Cincinnati Zoo Tales

From Cincinnati to Thailand: Cincinnati Zoo Staff Supporting Elephant Conservation in Thailand

In this episode, staff from the Cincinnati Zoo share their experience traveling to Thailand to work alongside conservation partners at Bring the Elephant Home. Learn how communities are working to reduce human-elephant conflict and how global partnerships help protect elephants and the people who live alongside them. 🐘🌏

 

 

 

The Zoo’s Secret Ingredient: Behind the Scenes with the Commissary Team

Ever wonder how hundreds of animals get their meals perfectly timed and tailored? Join Michael and Rahme from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden's commissary team as they dish out what it’s really like delivering everything from leafy greens to specialty diets. This episode shows that feeding the Zoo is no small task! 

 

A Bear-y Sweet Update on Juniper & Hazel

Get the latest bear-y adorable updates on rescued black bear sisters Juniper and Hazel! In this episode, their keeper Tara shares how the sisters have been settling in at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, what they’ve been up to lately, and how they’re doing during torpor this winter. Learn how these once-tiny cubs are growing, exploring, and thriving in their new home — with plenty of sweet sister moments along the way. 

Turning Passion into Purpose with the Advanced Inquiry Program

In this episode, we spotlight the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) — a unique online master’s degree offered through Miami University and and Project Dragonfly in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Designed for working professionals, the AIP blends web-based coursework with experiential learning at the Zoo, empowering students to lead environmental and community change through inquiry-driven projects and real-world collaboration. 

 

Apply by February 15, 2026 to join the next cohort and take a major step toward advancing your career and impact. 

 

Tune in to learn what makes this program special and how it could be the right fit for you.

 

Happy 9th Birthday, Fiona!

Happy 9th Birthday, Fiona! Cincinnati Zoo's favorite hippo turns nine on January 24. In this special episode, Fiona’s care team comes together to reminisce about their favorite Fiona moments and share an update on how she’s doing today.

From Conservation to Community: Meet Cincinnati Zoo’s New Director

Get to know the new Zoo Director, Dave Jenike! Jenike has been integral to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s success in the three decades that he has been part of its history. He is known for his love of wildlife, commitment to education and dedication to working with communities to achieve wildlife conservation goals through co-existence.

He has developed innovative programs to connect families and communities with wildlife. His focus on visitor experience has helped transform the Zoo, bringing together the best of a vibrant botanical garden with the wonder inspired by a wildlife encounter with a penguin or feeding a giraffe.

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.