Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
ZooLaLa Volunteer Sign Ups coming Monday
Communication regarding ZooLaLa volunteer sign-ups will be sent out on Monday.
If you are interested in volunteering at ZooLaLa and have not previously volunteered for events, please email [email protected] to be added to the Event Communication email list.
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FREE Admission to ALL NATIONAL PARKS on MEMORIAL DAY (5.25.26)
In commemoration of Memorial Day, US residents will not be be charged entrance fees at national parks on May 25, 2026.
CLICK HERE to find out more details.
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Donor Night Sign Ups!
We’re incredibly excited to share something special in partnership with our amazing Development Team!
As volunteers, you give something truly meaningful—your time, energy, and passion—and we recognize that as a powerful form of giving. In celebration of that, we’re honored to invite you to be part of a couple of special evenings that recognize and celebrate those who support the Zoo in so many ways.
With appreciation for both our dedicated donors and our incredible volunteers, we’re excited to extend these opportunities as a way to celebrate the many ways people contribute to our mission.
Summer Donor Appreciation Night – Wednesday, June 3
Volunteers are now able to sign up to attend! You may request a ticket for yourself and one guest by clicking the link below.
Click Here to RSVP for the Summer Appreciation Night
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Elephant Trek Survey
As a Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Volunteer, we would love to hear about your time spent in our Elephant Trek habitat!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your experience in that particular space. Estimated completion time: 3-5 minutes.
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City of Cincinnati E-Bike Program
The City of Cincinnati E-Bike Program is a pilot initiative designed to make electric bikes more affordable for residents by offering interest-free payment plans through a local bike shop.
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| We are thrilled to offer you exclusive access to our live health webinar series hosted by Cancer Expert Now. Join us to explore the key signs of skin cancer and melanoma, including what changes in your skin should prompt attention. Whether you’re looking to stay informed, support a loved one, or simply take charge of your well‑being, this session will equip you with the tools to stay vigilant and confident in caring for your skin. Monday, May 18th | 11:00am – 11:30pm ET TOPICS COVERED WILL INCLUDE: Understanding Skin Cancer and Melanoma Recognizing Key Warning Signs and Symptoms Navigating Screening Recommendations Everyone who is in attendance for the full duration of the webinar is automatically entered for a $50 Amazon gift card raffle. There will be 1 winner, winner will be notified via email. Can’t join the live discussion? Everyone who registers will receive access to view the webinar at their convenience regardless of if you were in attendance or not. Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom |
Zoo News
Summer Interns are Here!
Please help welcome the 2026 Summer Interns!
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Intern Program provides participants with early career experience in a specific department. Interns gain valuable skills through hands-on training with staff, attending lectures and continuing education courses presented by staff from various departments, and networking opportunities to develop professional contacts throughout the Zoo community.
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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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Shining a Light on Volunteer Photographer: Kathy Newton
Our dear friend and an original volunteer photographer, Kathy Newton, may have an unmatched love for our Cincinnati Zoo and animal residents. Unfortunately, Kathy has moved into hospice care after a courageous second battle with cancer.
If anyone would like to send cards to her or her family they will read them to her and decorate her room with them. (Please reply to this email and we will provide you with the address.)
We are keeping Kathy and her family in our thoughts and prayers.
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Mon., July 6: Reds DAY at the ZOO and Tues. July 7: Zoo NIGHT at the Reds game
July 6: Celebrate The Cincinnati Reds at Reds Day at the Zoo on Monday, July 6, 2026! Don’t miss an exclusive Q&A session with Reds players from 11:00am – 12:00pm at the Wings of Wonder Theater.
July 7: Join the Reds and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to celebrate the zoo’s porcupine, Rico! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take home a special collectible of this cute animal and enjoy a fun night at the ballpark.
This special package includes:
- an exclusive Rico bobblehead
- ticket to the game (July 7)
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Cincinnati Zoo elephant keeper retires after 40 years
AVONDALE, Ohio (WKRC) — Not many people can say that they’ve worked at the same place for 40 years and loved it, but it’s true for one man who cared for the elephant herd at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Val Nastold retired Friday after four decades as an elephant keeper. Nastold has seen it all — from the early days at the Elephant House, where close contact was common, to the opening of the five-acre Elephant Trek. He says he chose to work with elephants because of a connection and bond you can’t find anywhere else.
“It’s just something about them that they’re intelligent enough that you can call them by name,” Nastold said. “And so you do have that bond, and it’s just interesting that something as large as an elephant is trusting enough to listen to a 180-some-odd-pound member of the herd.”
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FOX 19 NOW Feature: Talking annuals with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Plant & Animal Updates
ZooTales: Little Zookeeper, Big Facts: Lincoln Talks Venom & Poison
Meet Lincoln, zookeeper-in-training, resident animal expert, and the five-year-old son of your host, Jenna—who’s here to school us on the wild world of venomous and poisonous animals!
In this special episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, Lincoln takes the mic to share his surprisingly deep knowledge (and big enthusiasm) about creatures that sting, bite, and warn predators to stay away. With Jenna guiding the conversation, Lincoln brings curiosity, humor, and a fresh perspective that proves you’re never too young to love and learn about wildlife. It’s a fun, family-friendly episode packed with cool facts, adorable moments, and a whole lot of zoo magic.
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National Endangered Species Day!
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Zoo Babies – Video of the Week
It’s the cutest time of year… Zoo Babies! Spring means new life at the Cincinnati Zoo, and our newest arrivals are stealing hearts everywhere. From tiny paws to playful personalities, there’s something new to see every time you visit. Watch them grow, explore, and charm their way through their first big adventures. Bring your babies to meet our babies during Zoo Babies presented by General Electric Credit Union.
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Tips from Dave & Thane to Help Migrating Songbirds this Spring
It’s songbird migration season, and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is helping you help our feathered friends get to their final destinations. Check out the new songbird resource page and be sure to take one of the 5 simple actions that can make a big difference for birds!
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Sleeping On The Job (Facebook Post)
The 3-week-old baby skunks went outside for the first time yesterday. They are being co-reared between skunk mom, Lily, and our Animal Ambassador Team. These young skunks are being raised to become future animal ambassadors for other Zoos. They will connect guests with wildlife in a meaningful way.
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If Only We Could All Bathe Like Toby the African pygmy falcon!
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Amphibian Week (May 4th)
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Happy 1st Bday to otter pups Ripple, Splash, Scuttle, and Puddles! (May 9)
Relive the last year with these otterly adorable pups! These Asian small-clawed otter (ASCO) pups are now big brothers to three younger brothers.
The Commissary Bakery Team recently created an awesome cake to celebrate the four Small Clawed Asian Otters’ first birthday. Tony Lewis led the effort, creating a multi-layer seafood cake that the otters absolutely loved and devoured.
As one of the keepers shared, “It completely blew us away, and the creativity, attention to detail, and species-appropriate ingredients were absolutely perfect. The otters loved it, and our guests loved it even more.”
Fantastic work by Tony and the entire Commissary Team on another creative and memorable enrichment item!
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Have you seen the Barnyard Bonanza?
Have you seen the Barnyard Bonanza? This is the perfect activity for kids young and old! See your favorite animals like Magnolia 🐷, Marshmallow 🦨 & Collins 🐐 as they demonstrate their natural behaviors! This is a fast-paced, family-friendly must see experience at the zoo! @grippochipco
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Did You Know? Bear Bad Hair Day
- Our bears are spending more and more time out and about as we transition into the warmer seasons, but they aren’t necessarily looking their best… Though they never experienced a full torpor, Hazel and Juniper still spent lots of time slowing down and snoozing, which left them looking a little rough. This baby bear bedhead is exactly how we expect a black bear to look as they emerge from their dens.
Juniper & Hazel built a den for winter as they began to experience torpor. Now that it’s warmer out and they’re becoming more active outside their den, it’s time to check out what’s inside!
Conservation & Sustainability
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 COEXISTENCE FELLOWS!
This year, five, 1st Year Fellows and three, returning 2nd year Fellows, made up the Cincinnati Zoo’s Fourth Annual Cohort of Hoffman Coexistence Impact Fellows.
Since its inception in 2022, the Hoffman Coexistence Impact Fellowship Program at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has worked to support and collaborate with conservationists from around the world in the spirit of fostering coexistence between people and wildlife across vast landscapes.
Fellows week was held Monday, May 11th – Friday, May 15th!
CLICK THE PICTURE ABOVE to meet this year’s Fellows!
While Fellows week called for hard work from both Fellows and Cincinnati Zoo staff, a bit of even harder play is what truly makes the difference between colleagues and lifelong friends. Fellows Week is a great opportunity for visiting conservationists to see many of the fun activities Cincinnati has to offer, whether that be a Red’s game, behind-the-scenes zoo tours, or connecting with other Zoo staff whose expertise align with their interests.
We thank all involved in making this an unforgettable experience!
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Conservation Connection Newsletter
Click Here to Read the Conservation Connection Newsletter
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Conservation Initiatives for Communities Near and Far
An overview of Cincinnati Zoo’s conservation initiatives at home and across the globe.
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RECYCLING REFRESHER from our Sustainability Team
Enjoy our Recycling Initiatives Informational packet from our own, amazing Sustainability Team:
How-to Video from Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub
In Case You Missed It
Volunteer Opportunity: Bird & Cheetah Shows (Starting May 22)
We’re looking for volunteers to help enhance the guest experience at our Wings of Wonder Bird Show and Cheetah Encounter! Volunteers will assist with welcoming guests, guiding seating, and creating a positive, organized experience for visitors.
Show Schedules (starting May 22):
- Cheetah Encounter: Friday–Tuesday at 10:30 AM & 12:00 PM
- Wings of Wonder: Wednesday–Sunday at 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM
Shifts are now open in Better Impact. If you are NOT yet on the roster and would like to sign up, please email [email protected] to get added. A week before the shows start you will receive additional information about this role.
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The 28th Newport, KY Garden Walk & Flower Design Classes (June 6-7)
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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.
- Fri., June 12, 2026 – Ancient and Modern Elephants
- Fri., July 10, 2026 – Primates
- Tues., August 18, 2026 – Earthwatch: Natural History Volunteer Vacations
- Learn about Earthwatch, a nonprofit that works with field researchers who need low-skilled help. Volunteers travel within the USA or around the world to help collect data about wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Tues., September 8, 2026 – Freshwater Mussels by Dan Marsh, Director of Education
- Rivers and streams in Ohio host a huge variety of freshwater mussels, but they are threatened by water pollution and changes in aquatic vegetation. Come learn about the life cycles of these rarely-observed local invertebrates.
- Tues., October 20, 2026 – How Animals Walk
- Mammals all have the same basic skeletal structure, but they walk in a great variety of different ways: four feet, two feet, flat feet, knuckles, tiptoes. We will review how bones and muscles vary to accommodate these strategies, and look at the differences between walking, running, and other gaits. Then we’ll go out and observe zoo animals that walk in different ways.
- Tues., November 10, 2026 – Adaptations for Flight
- What does it take for an animal to be able to fly? We’ll consider various factors like size, shape, weight, muscles, bones, and feathers. Then we’ll go watch various zoo birds and bats move through the air.
- Fri., December 11, 2026 – Rainforests
- What defines a rainforest, and why do rainforests host so much biodiversity?We’ll discuss how plants and animals are adapted to these wet ecosystems, and the differences between layers of the forest that are different heights about the ground.
*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
- Tues. & Fri., May 5 & 8, 2026 – Bird Walks at Spring Grove
- 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: |
| Friday, June 26, 2026 | Zoo La La | 7:30-11:00pm |
| Monday, July 6, 2026 | Reds Day at the Zoo | 11:00am-12:00pm |
| *DATE CHANGE* July 29th (Information coming soon) | Stuffed Animal Clinic | 8:00am-5:00pm |
| 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 (Memorial Day Edition):
