Cincinnati Zoo Tales

Join Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, as he delves into the vibrant world of the Zoo's gardens in this enlightening episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales. Steve shares insights into the meticulous planning behind the Zoo's stunning botanical displays, offering tips on the best annual plants to cultivate in your own garden. He also discusses the Zoo's community gardening initiatives, highlighting their role in promoting sustainability and conservation. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, this episode is brimming with inspiration and practical advice to help your garden flourish.

In this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, keepers Wendy and Carli share the behind-the-scenes excitement of opening the brand-new Elephant Trek habitat! Hear what it's been like to welcome and care for incredible new species like the vibrant rhinoceros hornbills, playful Asian small-clawed otters, and energetic siamangs. The keepers talk about the personalities of these fascinating animals, the process of introducing them to their new home, and the rewarding challenges of caring for them—especially four adorable Asian small-clawed otter pups! Whether you're an animal lover or curious about what goes into managing a complex, multi-species habitat, this episode is full of fun insights and heartfelt stories from the team that makes it all happen.

In a special episode of the Cincinnati Zoo Tales podcast, the hosts celebrate the zoo's 150th anniversary by reflecting on its rich history and conservation milestones. They share behind-the-scenes stories, from the zoo's early days to its evolution into a world-renowned wildlife institution. The episode also highlights how the zoo continues to inspire future generations through education and animal care.

In this heartwarming episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, hosts Jenna and Mark take you on a special journey beyond the zoo gates to Seacrest Studios at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. They sit down with Kevin, the dynamic force behind the in-house media studio that brings smiles, creativity, and entertainment to young patients and their families. Together, they chat about the power of storytelling, the magic of animal visits at the hospital, and the unique partnership between the Zoo and Seacrest Studios. It's an inspiring conversation filled with hope, laughter, and a shared mission to bring joy to the community—one wild tale at a time. 

Get ready for a wild adventure as Cincinnati Zoo Tales welcomes its youngest guest ever! Meet Lincoln, host Jenna's son, and a four-year-old animal enthusiast with big zookeeper dreams. Join Lincoln and the zoo team as they share fun facts, silly animal stories, and behind-the-scenes zoo magic. This playful episode is perfect for kids (and kids at heart) who love animals and laughter!

Join us for a special episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Zoo Academy, a groundbreaking program combining high school education with hands-on animal care experience. Hear inspiring stories from special guests, including Zoo Academy graduates Paul Reinhart and Maurice Lattimore and Director of Education, Dan Marsh, who are all a part of the Cincinnati Zoo team today! From caring for animals to advancing conservation efforts, these alumni share how the program shaped their careers and lives. Don't miss this heartwarming tribute to a half-century of fostering passion for wildlife and education.

Explore how the Cincinnati Zoo is leading the charge in conservation and sustainability with Mallory and Megan from the Cincinnati Zoo's Sustainability Team! In this podcast, we dive into the zoo's groundbreaking projects that aim to protect wildlife, reduce waste, and create a greener future. Join us for an inside look at how the zoo is setting a new standard for sustainability. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just curious about eco-friendly practices, this series will inspire and inform on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable planet.

In this spine-tingling episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, we dive into the world of one of Halloween's most misunderstood creatures: the cockroach! They may seem creepy, but these little critters are actually environmental superheroes.  We turn the spotlight on cockroaches, revealing how they're far from the spooky pests they're made out to be. Embrace the unexpected—and maybe even learn to love these eco-friendly scavengers!

Get into the spooky spirit with the latest episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales! We're debunking myths about one of nature's most misunderstood creatures—the opossum! From playing dead to their surprising benefits for the environment, this episode is packed with fun facts that might just change the way you see these nocturnal critters. Tune in to uncover the truth about opossums and why they deserve a spot as one of Halloween's unsung heroes!

This episode dives into the world of rats, separating fact from fiction! From urban legends to misconceptions about their role in spreading disease, this episode explores common myths and presents surprising truths about these misunderstood creatures. Through an expert interview with keeper Keri Ann, listeners gain a fresh perspective on the intelligence, adaptability, and even benefits of rats in ecosystems. Perfect for both animal lovers and those curious about the real story behind these often-feared rodents.

Join us for a special milestone: the 100th episode of *Cincinnati Zoo Tales*!

Join us on this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales as we dive into the inspiring recovery story of Gladys the gorilla. After suffering a broken arm, Gladys faced a journey to heal including being fitted for the first ever titanium cast for a gorilla and later, participating in physical therapy. We're joined by her dedicated keepers, Grace and Stephanie, and the skilled veterinarian, Dr. Mike, who all played vital roles in her recovery. Hear firsthand about the care, dedication, and expertise that went into helping Gladys regain her strength, along with some touching and humorous moments along the way. Don't miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary bond between animals and their caregivers.

Celebrate Fritz's 2nd birthday with a special episode dedicated to everyone's favorite hippo! Join his keepers, Jenna and Mark, as they share delightful stories about his growth, favorite foods, playful personality, and the fascinating dynamics within his group. Discover fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights that will make you love Fritz even more!

In this engaging episode, zookeepers from the Cincinnati Zoo share their experiences and insights into the care and conservation of North American river otters. The conversation delves into various aspects of otter husbandry, highlighting the zoo's efforts to provide a naturalistic and enriching environment for these playful animals. The podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of North American river otters at the Cincinnati Zoo, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the zookeepers who ensure these animals thrive!   

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. 

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a zookeeper? Join Jenna and Mark, experienced keepers, as they share their expert insights and answer all your questions. Tune in now for their invaluable advice on starting your zookeeper career!

This new Cincinnati Zoo Tales podcast episode is all about Galapagos tortoises! Uncover the secrets behind these ancient giants and their unique habitats from their keeper. Join the experts as they share amazing stories about this wonderful species! 

Dr. Erin and Dr. Emily from CREW are revolutionizing polar bear reproduction research! Discover how they are creating a polar bear pregnancy test, researching how environments are affecting polar bears and how they are able to measure multiple hormones at once —a game changer in wildlife monitoring! 

A group of Coexistence Champions from the Cincinnati Zoo traveled to Kenya to meet with the Zoo's conservation partners at SORALO. For over a decade, the Cincinnati Zoo has supported SORALO, where wildlife & people coexist, sharing the same spaces & resources. Learn more about their trip and Kenya in this exciting new episode!    Purchase bracelets made by the women of SORALO! All funds will go back to the women of Olkiramatian Reto Women's Group, who will decide how to use the funds to support their community. In the past 10 years, they've paid school fees for 100 children! https://shopcincinnatizoo.com/products/soralo-bracelets-set-of-3

Dive deep into the fascinating world of aquatic health care! The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Newport Aquarium joined forces to conduct routine comprehensive health examinations on the Aquarium's 14 female cownose stingrays. Listen to this new episode for an exclusive peek behind the scenes and learn firsthand about the vital work being done to ensure the thriving health of our underwater friends. 

Dive into the heartwarming world of rescue animal advocacy with Jenna and Mark in this latest episode! Join them as they chat with the incredible team at Cincinnati Animal CARE. Discover the joy of fostering dogs for a day and learn more about other exciting volunteer opportunities at your local animal shelter.

Hosts Jenna and Mark talk about what it's like to help raise baby lesser kudu, Maizy! 

Keeper Darcee updates us on snow leopards Renji and Nubo! In this episode you'll learn about their unique fur, how to tell them apart, what their favorite foods are and more about the care they receive. 

Brian J, manager of the Zoo's Native Plant Program, talks about the Zoo's offsite property at Bowyer Farm! Brian and his team were able to restore the agricultural land back to its native wetland habitat, resulting in hundreds of local wildlife returning to the area! Brian plants native plants and trees by the thousands, hoping to really make an impact in the community! Learn more about all that goes on at the Zoo's Bowyer Farm! 

Learn all about the elusive and endangered okapi from keeper Renee! This beautiful and rare species has so many unique adaptations and Renee is here to teach you all about them! 

When you think about conservation, you probably think about saving animals. However, did you know the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has a Plant Research Division at CREW dedicated to saving plants? Megan Philpott, Ph.D teaches us all about the work it takes to save endangered plants! 

Hear from Fiona's keepers Jenna, Wendy and Mark on Fiona's 7th birthday! What Taylor Swift Era is she? How much does she weigh? What is her favorite food these days? Find out all of this and more in this fun new episode that's all about our princess Fiona! 

One of our favorite guests is back! Keeper Cody tells us all about the conservation work he's been involved with recently, especially his work to help save seabirds and piping plovers. 

Great Sumatran rhino news! Harapan is a dad! In 2015, we made the very tough decision to send the third Cincinnati Zoo-born Sumatran rhino calf, Harapan, to Indonesia so that he would have the opportunity to contribute to his critically endangered species' survival. On Saturday, November 25, 2023, a healthy male calf, sired by Harapan, was born! ( Photos courtesy of the Indonesia Ministry of Environment and Forestry) Hear more from Dr. Roth and Paul R. from the Cincinnati Zoo about this amazing story of hope. 

Two females and two young males are first residents of Elephant Trek at the Cincinnati Zoo! What does it take to get four elephants from Ireland to Cincinnati? Keepers from the Dublin Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo tell us all of the hard work that goes into getting four elephants ready for a big move. 

Anthony Stenger joins Cincinnati Zoo's Tara Lay to talk about their work with the Texas Lobo Coalition and wolf recovery programs! 

Ian, Manager of Garden Operations at Greenacres Foundation, teaches us about farming and the importance of locally grown food in this new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales! 

Spooky season is almost over and podcast hosts Mark and Jenna are back to teach you about vultures! This episode is full of fun facts about these amazing animals like Bubba and the rest of the vultures that call the Cincinnati Zoo home. 

Spiders are not spooky. We repeat, spiders are not spooky! Learn more about spiders and how they are great for the environment, including helping to keep pesky insect populations in check! 

It's October! The perfect time to highlight some animals that may have a bad reputation of being spooky, when really they are gorgeous, and great for the environment! Meet Rob, the yellow-tailed cribo. They are opportunistic and will eat anything from rodents to birds, snakes and lizards! Both adult males and females will grow to be about 10 feet long. 

Understanding EEHV. Ahead of the new Elephant Trek habitat opening, Dr. Jess from the Cincinnati Zoo explains the EEHV viral infection that can be fatal to elephants living in both the wild and in zoos. The Cincinnati Zoo has a new lab and technician to help test the elephants and hopefully catch the virus early. Scientists, researchers and elephant care experts are working to learn more about treatments and eventual prevention to help protect the world's elephant populations.

Keeper Michelle teaches us about the important and complex work she is doing with flower beetles and other insects!   

We chat with Lindsey Vansandt of the Zoo's CREW about breakthrough findings that may eliminate the need for spaying domestic cats! The groundbreaking study represents a milestone toward humanely reducing free-roaming cat populations & eliminating shelter euthanasia of healthy cats. 

Fritz's keepers recap the little hippo's first birthday party at Hippo Cove and discuss all the behind-the-scenes moments! 

Kip is a curious and silly 11-month-old white-cheeked gibbon. His family rejected him and he has since been adopted by sisters Skittles & M&M. Get the update on this special gibbon from his care team! 

Dr. Davis strengthens formal science with local perspectives to achieve conservation success! Learn more about his work on conservation issues in the Bahamas. 

Keeper Mark M keeps us up to date on skunk and bat-eared fox babies at the Cincinnati Zoo! One of the cutest episodes yet! 

Did you know you could go to high school at the Zoo? Hear more about Nhy Aire's unique experience at the Cincinnati Zoo's Zoo Academy program. 

Learn more from Maggie Dwire on what is being done to help save the Mexican wolf. Though coming perilously close to extinction, with the help of the Endangered Species Act, the Mexican wolf is staging a remarkable comeback through a collaborative binational recovery program with Mexico. Maggie's responsibilities include recovery and management of the Mexican wolf both in the wild and as liaison to the binational breeding program.

We're talking with April, the senior insect keeper, who helped the Cincinnati Zoo become the first Zoo on record to take the blue feigning-death beetle from egg to larvae to adulthood! Plus, learn about more of your favorite insects during this new episode.  

Did you know that when you book a behind-the-scenes tour at the Cincinnati Zoo, 50% of all the proceeds go back to conservation efforts around the world? Learn more about what tours are available and which initiatives they support in this fun new episode with Zach, the Manager of Behind-the-Scenes Experiences! 

The Cincinnati Zoo partners with Dr. Varun Goswami & Dr. Divya Vasudev & Conservation Initiatives to help save elephants in the wild! Learn more about their work to save the world's largest land mammal! 

Cincinnati Zoo Keepers Ellen, Keri Ann and Sarah update everyone on Harley and Reggie's flight success stories! Harley is a blue and gold macaw who came to the Zoo from a private owner and had not been given the opportunity to fly. His keepers Sarah and Ellen spent months working with Harley to grow his confidence, and finally take the brave leap to fly! It was an emotional moment for everyone! Reggie the sulphur-crested cockatoo just learned to fly in 2022 after a lot of trust-building and time with Keri Ann and the Wings of Wonder team!   

Senior Horticulturists Paul & Tosh chat about their favorite plants, early blooms this year and more in this new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales! 

Get an inside look into what it's like to be a vet at the Cincinnati Zoo with Dr. Jess in this new episode!