Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
Songbird Welcome Home Week (May 4-9, 2026)
Learn more about our festivities for Songbird Welcome Home Week & an Off-Site, FREE Event at the Cincinnati Observatory by clicking below!
- May 7th @ 7pm: Webinar – Feathered Futures: From Backyard Birding to Big Conservation
- Join bird nerds Mollie and Martyn (ODW) for a lively conversation about their favorite birds and what you can do to ensure our feathered friends have a bright future in Ohio and along their flyways. Register here (webinar will be recorded and registrants will receive a link to the recording)!
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New MAY Pin is OUT and Mother’s Day is Coming SOON (May 10th)!
May is Zoo Baby Month in Cincinnati – CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
So, where do all those babies come from?….A stork, of course! Well, at least a Mommy, rather, and the perfect May pin is here for this month of Mother’s Day! Come celebrate with us on Sunday, May 10th (10am – 5pm) at the Zoo as we shine a spotlight on the incredible moms of the animal kingdom.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SPRING COLLECTOR’S PIN PACK
Moms may also pick up free seeds from General Electric Credit Union! (While Supplies Last)
Celebrating the day before? No Problem! We also have a family-friendly program on Saturday, May 9th (10am-noon) where we’ll explore the unique ways Zoo moms protect, nurture, and raise their offspring. It’s the perfect way to honor all mother figures—animal and human alike—on this special holiday! To Register or find out more information, please click here!
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The 28th Newport, KY Garden Walk & Flower Design Classes (June 6-7)
Volunteer Sign up (Coming May 5)
Zoo News
YOUTH AND BLOOMS!
“You may be familiar with our renowned Zoo Blooms, but did you know about Community Blooms? When we planted our spring-flowering bulbs on Zoo grounds this past fall, we first set aside over 10,000 tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils for several of our community garden partners!”
To read Kayla’s entire article, please CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW. You won’t want to miss it!
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Zoo News & Stories
Click Here to see all the News & Stories shared from the Zoo over the past 2 weeks
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USA TODAY – VOTED BEST BOTANICAL GARDEN IN THE USA
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WHERE DID THE BARRELS GO?
“You may have noticed that, much like the tulips that are steadily vanishing (shout out to the Hort team), the rain barrels have left the Swan Lake Bridge. At last week’s record-breaking Tunes & Blooms (shoutout to VE and EVERYONE!), the artists behind the barrels joined us for a reception, after which the barrels were gently hauled back to the Education parking lot and picked up by the lucky auction and raffle winners over the weekend. So where exactly do those rain barrels end up? CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO FIND OUT!”
“Thank you to everyone who bid on a barrel, bought a raffle ticket, told friends and families about the barrels, or engaged with guests – we ended up raising $14,345 this year, which will be split between the Zoo and Save Local Wonders to support our conservation initiatives!!”
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2026 ABMA/IAATE Conference Recap & THANK YOU!
“The joint ABMA/IAATE conference in Cincinnati was a tremendous success, bringing together 415 in-person attendees and 456 participants overall, including virtual guests. This milestone event marked ABMA’s 25th conference which is especially meaningful given that the very first conference was also held here in Cincinnati.”
From Julie G: “I want to take a moment to share a HUGE THANK YOU for everyone involved.”
Shout out to: “Volunteers for filling up the zoo to guide and direct folks to tours, experiences and just answer questions. Special shout out to the Volunteer Enrichment team for sharing “make your own bird enrichment” bags and demonstrating your talents during lunch.”
Comments from attendees:
- The entire Cincinnati Zoo staff went above and beyond for all of us.
- Zoo day was the best! Those volunteers are amazing!
- The Ambassador meet up was great!
- Everyone who participated in making the Cincinnati Zoo day happen. The number of activities, training sessions, and behind the scenes we got to experience as attendees was incredible…10/10 to everyone involved.
- The team at the Cincinnati Zoo went out of their way to share, collaborate, and teach what they do so well. I was beyond impressed with the team, the facility and the welcoming atmosphere.
#bestconferenceever
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Get to Know Your Zoo: Floral Displays vs. Naturalistic Habitats
Have you noticed that the zoo’s most vibrant floral displays are placed in standalone garden beds, while the areas around animal habitats are greener and less colorful? This intentional design choice ensures that the focus remains on the animals while still creating a lush, immersive atmosphere. It’s a win for visitors, the animal collection, and even the native wildlife that benefit from these green spaces!
Also, have you noticed how each animal habitat feels authentic and unique? That’s no accident – it’s entirely intentional! As you walk through the zoo, pay attention to how the plants around you transport you to different parts of the world. In Gorilla World, thick, waxy leaves create the feeling of a dense jungle, while in Africa, tall grasses mimic the open savannah. The most fascinating part? Many of these plants aren’t imported from jungles or savannahs – they’re species that thrive locally! For example, the magnolias in Gorilla World have a tropical appearance but are native to this region.
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‘Water for Elephants’ stars visit Cincinnati Zoo and Talk High-flying Production
Actors Zachary Keller, who plays Jacob, and Helen Krushinski, who plays Marlena, recently visited the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, where they were greeted by one of the zoo’s longtime elephants, Schottzie.
“I’ve heard so many great things about the Cincinnati Zoo. So I’m ecstatic to be here,” Krushinski said.
Plant & Animal Updates
ZooTales: Jane Bacchieri & the Return of the Sea Otter
Jane Bacchieri of the Elakha Alliance joins Cincinnati Zoo Tales to share how restoring sea otters to the Oregon coast could rebuild entire ecosystems. As a Barrows Lecture speaker, she highlights a community-driven approach to conservation, showing how science, local partnerships, and public support all play a role in protecting this keystone species.
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We LOVE the Water
Hazel & Juniper – 1-year-old bear cubs can’t get enough of playing in their pool. CLICK HERE to see Hazel with the Zoomies!
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WELCOME Cashew (California ground squirrel) & Toby (African Pygmy Falcon)!
Say hello to “Cashew”, our newest animal ambassador—a curious and energetic California ground squirrel! Cashew is already stealing hearts with his playful personality and quick movements, and he’ll be helping our team connect guests with the amazing world of small mammals and the important roles they play in their ecosystems.
There’s a new African Pygmy Falcon in town at the Ameritas Wings of Wonder! Everyone meet Toby, a 9 month old Pygmy Falcon. Keepers are hopeful he will become a companion to Tanzi, the female Pygmy Falcon who stars in the summer bird experience!
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Impacting Landscapes Native Plants Near and Far
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has a robust native plants program that includes growing and selling plants and its offsite farm, working with plant scientists at its Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), and supporting important plants in landscapes far away!
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A Tribute to Otis, from keeper Hillary S.:
Remembering Otis: “When I first met Otis, he was skittish and timid, with very little trust or confidence in himself. Through patience, training, and the steady building of trust, our team watched him grow into a more confident and less fearful fox, and it was incredible. Although he never served as an official ambassador, he inspired others simply by being himself—shy yet courageous, attentive and nurturing, and absolutely adorable. Otis loved head rubs, basking in the sunshine beside his mate Frankie, and rolling around in fresh wood shavings. We miss him deeply, and I hope that wherever he is, he’s surrounded by all the simple joys he loved most and eating all the meat and crickets his heart desires.” – AAT Keeper Hillary S.
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Mutualistic Symbiotic Relationships 🙂
What you’re seeing here is a fascinating example of a mutualistic symbiotic relationship between our 7-year-old Komodo dragon, Aegon, and one of our Timor zebra finches. Mutualism means both species benefit—and this is a perfect example! The finch helps Aegon by picking away shedding skin and removing pesky insects, while the finch gets a tasty snack in return. It’s a win-win in the wild (and at the Zoo!) Stop by the Dragons’ building for a chance to see this amazing interaction in action.
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KEN’S CINCINNATI SAFARI
Join Ken on an adventure into the wild safari and Hippo Cove at the Cincinnati Zoo.
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Hippo Honks!
Hippos might look quiet, but they’re actually very vocal animals! They communicate using grunts, bellows, honks, and even loud wheezes to talk to one another. Even cooler—hippos can “talk” both above and below the water at the same time. Their calls travel through the air and water, helping them stay connected with their group no matter where they are.
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Did You Know? Native Plants and the Passenger Pigeon Connection
Near the Passenger Pigeon Memorial, the garden beds are planted with species that once served as food sources for passenger pigeons during their lifetimes. This thoughtful nod to the past highlights how deeply connected these extinct birds were to the local ecosystem. It’s a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity today.
- Martha the Passenger Pigeon
Though not a person, Martha is world-famous as the last known passenger pigeon. She died at the zoo in 1914, marking the extinction of her species and becoming a symbol of the importance of conservation.
Conservation & Sustainability
Working Together to Save Sea Otters
Thane Maynard speaks with Elakha Alliance partner about how we’re working together to help sea otters make a comeback.
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Conservation Connection Newsletter
Click Here to Read the Conservation Connection Newsletter
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5 Simple Ways to Help Migrating Birds This Season
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Coexistence Theme At CZBG!
A recurring theme unites all areas of our zoo: Coexistence. The vision is clear: humans and animals thriving together. Unlike any other species, humans have the unique ability to actively “do” conservation. This means it’s our responsibility to take meaningful actions that protect wildlife and preserve wild places for generations to come.
CLICK HERE to learn more on the Conservation topics: Wildlife Friendly Choices, Healthy Waterways, and Connect with Nature!
In Case You Missed It
Early Morning Volunteer Opportunity: Bird Collision Monitoring
We’re opening volunteer shifts for our spring Bird Collision Monitoring program! Shifts will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6:30 AM, running from April 15 through May 30.
To get started, all volunteers will attend a brief guided training walk to learn the monitoring route, data collection process, and expectations before signing up for ongoing shifts.
Interested in learning more?
Please email [email protected] to get started!
Found a Dead/Injured Bird? Here’s What to Do!
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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.
- 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
- April 13 & 17, 2026 – Wildflower Walks at Gorman Heritage Farm
- No documents
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: |
| Saturdays: 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 | *Sold Out* |
| *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 (Dip Edition):
Bonus…just because:
