News and Stories

FREE Travel Evenings being held February 27^th and March 6^th

CINCINNATI – (February 7, 2014)  If you have a passion for travel, exotic destinations, or wildlife, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 2014 Travel Series has the perfect adventure for you!  With five unique locations and experiences, led by Cincinnati Zoo staff, the upcoming complimentary Travel Evenings are a great way to find out if your next trip abroad should be with the Zoo.

The first complimentary Travel Evening will take place on February 27, 2014, at 6:00 p.m. and will discuss the upcoming safaris to Kenya and the excursion to Southern India.  To learn about travel packages to the Galapagos Islands and Argentina, a Travel Evening will be held on March 6, 2014, at 6:00 p.m.

Led by Chad Yelton, from the Cincinnati Zoo, experience a classic safari by traveling to Kenya, departing June 17. Legendary tales of Ernest Hemingway and Karen Blixen come alive on this eye-opening journey into Kenya. Highly skilled local guides lead you across vast savannahs and lush valleys in search of elephant and lion, giraffe and zebra, and vibrant birdlife. Luxurious camps and lodges with modern amenities and comforts evoke the romance of Out of Africa. Then take the road less traveled on an optional post-extension to Amboseli and Tsavo West, the largest national park in Kenya and one of the largest in the world.

Experience the Galapagos Islands, departing August 23. Led by Doug Feist, Conservation Education Animal Manager at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 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 history, culture and wildlife of Southern India, departing October 18. Led by the Cincinnati Zoo’s Christina Anderson, India’s rich culture comes to life on this journey through the exotic south. Experience the history of India as you explore beautiful towns and cities still showing evidence of European influence in Karnataka and Kerala. Search for the rare tiger, ndole (wild dog) and wild elephant at Periyar and Nagarahole National Parks. Be enchanted by the tranquility of Coorg with its coffee and spice plantations, were perhaps, you may find inner peace. Be enthralled by the contradiction that is India! Extend your journey and discover the riches of Rajputana.

Experience the Conservation Safari to Kenya, departing August 2. Led by Dave Jenike, Chief Operating Officer at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, this safari has been carefully thought through to give you a feel of the best Kenya has to offer. It has been put together by a group of folks with almost a century of combined experience living, working or traveling in Africa. Dave is very excited to be leading the Cincinnati Zoo’s director trip to Kenya this summer. August is one of the best times to go on a safari in Kenya and experience a huge density and diversity of wildlife. During the annual migration, see millions of wildebeest and zebra. Dave invites you to join him to witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth.

Embark on a 14-day wildlife expedition in Argentina, departing October 25, 2015. Led by Brian Jorg, this excursion will begin in Buenos Aires for a historical and cultural city tour. Then moving to the Punta Tombo Provincial Reserve in the Patagonian Peninsula where Magellanic Penguins and Sea Lions can be spotted. This experience is sure to be one to remember with whale watching, exploring the Iguazu National Park, and much more. You will finish off your trip with the Temaiken Wildlife Park and Zoo, the only AZA accredited zoo in Argentina. This is Argentina at its finest.

Information regarding itineraries, costs and other details for each travel option will be available at the information sessions. 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 Frisch’s Theater in the Harold C. Schott Education Building at the Cincinnati Zoo. Parking for the events will be in the Education Parking Lot, for FREE.