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.
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!
In this episode, hosts Jenna and Mark sit down with Zoological Manager of Elephants, Christy Ison and Dr. Mike Wenninger, Director of Animal Health, to explore the groundbreaking progress Cincinnati Zoo has made in protecting its young Asian elephants from Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). This episode captures a hopeful turning point in elephant care: from daily keeper training to cutting-edge mRNA vaccine breakthroughs, Sanjay and Kabir’s recovery demonstrates what proactive veterinary science paired with strong keeper-elephant relationships can achieve. Christy and Dr. Mike’s insights offer both a moving behind‑the‑scenes story and a model for wildlife conservation worldwide.
In this inspiring episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, we’re celebrating Disability Pride Month with two incredible guests. Annie, the Zoo’s Accessibility Manager, shares how the Zoo is working to create a more inclusive experience for all guests and team members. We’re also joined by Druh, a certified master scuba diver who helps keep pools clean for animals like hippos, elephants, penguins, and otters, and who has Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome - a rare genetic disorder. Druh started as a Zoo volunteer educator. Today, Druh is not only an essential part of the dive team but also a world-ranked para-karate athlete — a second-degree black belt, a member of Team USA, and ranked 8th in the world in women’s para kata! As Dru says: “Don’t assume someone can’t do something because they have a disability. Look for the ability hidden within the disability—give people a chance, and they just might surprise you.”
In this new episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, Kris the cheetah’s keeper, Andie, shares an exciting update on how the beloved cat is doing in her recovery. From her playful personality to recent health milestones, Kris continues to thrive—and steal hearts—at the Cincinnati Zoo. Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories, keeper insights, and why Kris remains one of the Zoo’s most inspiring animals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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! 🦁🦒🐘
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. 🌍🎉
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.
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!
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!
This episode dives into the world of rats, separating fact from fiction! From urban legends to misconceptions about their role in spreading disease, this episode explores common myths and presents surprising truths about these misunderstood creatures. Through an expert interview with keeper Keri Ann, listeners gain a fresh perspective on the intelligence, adaptability, and even benefits of rats in ecosystems. Perfect for both animal lovers and those curious about the real story behind these often-feared rodents.
Join us for a special milestone: the 100th episode of *Cincinnati Zoo Tales*! 🎉 A huge thank you to all our listeners for your support! This week, Jenna and Mark take you behind the scenes at the Zoo’s main entrance, where they chat with fans, members, and staff. Tune in to celebrate 100 episodes with us and enjoy a fun, lively new episode!
Join us on this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales as we dive into the inspiring recovery story of Gladys the gorilla. After suffering a broken arm, Gladys faced a journey to heal including being fitted for the first ever titanium cast for a gorilla and later, participating in physical therapy. We're joined by her dedicated keepers, Grace and Stephanie, and the skilled veterinarian, Dr. Mike, who all played vital roles in her recovery. Hear firsthand about the care, dedication, and expertise that went into helping Gladys regain her strength, along with some touching and humorous moments along the way. Don't miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary bond between animals and their caregivers.
🌴 Sloth Superheroes Unite! 🦥 In this episode, join the Cincinnati Zoo staff as they recall their journey to Costa Rica to visit our conservation partners at The Sloth Institute who are working to save the sloth population! 🌎 From creating sloth speedways to collecting camera traps, these wildlife warriors show that protecting these slow-moving, tree-hugging creatures is no small feat. Get ready for heartwarming stories, wild adventures, and a whole lot of sloth love as the team works tirelessly to ensure these adorable animals can keep on lounging in peace. It's a tale of conservation, teamwork, and the ultimate animal rescue mission!
Celebrate Fritz's 2nd birthday with a special episode dedicated to everyone's favorite hippo! Join his keepers, Jenna and Mark, as they share delightful stories about his growth, favorite foods, playful personality, and the fascinating dynamics within his group. Discover fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights that will make you love Fritz even more!
Robbie Huff
Never volunteer in parks (including zoos) It's their way of continuing to pay well below a living wage. You are taking work and money from employees.