February Volunteer Update _ 2/18/2022

Posted on By Amber Suttmiller

February Update

 Happy Friday Everyone!  I apologize for only being able to get out one Volunteer Update this month because of the IT work, but so much has happened since our last update consider this a SUPER-edition!

Lunar New Year

According to the Lunar New Year, which began on February 1st and is celebrated by many East Asian countries, 2022 is a Year of the Tiger on the Chinese zodiac calendar cycle. Here at CZBG, we just celebrated Batari the Malayan Tiger’s 5th birthday earlier this month! We’ve loved having her at our Zoo, she has inspired millions of visitors. However, we will be saying a fond farewell to Batari who will be leaving our Zoo in March according to SSP breeding recommendations. We will welcome two new Malayan tigers into Cat Canyon – a young male and older female. Malayan tigers are considered critically endangered.  One way YOU can help wild tigers is through informed consumer choices with products containing palm oil. Buying products that use only sustainable palm oil helps ensure that farming practices used to supply palm oil do not result in the deforestation of tiger habitat.   

Even though we are only 18 days into the Year of the Tiger, here in Cincinnati we have had so much to celebrate!  The Zoo had so much fun getting creative during the Cincinnati Bengal’s quest for a Superbowl win!  Even though our team came up a little short, it was so fun to see the whole city come together for some light-hearted fun!  Below you will find some of the unique ways the Zoo got in on the Superbowl Excitement!

 

Our Zooper Bowl Lineup

While the real team was playing in LA, there was plenty of squawking, hissing, hooting, chuffing, grunting, laughing, and of course, roaring coming from the Jungle of the Cincinnati Zoo to cheer on the Bengals.
Click Here to Watch the Video

Animal Predictions:

Penguin Pick
Click Here to Watch the Video
Fiona Pick
Click Here to Watch the Video
Our very own Tiger, Batari, even got in on the action and had some fun!
Click Here to Watch the Video

Game Face

Not to be outdone, a few of the other animals made sure to show us their “Game Face”

New Addition with a name honoring our Quarterback

Meet “Cup O’ Joe Burrow” our newest penguin chick!
We name most of our little blue penguins something related to food, so we added “Cup O’ Joe” to the chick’s official name. The 5-week-old chick will eventually wear orange and black ID bands when it moves to be with the rest of the little blue penguin colony this spring.
The chick and the quarterback have more in common than just their obvious good looks. This chick has been a great leader since Dey 1. He’s always communicating his game plan to the entire team, and the plan is always eating and sleeping. Little blue penguins and QB Burrow are both good swimmers but can’t fly, and they know how to survive in extreme environments – Arrowhead Stadium and the rocky cliffs of New Zealand.

 

Black History Month

The Americorps team met on Feb 10th for their monthly In-Service Training where part of the afternoon was dedicated to learning about Black History Month! Each member researched a leader/activist/organization that contributed to or highlighted the Black community. If you’re interested in learning history, engaging with an inclusive organization, or following an outstanding scientist, read more below: 

Brown Bag Zoom with Groundwork ORV

In addition to the information above, you are invited to join us for an engaging panel discussion on Tuesday, February 22nd from 12-1pm.  This is an opportunity to join Youth, Staff, and Board Members from Groundwork ORV, the Zoo’s newest partner, in celebrating Black History Month!
This lunch hour discussion seeks to bring awareness on the value of representation in green spaces and bridge an understanding in the barriers and impact Black Americans continue to struggle and overcome today in the fields of conservation, outdoor recreation, and sustainability.
Click Here to register for the Zoom and read more about the panelists

Below you will find additional opportunities to continue the Black History Month Celebration.

 Upcoming Webinars: 

Zoo Updates:

ZooTales

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re introducing you to the Wild Side of Love in this new episode that explores the different mating and breeding behaviors of animals! This episode is educational and fun but may be best for mature listeners.
Click Here to Listen

 Breakfast with the Animals

Did you see that the Zoo has opened up Registration for Breakfast with the Animals?
Click Here to Learn More

Rookwood Pottery

Isn’t she darling? Capturing hearts across the world, we watched Fiona grow through her journey, overcoming obstacles and pushing the limits of what anyone thought was possible.
Hand-painted by artists, Rookwood’s NEW Darling Fiona keepsake is the perfect reminder that hope truly lights the way! With each purchase, 20% of proceeds are donated to the Cincinnati Zoo and 10% to March of Dimes . Click the link below to check out Darling Fiona and Rookwood’s full Fiona Collection.
Click Here to see the Collection

 

Grants

Did you see that several Cincinnati Zoo Employees were awarded Grants to save Wildlife? One unique thing about working at the Cincinnati Zoo is the amount of passion each employee has for wildlife and wild places. Every year, Zoo employees are invited to submit requests for a conservation project to be funded. See this year’s winners:
Click Here to Read the Article

Just For Fun

 Dental Health Month

February is Dental Health Month! Our animals get regular dental check ups and so should you! Take care of your pearly whites!

Happy Valentine’s Day

Even though Valentine’s Day has come and gone, it is never too late to celebrate with our favorite Otter couple!  Couples that swim together, stay together Another otterly adorable Sugar & Wesley swim session! Otters are the only aquatic members of the weasel family.  If the photo just isn’t enough, Click Here for a Sweet Video.

 Amali

When we ask for adorable videos of our youngest Bonobo, Amali Never disappoints!
Click Here for a Video of Amali Acting Her Age
Click Here for a Video of Amali’s impression of an airplane

Ringing the Dinner Bell

I don’t know about all of you, but when it is cold outside all I want to do is snack!  I’m glad to see that I have that in common with our animal friends here at the zoo.  Check out the video below!
Click Here to watch the Video

Do you see what I see?

Mossy Leaf Tailed gecko showing off some next-level camo!

Bruno

Do you have Kids or Grandkids that have fallen in love with Encanto, the new Disney movie?  Well, we are lucky to have our very own Bruno here at the zoo…but unlike the song, we LOVE talking about Bruno!
Click Here for the Video

Construction Update

North America: Renovation of the bear line has begun.  For the next few weeks, the main loop will be closed during the week and open on weekends. 
Power House:  The path through Children’s Zoo is closed as we upgrade our electrical service.  This path will likely remain closed until March 12th when we return to full-price admission. 

 Plant & Animal Information:

1/21/22 – Squirrel Appreciation Day

As much as the squirrels can drive us crazy here at the Zoo, they still deserve a day of appreciation for all the ways they entertain us.  

1/31/22 – International Zebra Day

Happy International Zebra Day from Stewart, Earl, and Vern.   As distinctive as a fingerprint, every zebra has a unique pattern of stripes.

2/14/2022 – World Bonobo Day

Learn more about this amazing species and why we celebrate World Bonobo Day on Valentine’s Day by clicking on the link below.
Click Here to Read the Article
Also, check out this Live video that was posted to social Media and learn some more about the bonobos in our care.
Click Here to Watch the Video
If you still haven’t had enough Bonobo Talk, here is a past ZooTales Podcast you may have missed with their favorite keeper, Faith!
Click Here to Listen

2/15/2022 – National Hippo Day

Did you know that before 1909, scientists placed hippos in the same group as pigs? Despite their outward similarities with pigs or wild boars, hippopotamuses are closely related to whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Hippos are semiaquatic mammals that are native to sub-Saharan Africa. They are the third-largest land mammal after elephants and rhinos.  For more information about Hippos, check out the article below.
Click Here to Read the Article

 Dreaming of Warmer Weather

Our Hippos took advantage of the few warm days we had this past week.  Check out the fun video that was put together by our communication team.
Click Here to Watch the Video

Snow Days!

Click Here to watch a Video of Kris and Remus in the Snow
Although the pictures and video above are adorable, the snow and ice-storm that hit at the beginning of the month caused some complicated situations for the Zoo.  We all owe a BIG Thank You to all the staff that stayed on grounds to ride out the storm and take incredible care of our animals and facility -and- to the Horticulture Crew for planning ahead and working to keep paths clear and the zoo accessible and safe.  If you want to learn more about what happened at the Zoo while it was closed to the public, check out the article below.
Click Here to read the Article

 Zoo Birthdays:

  Fiona

Fiona’s 5th Birthday celebration was a huge success and her special day was celebrated all over the world!  Below you will find a couple videos that showcase her Hippo-Sized Celebration!
Click Here to Watch a Video Recap
Click Here for to watch the Birthday Cake Video

To honor Fiona’s big day, listen to a new podcast featuring Fiona’s Care Team!
Click Here to Listen

 Bibi’s Birthday

Happy 23rd Birthday Bibi on 2/7/2022! Hugs and kisses! xoxoxo
A hippo’s normal life expectancy is 40-50 years so we plan on lots more Birthday celebrations with Bibi!
Click Here to watch Bibi’s Birthday Video

 Batari

February 3rd was Batari’s 5th Birthday!
Click Here to Watch the Video

 Gladys

January 29th is Glady’s 9th Birthday! Above is a throwback photo of Gladys, to see how much she has grown check out the video below.  January 29th is also National Puzzle Day and Gladys enjoyed using one of the many puzzle feeders the primate care team uses as part of their daily enrichment program. Gorillas are highly intelligent and enjoy a variety of daily enrichment including puzzle feeders that require some thought and sometimes tools in order to get the treats.
Click Here to Watch the Video

 Cece

February 1st was Cece’s 11th Birthday!  She is Theo’s mom and when you’re at the Zoo, look close and you’ll find a “C” and an “E” pattern on the front of her chest!

Opportunities:

SAFE Songbirds

Calling all community scientists! The 25th annual Great Backyard Bird Count starts on Feb. 18-21st. Whether you’re a budding birdwatcher or a bird-count veteran, you can use your ID skills to help scientists protect birds and the places they need.  Don’t forget, February is National Bird Feeding Month so it is the perfect time to fill your feeders and start your count!
Click Here Learn more and Sign Up 

Sustainable Urban Landscapes Symposium

Tickets on sale now to the popular Sustainable Urban Landscapes Symposium on March 10, 2022! This symposium will feature expert speakers & focus on trees with plenty of good information on pollinators and human health!
Click Here to Learn More

Bird Friendly Coffee

Even from home, a simple change can make a global impact. When you drink Bird Friendly certified coffee, you help save critical bird habitat in Central and South America. To find a store or cafe near you, or have it shipped to you.
Click Here for More Information

Barrows Lecture Series:

One of my most anticipated Zoo events of the year is actually a series of events…the Barrow’s Lecture Series.  This year is no exception, I cannot wait to hear more from the 4 exceptional individuals pictured above.  I encourage all of you to join me, in person or online!
Click Here to Learn More about the Speakers
Click Here to Buy Tickets

Educator Resource

Do you know anyone looking for animals in their classroom? They can join us via Facebook Live for FREE virtual school programs. We’ll go behind the scenes with animal care staff to talk all things wildlife and conservation. Every Wednesday at 1pm EST.  These videos are also all recorded and available at any time.  Feel free to send this information to anyone you might thing might be interested.
Click Here for the Resource Page

Department Highlight:

CREW Volunteer Department

We are featuring the CREW Volunteers in this Newsletter.  Click on the link below to learn more about the department and meet some of the members of the team!
Click Here to learn more about our CREW Volunteers

Last Call:

Did you see the “Years of Service” and “Hours Logged” recognitions last month?  Did you make the list and forget to request your Recognition Pin?  Click on the link below to redirect to the last update.

Click Here for the First Friday – January Update

Contact Information:

Brittany Garera-Stapleton 
Volunteer Relations Coordinator
(513)559-7768 
[email protected]

**My in-office hours have been varying week to week to accommodate staff meetings.  The best way to reach me day-to-day is through e-mail.