Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
ZOOFARI “NEON JUNGLE” IS HERE!! SEPT. 19, 2025, 6-11pm
2025 Zoofari Volunteer Orientation Powerpoint.pptx
For those volunteering: Thank you so much for helping tonight!
Event Volunteer Logistics
Event Volunteer Roles Zoofari 2025.xlsx
Zoofari 2025 Volunteer Job Descriptions.docx
- Date: Friday, September 19th
- Volunteer Check-In: 4:45–6:45pm (Education Building doors lock at 7:00pm)
- Parking: Education Lot (58 Erkenbrecher Ave.)
- overflow in the Erkenbrecher Lot (57 Erkenbrecher Ave.)
- Entry: Use the Education Building double doors across from the parking lot
- ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST CHECK-IN – Frisch’s Theater (light refreshments)
- Staff Pre/Post Event Volunteers: Pre and Post Staff Volunteer Roles.xlsx
- Pre: Receive your general admission ticket when you arrive at your position
- Post: Your name will be listed at Will Call. Be sure to stop by the Will Call table to pick up your ticket before entering the event
*********************
REMINDER TO ALL VOLUNTEERS:
Our Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 is right around the corner for those volunteers who are set to log 50+ hours this year! 🎉 By now, you should have received your invitation and should be able to select the Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Event in your Better Impact Opportunity List.
PLEASE RSVP BY NEXT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 by simply signing up for the event in Better Impact or responding to this email.
Your earned Complimentary Tickets will be handed out at the Volunteer Picnic event for attendees and everyone else will receive an e-mail with a form for your completion to let us know how you would like to receive those.
Thank you in advance for your RSVP – we can’t wait to celebrate another wonderful year with all of you!
*********************
Native Plant Sale at Bowyer – Sept. 20 & Oct. 4
Located at the Zoo’s Bowyer Farm, the Native Plant Sale offers a wide selection of reasonably priced, well-grown, hard-to-find, and ecologically important native plants. Because of limited parking, *free* registration for specific time slots is required. RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE! There are very limited spots left for September 20 and spots open on October 4. First slot is at 9:00AM. Last slot is at 12:30PM.
These slots are half hour intervals. You can begin your shopping anytime within that time frame. You do not have to finish within it. Please carpool if possible.
PAYMENT FOR ALL SALES ARE BY CREDIT CARD ONLY.
Bowyer Farm is located at 2210 Mason Montgomery Road, Mason, OH 45040.
*********************
A September to Remember at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden!
On Saturday, September 20, the Cincinnati Zoo will highlight two endangered species — red pandas and gorillas. Guests are invited to hear from red panda keepers at 11:30am and 2pm, where they will share insights about the Zoo’s red pandas and their care.
WORLD GORILLA DAY – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
From 10am to 2pm, visitors can stop by Gorilla World to learn more about gorillas, observe enrichment activities, and enter to win a unique opportunity to participate in a VIP experience with the gorillas and their care team.
Guests are encouraged to bring e-gadgets to recycle to help save gorillas and their wild habitats.
********************
Support our Zoo Academy on the Online Swag Store!
It has been a year in the making, but the Zoo Academy Online Swag Store has officially launched!
The Cincinnati Zoo Academy was established in 1975 as a vocational program for young men and women aspiring to be zookeepers. The program has evolved into a full college preparatory program with a rigorous course load and hands-on lab experiences with Cincinnati Zoo educators, horticulturalists, animal care and behavioral teams, and world-renowned scientists.
This store is a simple, effective way to show support for our students while rocking some awesome swag! The site is designed to be buyer-managed, meaning it is self-pay and your items will be delivered directly to you at home.
Let’s celebrate all our Zoo Academy students and keep the Zoo Academy spirit shining bright! 🐾
*********************
ZOO BREW – Thursday, October 2, 2025
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Calling all brew fans – join us for our annual beer-tasting event! Zoo Brew will feature a variety of beers from local establishments at 15 different stations throughout the Zoo.
Conclude the evening with an unforgettable concert in Vine Street Village! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
*********************
Ultimate Educator Expo – October 8, 2025
October 8, 2025
3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
CZBG and the Greater Cincinnati Environmental Educators are teaming up to make it easy and fun for busy teachers to see what science education resources the tri-state has to offer for their students.
This free event features 30+ organizations, breakout sessions, animal encounters, raffle prizes, and refreshments and is intended as a professional development and teacher planning opportunity.
Event is open to adult classroom and homeschool teachers only (all others will be charged admission at the gate and are welcome to enjoy the Zoo until 5pm). Children may not attend.
*********************
Jack O’Lantern Glow COMING SOON!
Jack O’Lantern Glow, presented by Medpace, is back for its second year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!
*********************
Volunteers NEEDED @ the Cincinnati Coffee Festival – Oct. 25 & 26
Without great water, you can’t have great coffee.
The Cincinnati Coffee Festival at Music Hall is a fundraiser that supports the Ohio River Foundation‘s programs and projects to protect and improve water quality. Wonderful volunteers are the key to their success and we just so happen to have a whole “Latte” of them. Please consider helping to make the October event run smoothly. Volunteers get free entry to the Cincinnati Coffee Festival on the day they volunteer. REGISTER HERE
Located at Music Hall Ballroom – 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Zoo Updates
SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 – CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN BIRTHDAY
150-Second Stories – Episode 10 – Construction During the Great Depression – Cincinnati Zoo
Thane Maynard tells the story of Lilly Ackerland Fleischmann saving the Zoo.
********************
CZBG Earns AZA Accreditation For Another FIVE Years!
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA represents more than 251 facilities in the United States and overseas, which collectively draw more than 200 million visitors every year. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums meet the highest standards in animal care and welfare and provide a fun, safe, and educational family experience. In addition, they dedicate millions of dollars annually to support scientific research, conservation, and education programs.
AZA Accreditation is a process by which a program, organization, or institution is evaluated by recognized experts in the profession, and is measured against the established standards and best practices of that profession. Overseeing this process in AZA is the Accreditation Commission– a group of sixteen experienced and trained experts in operations, animal welfare and husbandry, and veterinary medicine. These experts are sworn to maintain complete impartiality in their judgments and to thoroughly examine each zoo or aquarium that applies for AZA accreditation to determine if AZA standards are being met. Only those zoos and aquariums that earn AZA accreditation can become members of AZA.
Congratulations to everyone here at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden on this honorable accreditation!
********************
Retiring Enquirer photographer shares favorite Cincinnati Zoo photos
Enquirer photographer Liz Dufour is retiring after 42 years. Her “happy place” is the Cincinnati Zoo.
Check out her favorite shots over the years.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
********************
Celebrating 150 Years of the Cincinnati Zoo with Director Thane Maynard
********************
“As the Cincinnati Zoo turns 150, take a photographic journey back through time”
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE BY Jeff Suess and Keely Brown
The Cincinnati Zoo opened Sept. 18, 1875, becoming the second oldest zoo in the country.
Plant & Animal Updates
Reigning Reptile: Introducing Alex the King Cobra
Meet Alex, the new king of the Reptile House! In this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, we introduce Alex the King Cobra, the Zoo’s newest and most fascinating arrival. His keeper, Jenna, joins us to share what it’s like caring for the world’s longest venomous snake, from training and safety, to Alex’s personality.
********************
FRITZ IS GETTING BIG!
********************
Kickin’ it with Ken: Inside Cincinnati Zoo’s Red Panda Exhibit
********************
Gladys Nest Fest Success!
No Updates on Gladys but HUGE shoutout to all those volunteers that helped make her Nest Fest a success!
The well anticipated little one will be the zoo’s 51st gorilla infant and the first in 10 years. Gladys and the dad, 22-year-old Mbeli, will become first-time parents.
“Gladys has been set up really well for being a first-time mom, and we are prepared for every outcome, including giving her the best maternal care and training her for different scenarios,” said the Cincinnati Zoo’s head gorilla keeper Ashley Ashcraft in a press release. “We are all very excited to see everything come full circle for her. She is an exceptional gorilla.”
********************
MONARCH TIME!
Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Monarch Festival will celebrate these most beautiful and beloved pollinators. A fun and educational event for the entire family.
Why Plant for Pollinators?
Pollinator gardens are dynamic and beautiful and do much to beautify our landscapes and communities. They are also the single most effective and easy way for people to do real conservation.
Because of habitat loss, over-use of pesticides, and other factors, pollinator numbers are down, and this should be a concern for all of us. Not only are the pollination services of insects responsible for a large percentage of the food we and wildlife depend on, but many pollinators are vital for maintaining ecological balance by controlling pest insect populations. Starting, growing, or expanding a pollinator garden is a win-win-win!
********************
“Supporting Sloths, One Speedway at a Time“ by Tami Ware
CZBG partners with The Sloth Institute of Costa Rica (TSI). The Sloth Institute is a non-profit whose main focus is on the rescue, recovery, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and injured sloths.
Sloths need to be able to reach from one branch to another in order to navigate the rainforest. They cannot walk or risk going to the ground in the wild.
Read all about the amazing work of Patrick and his team HERE.
The camera footage spotted not only sloths, but capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, opossums, porcupines, tamanduas, and even birds using the various speedways.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
********************
Did You Know:
CZBG is playing an important role in Guam Kingfisher conservation!
Two Guam kingfisher chicks also known as the sihek, hatched on June 1, 2025 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. These birds are extinct in the wild. More info from success last year
Conservation Corner
Cincinnati Zoo Partners with the Ohio Division of Wildlife to Rehome Box Turtles
Cincinnati Zoo Vet Staff Gives Two Dozen Box Turtles Health Assessments
********************
(Re-)Introducing the Bird Collision Monitoring Program & How YOU Can Help!
Our Zoo is part of the path for countless migrating birds, and WE CAN HELP THEM! This fall, we’re relaunching the Bird Collision Monitoring Program, which identifies and treats windows and glass panes that cause injuries or death for our feathered friends.
What is the Bird Collision Monitoring Program?
If you’ve been by the African Lion habitat, you may have noticed small, dotted patterns on the glass. Similar treatments are now at Lemur Lookout, Cat Canyon, and the Asian Small-Clawed Otter habitat. These “bird-friendly” dots exist because of YOU and this program!
Glass collisions are one of the leading causes of bird mortality. Back in 2019, we launched this program to track injured or dead birds on grounds. That data revealed collision “hot spots” and guided us in prioritizing windows for bird-friendly treatments.
For more information on window collisions and solutions, including for homeowners, check out this article from the American Bird Conservancy!
This program only works because of our awesome volunteers and staff like you. If you encounter a bird strike, there are simple steps you can take that make a BIG impact.
More Ways to Get Involved: Morning Volunteer Surveys
We are also restarting our morning window surveys! On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in September – October (fall migration), volunteers will arrive early at the Zoo to conduct window surveys and look for injured/deceased birds. Please consider joining our morning volunteer crew!
*********************
Piping Plovers Bounce Back: Conservation Success Across the Great Lakes
For the third straight year, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden supported a wonderful project in northern Michigan; the Great Lakes piping plovers. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE
Some overall numbers for 2025:
- 88 pairs observed, highest since being listed on the endangered species list.
- 140 wild chicks banded.
- 10% of all nesting adults were captive reared birds.
- 53% of 2024 captive reared birds returned from migration.
- GLPP are now nesting again on all 5 Great Lakes, in 4 US states and in Canada. This is the first time since the 1980s!
Sustainability Stories
Mark Fisher’s Journey to Create the Greenest Zoo in America
Sustainability, with a flair for practicality and a break-the-rules mentality.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL ARTICLE by Carrie Blackmore.
Today, the zoo gets its green title for all sorts of projects: transitioning all its facilities to LED lighting, composting herbivores’ organic waste and food waste, building all new projects to (at minimum) LEED Gold standards, partnering with local farmers and regional food providers, and growing food for the animals.
In Case You Missed It
*TRAVEL WITH THE ZOO*
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 – 16, 2026, led by Brian Jorg, Horticulture Manager.
Bird Watching in Cuba February 22 – March 1, 2026, led by David Orban, Director, Animal Science and Strategy
Along with our very own, David Orban, immerse yourself in the vibrant nature and birdlife in La Guira National Park, Soroa, Zapata Nature Reserve, Playa Larga, and Havana. Engage with and support Cuban naturalists, birders and private entrepreneurs as you search for endemic bird species and experience the colorful culture of Cuba. Click the birds below for more info!
KNOW YOU WANT TO GO – REGISTER HERE
Tanzania – October 4 – 16, 2026 – more details coming soon…
https://cincinnatizoo.org/travel-with-the-zoo/
********************
Carol Trosset’s Lecture Series
Carol’s 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 August through December! You can sign up to attend in Better Impact!
- October 16 – Even-Toed Hoofed Mammals – This group of mammals includes deer, antelope, giraffes, camels, pigs, and hippos.
- November 13 – Odd-Toed Hoofed Mammals – This group of mammals includes horses, zebras, tapirs, and rhinos.
- December 10 – Plants in Winter – 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 – Cat-like Carnivores
- Tuesday February 11, 2025 – Vernal Pools
- Thursday March 13, 2025 – Dog-like Carnivores
- Thursday April 10, 2025 – Woodland Wildflowers
- Tuesday May 13, 2025 – Introduction to Birdwatching
- Thursday June 12, 2025 – Primates
- Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Insects with Dr. David Russell
- No Slideshow Shared
- August 15 – Desert Life
- September 16 – The Zoo’s Beginnings and Opera at the Zoo
********************
UPCOMING ZOO EVENTS:
| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| Friday, September 19th, 2025 | Zoofari | 6:00-11:00pm |
| Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 | Zoo Brew | 7:00-10:00pm |
| Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 | Volunteer Appreciation Picnic | 5:00-7:30pm |
| October 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 | HallZOOween | 12:00-5:00pm |
| Friday, November 14th, 2025 | Hops & Holly | 7:00-10:00pm |
| December 31. Early countdown at 8pm | HAPPY ZOO YEAR | 4:00-10:00pm |
DAD-JOKE ZONE, Zoo Edition:
In honor of the NEON JUNGLE INSPIRED ZOOFARI…
