Cincinnati Zoo Tales

Turtles and Teamwork: A New Home for Box Turtles

In this episode, we spotlight a conservation partnership between the Cincinnati Zoo and the Ohio Division of Wildlife to rescue and rehome native box turtles found in a demolition site. Learn how these turtles are being cared for—and why protecting local species matters.

New Beginnings: Meet Sea Otters Chloe and Kevin

In this episode, Keeper Tara from the Cincinnati Zoo and Keeper Erin from the Aquarium of the Pacific team up to introduce us to two special new sea otters, Chloe and Kevin. They share the otters’ backstories, personalities, favorite toys and foods, and what goes into helping them grow strong and confident.

Chloe is a retired 13-year-old female who served as a surrogate mom for orphaned sea otter pups later released back into the wild, while Kevin is a 1½-year-old male who stranded as a pup and was deemed non-releasable by the USFWS.

Baby Gorilla Update from the Cincinnati Zoo Care Team

We are thankful for baby gorillas! In this special Thanksgiving episode, Team Leader Ashley Ashcraft and Keeper Shaina Baker share a heartwarming update on Gladys and her baby, Mboka Jo. Listen in as they talk about his latest milestones, the incredible care that goes into raising a growing gorilla, and what makes this mother–infant duo so special. It’s a cozy, feel-good check-in perfect for the holiday season!

Mob Mentality: Inside the Meerkat World at the Cincinnati Zoo

Join Keeper Jenna for a behind-the-scenes look at the Cincinnati Zoo’s meerkat mob! Learn what it takes to care for these curious and social animals, how their group dynamics work, and the unique personalities that make each meerkat stand out. From foraging to teamwork, Jenna shares fun facts, daily routines, and insider stories from the meerkat habitat.

Spooky Series: The Truth About Vampire Bats

Sink your teeth into this Spooky Series episode featuring the Zoo’s fascinating vampire bats! 🦇 Jenna and Mark are joined by keeper Amber to uncover the truth behind these mysterious nocturnal creatures. Learn more about their personalities, enrichment, adaptations and care! Amber also debunks myths about bats! 

Spooky Series: Marshmallow The Not-So-Spooky Baby Skunk

Think skunks are scary? Think again! 🦨 In this Spooky Series episode, baby skunk Marshmallow and his care team Sarah and Sammie join Jenna and Mark to clear the air about one of nature’s most misunderstood animals. Learn fun facts about skunks, and more about Marshmallow, and why these striped cuties deserve a little more love and a lot less fear!

Spooky Series: Aye Ayes with Faith Hall

On this episode learn from zoo keeper Faith Hall about the aye aye, one of the most unusual primates in the world! Native to Madagascar, these rare lemurs are nocturnal and use their oversized ears and long, skinny middle finger to tap on wood and listen for insects hiding inside. Once they find a snack, that spooky finger helps scoop it out — nature’s very own “bug detector”! Though their unusual looks have sparked myths and superstitions, aye-ayes play an important role in their ecosystem by keeping insect populations in check. Sadly, they are considered endangered due to habitat loss.

Celebrating 150 Years of the Cincinnati Zoo with Director Thane Maynard

In this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, we celebrate 150 years of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden with Director Thane Maynard. Thane reflects on the Zoo’s incredible journey since its founding in 1875, sharing fascinating stories from the past and highlighting how far the Zoo has come. From its earliest days as one of the nation’s first zoos to today’s role as a leader in animal care, conservation, and sustainability, listeners will get an inside look at the milestones, challenges, and inspiring transformations that shaped the Zoo’s legacy.

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.

 

Updates from Hippo Cove

Dive into the latest updates from Hippo Cove with hosts Jenna and Mark! 🦛 This episode covers everything from Fritz’s future and training milestones to how Fiona is doing. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, fun hippo facts, and insider updates straight from the team who cares for them every day. Whether you’ve followed Fiona from the start or just met the newest member of the bloat, this episode is packed with splashes of joy and fascinating hippo news you won’t want to miss!