Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
HAPPY HallZOOween EVERYONE!!
What’s a Spookier Start to a *mini* HALLOWEEN Newsletter, than some spunky, small-clawed Asian otters (the smallest of the species) to spice things up?
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**LAST CALL** – COMPLIMENTARY TICKET REQUEST FORM
If you have not yet done so, please fill out the below form to let us know how you would like to receive your Complimentary Zoo Tickets (good through 2026) for all those hard-earned volunteer hours!
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE FORM
We will begin sending out tickets the first work week in November!!
For those who choose self pick-up, WE WILL SEND OUT AN EMAIL WHEN YOUR TICKETS ARE READY.
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Reminder!! November Pins Available STARTING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2!
Employee/Volunteer Pin Sale Times: Sunday/Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 8:00AM-9:00 AM
The new pins will release during the first Employee/Volunteer Pin SALE DAY of the month.
November 1 falls on a Saturday, so the new pins will not be available until SUNDAY. So, soak in that extra hour of sleep on Sunday (set those clocks back Saturday night) and come on in SUNDAY, November 2, from 8-9am if you’d like to get the jump on the November pins.
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Keeping Our Community Fed – COLLECTION AT EDUCATION
Some donation ideas: canned fruits/veggies, beans, tuna/chicken, soups, stews, and broths or packaged foods like rice, pasta, cereal, nut/seed butters, and shelf-stable milks/juices, granola bars, mac & cheese
**POSSIBLE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY** Organizers may need additional help with sorting/delivering the donated items. Please reach out to me via email if interested: [email protected].
Or make a generous impact by giving a monetary donation to local food pantries: Freestore Food Bank, Saint Francis Seraph Ministries, or Last Mile Food Rescue. Thank you for your support!
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“Don’t Dump the ‘Nati” Waste Drop Off Event
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NEW VOLUNTEER POSITION POSTINGS COMING SPOOKILY SOON!!
Starting in November, please KEEP A GOOGLY EYE OUT for all the new volunteer positions that will become available on our Volunteer Page.
Let’s get the WORD OUT! (If this creepy bell pepper doesn’t send people running.) lol
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Join Zoo Volunteer Observers!
The Zoo Volunteer Observers (ZVO) are looking for additional volunteers!
What is ZVO? Zoo Volunteer Observers (ZVO) complete animal observations remotely and in person for various reasons, including birth watch and behavior. While assisting with these watches, volunteers are asked to complete 4-hour shifts that can be scheduled 24 hours/day. While completing these observations, volunteers are asked to take detailed notes and observe for behavior changes.
There is an IMMEDIATE need for Monday night shift: Midnight – 4am
Zoo Updates
“Good Morning America” visited the Cincinnati Zoo!
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WELCOME NEW CREW MEMBERS!
The CREW Team is welcoming several new members across various research and conservation projects:
In October 2025, Dr. Brenda Jacklitsch joined CREW as a Community Cat Research Scientist, a position funded by the Joanie Bernard Foundation. Brenda brings over 15 years of applied research experience from the CDC, where she led studies on zoonotic diseases, climate-related health risks, and occupational safety. She holds a PhD in Health Education from the University of Cincinnati and an MS in Epidemiology from Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Brenda’s early experience at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and her long-standing interest in community cat research have come full circle. At CREW, she will lead a systematic review of trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) programs and support projects in non-surgical fertility control and feline welfare. We’re excited to welcome Brenda to the Zoo and look forward to the expertise and passion she brings to advancing community cat science!
In August 2025, Dr. Bethany Garland joined CREW’s Team Cat as a PhD student. A dual-degree student at the University of Tennessee, Bethany recently completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and is now pursuing the PhD component of her program in collaboration with CREW. Bethany had previously been a part of Team Cat when she came to CREW as a veterinary intern to conduct research projects focused on feline welfare. Along with her veterinary training, Bethany brings both experience in wildlife research and a passion for conservation through internships at the Memphis Zoo, Knoxville Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Her PhD research will investigate methods to enhance semen cryopreservation in felids, contributing to the long-term sustainability of endangered species. Bethany combines a deep commitment to feline welfare and conservation with clinical experience across domestic and wild species, and we’re excited to have her back on the team!
AmeriCorps Interns:
Brandon graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in fall 2024 with a double major in Zoology and Environmental Science. During his time at OWU, he gained experience through undergraduate research and fieldwork, experience he is excited to contribute to the Polar Bear Signature Project. Brandon hopes to continue building a career in conservation research and plans to pursue graduate studies in the future.
Sophia recently graduated earned her bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. Originally from Washington State, Sophia moved to Cincinnati to serve as the Exception Plant Team’s AmeriCorp Member. She loves the outdoors and hopes to incorporate what she learns here at CREW with her future exploration of natural areas across the United States.
Elenore graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. A passionate bird enthusiast, she worked on the Avian Mortality Project, which aimed to reduce bird strike deaths on UC’s campus, and served as an executive member of UC’s Ornithology Club. She also gained research experience as an assistant in Dr. George Uetz’s spider lab. Elenore looks forward to exploring the research side of conservation and gaining hands-on experience.
Lindsay recently earned a master’s in biology from Miami University’s Project Dragonfly program, where her work focused on community connection and environmental education. For the past four years, she has worked in animal welfare, most recently as the Foster Specialist with our collaborators at Cincinnati Animal CARE, helping to grow a thriving foster program at the county’s only open-intake shelter. We’re thrilled to have her join us to help expand our impact on shelter cat welfare and to serve as an ambassador for CREW throughout her service year.
Please help us welcome CREW’s new research scientist, student, and the AmeriCorps interns!
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CONGRATULATIONS DR. VALERIE PENCE!!
Plant & Animal Updates
Cheetah Purrs and Pumpkins!
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE PUMPKINI-INSTAGRAM POST
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ZOO TALES – Spooky Series: Marshmallow, The Not-So-Spooky Baby Skunk
Spooky Series: Marshmallow The Not-So-Spooky Baby Skunk
Think skunks are scary? Think again! 🦨 In this Spooky Series episode, baby skunk Marshmallow and his care team Sarah and Sammie join Jenna and Mark to clear the air about one of nature’s most misunderstood animals. Learn fun facts about skunks, and more about Marshmallow, and why these striped cuties deserve a little more love and a lot less fear!
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New Orphaned Bear Cubs Have a Fantastic New Home
It’s extremely difficult for orphaned bear cubs to develop the survival skills they need for life in the wild. Cubs that come into contact with humans too early can also become habituated, meaning they lose their natural fear of people. Unfortunately, habituated bears pose a much greater risk of dangerous encounters if released back into the wild.
As the cubs get used to their new surroundings, their personalities are already shining through. “The black cub is very confident and brave, and the cinnamon one is shyer and more reserved,” says Scott. “The keepers also describe her as spicy or sassy; she lets them know when she’s not happy.”
Bear Ridge invites guests to wander along winding paths, encounter native North American wildlife up close, and learn why protecting native species — like these resilient little bears — is so important.
Black Bears Out First Time VIDEO
CLICK HERE FOR THE BEAR FACEBOOK REEL
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The Plant Palette of Bear Ridge
Check out the Bear Ridge plant guide!
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Haunted Horticulture Tour
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Marshmallow CANNOT be ANY CUTER!!
Click Here to Watch THE CUTENESS on Instagram
Click Here to Watch THE ADDITIONAL CUTENESS on Facebook
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Did You Know:
A group of Hippos is called a Bloat?
BLOAT – The common name for a group of hippos derives from the bloated appearance of these rotund animals. Hippos are the third-largest land animals on the planet, behind only the elephant and the white rhinoceros.
The average female hippopotamus weighs around 3,000 pounds, while a male can weigh anywhere from 3,500 to over 9,900 pounds. When a few dozen to a couple of hundred of these massive animals group together, that group is… well… quite bloated.
Conservation Corner
Supporting Renji’s Relatives with the Snow Leopard Conservancy
Renji has inspired countless guests to learn about snow leopards, the challenges they face and why their conservation matters. Human-wildlife conflict is one of the greatest threats to snow leopards, which is why we partner with organizations like the Snow Leopard Conservancy, an organization that is dedicated to saving snow leopards, while helping herders safeguard their livelihoods.
Instagram Post for International Snow Leopard Day – October 23, 2025
Sustainability Stories
Zoo Academy Explores Biodiversity at Burnet Woods!
The Zoo Academy started their second quarter off strong with a field trip to Burnet Woods last Monday!
At the park, students split into groups and worked together to find different species of trees, animals, plants, invertebrates, and more. They explored the greenspace and took note of what they saw and heard around them, putting their identification skills to work. The students uncovered rocks and logs to find salamanders, hiked the paths to find various tree and plant species, observed birds overhead, and even saved a bee that fell in the lake! Interacting with the world around them allowed them the chance to practice their observation and identification skills and to enjoy the beautiful day outside!
In Case You Missed It
Honoring a Beloved Friend & Fellow Volunteer: Charlie Specter
A Celebration of Life in Charlie’s honor will be held on Saturday, November 1, at 2:00 p.m., at the Seasons (7300 Dearwester Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45236). Contributions may be made to United Way, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Body Donation Program at the UC College of Medicine, or a charity of your choice.
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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 through December! You can sign up to attend in Better Impact!
- 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, 2025 – Insects with Dr. David Russell
- No Slideshow Shared
- August 15 – Desert Life.
- September 16 – Zoo Opera
- October 16 – Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals – This group of mammals includes deer, antelope, giraffes, camels, pigs, and hippos.
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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 (ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT!)
- Tanzania – October 4 – 16, 2026 – more details coming soon…
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UPCOMING ZOO EVENTS:
| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| Friday, November 14th, 2025 | Hops & Holly | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 | PNC FOL Member Preview Night | 5:00-9:00pm |
| November 20th, 2025 – January 4th, 2026 | PNC Festival of Lights | 4:00pm+ |
| Wednesday, November 22nd, 2025 | Native Plant Symposium | 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Early countdown at 8pm | HAPPY ZOO YEAR | 4:00-10:00pm |
DAD-JOKE ZONE, HALLOWEEN Edition:
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