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...
Jul 23, 2025•33 min•Ep. 113
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.
Jul 10, 2025•37 min•Ep. 112
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.
Jun 26, 2025•42 min•Ep. 111
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...
Jun 12, 2025•42 min•Ep. 110
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—especial...
May 29, 2025•47 min•Ep. 109
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.
May 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 108
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 S...
May 01, 2025•31 min•Ep. 107
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! 🦁🦒🐘
Jan 10, 2025•31 min•Ep. 106
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 s...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 105
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 infor...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 104
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!
Oct 30, 2024•48 min•Ep. 103
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!
Oct 16, 2024•49 min•Ep. 102
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 ofte...
Oct 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 101
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!
Sep 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 100
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 w...
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 99
🌴 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 tireless...
Aug 21, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 98
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!
Aug 08, 2024•37 min•Ep. 97
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 North American river otters at the Cincinnati Zoo, showcasing the dedication and expertise of the z...
Jul 24, 2024•53 min•Ep. 96
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 introductions, paving the way for the species' eventual return to Guam. Nine zoos across the U.S. a...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 95
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!
Jun 26, 2024•40 min•Ep. 94
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!
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 93
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!
May 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 92
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 will go back to the women of Olkiramatian Reto Women’s Group, who will decide how to use the funds to sup...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 91
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.
May 01, 2024•36 min•Ep. 90
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.
Apr 17, 2024•57 min•Ep. 89
Hosts Jenna and Mark talk about what it's like to help raise baby lesser kudu, Maizy!
Apr 03, 2024•42 min•Ep. 88
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.
Mar 20, 2024•44 min•Ep. 87
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 plants 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!
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 86
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!
Feb 21, 2024•59 min•Ep. 85
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!
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 84
