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Whether you have a passion for travel, exotic destinations, or wildlife, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 2012 Travel Series has the perfect voyage for you!

From the rainforests of South America to the deserts of Africa, there is a world of wonder waiting for you to explore. The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers exciting and educational wildlife travel adventures in 2012 escorted by Cincinnati Zoo staff.

You can learn about travel packages to the African savannah during the FREE information session on February 9, 2012, at 7 p.m. or learn about trips to the rugged Alaskan terrain or the Galapagos shores for FREE on February 23, 2012 at 6 p.m.

Discover the wildlife of Kenya, departing June 2. Luxury tented camps with modern amenities coupled with the amazing wildlife evoke the romance of Out of Africa. Led by Mark Fisher, Senior Director of Facilities, Planning and Sustainability, your journey will take you from the animal sanctuaries in Nairobi to the “Jewel of Africa,” the Maasai Mara, and everything that Kenya has to offer. See the colorful Samburu people in the Samburu Reserve, learn of the conservation efforts of the Chimpanzee sanctuary in Sweetwaters and witness the amazing concentration of flamingos in Lake Nakuru. This is Kenya at its finest.

Experience the Galapagos Islands, departing July 26. Led by Mike Dulaney, Curator of Mammals, a visit to the Galapagos Islands is the quintessential natural history experience. On these remote islands, scattered across the equator in the Pacific Ocean, species of plants, birds, reptiles, and marine organisms thrive; many of which live nowhere else on Earth. Contemplate prehistoric land-iguanas, 600-pound giant tortoises, and 13 species of finches, each with a distinct beak adaptation which led to Darwin’s theory of evolution. Marvel at marine iguanas, lava lizards, and flightless cormorants. Hike ancient lava flows and enjoy the crazy courtship dance of blue-footed boobies, watch puffed-up crimson-throated frigate birds show off for their mates, gaze, awestruck, at hundreds of waved albatrosses. Only in the Galapagos can you snorkel with a penguin on the Equator.Expert naturalists show you the biological and geological wonders of these enchanted islands, the native plants, the secluded coves and the awe-inspiring wildlife that crawl, fly, chirp, and swoop throughout the archipelago.

Learn the wildlife of Alaska, departing July 11. Led by Brian Jorg, Manager of Horticulture, this 12-day adventure is designed with an emphasis on Alaska’s wildlife and wild places. With our private naturalist guides and customized transportation we’ll depart from some of the well-trodden tourist routes and visit places where we are most likely to find Brown and Black Bear, Moose, Caribou, Dahl Sheep, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Mountain Goats, Puffins, Cormorants and a variety of other birds, mammals and other wildlife. In addition to our wildlife adventures we’ll also have opportunities to explore Alaska’s pristine landscape of towering mountains, picturesque valleys, rushing rivers and boreal forests.

Information regarding itineraries, costs and other details for each travel option will be available at the information session. To RSVP for the complimentary presentations or for additional information on travel opportunities provided by the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, please contact Christina Anderson at 513-487-3318. Travel sessions will take place at the Harold C. Schott Education Center at the Cincinnati Zoo.