The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has launched a podcast, "Cincinnati Zoo Tales," to bring animal lovers a slice of zoo life during a time when getting there is a little more difficult.
The new podcast aims to entertain, educate and inspire. Episodes will feature stories about zoo life, interviews with zookeepers and zoo employees, nonprofits working towards a healthier planet, and tips on what listeners can do to help both animals and people.
“We hope that listeners enjoy getting an inside look at what it takes to care for animals, but also come away inspired and ready to take action with ways they can make the world a better place,” says Angela Hatke, the digital engagement and publicity manager at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Naturally, Fiona the hippo will be a hot conversation topic. In fact, podcast host Jenna Wingate is one of Fiona’s main caregivers and dives into Fiona's story during episode one of "Cincinnati Zoo Tales," which was released on Jan. 16.
The podcast is hosted by Wingate, the senior Africa keeper, and Sam Kornau, the coordinator of wild encounters and fun. While Wingate is more hands-on with the animals of the zoo, Kornau spends the majority of his time on the human side, interacting with zoo visitors.
Wingate had wanted to start a zoo podcast for over a year, hoping to use her work within the zoo and attack global issues. She hopes to inspire people to ask, “What can I do?” and that the podcast will help them answer that question.
“Everyone digests media differently, and we like to provide a variety of ways to get people inspired about wildlife and conservation,” says Hatke.
"Cincinnati Zoo Tales" episodes are released bi-weekly, at roughly 30 minutes each. Upcoming episodes will discuss the kangaroos of Roo Valley, John the lion, and the the sloths of Cincinnati, Moe and Lightning.
For more info, listen to the "Cincinnati Zoo Tales" podcast or visit the Cincinnati Zoo's website.
