Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week is an annual celebration held at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to promote awareness and appreciation for insects and their importance in the ecosystem. This event typically takes place over a weekend in late June, coinciding with National Insect Week, and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the fascinating world of insects.
Overview of Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week
Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week is a three-day event that takes place at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, located at 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220. The event is designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages about the vital role insects play in our environment.
Activities and Highlights
During Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week, visitors can participate in a variety of activities and interact with the zoo’s expert insect keepers.
Keeper Chats
At 11:30 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, visitors can attend Keeper Chats to learn directly from the insect keepers about their work and the insects they care for. This is an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the daily lives and responsibilities of the zoo’s insect caretakers.
Meet an Insect Keeper
From 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, visitors can interact with the insect keepers and ask questions about the insects they work with. This interactive session allows visitors to engage directly with the experts and learn more about the fascinating world of insects.
Pollination Station
Visitors can explore the World of the Insect exhibit to learn about pollinators and their crucial role in the ecosystem. This interactive station provides an opportunity to understand the importance of insects in the pollination process and their impact on the environment.
Featured Insects and Insect Keepers
Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week highlights a variety of insects, each with its own unique characteristics and importance. The event features the expertise of several insect keepers, each with their own areas of focus.
Mandy Pritchard, Team Lead of the World of the Insect
Mandy Pritchard, the Team Lead of the World of the Insect, specializes in grasshoppers, katydids, and the American burying beetle. She shares her passion and knowledge about these fascinating insects with visitors during the event.
April Pitman, Senior Keeper
April Pitman, the Senior Keeper, is responsible for a diverse range of insects, including stick insects, assassin bugs, tarantulas, scorpions, orb-weaving spiders, and leaf-cutter ants. She provides insights into the care and behavior of these unique creatures.
Amanda Schauer, Seasonal Keeper
Amanda Schauer, the Seasonal Keeper, focuses on the Hercules beetle and the orchid mantis, both of which are featured during Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week. She shares her expertise and enthusiasm for these remarkable insects with visitors.
Cost and Timings
Regular zoo admission applies for Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week. However, the zoo offers free admission for teachers on specific days during Pollinator Week, which coincides with the insect-focused event.
The Keeper Chats take place at 11:30 am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, while the Meet an Insect Keeper sessions are scheduled for 1:30 pm on the same days.
Conclusion
Cincinnati Zoo Insect Week is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the fascinating world of insects. By providing opportunities to interact with expert insect keepers, learn about the importance of insects in the ecosystem, and explore the diverse array of insect species, the event aims to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of these tiny wonders of nature.