Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
Did you know?
- The Declaration of Independence wasn’t actually signed on July 4th, but rather on August 2nd. While the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the actual signing by all 56 delegates took place on August 2, 1776.
- Three U.S. presidents (J. Adams, T. Jefferson, & J. Monroe) died on July 4th. True patriots!
- An estimated 150 million hot dogs are consumed in the U.S. on July 4th. (Hot-diggity-dog!)
- Massachusetts was the first state to officially recognize July 4th as a holiday.
Ah…the Fourth of July, a true emblem of Summer. We appreciate our volunteers and all of your accomplishments, so we wish everyone a safe and fun holiday weekend – come back to us in one piece. đ Please read on for some amazing updates and opportunities this month. Happy Zoo’ing! ~Amber
Did You Know:
All members of the military â active and retired â will receive FREE admission to the Zoo today, July 4. Thank you for your service! The offer also allows military personnel to purchase up to six (6) discounted admission tickets for members of their immediate family. Military personnel who qualify for the free admission ticket and discount offer for family members include active military, retired military, National Guard, veterans with an honorable or medical discharge and Reserve Officersâ Training Corps with government-issued ID. Simply present your credentials at the turnstiles on select holidays. Guests with discounted tickets must enter with military personnel who is eligible for free entry. https://cincinnatizoo.org/plan-your-adventure/discounts/
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Thank You for a SUCCESSFUL AZA-Inspection
“I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for a successful AZA accreditation inspection. We have all worked hard to prepare for this process, which is the gold standard in our industry. Our collaborative efforts in getting ready for the inspection were recognized by our peers. More importantly, the lead inspector highlighted the significant progress we have made since our last inspection in 2019! She shared that while we were impressive before, we have continued to grow and improve across our organization.
It is evident that these improvements are due to the exceptional people who bring our mission to life. The inspection team particularly noted that our âstaff are consistently warm, helpful, and passionate about their work. They often exceed their responsibilities to support the Zoo’s mission and describe the work environment as inclusive, with approachable and supportive leadership.â
Reflecting on the past six years, I am immensely proud of the team we have assembled. Our collaborative and progressive approach to being a world-class institution and our commitment to continuous improvement have been outstanding. We have always been an institution that embraces innovation when needed most. Our dedication to inspiring people with wildlife and making meaningful contributions to both our community and the broader world of wildlife conservation is more crucial than ever.
The accomplishments of the last six years have not only cemented our leadership but have also set a foundation for us to further our vision and grow our impact as one of the world’s great zoos and botanical gardens.
The inspection is not the final step in our journey to AZA Accreditation. In September, we will appear before the Accreditation Commission at the AZA Annual Meeting to take the final step. I also want to extend my sincere appreciation to David Orban and Julia Glenn for leading this process and putting us in a position to succeed.
While accreditation comes up every five years, it is the daily work of improving and getting better that truly makes us shine. Thank you all!”
AZA Training Video Raffle Winner
Thank you to everyone who completed the Training Video! The Winner of the Prize Pack is….
Leslie Poulelis!
Congratulations! Stop by the Volunteer Desk at some point next week to get your prize pack!
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What a Night at ZooLaLa 2025
“Wowâwhat an incredible night! Thanks to your dedication, energy, and hard work, over 2,400 guests had a fabulous evening at this yearâs Zoo La La. We are truly in awe of your efforts and cannot thank you enough for being such a vital part of this unforgettable event.
From welcoming guests with a smile to ensuring things ran smoothly throughout the evening, volunteers helped create an experience that our visitors will be talking about for a long time. Their presence and positive spirit brought the magic to lifeâand we simply couldnât have done it without them.
Be on the lookout in future updates for additional Volunteer Opportunities for Wild About Wine in and Zoofari!
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Winos Saving Rhinos Fundraiser
Join us for wine sampling and light bites in the name of rhino conservation!
The Greater Cincinnati Chapter AAZK is hosting a brand-new event this summer – Winos Saving Rhinos!
Hosted at Piazza Discepoli –https://www.piazzadiscepoli.com/
Address: 7754 Camargo Road, Madeira, OH 45243
Enjoy Friday night fun on July 18th from 6-9 pm.
We will have wine sampling with a variety to taste along with light bites to enjoy, and an opportunity to mingle with friends and colleagues.
Check out our raffle, which will include gifts such as a case of wine and smaller prizes.
Raffle tickets will be sold as one for $1, six for $5 and 30 for $20.
Winning tickets will be selected at 8:30 pm.
* You do not have to stay for the event to be present for the raffle draw.
Purchase tickets at the link below:https://www.eventbrite.com/…/winos-saving-rhinos…
This event only has 50 tickets available, so get yours, and your friend’s today!
Tickets are $50 each.
We hope to see you there to support rhinos and have a good time doing so!
This is a new event for us, but the cause is still the same!
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ZOO LA PALOOZA
Join us July 25, 2025 for an action-packed evening of fun and learning at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardenâs brand-new event â Zoo La Palooza!
This exciting adventure is designed especially for young explorers to discover the amazing world of animals and plants through interactive experiences, hands-on activities, and up-close animal encounters.
Come enjoy a wild night of discovery and fun for all ages at Zoo La Palooza! Donât forget to come dressed as your favorite animal and participate in the Zoo La Palooza dance-off at the end of the evening!
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Celebrating Disability Pride Month!
Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities, their identities, their culture, and their contributions to society. It also seeks to change the way people think about and define disability, to end the stigma of disability, and to promote the belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can celebrate and take pride. Disability pride has been described as âaccepting and honoring each personâs uniqueness and seeing it as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity.â
Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July, commemorating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, signed into law on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this landmark legislation.
Please see below for some of this monthâs events!
Accessibility for All: Celebrating Disability Pride & the ADA
Saturday, July 26th from 3-8pm
OTR Stillhouse
Details: Celebration of the 35th anniversary of ADA. Includes live music, panel food truck, and open mic for anyone to share their thoughts and experiences. Organized by the Independence Alliance, Hamilton County DDS, and the Human Services Chamber.
Members of the Cultural Celebrations committee will be attending this event, and we would love to have you join us!
Get Creative at Downtown Libraryâs MakerSpace
Thursday, July 24th from 4-6pm
Downtown Library
Details: Tour of the MakerSpace (30-45 minutes) and then have time to make Disability Pride buttons, keychains, stickers, and more organized by Hamilton County DDS.
Zoo Updates
Fiscal Year 2025 Visitor Feedback Recap (April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025)
We should all be proud of the impact we make to INSPIRE with wildlife every day, but these results help reiterate our success.
- Our âNet Promotor Scoreâ (the likelihood someone will recommend the zoo to family/friends) is up to 84 (vs. 80 last year) and is much higher than the industry averages (56 for Zoos, 63 for Botanical Gardens)!
- Visitors are largely satisfied by the overall zoo experience during their visit (95%!)
- There are tons of great employee-guest interactions mentioned in feedback, and we’re trending higher in positive staff feedback this FY.
- Staff standouts include: VOLUNTEERS (Yey!), Face Painters, & Bird Show Team. Great job to our Volunteers, especially!
2025 Spring Season Visitor Feedback Recap:
Our reviews and ratings are overwhelmingly positive and well above industry standard for Zoos/Aquariums, so the amount of constructive feedback we get is really a testament to how much our visitors love the Zoo and want to see us succeed, so thank you all for the work you do!
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A Look Back in Time…
The oldest American zoo building, the Reptile House, was built in 1875 and is a National Historic Landmark. Once home to monkeys and apes, the building was converted into the Reptile House in 1951.
From Thane:
“In honor of the Zoo’s 150th anniversary I wanted to share this story published in the Berlin Zoo journal 29 years ago. Written by Dave Ehrlinger, who was the head of our botanical program from 1973-2002, and was the author of book The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden From Past to Present.
This article chronicles the early history of the Cincinnati Zoo and particularly the German influence brought to the cause. I haven’t been to Germany, but I have had many people tell me over the years that our zoos is reminiscent of the zoos in Stuttgart, Frankfort and Berlin.
Zoo history lives on!”
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National Zookeeper Week, July 20th- 26th
Join us in celebrating our AMAZING zoo keepers on this week of recognition – Be on the lookout for more information on how you can help us celebrate.
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Zoo Tales Podcast
In the newest episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, dedicated keepers Grace and Shaina offer an exciting update on Gladys the gorillaâs pregnancy. They share insights into her changing behavior, and how her care routine has been carefully tailored over the past few months to prepare for a new baby! Itâs a heartwarming and educational episode that shows the care, anticipation, and joy surrounding this soon-to-be mother.
Plant & Animal Updates
Learn More about Mini Petunias
Animal Flexibility Zone
Make sure to stop by the Animal Flexibility Zone sponsored by StretchLab. You never know who you might see. This is pimento the Southern tamandua. Southern tamanduas are fascinating, funky-looking animals that belong to the anteater familyâand theyâre experts at sniffing out snacks with serious style! Their long, muscular tail acts like a fifth limbâperfect for gripping branches while they climb through trees looking for food or shelter.
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New Baby Black Rat Snakes
Two new baby black rat snakes that have joined the Animal Ambassador Team. Theyâll be ambassadors out around the zoo for guests to meet and learn about a native species that does a lot of good!
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Squeak Squeak Squeak! Our Small-Clawed Otter Pups can’t get any cuter!
Asian small-clawed otters are the smallest of all 13 otter species and are native to Asia. The webbing between their toes is incomplete, allowing them to grasp and manipulate items more easily. MORE INFO
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Happy Purrs
Did you know?
While most know the Cheetah is the fastest mammal on Earth, you may not know that they technically are not considered big cats. They are the only member of the genus Acinonyx and like other “small” cats, a bone that supports the larynx and tongue, the hyoid, is completely ossified and rigid. This allows for the small cats to make the rumble we all know and love…aka “purring”. Nothing like a blood popsicle to get the motor running!
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Did You Know:
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to the worldâs only arboretum within a Zoo to achieve the highest level of recognition awarded by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program and The Morton Arboretum.
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June 23 – Akili’s Birthday
Happy 11th Birthday to Akili. She is the Mom of our African painted dog pack.
June 22 – Happy Birthday Savannah
Happy 13th Birthday to Savanna the cheetah. Savanna no longer runs in our cheetah encounters and is enjoying retirement.
Animal Excellence Highlights
Mud, Rain, Rats and Resilience – A Record Breaking ABB Release at The Wilds
On June 17th, the insect world gained 203 new familiesâand we have over 20 incredible volunteers to thank for it.
At an hour when most people are still deep in REM sleep, an unstoppable crew of staff and volunteers from the Cincinnati Zoo, the Columbus Zoo, and The Wilds were already on the road. Fueled by dedication, coffee, and maybe a few breakfast burritos, they left at 3:00 AM to make the 3.5-hour journey to The Wilds. Their mission? Release 203 pairs of federally threatened and state-endangered American burying beetles (Nicrophorus americanus) into their new home. The most CZBG-reared beetles ever released at once!
Learn More from the Blog:
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Groundbreaking Vaccine Helps Young Elephants at Cincinnati Zoo Overcome Deadly Virus
We are happy to share that the worldâs first mRNA vaccine against Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) appears to be effective. Sanjay and Kabir, two young male elephants at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden who were vaccinated in 2024 and later tested positive for EEHV, are now testing negative. Â
Learn More in the Blog:
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Beating the Heat – Cincy Zoo Style
With near triple-digit temperatures gripping the region, the zoo ensured the animals stay comfortable with plenty of shaded areas, water features, and access to indoor habitats. Keepers provided fun, cooling enrichment activities throughout the day to keep the animals happy and healthy.
Find out MORE WAYS we like to keep our friends nice and cool!
Conservation Corner
Reds Community Makeover restores green space, community pride
The Reds Community Fund has been revitalizing local neighborhoods since 2010.
Charley Frank, the executive director of the Reds Community Fund, says that with the help of local partners, theyâve expanded their makeovers to include more than just ballparks.
âThe [Cincinnati] Zoo brings it to life through their horticulture and through their design and brilliance, and Cincinnati Childrenâs [Hospital] adds all their touches, and then these things begin just to flourish,â Frank said.
This yearâs Reds Community Makeover is happening in Walnut Hills.
The makeover includes a new urban learning garden and outdoor classroom at Dr. OâDell Owens Center for Learning and a redesigned playground and STEM Lab at Frederick Douglass School. This is also where the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is installing solar panels.
âTheyâre not just reading about solar in a book. They can go walk outside and say, âThatâs my solar,ââ said Mark Fisher, the vice president of facilities at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. âThey have access to the metering and the monitoring to actually see how it works and why it works.â
By Erin Ashley
Published: Jun. 23, 2025 at 10:37 AM EDT|Updated: Jun. 23, 2025 at 4:25 PM EDT
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Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Conservation Impact 2024 Report
At the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, we’re committed to conservation – we encourage all to read our annual report, highlighting the hard work and support by many!
Sustainability Stories
Electricity Prices are on the Rise: What You Need to Know and Resources
Effective June 1st, 2025, electricity rates increased for Ohio residents. Summer is upon us and as the weather heats up, our electric bills rise. Combined with the increase in rates, it is more important now than ever to be more mindful of our electricity consumption and to understand the resources available to help manage utility expenses. The rate change will impact residents of greater Cincinnati, affecting some in Northern Kentucky. Read more below to learn tips to reduce your energy bills this summer, why electricity rates are increasing, and how the Zooâs solar projects are more important now than ever.
Simple Tips for Reducing Energy Consumption
- During the day, block the heat from the sun by closing windows, doors, and curtains.
- Turn the thermostat to 80 degrees or higher when you are sleeping or away from home. Raising the temperature by 5 degrees for eight hours can reduce your cooling costs by 3-5 percent.
- Avoid creating unnecessary heat and humidity in the house during summer days. Plan to do heat and moisture-creating activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, bathing and cooking before noon or past 8 p.m.
- Save energy by turning off lights and appliances when you leave a room.
- Use LED bulbs for lighting. LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting
- Your home computer can use a considerable amount of electricity. To save energy, turn it off while not being used.
The Zooâs Solar Projects Are More Important Now Than Ever
Due to the same changes that are making household electricity more costly, the Zoo is also experiencing severe jumps in electricity costs after renegotiating electricity rates this year. The Cincinnati Zoo has led the way in renewable energy for over a decade, investing in solar arrays both on-site and in the surrounding community. As of 2024, The Zooâs on-site solar has a 4.55-megawatt capacity, which resulted in cost savings of more than $2M with projections for higher savings amidst the higher electricity costs we now face in Cincinnati. Additionally, supporting solar projects for our neighbors not only reduces emissions, but it also reduces reliance on the increasingly costly electricity provided by existing infrastructure. With the input of solar, residents and local organizations can share in the cost savings that the Zoo experiences from solar.
Despite the challenges explained above, the Zoo is not stopping solar anytime soon. Three new projects within the Zooâs Community Solar Resiliency Program are lined up for the summer of 2025, to help our partners install ~130 kW of rooftop solar on schools and non-profit organizations across Cincinnati. These solar arrays will provide significant reduction in utility expenses for two Talbert House residences and one Cincinnati Public School, Fredrick Douglass Elementary.
Cincinnati Zoo Solar Story Book
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Horses on the Hill: Pay-What-You Can Markets
Horses on the Hill
Horses on the Hill (HOTH) is an organization incorporating urban farming, horticulture, and equine-assisted activities in Cincinnati’s Price Hill communities. They are known for their unique learning environments, support for the economically disadvantaged, and trauma recovery efforts.
They offer farm tours, animal encounters, garden tours, and farm markets.
Farm Market
The HOTH farm market operates on a pay-what-you-can basis and accepts food assistance programs.
The market is located at 1655 Ross Ave, 45025 and open to the public on the 1st and 3rd Saturday each month from 10:00-12:30 pm.
The 2025 Bloc Party will be held:
- Saturday, October 4th, 2025 @ 6pm (Click HERE for more information)
In Case You Missed It
Continuing to Accept Applications for Several Volunteer Roles
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Carol Trossetâs Lecture Series
Carolâs Lecture Series has been a HUGE hit and she has agreed to extend the series through the end of the year! Take a look at the topics that will be available July through December! You can sign up to attend in Better Impact!
- July 17 â Insects. Dr. David Russell, professor of biology at Miami University, will discuss the different types of insects. We will then go out and look at insects, either in the zooâs gardens or the Insectarium.
- August 15 â Desert Life. Carol will discuss several different desert environments and how plants and animals are adapted to life in those conditions. We will then look at some desert animals around the zoo.
- September 16 â The Zooâs Beginnings and Opera at the Zoo. In honor of the Zooâs sesquicentennial, Carol will talk about the founding of the zoo and its history of hosting opera performances.
- October 16 â Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals â This group of mammals includes deer, antelope, giraffes, camels, pigs, and hippos.
- November 13 â Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals â This group of mammals includes horses, zebras, tapirs, and rhinos.
- December 10 â Plants in Winter â How do plants survive the winter? We will examine different survival strategies used by our local plants.
*Review the PowerPoint presentations from the previous lectures below
- Tuesday January 14, 2025 â Cat-like Carnivores
- Tuesday February 11, 2025 â Vernal Pools
- Thursday March 13, 2025 â Dog-like Carnivores
- Thursday April 10, 2025 â Woodland Wildflowers
- Tuesday May 13, 2025 â Introduction to Birdwatching
- Thursday June 12, 2025 â Primates
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Do you crave an out-of-the-ordinary intimate travel experience?
Come travel with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! We have been taking folks around the globe since 1964. Our trips are adventurous, educational, and fun. All our tours are escorted by zoo naturalists who are knowledgeable, friendly, and well-traveled. Our trips create real-life connections with like-minded travelers. Come join us today on our next exciting adventure!
Questions? Please contact Christina Anderson at 513-487-3318 or [email protected]
- Monarch Migration to Mexico February 10 â 16, 2026, led by Brian Jorg, Horticulture Manager.
- Bird Watching in Cuba February 22 â March 1, 2026, led by David Orban, Director, Animal Science and Strategy
- Tanzania â October 4 â 16, 2026 â more details coming soonâŚ
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UPCOMING ZOO EVENTS:
| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| Saturday, July 12th, 2025 | Breakfast with the Animals | 7:00-9:00am |
| Friday, July 18th, 2025 | Winos Saving Rhinos | 6:00-9:00pm |
| Friday, July 25th, 2025 | Zoo La Palooza | 6:00-9:00pm |
| Thursday, August 7th, 2025 | Wild About Wine | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 | Breakfast with the Animals | 7:00-9:00am |
| Friday, September 19th, 2025 | Zoofari | 7:00-11:00pm |
| Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 | Zoo Brew | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Friday, November 14th, 2025 | Hops & Holly | 7:00-10:00pm |
ZOO, DAD-JOKE ZONE!
What do you get when you cross a fish and an elephant?
Swimming trunks.