Cincinnati Zoo Tales

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 raising one of the world’s smallest and most social otter species.

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 guiding the conversation, Lincoln brings curiosity, humor, and a fresh perspective that proves you’re never too young to love and learn about wildlife. It’s a fun, family-friendly episode packed with cool facts, adorable moments, and a whole lot of zoo magic.

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 his outdoor space, Teddy is quickly showing off the curious and playful traits that make servals so special.  As Teddy grows, he’ll begin training and eventually take part in programs like Cheetah Encounters, helping guests connect with wildlife and inspiring conservation action.

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 to keep them strong, mobile, and thriving. From building muscle and improving flexibility to preventing injury and supporting long-term health, physical therapy plays a crucial role in their daily routines. Tune in to hear how these sessions look, why they matter, and the unique personalities that make each animal’s journey so special.

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 sweet sister moments along the way.

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 through inquiry-driven projects and real-world collaboration.    Apply by February 15, 2026 to join the next cohort and take a major step toward advancing your career and impact.    Tune in to learn what makes this program special and how it could be the right fit for you.

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 families and communities with wildlife. His focus on visitor experience has helped transform the Zoo, bringing together the best of a vibrant botanical garden with the wonder inspired by a wildlife encounter with a penguin or feeding a giraffe.

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 pups later released back into the wild, while Kevin is a 1½-year-old male who stranded as a pup and was deemed non-releasable by the USFWS.

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 holiday season!

Join Keeper Jenna for a behind-the-scenes look at the Cincinnati Zoo’s meerkat mob! Learn what it takes to care for these curious and social animals, how their group dynamics work, and the unique personalities that make each meerkat stand out. From foraging to teamwork, Jenna shares fun facts, daily routines, and insider stories from the meerkat habitat.

Sink your teeth into this Spooky Series episode featuring the Zoo’s fascinating vampire bats! 🦇 Jenna and Mark are joined by keeper Amber to uncover the truth behind these mysterious nocturnal creatures. Learn more about their personalities, enrichment, adaptations and care! Amber also debunks myths about bats!

Think skunks are scary? Think again! 🦨 In this Spooky Series episode, baby skunk Marshmallow and his care team Sarah and Sammie join Jenna and Mark to clear the air about one of nature’s most misunderstood animals. Learn fun facts about skunks, and more about Marshmallow, and why these striped cuties deserve a little more love and a lot less fear!

On this episode learn from zoo keeper Faith Hall about the aye aye, one of the most unusual primates in the world! Native to Madagascar, these rare lemurs are nocturnal and use their oversized ears and long, skinny middle finger to tap on wood and listen for insects hiding inside. Once they find a snack, that spooky finger helps scoop it out — nature’s very own “bug detector”! Though their unusual looks have sparked myths and superstitions, aye-ayes play an important role in their ecosystem by keeping insect populations in check. Sadly, they are considered endangered due to habitat loss.

In this episode of Cincinnati Zoo Tales, we celebrate 150 years of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden with Director Thane Maynard. Thane reflects on the Zoo’s incredible journey since its founding in 1875, sharing fascinating stories from the past and highlighting how far the Zoo has come. From its earliest days as one of the nation’s first zoos to today’s role as a leader in animal care, conservation, and sustainability, listeners will get an inside look at the milestones, challenges, and inspiring transformations that shaped the Zoo’s legacy.

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!

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 zookeepers who ensure these animals thrive!

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. are taking part in the collaborative breeding program of the sihek in preparation for this year’s hopeful release.

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 will go back to the women of Olkiramatian Reto Women’s Group, who will decide how to use the funds to support their community. In the past 10 years, they've paid school fees for 100 children! https://shopcincinnatizoo.com/products/soralo-bracelets-set-of-3

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.

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.

Hosts Jenna and Mark talk about what it's like to help raise baby lesser kudu, Maizy!

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.

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!