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Cincinnati Zoo Tales

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Get a glimpse of life behind the scenes at the Cincinnati Zoo. Hosts Jenna Wingate and Mark Tewes will interview Zoo staff and other animal and wildlife professionals about how they’re making a difference in this world. We’ll chat about Fiona and friends and offer “What can I do?” action items to help listeners make a world of difference too.

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  • 23 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 42 min
  • English

Episodes 23

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  • #144
    September 17 · 36 min

    Savanna Stories: Meet the Kudus

    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!

  • #143
    September 3 · 33 min

    Tall Tales from Giraffe Ridge

    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.

  • #142
    August 20 · 41 min

    Joel Sartore, Photo Ark, National Geographic

    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 than 17,000 animal species in zoos, animal sanctuaries, and more as part of the Photo Ark, one of the most ambitious wildlife photography projects ever undertaken. The project has inspired millions through books, exhibits, speaking engagements, and conservation partnerships. Joel also discusses the upcoming opening of his brand-new exhibit Photo Ark: Animals of Earth at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. Joel is also coming out with a new children’s board book at the top of next month called National Geographic Photo Ark Bodies / Cuerpos, which introduces young readers to parts of the body through stunning photographs of animals from around the world, pairing each English word with its Spanish translation to help little ones build early vocabulary in two languages.

  • #141
    August 3 · 38 min

    Celebrating Fritz's Fourth Birthday!

    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.

  • #140
    July 23 · 35 min

    Jenna & Mark Take Questions from Listeners

    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 know the people who care for your favorite animals every day.

  • #139
    July 23 · 35 min· Video

    Jenna & Mark's First Video Podcast!

    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.

  • #138
    July 9 · 59 min

    Saving Species: Dr. Tori Kennedy & the 100th Red Panda

    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.

  • #137
    June 25 · 43 min

    Sssimply Remarkable: Aruba Island Rattlesnakes 🐍

    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.

  • #136
    June 11 · 47 min

    Behind the Beak: African Penguin Chicks with Keeper Aimee

    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 episode is perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

  • #135
    May 27 · 44 min

    Otterly Adorable Pup Update!

    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.

  • #134
    May 14 · 24 min

    Little Zookeeper, Big Facts: Lincoln Talks Venom & Poison

    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.

  • #133
    April 30 · 46 min

    Jane Bacchieri & the Return of the Sea Otter

    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.

  • #132
    April 16 · 38 min

    The Adventures of Teddy Roosevelt (the Serval!)

    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.

  • #131
    April 2 · 35 min

    Physical Therapy for Every Pace

    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.

  • #129
    March 5 · 51 min

    The Zoo’s Secret Ingredient: Behind the Scenes with the Commissary Team

    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!

  • #128
    February 19 · 53 min

    A Bear-y Sweet Update on Juniper & Hazel

    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.

  • #127
    February 5 · 44 min

    Turning Passion into Purpose with the Advanced Inquiry Program

    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. Click here for more info Tune in to learn what makes this program special and how it could be the right fit for you.

  • #126
    January 22 · 46 min

    Happy 9th Birthday, Fiona!

    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.

  • #125
    January 8 · 1 hr 2 min

    From Conservation to Community: Meet Cincinnati Zoo’s New Director

    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.

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes