Volunteer Updates and Opportunities
Zoofari Sign Ups
The theme for Zoofari this year is Moonlit Mountains, and we are celebrating the upcoming North American habitats, Bear Ridge and Sea Otter Coast! This annual fundraiser would not be possible without the support of volunteers, and WE NEED YOU to help make it a huge success!
If you are interested in volunteering at Zoofari, there are 2 different shifts options, you can find them listed below. *I will do my best to accommodate your selection, but I cannot guarantee that you will receive you first choice because spots are limited.
- First Shift – (6-9pm or 5:30-8:30) – Once your shift is complete, you are welcome to enjoy the event.
- Second Shift – (8:30/9pm – 11/midnight) – After Check-In you are welcome to explore the event and will not need to report to your station until the start of your shift.
- *This is a great option for anyone who would like to taste test all the delicious food because many of the food booths close after 9 and only the late night bites will be open.
Each volunteer may volunteer with ONE spouse, partner, friend, etc.
If you are interested in Volunteering for Zoofari, click on the link below to fill out the form. Please make sure to read the volunteer expectations and let me know if you have any questions.
Click Here to Complete the Form
*Please do not share this form with individuals who are not current Volunteers at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
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Sustainability Volunteers Needed
The Sustainability Department is in search of volunteers interested in helping us achieve our Net Zero Waste goals. The department needs help sorting plastic film that is collected from around the zoo and is stored in the garage space next to Purchasing. It needs to be sorted into two different types. It also needs to be dry, clean of any debris, and any bags cut open. This would just be once a week for the time being but may increase to twice a week as our film recycling program rolls out to different departments.
Zoo Updates
Elephant Barn Mural – Have you checked it out yet?
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Elephant Trek Update
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2023 Bowling for Rhinos – The Date is Set!
The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) Cincinnati Chapter is excited to host the 8th Annual Bowling for Rhinos on October 1, 2023, from 5pm-9pm at Madison Bowl (near Oakley).
In addition to bowling, we will have merchandise for sale, a silent auction, and a raffle with some amazing prizes.
Participants will bowl for 2 hours and have the opportunity to participate in several other “supplemental” fundraisers. Even if you don’t want to bowl you can also support the cause by participating in our silent auction or raffle or feel free to come and just enjoy the night with friends.
Tickets:
Single Bowler: $35 per person Includes registration for one bowler.
Couple Bowling Package: $60 per couple Includes registration for 2 bowlers.
Whole Lane Bowling Package: $135 for an entire lane Includes registration for up to 6 bowlers and reserves your own lane!
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ZooTales
Fritz’s keepers recap the little hippo’s first birthday party at Hippo Cove and discuss all the behind-the-scenes moments!
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August 5th – World of Insect’s 45th Anniversary
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Heartwarming Update from our OPS Team
You might be wondering…has OPS ~actually~ taken any animals to wildlife rehabbers? And the answer is yes!!
Most recently, we took this sleepy friend to a rehabber, who said that he is a fighter and will be strong enough for release in no time with his new group of adopted squirrel siblings. The rehabber was also so so grateful for our donations of goods to help with animal care.
Thank you to everyone who donated items, & thank you to the Animal Health & Animal Leadership staff for supporting this as part of our mission. Here’s to our native animal friends!!
Plant & Animal Updates
Juno Cuteness
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Fritz Update_Training Session with Jenna
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Beautiful Zoo Blooms
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New Ambassador Alert
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Rozi Growing Up Fast
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Kip’s First Birthday
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Lucy Update
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August 8th – Tessa’s Birthday
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Oz the Mississippi Kite
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Okapi Pregnancy Update
Conservation Corner
Asian Elephants and Coexistence
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Digester – Take 2
We are so excited to announce that the Sustainability Team alongside SSA have been working to get the Zoo’s digester back up and running!
While we are reconfiguring the logistics of how this program will work, the process will be a bit different from last time for now. We are currently using food waste from SSA’s prep kitchen, alongside bedding and animal waste from some of our animal departments to create the compost!
The Harp CX5 bio-digester is essentially an accelerated composter. The organic material goes into the aerobic digester, where we add in enzymes that will help break down the organic waste. It is then heated and turned mechanically by an auger, vastly speeding up the composting process.
The digester retains the nutrients from the food waste and prevents the decay of food in a landfill which otherwise would create methane and carbon dioxide.
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CREW News – Cincinnati Zoo receives national grant to expand bear research
Click Here to Read the Article
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Bring Your Green Challenge
The Sustainability Impact Team wants YOU to join the Bring Your Green challenge!
By participating in the challenge, your team competes to achieve the most sustainable lifestyle among your CZBG peers and Ohio organizations.
How do YOU get involved?
- Visit bringyourgreen.com
- Login or join as an Individual/Enthusiast
- Join the general staff team ‘Cincy Zoo & Garden’
Cincy Zoo & Garden is currently in 3rd place! By joining the challenge you can help us make a greater impact in our community!