Monarch Festival 10/1
Grab Your Wings and Join the Migration at Cincinnati Zoo’s Monarch Festival
Fluttering on-site fun on 10/1
CINCINNATI, OH (September 30, 2022) — This is the time of year when monarch butterflies make an incredible, 3,000-mile journey from Canada to Mexico to overwinter and the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for these exceptional pollinators! The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s annual Monarch Festival, presented by Simple Truth, on October 1, will include craft activities, educational booths, and a migration simulation down to the World of the Insect habitat.
“The Cincinnati Zoo is a proud partner in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) North American Monarch program,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “The Zoo is a recognized leader in pollinator conservation efforts and our goal is to inspire action to help them!”
Pollinator learning and activity stations will be set up in the Zoo’s Vine Street Village from 10am – 1pm and visitors can participate in a self-guided migration during that time. Monarch costumes are encouraged!
Actions Cincinnatians can take to help monarchs on their journey:
- Feed the Migration, plant late blooming, perennial, monarch-SAFE plants and native milkweed without pesticides
- Share monarch sightings with community scientists, enjoy watching wild monarchs instead of rearing indoors
- Keep caterpillars SAFE, cut down tropical milkweed
The Monarch Festival will highlight the Zoo’s leadership and commitment to pollinator conservation in the region, especially its Plant for Pollinators Challenge.
The Monarch Festival is free with Zoo admission. The Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Cincinnati Zoo members enjoy early entry at 9 a.m. For more information visit www.cincinnatizoo.org.