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Weeklong virtual celebration culminates with on-site fun on 10/2

CINCINNATI (September 23, 2021) – 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, will include special monarch-themed videos and activities posted on its social channels and website starting Monday, September 27, and will end on October 2 when visitors are invited to take part in a migration simulation and other monarch-themed fun at the Zoo.

“The Cincinnati Zoo is a proud partner in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) North American Monarch program and a recognized leader in pollinator conservation efforts,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard.  “Our goals while the monarchs get ready for their cross-continent migration is to inspire action to help them on their way!!”

Pollinator learning and activity stations will be set up in the Zoo’s Vine Street Village from 11am – 1pm and visitors can participate in a self-guided migration during that time.  Monarch costumes are encouraged!

Actions Cincinnatians can take now 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 and all aspects of the Zoo’s Pollen Nation program, 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.