Cincinnati Zoo Tales

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 otte...

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 s...

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 co...

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 pro...

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 anim...

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, t...

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 to...

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...

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 the...

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...

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...

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...

🌴 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...

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!

In this engaging episode, zookeepers from the Cincinnati Zoo share their experiences and insights into the care and conservation of North American river otters. The conversation delves into various aspects of otter husbandry, highlighting the zoo's efforts to provide a naturalistic and enriching environment for these playful animals. The podcast offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of...

This new episode is all about sihek birds! Hear more about this fascinating conservation story from Cincinnati Zoo keeper Aimee! This species is extinct in the wild & chicks hatched at the Cincinnati Zoo will be part of an attempt to re-establish a population on Palmyra Atoll, a Nature Conservancy Preserve and research station. This protected, predator-free island is an ideal location for wild...

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a zookeeper? Join Jenna and Mark, experienced keepers, as they share their expert insights and answer all your questions. Tune in now for their invaluable advice on starting your zookeeper career!

This new Cincinnati Zoo Tales podcast episode is all about Galapagos tortoises! Uncover the secrets behind these ancient giants and their unique habitats from their keeper. Join the experts as they share amazing stories about this wonderful species! 

Dr. Erin and Dr. Emily from CREW are revolutionizing polar bear reproduction research! Discover how they are creating a polar bear pregnancy test, researching how environments are affecting polar bears and how they are able to measure multiple hormones at once —a game changer in wildlife monitoring! 

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!    Purchase bracelets made by the women of SORALO! All funds wi...

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 underw...

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.