Third Friday Update _ July Edition 7/19/24

Volunteer Updates and Opportunities:

Yay for National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week!

National Zoo Keeper Appreciation Week is upon us! From July 21st to July 27th, we’ll be celebrating the hard work and dedication of our amazing zoo keepers who tirelessly care for the animals and inspire our visitors!

To show our appreciation, we would love to shower them with snacks and baked goods for their end of week party. We’re calling on our wonderful adult volunteer community to help make their celebration even sweeter!

If you’re interested in donating, please sign up in the link below! All items should be dropped off at the Volunteer Office (Education 3rd Floor) by Friday, July 26th at Noon. Please bring all items in containers that are not expected to be returned.

Click Here to Sign Up to Bring Goodies for the Animal Staff

Make sure to wish all our animal staff a “Happy Zoo Keeper Week” when you see them!


Zoo Updates

In Edible Ohio

There was recently an article featured in Edible Ohio, check it out below to learn more about how the Zoo grows plants and minds.

Click Here to Read the Article

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Cincinnati Magazine – Penguins in the News

Click Here to Read the Article

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New Jack-o-lantern Glow Event

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Community Makeover brings more Browse to Zoo Animals

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Red Panda Feature on Cincinnati.com

Click Here to Read the Article

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ZooTales Podcast

This new episode is all about sihek birds! Hear more about this fascinating conservation story from Cincinnati Zoo keeper Aimee! This species is extinct in the wild & chicks hatched at the Cincinnati Zoo will be part of an attempt to re-establish a population on Palmyra Atoll, a Nature Conservancy Preserve and research station. This protected, predator-free island is an ideal location for wild introductions, paving the way for the species’ eventual return to Guam. Nine zoos across the U.S. are taking part in the collaborative breeding program of the sihek in preparation for this year’s hopeful release. 

Click Here to Listen


Plant & Animal Updates

New Ambassador Animal

This beautiful red fox was abandoned in a box at an apartment complex. He was taken in by an Ohio wildlife rehabilitator and brought to the Cincinnati Zoo to be an ambassador for his species. The fox is not yet visible to the public but we will keep you posted on how he’s doing on social media.

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Happy Birthday Moe

Moe celebrated his 25th birthday on July 16th!

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Tanzi & Timmy

Tanzi and Timmy are African pygmy falcons! Though it is the smallest raptor in Africa, the African pygmy falcon is a powerful predator. See Tanzi during the Ameritas Wings of Wonder Encounter!

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Gladys Update

Gladys is one tough cookie! After breaking her arm in April she sported the world’s first 3D printed titanium cast for several months. Her arm has fully healed and she is back with her troop. She is still participating in daily PT to strengthen and stretch her arm.

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Meerkat Enrichment

Enrichment is an important part of the daily care we provide. Enrichment is anything the zookeepers add to the animals’ environments to stimulate their senses & elicit natural behaviors such as foraging, exploration, hunting, problem solving & even play.

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Red Panda

Good morning sleepy head! Red pandas are considered crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk), sleeping up to 17 hours a day.

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Tamandua Ultrasound

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Swimming Elephants

Cute fact of the day: elephants can swim! They use their trunk like a snorkel to breathe!

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Sibling Rivalry Video

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Zebra Fun

Up close with Stewart the zebra! As distinctive as a fingerprint, every zebra has a unique pattern of stripes.

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Cute Icki

Icki the saddle-billed stork playing hide and seek!

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Kal

Kal is so brave exploring outside and had his first day in the yard! He will eventually be an ambassador in the Kroger Cheetah Encounter!


Volunteer Corner

Volunteer Photos

These beautiful photos were taken by Darcy H., a volunteer with CREW! Thanks for sharing, Darcy!

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Zoo Olympics Match Game

Thank you to volunteer, Judy S. for putting together this fun matching game in honor of the upcoming Olympic Games! See how well you know our animal species! The answers will be in the next Animal Update!