Our Herd: Toledo Zoo Podcast

In this episode of Our Herd, we sit down with Toledo Zoo Mammal Managers Koral and Tenley to explore what it takes to lead two of the Zoo’s largest animal care teams - and why the titles “Small Mammal Manager” and “Large Mammal Manager” aren’t always as straightforward as they sound. From curating a happy team and herd to orchestrating animal transfers and contributing to global conservation effor...

Safety at the  Toledo Zoo  goes far beyond gates and guard posts. In this episode of  Our Herd , we’re pulling back the curtain on the team that helps  Protect the Pack . From first impressions at security checkpoints to high-level emergency response, our security team shares how they have redefined what it means to serve both guests and staff. The Zoo's security team focuses on hospitality, a...

We’re kicking off 2026 with a deep dive into the heart of animal care at the Toledo Zoo - Tails from the Exam Table! 🩺🐾In this episode of Our Herd, we sit down with our veterinary team to talk about the real, unfiltered world of zoo medicine. From life-and-death moments to routine exams, spinning turds, blood draws, lab work, diagnostics, procedures, and everything in between - this conversation...

We’re wrapping up the premiere year of  Our Herd  with night keepers Tara and Kristi! While daytime staff and guests head home for the night, our animals still need care around the clock, every single day of the year - and our incredible overnight zoo keepers are there to make sure that happens. Being at the Zoo in the middle of the night leads to some great stories, unforgettable moments, and eve...

The adventure continues in Part 2 of our sit-down with Joe Wood! We’re picking up right where we left off, taking you from the majestic mountains of Nepal to the stomping grounds of living dragons. In this episode, we discuss what it really takes to protect species abroad and the importance of community partnerships. Discover the boundless impact the Toledo Zoo is making worldwide. Enjoy watching...

We’re zooming out to the big picture on this episode of Our Herd, the official Toledo Zoo podcast. We sit down with Joe Wood, Toledo Zoo’s Manager of International Conservation Programs, and challenge him to summarize what it’s really like doing conservation on a global scale. From volcanic eruptions and illegal wildlife trade markets to lifesaving AI innovations, this conversation takes you on a...

Dr. Matt Cross, Director of Vertebrate Conservation, joins us for this installment of Our Herd, the official Toledo Zoo podcast! We're always mentioning the incredible work being done for animals and their local habitats, but who is making it all happen?!? Listen or watch as we answer that question and discover some unique conservation initiatives you may have not known about! Enjoy watching o...

Bird keepers Cynthia and Nate join Our Herd, the official Toledo Zoo podcast, to share what it’s really like working with birds and to talk all about the adorable flamingo chicks. They answer listener questions, explain why caring for chicks is much more than just “playtime,” and also get a crash course in pop culture references for a few extra laughs. Whether you are here for fluffy flamingos, fa...

It’s the middle of summer, but we’re "breaking the ice" with Arctic keepers Raven and Ashley on this episode of Our Herd, the official Toledo Zoo podcast. Join us as we talk about what it was like to care for Kallik and Kallu, our beloved Polar bear cubs, and what day-to-day life is like now with Crystal and Kali. Along the way, we share some laughs about unsettling Sea lion smiles and t...

In this episode of Our Herd , the Toledo Zoo's official podcast, we're getting our hands dirty with Jake and Elizabeth from the Zoo's Wild Toledo crew. From creating pollinator habitats to insulting boring turf grass, these two are on a mission to bring native plants back to northwest Ohio - one seed at a time. Enjoy watching or listening to Prairie Confessions! now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠...

To kick off the summer season, we’re going on a wild safari for this month’s episode of Our Herd, the Toledo Zoo’s official podcast. Join us as hoofstock zoo keepers Joan and Blake dish out “Tall Tales”, dry crackers, and even drier dad jokes. From slobbery giraffe kisses to zebra quirks this episode is packed with laughs, unexpected animal facts, and a whole lot of personality. Enjoy watching or...

Plants, crafts and existential vegetable crises? Sign us up! This week on Our Herd, Horticulturist Mandy Hansen joins us for a down-to-earth chat about gardening, native plant life and the seriously creative programs she’s cultivating at Toledo Zoo — like botanical book clubs and hands-on DIY workshops. From mischievous squirrel schemes to veggie truths that shook us to our roots, this episode is...

Get hooked on a fin-tastic episode! Our Herd, the official Toledo Zoo podcast, is diving into the underwater world of our iconic Aquarium. Aquarium Zookeepers Jeff Cypher and Drake Dversdall join us to reflect on the building’s history, their favorite fish-y moments and preparations for the Aquarium 10 Year Anniversary Celebration happening on March 29. Enjoy watching or listening to Elephants in...

Hold onto your trunks— Our Herd is back with another episode!  The official Toledo Zoo podcast is addressing the elephants in the room... literally.   Join Elephant Manager Sarah and retired team member Dave, who spent 42 years at the Zoo, as they explain what goes on behind the scenes to care for our largest residents. From heart-warming stories of the past to unexpected bodily fluids flying, thi...

To kick off Our Herd Podcast, we welcome two of our Herpetology members, Nick and Sam! Whether they're starring in posts on social media or working with dangerous species, our Herpetology team has made themselves a prominent contributor to Toledo Zoo's identity. Today, we discuss the basics of zoo keeping - how to become one, what zoo's are looking for in personnel and advice from our...

Welcome to Our Herd! The official podcast of Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Stay tuned for new episodes every month.