Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
Volunteer Appreciation Week _ April 19th -25th
April is here, and we are SO excited to celebrate the incredible impact you make all around the Zoo!
Mark your calendars for April 19th–25th—it’s going to be a week full of fun, appreciation, and a little extra excitement just for you. We’ll have daily virtual raffles, fun announcements, and (for the first time!) a special volunteer reception during Tunes & Blooms on April 23rd. Join us in a reserved area for light refreshments, giveaways, and goodie bags as a small thank-you for everything you do!
Be sure to check out the next update for the full schedule—you won’t want to miss a moment of the celebration!
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🎨 Paint Night Fundraiser through AAZK: Wednesday, April 8 🍻
Join us for a relaxed drop-in Paint Night at the Wooden Cask Brewing Company!
When? – Wednesday, April 8th, 5-9pm (Drop in anytime/arrive by 8pm to have time to paint!)
Price? – $25 early sign-up (now – April 7) via PayPal QR code or Venmo @Kass0716 • $30 at the door
An artist will be there to guide you, but there’s no strict design—get creative and make it your own!
*Bonus: $1 from every drink and food purchase during the event will be donated. Plus: We’ll have a small raffle with a few fun baskets! Bring some friends, grab a drink, and enjoy a creative night out while supporting a great cause.
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Community Garden Refresh Day: Saturday, April 18
Mill Creek Alliance is planning a community garden refresh day at our office in Reading on Saturday, April 18th and would love to see our adult neighbors from the watershed come out and join us! This is a great opportunity for volunteers to learn more about rain gardens, native plants, and watershed stewardship.
Click HERE for the Facebook event listing.
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Sign Up to Volunteer at Bourbon Flights: Thursday, May 7!
Please fill out the Form below if you are interested in Volunteering at the A Toast to the Wild event, Bourbon Flights on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Volunteer Shifts are from 6:30pm-10pm, you will need to arrive at check in NO LATER than 5:45pm. Below you will find a timeline of the event.
- 5:30 – Pizza!
- 5:45 – Orientation questions and station locations info (and eating more pizza!)
- 6:15 – Head to Stations
- 6:30 – Event Starts
- 9:30 – Last Call
- 9:45 – Pouring Ends
Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer
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APRIL PINS ARE IN!
With warm weather and Spring arriving, pin trading has really heated up. Visitors are on the search for the elusive trading pins! Thank you all for making this such a successful and fun program! We have lots of fun pins coming out this year. Many pins to look forward to this year: a wolf pin with a glow in the dark moon, a Rico bobblehead pin, a toucan whose beak opens and closes, and a World of the Insect pin that is so cool!
We are going to change ONE rule of pin trading. We had originally had a rule that guests could only trade pins that the employee didn’t already have on their lanyard. We are removing this rule as it can be a let down to guests that finally find an employee with a pin they are searching for. The idea is for the trading to be fun and the more trading the better so we’ve decided to remove that rule. Please allow guests to trade any Cincinnati zoo pin for another. Thank you!
Zoo News
Spring is Here: Cheetah Run Success and Beautiful Blooms!
WLWT COVERAGE OF THE CHEETAH RUN
Zoo Blooms is starting early this year, with vibrant flowers already putting on a colorful display throughout the gardens. Come this weekend to see the early blooms and enjoy a beautiful start to spring at the Zoo! Zoo Blooms is presented by Delta Dental Ins.
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Zoo News & Stories
Click the image below to read the story of your choice:
Click Here to see ALL the News & Stories shared from the Zoo over the past 2 weeks
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April 2026 is officially National Native Plant Month!!!
Please help to spread the word (newsletters, websites, facebook posts, meetings, etc.) and encourage everyone to plant native plants and participate native plant events every April.
On Thursday, March 27th, the Senate Resolution to designate April 2026 as National Native Plant Month (S.Res. 665) was introduced and approved with Unanimous Bipartisan Consent!!!
Here is a link indicating approval of the resolution:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-resolution/665
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE NATIONAL NATIVE PLANT MONTH SITE
Thank you for your continued support of this important native plant resolution!
Download Free Native Plant Posters HERE
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“Meat” Barbara Henry: Zoo Animal Nutritionist
Barbara’s job includes working very closely with the keeper and vet teams! Each species has a meal plan with diet suggestions that keepers can choose from based on enrichment and training.
Some fun facts:
- Elephants love broccoli
- Rico likes air-popped popcorn
- Bears and skunks are seasonal eaters
- Barbara created the hippo milk formula that saved Fiona!
- Some animals even have allergies, just like humans, and need extra care when planning their diets.
- Bonobos Nora, Jan, and Zanga have a peanut allergy, while Gilda is allergic to strawberries.
Eat like an Animal: Have a zoo-loving kid who is stuck in a food rut? Consider telling them to “Eat like an animal!” CLICK TO READ MORE from CincinnatiFamilyMagazine.com in this article written in part by our very own Barbara Henry.
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ZooTales: Physical Therapy for Every Pace
What do the Three Little Pigs, the fastest runner in the world, and even the slowest among us all have in common? Surprisingly… Physical Therapy! 🐷🐢😻
In this episode, learn more about how Cinder, Thatcher, Magnolia, Kris, and Bruno have all put in the work behind the scenes.
With the help of their dedicated keepers, these animals are actively participating in physical therapy exercises designed to keep them strong, mobile, and thriving. From building muscle and improving flexibility to preventing injury and supporting long-term health, physical therapy plays a crucial role in their daily routines.
Tune in to hear how these sessions look, why they matter, and the unique personalities that make each animal’s journey so special.
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ABMA – IAATE Conference
This week, the Zoo had the incredible honor of welcoming hundreds of animal trainers from around the world for the ABMA & IAATE Conference, hosted right here in Cincinnati! These two organizations—focused on advancing animal training, behavior, and welfare—bring together some of the most passionate and knowledgeable professionals in the field.
On Wednesday, conference attendees spent the day on grounds learning directly from our animal care teams through an impressive lineup of experiences. From dozens and dozens of behind-the-scenes opportunities to trainings, tours, and open houses across the Zoo, our staff truly went above and beyond to share their expertise, stories, and passion.
To our volunteers—thank you. Your flexibility, enthusiasm, and willingness to jump in wherever needed played a huge role in making Zoo Day such a success. Whether you were helping guests navigate, supporting busy areas, or simply creating a warm and welcoming environment, you helped us put our best foot forward on a global stage.
So, consider this a big high five to all of you! Because of your efforts, we made a lasting and positive impression this week—and we couldn’t have done it without you.
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Cincinnati Zoo Easter Celebration: Saturday, April 4
Join us for an EGG-citing Easter Celebration this Saturday, April 4th, FREE with zoo admission! This event features animals receiving Easter-themed enrichment & treat stations throughout the Zoo. Sponsored by Mike’s Carwash.
To help the Zoo go green, please bring your own treat bag! Children will also have the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny in the Clubhouse (located by the train) from 12pm–5pm.
Plant & Animal Updates
Lily (the skunk) is Pregnant!
Big news from our small (and slightly stinky 😉) friend… Lily the skunk is expecting! Lily has even been voluntarily participating in her ultrasounds, helping our care team monitor her pregnancy every step of the way. Zoo Babies is going to be FUN this year!
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Mboka TURNS SIX MONTHS YOUNG
From supporting field conservation efforts in Africa to advancing world-class care and research here at home, our team is dedicated to protecting these incredible primates for generations to come. Every visit, every membership, and every shared story helps fund vital work to preserve gorilla habitats, combat poaching, and support local communities.
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BALD EAGLE AMBASSADORS
The bald eagles at the Cincinnati Zoo were all rescued from the wild after suffering severe injuries that left them unable to fly. Because they can’t survive on their own, they now serve as powerful ambassadors — helping guests learn about wildlife conservation and the challenges these incredible birds face.
CLICK HERE FOR THE OHIO WILDLIFE FEATURE WITH DAVID ORBAN, MOLLIE O’NEIL, AND MANDY PRITCHARD
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Happy 10th Birthday, Rico! 🦔🎉
Rico, our incredible prehensile-tailed porcupine, is turning DOUBLE DIGITS today (April 2)! With his strong, grippy tail (perfect for hanging out in the treetops 🌳) and his signature quills, Rico is a true rainforest original. Prehensile-tailed porcupines like Rico use their tails almost like an extra hand—helping them climb, balance, and explore their world from above! At 10 years old, Rico has become a guest favorite thanks to his adorable munching moments.
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CHEETAH ENCOUNTER Starts Back Up: Fri-Mon
Conservation & Sustainability
NEW – Conservation Connection Newsletter
Click Here to Read the Conservation Connection Newsletter
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Golden Mantella Frogs
World Frog Day was on March 20, and we celebrated with a bright new addition at the Cincinnati Zoo. You can now see golden mantella frogs in the Reptile House! Golden mantellas are small but striking frogs native to Madagascar, growing to only about an inch long. Their vivid golden-orange color isn’t just beautiful—it serves as a warning to predators in the wild that they are toxic, a defense strategy known as aposematic coloration.
These frogs live in small forest areas near seasonal streams and are active during the day, often seen hopping and calling to one another. Our conservation partners at Madagasikara Voakajy have been working to protect this species and, as a result, they have moved from critically endangered to endangered on the IUCN red list! Stop by the Reptile House to see these tiny golden frogs up close and celebrate World Frog Day with us!
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When we look for a vendor, we consider more than products and prices, we look for partners who share our commitment to exceptional animal care, sustainability, and conservation. And when those values align, incredible things can happen.
One outstanding example is our partnership with Josh’s Frogs. They don’t just talk about conservation, theylive it, just like we do. Their work supports amphibian species all over the world, including critical conservation programs in Madagascar and Costa Rica. They also award grants of up to $1,500 to advance science‑backed amphibian conservation projects.
This collaboration reflects the heart of what the Commissary and Purchasing teams do every day: choosing vendors who help us make a real, measurable difference. By thoughtfully selecting mission‑aligned partners, we’re not just buying supplies, we’re championing the Zoo’s mission and contributing to global conservation efforts.
This is the kind of behind‑the‑scenes impact worth celebrating. 🎉🐸🌍.
Josh’s Frogs is the largest one-stop-shop bringing nature right to your doorstep. We only sell captive-bred animals, so when you shop with us and our Live Arrival Guarantee on all of our live items, you can rest assured you’re making the most responsible choice when it comes to a great pet experience.
In Case You Missed It
A Volunteer Remembered!
Long-time CREW volunteer, Lorenia Moore, not only dedicated 40 years of her time and crafting-talents to our Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, but continued to give back even after her passing on December 2, 2025.
Retired Senior Keeper, Mike Dulaney, and I had the opportunity to meet with a couple of Lorenia’s friends, Sherry & Kathy, to take a walk down memory lane with all of the wonderful zoo items Lorenia wanted to share with us.
Lorenia’s gracious contributions are a reminder of just how dedicated and truly special our volunteers are here at CZBG! It takes a VILLAGE and boy, do we have a good one. 🙂
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Thank you for making this year’s Thrift Shop a HUGE success!!!
During this one day event, you made a direct impact on reducing textile waste. This year we had…
- 166 visitors (+1 opossum)!
- 307 pounds of clothes rehomed by you all!
- 10 garments mended by our wonderful adult volunteers!
- 46 attendees took the 1 Month No Buy Pledge!
What happened to the extra 500 pounds of clothes? I’m glad you asked. We had a second Free Thrift Shop at the Hirsch Recreation Center, where 150 pounds of clothes were adopted by Avondale community members.
The rest was donated to our AmeriCorps partners at Talbert House for their Union Day School, Family Peer Support, and Fatherhood programs. Remaining clothes were donated to Dress for Success, Salvation Army, and the VA.
Thank you to the AmeriCorps Members who helped us make this day possible!
- Mercy Health
- Breakthrough Cincinnati
- Musketeers Care through Xavier University
- Talbert House
A special Thank You to all those who donated, helped us set up, Purchasing, and Visitor Experience.
The journey doesn’t stop here! You can continue learning HERE about the impacts of fast fashion and make smart, sustainable choices everyday! Can’t wait to see you next year!
💗🧵Love, the AmeriCorps Thrift Shop Team👔👚
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Mark Your Calendars – 2026 Events in need of Volunteer Help
Check back in the Volunteer Update to see when the sign ups for these volunteer roles become available. Typically the ask will come out in the update 4-6 weeks prior to each event!
| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| First Four Thursdays in April 2026 | Tunes & Blooms | 6:00-8:30pm |
| Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Easter Celebration | 12:00-5:00pm |
| Thursday, May 7, 2026 *Accepting Volunteers* | Bourbon Flights | 7:00-10:00pm |
| *Tentative* June 16, 2026 | Stuffed Animal Clinic | 8:00am-5:00pm |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | Zoo La La | 7:30-11:00pm |
| Thursday, August 6, 2026 | Wild About Wine | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Friday, September 18, 2026 | ZOOFARI | 7:00-11:00pm |
| Thursday, October 1, 2026 | Zoo Brew | 7:00-10:00pm |
| October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and 31- Nov 1 | HallZOOween | 12:00-5:00pm |
| November 13 & 14, 2026 | Hops & Holly | 7:00-10:00pm |
| December 31, 2026 | Happy Zoo Year | 4:00-10:00pm |
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2026 Barrows Conservation Series Features an Exciting Lineup
https://cincinnatizoo.org/2026-barrows-conservation-series-features-an-exciting-lineup/
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Carol Trosset’s Natural Lecture Series 2026 Dates
If you would like to attend a lecture, please sign up in Better Impact. *E-mails are sent to everyone who signs up with instructions on where to park and where to meet the day before the lecture.
- Mon., April 13 @ 10am & Fri., April 17 @ 1:00pm – Wildflower Walks at Gorman Heritage Farm
- Carol will lead a wildflower walk at the Trosset Wildflower Sanctuary at Gorman Heritage Farm in Evendale. Many species will be blooming in a very small area. Street address is 10052 Reading Road. Overflow parking is available to the right before you enter the farm property. There is a $5.00 entry fee. The Farm is open from 9:00-3:00, and you are welcome to explore the rest of the property including gardens and farm animals while you’re there. Significant rain cancels.
- Tues. & Fri., May 5 & 8, 2026 – Bird Walks at Spring Grove
- Fri., June 12, 2026 – Ancient and Modern Elephants
- Fri., July 10, 2026 – Primates
- Tues., August 18, 2026 – TBD
- Tues., September 8, 2026 – TBD
- Tues., October 20, 2026 – TBD
- Tues., November 10, 2026 – TBD
- Fri., December 11, 2026 – TBD
*Review the PowerPoint presentations from the previous 2026 lectures below
- Tuesday January 13, 2026 – Animals in Winter
- Tues., FEBRUARY 10, 2026 – The Zoo’s Local Conservation Programs – Guest Speaker: Mollie O’Neil
- No documents will be shared from guest speakers
- Fri., MARCH 13, 2026 – Cat-like Carnivores
Did you miss one of the 2025 Lectures? Links to all the previous slide presentations can now be found on the Better Impact Page under the Files section.
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2026 ZOO EVENTS:
| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| March 18 – April 29, 2026 | Barrows Conservation Lectures | 7:00pm |
| April 1 – 30, 2026 | Zoo Blooms | 10:00am-5:00pm |
| Thursdays in April 2026 | Tunes & Blooms | 6:00-8:30pm |
| Saturday, April 4, 2026 | Easter Celebration | 12:00-5:00pm |
| Friday, April 10, 2026 | Zootanical | 5:30-9:00pm |
| April 18, May 2 and May 16 | Native Plant Sale at Bowyer | 9:00am-1:00pm |
| Thursday, May 7, 2026 | Bourbon Flights | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Monday, May 11, 2026 | Zoo Golf | TBD |
| *Tentative* June 16, 2026 | Stuffed Animal Clinic | 8:00am-5:00pm |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | Zoo La La | 7:30-11:00pm |
| Monday, July 6, 2026 | Reds Day at the Zoo | 11:00am-12:00pm |
| Thursday, August 6, 2026 | Wild About Wine | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Thursday, August 27, 2026 | Plant Trials Symposium | 8:50am-5:00pm |
| Friday, September 18, 2026 | ZOOFARI | 7:00-11:00pm |
| Thursday, October 1, 2026 | Zoo Brew | 7:00-10:00pm |
| October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and 31- Nov 1 | HallZOOween | 12:00pm-5:00pm |
| November 13 & 14, 2026 | Hops & Holly | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | Native Plant Symposium | 8:50am-4:00pm |
| December 31, 2026 | Happy Zoo Year | 4:00-10:00pm |
DAD-JOKE ZONE:
DYK: Giraffe Feedings are Back🦒
Feed giraffes (Tessa, Zoey, Fenn, and Zeke) daily from 9:30am-11:30am and 12:30pm-2:30pm!