Cincinnati Zoo Tales

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!

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 and his team plant 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! 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!

The Cincinnati Zoo is known for its conservation work, but did you know that includes efforts to save endangered plants as well as animals? Learn more from Conservation Horticulturist Maired in this new episode!

Volunteer Enrichment Committee leader, Jen, tells us some of her favorite animal enrichment she’s made over the years at the Cincinnati Zoo!

Happy Birthday, Fiona! Fiona’s keepers answer all of your questions about the birthday girl!

Today on Cincinnati Zoo Tales, we’re talking to Veterinary Technician Janell D. about her work to keep the animals at the Zoo healthy!

Isla the tamandua is due any day now and Senior Keeper Colleen talks to us about all of the prep and care that goes into having a tamandua pup at the Cincinnati Zoo!

Get the scoop on the gorilla troops at the Cincinnati Zoo and what’s being done to save them in the wild. We learn so much in this new episode featuring keeper Ashley.

Relive keepers Wendy & Tami’s recent trip to Africa and hear how the Zoo is directly helping our partners in Africa with coexistence & conservation efforts.

Dave is here to inspire hope and share stories from his wildlife adventures around the world.

Hosts Jenna and Mark answer questions you’ve submitted online in this fun new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales!

We check in with Mark and Jenna from Hippo Cove to get all the updates about the bloat being reunited!

Head Keeper Alicia Sampson has been working with cheetahs for over a decade. Hear some of the stories from her time caring for cheetah cubs at the Cincinnati Zoo and get an update on Rozi and Daisy in this fun new episode!

We talk to Louisa Rispoli, Ph.D about her conservation work with the rhinos AIRS project and her experience working with Bibi during her pregnancy with Fritz!

Learn more about RAPTOR Inc, a local Cincinnati nonprofit that is dedicated to the conservation of birds of prey through rehabilitation, education, research and community service.

Jenna and Mark discuss everything Fritz! Hear how he got his name and get the latest updates on the new baby hippo in this new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales.

The Hippo Care Team recounts Bibi’s secondborn calf and answers many questions about the new baby hippopotamus!

The Zoo’s Instagram followers submitted questions and Jenna answers them in this new episode with her friend and coworker, Angela!

Senior Keeper Erin Carney introduces us to new tigers Jin & Zero!

Did you know the Cincinnati Zoo has animal behavior scientists who monitor the animals in our care? Learn more Cat Razal’s important work with our animal welfare program.

Our reptile expert Ryan tells us all about turtles and his conservation work to help save them in the wild!

Fiona’s Mom Bibi is pregnant and due in August! Her keepers Jenna and Mark answer all of your questions about the hippo bloat and how they’re getting ready for the new baby hippo!

Hear keepers Kelly and Marjorie talk about caring for black rhinos Seyia, Faru and baby Ajani Joe and learn how you can help crititcally endangered rhinos in this brand new episode!

Happy 19th birthday, Tucker! His care team talks all about the sweet birthday boy in this new podcast episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales!

We chat with the scientist that confirmed Fiona’s mom was pregnant via ultrasound, Dr. Erin Curry in this new episode! Dr. Curry is a Reproductive Physiologist with a focus on polar bear reproduction.

Get inspired by this new episode! We chat with conservationist Dr. Arnaud Desbiez who is working to save South American Giants.

Get all of the animal training tips and stories from the Zoo’s Barnyard Bonanza expert Eunice in this fun new episode!

Avian Conservationist Corina Newsome talks with us about birds, environmental justice and wildlife conservation.

This episode is all about ostriches! These amazing facts from our experts will help you to get to know our ostriches Pam and Myrtle even better!

Do you love giraffe? Us too! Keeper Teresa gives us all the details about the tower of giraffe at the Cincinnati Zoo!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’re introducing you to the Wild Side of Love in this new episode that explores the different mating and breeding rituals of animals! This episode is educational and fun but may be best for mature listeners.

In this special birthday episode, Fiona’s keepers Jenna, Mark and Wendy, answer all of your Fiona questions that you submitted! You’ll hear new stories and their favorite memories of taking care of a baby hippo!

If you love cats, this episode is purrfect for you! Learn more about Ohio Alleycat Resource from Alle & learn how you can help cats in your community!

DYK the Zoo has its own Director of Animal Science & Strategy? Learn more about how David and his team study animals at the Zoo like Fiona to learn more about their habitats, behavior, health, likes/dislikes, choices and welfare.

Hear from one of the Zoo‘s greatest storytellers, Gary in this new episode! From close encounters with elephants to starting the world-renowned Bird Experience in 1978, Gary has inspired so many throughout his 50-year career at the Cincinnati Zoo!

Learn more about the importance of regenerative agriculture from Cincinnati Zoo elephant keeper and owner of Good Shepherd Farm, Amanda!

In one of our most unique episodes yet, hear from Dive Safety Officer Jen about her experience in the water with baby Fiona back in the early days when we were teaching Fiona how to find the shallow areas of her outdoor pool.

Hear more from the Zoo‘s Director of Global Conservation, Lily Maynard, and amazing tales from her trips around the world! Her conservation work globally and locally is changing the way humans and animals coexist. http://ow.ly/ArO150GECi9

Did you know that the Cincinnati Zoo is working to reintroduce critically endangered American burying beetles to their former habitats? Learn more from Team Leader Mandy P from the Zoo who is leading the way!

Mark Fisher and our hosts talk going green, LED lights, Yoda and baseball in this new podcast episode! We‘re taking you behind the scenes at the Zoo and telling you all of our secrets on being the Greenest Zoo in America®!

Rhino expert Terri Roth is teaching us all about her work with the Zoo‘s CREW to Save Species with Science® on #WorldRhinoDay.

From mermaids to manatees, we cover all things aquatic with manatee keeper Lindsay! Learn more about manatees, what the Zoo is doing to save them, and how you can help save them in the wild.

We’re learning all about elephants and their history at the Zoo in this new podcast with keeper Val!

Remus the cheetah companion dog and Keeper Andie join the podcast today to talk all about cheetahs!

Chchchanges! Sam is leaving the podcast, but don't worry, you can meet your new cohost in this episode!

Meet Dr. Jesse W. of CREW who performed the first ultrasound on a Nile hippo (Fiona’s mom Bibi)!

Have a wild time listening to this fun interview with Shae, and learn all about the animals you can meet up close and personal at the Cincinnati Zoo on your next visit!

All of your bonobo questions are answered in this new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales with their keeper Faith!

Learn about the world-famous Ameritas Bird Experience where birds, including Sam the rescued bald eagle fly overhead, in this new episode and even get some tips on how to train your animals at home from our expert Eddie!

Cicadas are here! Get all of your questions answered about this 17-year phenomenon from expert Kelli Walker from the Cincinnati Zoo!

Get to know the talented Director of the Cincinnati Zoo, Thane Maynard!

Learn more about how you can help birds that are migrating over your city in this new podcast with Mollie from the Cincinnati Zoo!

We talk to keeper Erin about everyone’s favorite prickly porcupine, Rico!

Penguins, penguins, penguins! Learn more about the penguins that call the Cincinnati Zoo home from their caregiver Cody!

We’re talking tulips with the Zoo’s Director of Horticulture, Steve Foltz! Learn more about the botanical side of the Zoo just in time for Zoo Blooms.

Hop over to this episode to learn all about the newest faces in Roo Valley! Learn about kangaroos from their keeper Ellie Tighe!

We slow things down today with sloth keeper Sarah from the Cincinnati Zoo! Learn more about sloths and how the Zoo is helping to save them. Plus what you can do to help!

Learn more about the wonders of aquatic life and the importance of conservation with Scott Wingate from the WAVE Foundation!

Jenna and Sam talk to Wendy Rice, Head Keeper at the Cincinnati Zoo about lions!

A look at the story of the world-famous Fiona the hippo through the eyes of Cincinnati Zoo Marketing VP, Chad Yelton. What goes into telling the story of the smallest hippo to ever survive? Find out in the first episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales.

Cincinnati Zoo Tales Podcast is here to offer “What can I do?” action items to help listeners make a world of difference!