
150.3K
Downloads
111
Episodes
Get a glimpse of life behind the scenes at the Cincinnati Zoo. Hosts Jenna Wingate and Mark Tewes will interview Zoo staff and other animal and wildlife professionals about how they’re making a difference in this world. We’ll chat about Fiona and friends and offer “What can I do?” action items to help listeners make a world of difference too.
Episodes

6 days ago
Pregnancy Update: Gladys the Gorilla
6 days ago
6 days ago
In the newest episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, dedicated keepers Grace and Shaina offer an exciting update on Gladys the gorilla’s pregnancy. They share insights into her changing behavior, and how her care routine has been carefully tailored over the past few months to prepare for a new baby! It’s a heartwarming and educational episode that shows the care, anticipation, and joy surrounding this soon-to-be mother.

Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Steve Foltz, Director of Horticulture
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
Thursday Jun 12, 2025
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.

Thursday May 29, 2025
From Otter Pups to Siamangs: Behind the Scenes at Elephant Trek
Thursday May 29, 2025
Thursday May 29, 2025
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.

Thursday May 15, 2025
Celebrating 150 Years of the Cincinnati Zoo
Thursday May 15, 2025
Thursday May 15, 2025
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.

Thursday May 01, 2025
Cincinnati Zoo and the Seacrest Studios
Thursday May 01, 2025
Thursday May 01, 2025
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.

Friday Jan 10, 2025
Zookeeper Lincoln – The 4-Year-Old Animal Expert!
Friday Jan 10, 2025
Friday Jan 10, 2025
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! 🦁🦒🐘

Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Celebrating 50 Years of Zoo Academy at the Cincinnati Zoo
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
Wednesday Nov 27, 2024
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. 🌍🎉

Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Sustainability at the Cincinnati Zoo
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
Wednesday Nov 13, 2024
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.

Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Spooky Series: Debunking Myths about Cockroaches
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
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!

Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Spooky Series: Debunking Myths about Opossums
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
Wednesday Oct 16, 2024
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!