not part of the disabled community yourself, supporting family members, friends, or neighbors makes all the difference. Support Disabled-Owned Businesses: Put your money where your values are. Research local businesses run by or employing disabled individuals. Support doesn’t have to be huge—buy their products, tell friends about them, share their social media posts. Learn Something New: For the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, communication barriers are daily challenges. Learning basic sign language – hello, “can I help,” the alphabet, numbers one through ten, creates more inclusive spaces for everyone. Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusion: Disability rights are under attack—from cuts to Medicaid and Social Security, to threats against IDEA, Section 504, and a resurgence of the R-word. Here’s how you can show up and make a difference: Recognize and share accessible options here at the zoo. Familiarize yourself with Access for All resources, including Calming Rooms, Sensory Bag checkouts, Access Passes, and more.Email your elected officials. Tell them disability rights are non-negotiable.Disability Rights Ohio has lots of information on advocacy, like this helpful guide of how to connect with your legislators or even find out who represents you. Talk to disabled people in your community. Ask what matters most – and back them up. Challenge ableism. Push back on harmful language and outdated thinking every time you encounter it. |
| Whether disabilities are visible or invisible, temporary or lifelong, this month honors the millions who navigate the world differently and the incredible contributions they make every single day. We would love to hear from you! Share what Disability Pride means to you. Your answer can be completely anonymous, if you choose! We plan to share responses with a reflection on the Vine at the end of the month. Click Here to share! |
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| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| Friday, July 18th, 2025 | Winos Saving Rhinos | 6:00-9:00pm |
| Friday, July 25th, 2025 | Zoo La Palooza | 6:00-9:00pm |
| Thursday, August 7th, 2025 | Wild About Wine | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 | Breakfast with the Animals | 7:00-9:00am |
| Friday, September 19th, 2025 | Zoofari | 7:00-11:00pm |
| Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 | Zoo Brew | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Friday, November 14th, 2025 | Hops & Holly | 7:00-10:00pm |
DAD-JOKE ZONE – Zoo Edition!
Why should you never play cards in the zoo?
TOO MANY CHEETAHS! haha