Cincinnati Zoo Tales

In this episode, keeper Keri Ann introduces you to two special stars of the Ameritas Wings of Wonder, African pygmy falcons, Toby and Tanzi! Learn more about these fascinating little raptors, discover their unique personalities, their hunting abilities, noisy calls and find out what makes African pygmy falcons so special. 

Join keepers Darcee and Ryan as they introduce us to the fascinating world of fennec foxes! Learn all about Cosmo, Olive, and Martini, including their unique personalities, behaviors, and what makes these tiny foxes so special. We’ll also get a positive update on Martini, hear about exciting habitat renovations, and explore why fennec foxes may be adorable, but they don’t make good pets. 

Keepers Jenna and Mark head inside the savanna habitat for this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales! Meet lesser kudus Fjorda, Hobbes, Maple, Murphy, and Marvin, and learn more about these unique animals and the care they receive at the Cincinnati Zoo.   Watch the video on our YouTube channel !

In this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, Jenna and Mark join keeper Teresa T. at Giraffe Ridge for exciting updates about the herd! Hear the latest on Tessa’s pregnancy, how dad Zeke is getting involved, and the amazing training Teresa is doing to support giraffe hoof care.

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...

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...

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 episo...

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 ra...

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 guidi...

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.

Meet Teddy, short for Theodore Roosevelt, a small but mighty new face at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Cat Ambassador Program. In this episode, we follow Teddy’s journey from Nashville to Cincinnati as he begins settling into his new home, bonding with his keepers, and exploring a world full of new sights, sounds, and smells. From his favorite toy (a stuffed shrimp!) to his love of watching the world from...

What do the Three Little Pigs, the fastest runner in the world, and even the slowest among us all have in common? Surprisingly… Physical Therapy! 🐷🐢😻 In this episode, learn more about how Cinder, Thatcher, Magnolia, Kris, and Bruno have all put in the work behind the scenes. With the help of their dedicated keepers, these animals are actively participating in physical therapy exercises designed...

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. 🐘🌏      

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!   

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 sw...

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 throu...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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 h...