Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
Mark Your Calendars – 2025 Events in need of Volunteer Help
Check back in the Volunteer Update to see when the sign ups for these volunteer roles become available. Typically the ask will come out in the update 4-6 weeks prior to each event!
| Event | Date |
| Easter Celebration | Saturday, April 19th |
| Earth Day at Tunes & Blooms | Thursday, April 24th |
| Bourbon Flights | Thursday, May 8th |
| Stuffed Animal Clinic | Tuesday, June 10th |
| ZooLaLa | Friday, June 20th |
| Zoo La Palooza *NEW* | Friday, July 25th |
| Wild About Wine | Thursday, August 7th |
| Zoofari | Friday, September 19th |
| Zoo Brew | Thursday, October 2nd |
| HallZOOween | Sundays in October (10/12, 10/19, 10/26) |
| Hops & Holly | Friday, November 14th |
| Happy Zoo Year | Wednesday, December 31st |
New Volunteer Role Available with the Events Team:
Our events team is in search of a group of volunteers who would be interested in helping before and during some of the big events we host here at the Zoo. This volunteer leadership position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of the Zoo’s special Events while engaging with a dedicated team of volunteers. If you love working behind the scenes, enjoy event planning and thrive in a team environment, this position might just be for you!
Key Responsibilities of the role:
- Event Preparation & Planning
- Event Support
- Orientation Support
- Mandatory Event Support for 4 out of 5 of the large events
- Bourbon Flights, Zoo La La, Wild About Wine, Zoofari, Zoo Brew
- Optional Event Support for additional events
- Zoo Golf, Breakfast with the Animals, Zoo La Palooza, HallZOOween, Festival of Lights (Donor Night and Member Night)
If you are interested in this role, please click on the link below to apply:
Zoo Updates
Spring is just around the corner and the Zoo is ready:
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Mobile App Reminders
With spring approaching, we’re going to see a lot more guests! If some of them look lost, please guide them to download and use our new mobile app.
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Welcome Kim Nguyen
Another scholar has joined CREW’s Polar Bear Signature Project. Kim Nguyen is our newest IMLS Scholar!
Kim comes to us from Otterbein University, where she completed a B.S. in Biology and Zoo & Conservation Science. She brings with her a wide range of research experiences from her time at Otterbein. Some of her student research projects involved using camera traps to study Ohio wildlife habitat selection, managing aquariums for coral reef ecology courses, and working with the Ohio Wildlife Center. Kim completed an internship with the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program (STCRP) in Florida, where she was part of a team identifying and monitoring sea turtle nesting activities. Her senior thesis project studied freshwater turtle populations and their diet compositions, where she got to combine fieldwork with benchtop research. Kim also followed her interests in coral reef ecology by traveling to Fiji for a study abroad research trip, where she assisted in snorkel surveys, building racks for coral nurseries, and translocating corals to gene bank nurseries. Kim’s passion for conservation science, varied research experiences, and determination in all kinds of environments during fieldwork make us excited for her to join our team.
Kim is the second scholar to be supported by our recent IMLS grant, “Innovative Reproductive Assistance for Overcoming Sustainability Challenges with Zoo Bears.” She will receive training in research methodologies currently used by CREW scientists and will assist Drs. Tori Kennedy and Erin Curry, as well as the rest of the Bear Team, with our ongoing efforts to better understand bear pregnancy. Kim’s project will use infrared thermography in an effort to create a complete thermal profile of pregnancy.
Plant & Animal Updates
PawPaw Update
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Giraffe Pedicures
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Saying to Rhinos…But just for now
As part of our commitment to provide animals at the Cincinnati Zoo with spaces where they can thrive, we are making some moves. The two rhinos that are currently living here will be going to other AZA-accredited Zoos based on breeding recommendations made by the black rhino SSP. Their habitat (The Veldt) will be reimagined for other species. While this does mean that we’ll be without rhinos for a period, a new habitat for them is part of the Zoo’s roadmap.
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Cheetah Cubs are Exploring Outside
The cheetah cubs are starting to explore their outdoor areas! There is no set schedule for when the cubs will be outside. The third cub has a hurt toe so she is taking it easy inside at this time.
Click Here for a Cute Cheetah Video
Did You Know: Cheetahs have oversized nasal passages to help them breathe during sprints but limits space for large teeth, making their teeth smaller than those of other big cats.
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Mantis Mayhem!
World of the Insect keeper, April, recently took on a unique challenge—caring for nine confiscated orchid mantis oothecas, each holding dozens of eggs. When five of them hatched, she found herself tending to 250 delicate nymphs, which required specialized diets of flying prey and individualized housing to prevent cannibalism. Over the past three weeks, April shipped 110 mantises to five AZA-accredited zoos, carefully packaging them in custom enclosures with heat packs and molting screens to ensure safe transport. These shipments, accompanied by USDA-APHIS-PPQ permits, were a crucial step in maintaining legal and ethical conservation practices. With wild populations declining due to overcollection, the participating zoos have formed a SWARM (Safety Web for Arthropod Reproduction and Management) to sustain healthy populations and raise awareness. Thanks to April’s dedication, these stunning insects will continue to thrive in conservation programs, highlighting the vital role even the smallest creatures play in our ecosystems!
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Prehensile-Tailed Skink
The prehensile-tailed skink, aka Solomon Islands skink, monkey-tailed skink, giant skink & zebra skink, is the largest of all skinks! It is the only known species of skink with a grasping, or prehensile, tail. It is also the only known species of skink to be entirely herbivorous.
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Clouded Leopard Information
Suri is a 10yr old clouded leopard! The clouded leopard has the longest canines relative to body size of any cat, enabling it to catch relatively large prey.
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Meet our Fruit Bats!
Fruit bats (from left to right) Nanner, Peach, Seymore and Luce hanging out together in Night Hunters!
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Exciting News: A New Leaf-Cutter Ant Display at the Cincinnati Zoo!
The World of the Insect at the Cincinnati Zoo has a brand-new leaf-cutter ant habitat! Located near the entrance, this exhibit offers a behind-the-scenes look at how these incredible ants are cared for and a fresh perspective on their fascinating behaviors. Designed with hydrostone to maintain ideal humidity, the ants have already embraced their new space—growing fungus gardens in their tubes and even on the open floor! The habitat’s lighting and height make it easier than ever to watch them in action. Huge thanks to keeper Kelli Walker for making this possible! Be sure to check it out next time you visit!
2/25 – Happy Birthday Donnie
Happy 9th Birthday to Donni the cheetah!
Donni is the largest cheetah in the United States at 130lbs and by far the largest cheetah that has ever lived at the Cincinnati Zoo. He’s got a big personality to match! He runs during our Cheetah Encounters here at the Zoo. He has a signature slide at the end of his runs where he slides almost half the length of the yard! Happy Birthday big boy!
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Bert Update
Brave meerkat Bert recently underwent surgery to remove an adrenal tumor, and thanks to the incredible work of Cincinnati Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, Dr. Mike, and the Animal Health and Africa Keeper teams, he’s recovering well! While there aren’t any known cases of adrenal tumors in meerkats for Dr. Mike to reference, we’re hopeful for the best. We do not know how these tumors behave in meerkats so they have to monitor him for any spread—but for now, Bert is back to his usual antics! Even more amazing? The rest of the boys welcomed him back into the meerkat mob without issue, despite meerkats’ notoriously tricky social dynamics. Send Bert some love as he continues to heal!
Conservation Corner
2025: The Year of Reframing Perspectives
Each quarter, the Conservation Corner will highlight a misunderstood native species often labeled as a “pest.” Through fun facts, unique insights, and coexistence tips, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for these incredible animals—and perhaps even change a few perceptions.
For the second quarter, our focus will be on birds that some consider nuisance species. First up is the Red-Winged Blackbird, a bird I’m already seeing and hearing near my home—a welcomed guest signaling that spring is just around the corner.
Over the next three months, we’ll share fascinating facts about local bird species and explore ways to peacefully coexist with them.
A special thank you to Kara Rhodes for her insightful write-up on Red-Winged Blackbirds, found below:
If you haven’t seen them, you’ve definitely heard them- Red-winged Blackbirds are about to signal the arrival of the spring season!
Males have the unmistakable “conk-la-REE!” song that these birds are known for, and the striking plumage of the red and yellow shoulders. The color patches on their shoulders are known as “epaulets.”
Click Here to Listen to the Call
The males also make incredible fathers- bravely chasing away any potential threat to their nest, including animals as large as horses and people. While some may dread the sight of them out in the spring due to their “sassy” territorial breeding behavior, these birds are an incredibly important indicator of a healthy wetland ecosystem. Due to the shrinking amount of wetlands in the U.S., these birds have less suitable habitat to find a home in.
Did You Know? Red-winged Blackbirds are highly valued in Indigenous cultures as courageous protectors and signs of an abundant spring. According to old tribal stories, the bird got its red wings through a heroic deed- calling to raise the alarm against someone trying to “burn up” the world. A shell is lobbed at the bird, leaving a gash and marks of blood that remain to this day.
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First Barrows Lecture is Next Week
Kicking off on March 12, don’t miss Barrows Lecture speaker Fanny Minesi as she explores “Bonobos, Matriarchs & Community Conservation: Facing Challenges in Congo” – a must-see for bonobo enthusiasts! https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/barrows-conservation-lectures/
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Mexican Wolf Update
Mexican wolves were once a prolific species that became extinct in the United States by 1970 due to the perceived and real threats posed to livestock. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has committed to building new, off-site enclosures to support Mexican wolf breeding and reintroduction efforts happening across 55 animal care facilities in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The extra space will be critical in furthering the success of this ongoing work, which has at this point resulted in over 250 Mexican wolves living throughout New Mexico, Arizona, and Chihuahua.
https://www.aza.org/connect…/stories/from-ssps-to-safe
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Sihek Comeback
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End of the 2025 Webinar Series
Last week we ended the Coexistence Webinar Series. If you missed any of the webinars and would like to watch the recordings, all of them can be found below:
HUTAN – Marc Ancrenaz
- Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 9:30 am
- Key topics: Orangutans, Malaysia, Palm Oil
- RECORDING
WASIMA – Jonathan Kwiyega
- Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 10:00 am
- Key topics: Coexistence, Pastoralism, Lions
- RECORDING
SAFE Tree Kangaroo and Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program – Lisa Dabek, Beth Carlyle-Askew, Trevor Holbrook, & Sam Merson
- Thursday, February 5, 2025 at 1:00 pm
- Key topics: Tree Kangaroos, Community Conservation
- RECORDING
The Sloth Insitute – Sam Trull & Pedro Montero
- Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 am
- Key topics: Sloths, Rehabilitation, Sloth Movement
- RECORDING
Turtle Survival Alliance – Dave Collins
- Wednesday, February 20, 2025 at 10:00 am
- Key topics: Chelonians, North American Conservation, SAFE
- RECORDING
Elakha Alliance – Chanel Hanson
- Wednesday, March 4, 2025 at 12:00 pm
- Key topics: Sea Otters, Reintroduction
- RECORDING
***If you tune into the last webinar, you just might see me introducing Elahka Alliance! I learned about the Elahka Alliance last year and really was impressed by the organization! It was an honor to introduce (virtually) them to the Zoo!
In Case You Missed It
Let’s Share some Zoo Memories
Check out these ADORABLE photos of one of our current volunteers, Lisa Keist! These photos were featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1975. The photo on the left is a picture with Lisa and Schottzie, and the other two were taken in the Children’s Zoo!
For the 150th anniversary I thought it would be fun to gather photos of the volunteers over the years here at the Zoo to showcase how special this place is. My plan is to share these in the updates, but also put together all the photos to share with the staff at the Zoo too. I think every one would love to see where volunteer history and Zoo history collide! Please send your photos to [email protected]. I can’t wait to see them and they might just show up in other places!
Thank you Lisa for the idea!
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Volunteer Opportunities
The Education Team is still looking for Field Trip Arrival Facilitator Volunteers – Click Here to Apply
The Sustainability Team is still looking for more Hydroponics Volunteers – Click Here to Read the Position Description & Click Here to Apply
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New for 2025: Natural History Lecture Series for Volunteers
Carol facilitated her first Lecture this week and it was a smashing success with many kudos sent her way by attendees! If you would like to attend a future session, please sign up for the event in Better Impact! Arrival information is sent out 2-3 days before the event with all the logistic information.
Schedule and Topics:
- Tuesday January 14, 2025 – Cat-like Carnivores
- If you missed the lecture, or would like to review the material, check out the link below
- Trosset 202501 Cat-Like Carnivores.pdf
- Tuesday February 11, 2025 – Vernal Pools
- If you missed the lecture, or would like to review the material, check out the link below
- 202502 Trosset Vernal Pools.pdf
- Thursday March 13, 2025 – Dog-like Carnivores
- The suborder Caniformia includes wolves, foxes, weasels, bears, and more. We’ll discuss their defining characteristics, then visit several zoo habitats to observe seven species on display.
- Thursday April 10, 2025 – Woodland Wildflowers
- Cincinnati’s woodlands are home to many species of wildflowers, which bloom in the early spring before the trees leaf out. We will examine the different types of spring wildflowers, their ecology, and their blooming sequence.
- Tuesday May 13, 2025 – Introduction to Birdwatching
- Early May brings many migratory birds to Cincinnati. We’ll cover key features for identifying bird species, followed by birdwatching on zoo grounds. Bring binoculars if you can; a limited number will be available to borrow.
- Friday June 13, 2025 – Primates
- Primates are categorized into prosimians, Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, and apes—all represented at the zoo. We’ll discuss their similarities and differences, then observe members of each group on exhibit.
Sign up for all lectures in Better Impact! Please RSVP by registering in the system. If you can’t attend, we’ll aim to record and share the lecture portion with all volunteers. We hope to see you there!