Third Friday Update _ 6/19/2026

JUNE 19, 2026 You’ve asked, and we’ve listened! We’re excited to announce that beginning in July, we’ll be rolling out a brand-new platform for our volunteer newsletter—and we wanted to give you a sneak peek before it launches. This will be the last Volunteer Update delivered in our current website format. Starting next month, we’ll be transitioning to a new newsletter platform designed to be more engaging, easier to navigate, and better than ever. Along with the new platform comes a new name: The Volunteer Vine! While the look may be changing, you’ll still receive the newsletter link via email, and it will continue to be available on the Better Impact homepage for easy access. A special thank you to our Graphics Team for creating our new logo and to our Digital Media Team for helping bring this exciting new format to life. We’re thrilled to share this next chapter with you—check out a preview of the new look below!

Volunteer Opportunities & Updates

BOWYER Needs You! Help feed the Zoo while enjoying one of Cincinnati Zoo’s hidden gems Wednesday morning volunteers needed Read More Cheetah Encounter & Wings of Wonder Sign Ups Ongoing Volunteers will assist with welcoming guests, guiding seating, and creating a positive, organized experience for visitors Read More

Carol Trosset’s Upcoming Lecture Date Friday, July 10 – Primates Lecture Series Info  Upcoming Zoo Events June Exclusive Trading Pin The only way to get this exclusive Rico pin is to trade an employee for it – keep an eye out! Read More

Zoo Updates

Caring for Giraffes at CZBG and in Tanzania Thane Maynard talks about plans for our growing herd and how we’re helping giraffes thrive in Tanzania by supporting Wildlife Nature Institute’s research Watch Video

Internal Update

45 Years, 600 Babies, and a Pocket Full of Scorpions… Dawn Strasser is retiring! Read More ZooTales Podcast Behind the Beak: African Penguin Chicks with Keeper Aimee What does it take to raise these fluffy newcomers? Find out here! Podcast

Zoo News & Stories Zoo News

Plants & Animal Updates

Red Panda is Expecting Twins Marcy the Red panda is pregnant Watch Video Rockdale Urban Garden Guide New self-guided tour of Rockdale Read More

Mixed New World Primate Habitat Introductions Helen (female black howler) meets Dash (black howler monkeys) and Desmond (golden-headed lion tamarin) in Jungle Trails Watch Video The Pups Explore Two-month-old Asian small-clawed otters (Shrimp, Guppy, and Mackerel) explored their outdoor habitat Watch Video

Conservation Corner

2026 Hoffman Coexistence Impact Fellows CZBG recently welcomed our 4th cohort of Fellows, a group that included young conservationists from Madagascar, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Mexico and the United States. Each Fellow is working to build a better future for wildlife where they live. Although their areas of focus and geographical locations are different, these individuals share hopes and dreams for a world where humans and wildlife thrive together. Watch Video Conservation Connection Conservation Homepage

In Case You Missed It Remembering Toni Gail Hughes March 4, 1959 – May 30, 2026 Obituary

Just For Fun

Contact Information E-mail: [email protected] Phone Number: (513)559-7768 Need to Log Your Hours? Click the direct link below to head to our volunteer management system:

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden | 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220