Zoo Updates
Tax Levy Update
Message from Dave Jenike, COO
“As you may know, the Zoo has received tax levy support from Hamilton County residents for the last 40 years. This partnership is essential to our success and equally important is the impact our world class Zoo brings to the region. Every 5 years, the voters get to decide if they will continue their support.
The current Zoo levy expires this year, so we’re asking the tax levy review committee (TLRC) and county commissioners to put us on the November ballot. We presented our request for a renewal with an inflationary increase to the TLRC on Monday night and hope they will recommend that to the commissioners.
It has been 15 years since we have had a tax levy increase, and costs for food and other qualified levy expenses have risen 79% in that time. We are the least subsidized Zoo in Ohio and the second lowest of nine Hamilton County property taxes. The owner of a $100,000 home currently pays about $9 annually to support the Zoo. With the requested increase, they would pay about $3 more. $12 per year is still a bargain considering that we bring about $143 million dollars into the area annually (per UC economic impact study).
We will have other presentations and will be taking the commissioners, auditors, and TLRC members around the Zoo as the ballot process progresses. We won’t know how/if we’ll be on the ballot until early August. We will need all of you to help us rally voter support after that!
For now, please familiarize yourselves with the main points outlined in this infographic. We will also be posting levy-related materials on friendsofthecincinnatizoo.org so you can point people with questions to that resource.
Thank you for all that you do to make our Zoo one of the best in the nation.”
-Dave
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ZooTales Podcast
On this new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, Volunteer Enrichment Committee leader Jen, tells us some of her favorite animal enrichment she’s made over the years at the Cincinnati Zoo! Listen here: http://ow.ly/oisb50MNC6i
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Just For Fun
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Bowyer Farm Update
Bowyer Farm volunteers working hard to plant browse trees. The twigs, leaves, and bark of these trees will be used to help feed the animals at the Zoo. We love to support our Zoo animals!
Plant/Animal Updates
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Conservation Corner
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Opportunities
Aquatics/Hydroponics Greenhouse Volunteer Needed
Did you know there is a small demonstration greenhouse located on the Base Camp deck, which is in use by the Aquatics department? We are operating a hydroponics and aquaponics system within the greenhouse producing leafy greens, herbs, and vegetables, supplying various departments with animal enrichment. We are currently looking for Volunteers interested in taking on roles at the Greenhouse. If you have interest and availability and would like to learn more about this opportunity, please CLICK HERE to fill out the interest form and someone will reach out to you soon with more information.
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Volunteer Roles Accepting Applications
Did you know that we are accepting Applications for several Volunteer Roles here at the Zoo? Check out the areas that are currently accepting applications and share the links with your Friends and Family!
Click Here for the Rockdale Urban Garden Volunteer Application
Click Here for the Pollinator Watch Volunteer Opportunity
Click Here for the Wild Encounters Ambassador Opportunity
In Case You Missed It
Save the Date
Are you interested in volunteering for events here are the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden? As event season gets closer be on the lookout for messages about signing up to work the events! Mark your calendars now!
*Sign Ups will happen 6 Weeks prior to the Event.*
- 4/8/2023 – Easter Celebration
- 5/11/2023 – Toast to the Wild Bourbon Flights
- 6/16/2023 – Zoo La La
- 7/30/2023 – Fritz & Fiona’s Sundae Fundae
- 8/10/2023 – Toast to the Wild – Wild about Wine
- 9/22/2023 – Zoofari
- 10/12/2023 – Toast to the Wild – Zoo Brew
- 10/14/2023-10/15/2023 – HallZOOween
- 10/21/2023-10/22/2023 – HallZOOween
- 10/28/2023-10/29/2023 – HallZOOween
- 11/17/2023-1/7/2023 – Festival of Lights
- 12/21/2023 – Happy Zoo Year
Recognition Pins
Recognition Pins will be available for pick up starting next week. If you plan on coming to pick up your pin, please fill out the form below so that I can have it ready for you in the Hanging File Folders next to my desk on the third floor of the Education Building. I will check the form on Tuesday Morning so that the pins will be ready for pick up all week. The form will expire on Sunday, April 30th – Please pick up your pins by that date.
This will be the last time the Recognition Pins will be posted in the Newsletter. The form will expire on April 30th.
Click Here to Complete the Form
Brittany Garera-Stapleton
Volunteer Relations Coordinator
(513)559-7768
[email protected]