Cincinnati Zoo Tales

Jenna and Mark are excited to welcome Joel Sartore to the Cincinnati Zoo Tales Podcast to discuss the recent release of The Photo Ark: Animals of Earth (20th Anniversary Edition), out now. 

In 2017, Sartore was at the Cincinnati Zoo where the ‘National Geographic Photo Ark’ Exhibition was on display at the Cincinnati Zoo. 

 

Over the last two decades, Joel has traveled the world documenting more than 17,000 animal species in zoos, animal sanctuaries, and more as part of the Photo Ark, one of the most ambitious wildlife photography projects ever undertaken. The project has inspired millions through books, exhibits, speaking engagements, and conservation partnerships.

 

Joel also discusses the upcoming opening of his brand-new exhibit Photo Ark: Animals of Earth at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. Joel is also coming out with a new children’s board book at the top of next month called National Geographic Photo Ark Bodies / Cuerpos, which introduces young readers to parts of the body through stunning photographs of animals from around the world, pairing each English word with its Spanish translation to help little ones build early vocabulary in two languages.

Celebrate Fritz's fourth birthday with a special episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales recorded right inside the Cincinnati Zoo's hippo habitat! Hear fun stories from the team that cares for Fritz, learn how he's grown over the past four years, and get an update on the bloat as we celebrate one of the Zoo's favorite hippos.

Listen to Jenna & Mark's first video podcast! See the full video here! 

It's a first for Cincinnati Zoo Tales - Jenna and Mark's very first video podcast! To celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week, they're answering questions submitted by listeners, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, fun animal facts, and what it's really like to be a zoo keeper. Tune in for a fun, interactive episode and get to know the people who care for your favorite animals every day.

It's a first for Cincinnati Zoo Tales - Jenna and Mark's very first video podcast! To celebrate National Zoo Keeper Week, they're answering questions submitted by listeners, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, fun animal facts, and what it's really like to be a zoo keeper. Tune in for a fun, interactive episode and get to know the people who care for your favorite animals every day.

Join us as we talk with Dr. Tori Kennedy, a scientist at the Cincinnati Zoo's Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW), about the innovative science helping save endangered species. Plus, hear the story behind the Zoo's exciting milestone, the birth of its 100th red panda, and how conservation research helped make it possible.

Join Keeper Jenna to discover what makes the Aruba Island rattlesnake one of the world's rarest and most fascinating snakes. Learn about their unique adaptations, conservation importance, and meet the newest Aruba Island rattlesnake babies born at the Cincinnati Zoo. It's a behind-the-scenes look at a remarkable species and the efforts helping secure its future.

In this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, keeper Aimee introduces the zoo’s adorable African penguin chicks and share what it takes to raise these fluffy newcomers. Along the way, listeners learn why African penguins are endangered and how the zoo is helping protect this amazing species through conservation and care. Filled with cute moments, penguin facts, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

In celebration of World Otter Day on May 27, keepers Wendy and Carli introduce the playful family of Asian small-clawed otters, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of mom, dad, their older brothers, and the newest addition, a litter of energetic baby pups.

The keepers share each otter’s unique personality, how the family works together to care for the pups, and what it’s like raising one of the world’s smallest and most social otter species. 

Meet Lincoln, zookeeper-in-training, resident animal expert, and the five-year-old son of your host, Jenna—who’s here to school us on the wild world of venomous and poisonous animals!

In this special episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, Lincoln takes the mic to share his surprisingly deep knowledge (and big enthusiasm) about creatures that sting, bite, and warn predators to stay away. With Jenna guiding the conversation, Lincoln brings curiosity, humor, and a fresh perspective that proves you’re never too young to love and learn about wildlife. It’s a fun, family-friendly episode packed with cool facts, adorable moments, and a whole lot of zoo magic.

Jane Bacchieri of the Elakha Alliance joins Cincinnati Zoo Tales to share how restoring sea otters to the Oregon coast could rebuild entire ecosystems. As a Barrows Lecture speaker, she highlights a community-driven approach to conservation, showing how science, local partnerships, and public support all play a role in protecting this keystone species.