Volunteer Updates & Opportunities
A Special Thank you to All Volunteer who helped make Zoofari a Success
********************
Farewell, Avery Broering
If you’ve volunteered at an event in the last three years, you’ve likely had the privilege of meeting and working alongside Avery. She has been a steady, joyful presence on our team, always bringing humor, creativity, and care to every event. If you see Avery in the next month, make sure to send her well wishes!
As some of you may know, Avery has been managing rheumatoid arthritis since her early teenage years. Earlier this year, she underwent hip surgery in March, and unfortunately, her illness has continued to progress since then. Her new treatment program requires rest and low stress—something that is the complete opposite of the high-energy world of events.
Avery’s decision to step down from her role as Special Events Coordinator was not made lightly. She has been a lifelong supporter and lover of our Zoo, and her passion has shone brightly through her 3.5 years in this role. We’re incredibly proud of everything she has accomplished, and even more proud that she is prioritizing her health and wellbeing.
We will always treasure the silly jokes, unique moments, and wonderful memories we’ve shared with Avery over the years. She will never be a stranger to the Zoo family, and we’re excited to see the remarkable journey that lies ahead for her.
********************
Zoo Updates
In Case You Missed It – Leadership Change
********************
Jack-O- Lantern Glow Starts Tonight
********************
Celebrating our AZA Conservation Award!
We are excited to invite everyone on the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden team to join us in celebrating our shared William G. Conway International Conservation Award received from AZA for our 19 years of partnership with SORALO!
This AZA award recognizes our collective support of SORALO’s indigenous leadership program for biodiversity conservation and community resilience.
Across the many Zoo departments involved in this diverse projects, this award recognizes everyone’s significant achievements helping us activate our mission of a world where wildlife and people thrive.
********************
ZooTales Podcast
********************
Native Plant Sympsium
Registration is now open for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s popular Native Plant Symposium on Nov. 22. We will again feature a terrific speaker lineup! Popular Ohio naturalist Andrew Lane Gibson: internationally renowned plantsman, Panayoti Kelaidis; Sam Hoadley from Mt. Cuba Center; Carrie Wiles will talk about solution driven plants; Brannen Basham will talk about native bees and Dr. Dan Potter will enlighten us on how to build a better monarch garden; and Steve Foltz will give an overview on how to best succeed with native plants in an urban environment. This will be a great day of information and inspiration for lovers of our region’s flora, gardeners, and green industry professionals.
This symposium always sells out so register early. For more information and to register, go to: https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/native-plant-symposium/
********************
Tribute to Jane
Jane Goodall was by any measure, the most trusted and beloved person in the history of wildlife conservation and science. In 1993 she was the first recipient of the Cincinnati Zoo Wildlife Conservation Award, and we are honored that she visited and spoke here many times over the years. Jane was a hero and a role model whose life will continue to inspire young people for generations.
Jane’s 1971 book, In The Shadow Of Man, rocked my world when I was a high school student falling in love with wildlife. Her seminal research into chimpanzee behavior completely changed the way humans look at animals and ourselves. Her biography, Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Redefined Man, by Dale Petersonis is an in depth exploration of her many contributions to both science and conservation, and worth the read.
Jane Goodall lived her life to the very fullest. She was tireless til the end, and passed away at 91 while on a public speaking tour in California spreading her message of hope.
Jane never gave up hope. It was the theme of her last 5 books and she traveled year round with that hopeful message.
It was one of the greatest honors of my life to know Jane and to work with her on our 2009 book Hope For Animals and Their World. Jane was genuine, often serious and always playful when she was surrounded by dogs or children. And of course, she had that famous ponytail throughout her life.
Jane Goodall never gave up her hope for people to do a better job protecting nature, and I know she would expect the same of us.
Plant & Animal Updates
New Baby in Town
World Gorilla Day was on September 24th
Happy World Gorilla Day! The Cincinnati Zoo has been acting over the last two decades to help make a difference in western lowland gorilla research and conservation by supporting the Mbeli Bai Study in the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, located in the Republic of Congo. Mbeli Bai is the longest running field study of western lowland gorillas that have observed and provided insight on gorilla behaviors and social dynamics. A special thanks to our Official Sponsor of Gorilla Conservation The Gorilla Glue Company.
********************
Our Bears have Arrived
********************
Sea Otter Awareness Week was last week!
t’s Sea Otter Awareness Week! Sea otters are more than just adorable faces floating on their backs — they’re ocean superheroes! By eating sea urchins and other invertebrates, otters protect kelp forests, which provide food and shelter for countless marine species. Sadly, sea otters are still considered endangered. Habitat loss, pollution, and oil spills continue to threaten their survival.
We look forward to bringing sea otters to Cincinnati later this fall. In addition to opening Sea Otter Coast and introducing visitors to this species, Cincinnati Zoo supports Elakha Alliance and the work they’re doing to protect this species.
********************
When you’ve eaten too much at dinner!
Meerkats are known for their daring diet: they are able to kill and eat venomous snakes and scorpions without being hurt, as they have some immunity to the venom.
********************
Cutest Little Bonobo
The many moods of Daisy the one year old bonobo.
********************
Kris Recovery Update
Kris recovery update – Kris is making big strides in her recovery since becoming partially paralzied in her back legs after a fall while running. She can now have unsupervised free time in the large yard now that she is getting around so well. She is still receiving daily physical therapy like you see here to help her continue to improve. She is determined and always participates with a purr. Go Kris!
********************
Wings of Wonder Meet the Cast – Twitch Stream – Cincinnati Zoo
********************
Cincinnati Zoo Twitch Stream Animal Encounters September 2025
********************
Did You Know:
October is National Hearing Month and Otis is all ears! The bat-eared fox is a small, African fox known for its enormous ears, which are over 5 inches tall and give the animal a very good sense of hearing. Otis wants to remind you to protect your hearing by avoiding loud noises, wear hearing protection and talk to your doctor if you are worried about your hearing.
Conservation & Sustainability Corner
Join us for a Climate Toolkit Webinar on Community Solar
Hi everyone! The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is proud to announce that our Sustainability Team will be featured in the upcoming Climate Toolkit Webinar 17: Community Solar Initiatives on Wednesday, October 1, from 1–2 p.m. EDT. We’d love for you to join us!
Event Details:
- Climate Toolkit Webinar 17: Community Solar Initiatives with Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Wednesday, October 1, 1–2 p.m. EDT
- RSVP required – Once registered, you’ll receive the Zoom link to attend
- RSVP Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4-trXwiZQeq_08oSivPklw#/registration
About the Climate Toolkit:
The Climate Toolkit is a collaborative network of museums, gardens, zoos, aquariums, and other cultural institutions working together to accelerate climate action. By sharing resources, strategies, and success stories, the Toolkit empowers organizations of all sizes to reduce their carbon footprints, engage communities in climate solutions, and lead by example. The Zoo is proud to be an active partner in this initiative, connecting our local work to a broader global movement. To learn more about what the climate toolkit please follow the link down below!
Through our Community Solar Resiliency Program (CSRP), we’re helping schools, churches, housing projects, and other organizations in under-resourced neighborhoods gain access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy. By sharing our 15+ years of solar expertise, we’re working to strengthen climate resiliency and financial stability across Greater Cincinnati.
This webinar is a chance to:
- Hear directly from the Zoo’s sustainability experts about our journey in solar innovation
- Learn how our community partnerships are building long-term energy resiliency
- Support your colleagues as they share their impactful work
In Case You Missed It
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 – Zoo Opera
********************
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 – 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
- Tanzania – October 4 – 16, 2026 – more details coming soon…
********************
UPCOMING ZOO EVENTS:
| Date: | Event: | Time: |
| 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 | 6:00-11:00pm |
| Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 | Zoo Brew | 7:00-10:00pm |
| 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:
