Zoo employees and volunteers have been working hard to spread the word about the Zoo levy that will be on the ballot for Hamilton County voters next Tuesday.  You’ve probably seen us putting signs in yards or standing at intersections hoping you’ll honk to show your support.

When I got to my office this morning, I found a special campaign contribution from one of our volunteers on my desk.  It was a CD with this note attached…

Raven Alford – Levy Rap Composer

I created this “Renew The Zoo Rap” to further spread word of the 2013 Renew the Zoo Campaign.  As a former 2013 Summer intern and current volunteer, I wanted to do my part. Due to my busy hours with school I have been unable to help out  as much as I would have liked, so I decided to spread the message as best as I know how, through music.  Nothing sticks like a catchy song and I am presenting this “Renew the Zoo Rap” for the cause.

THANK YOU!!! HOPE YOU ENJOY!!!

-Raven Alford

Listen to RENEW THE ZOO RAP (mp3)

The lyrics…

RENEW THE ZOO RAP by Raven Alford

Renew the zoo, vote yes on 2 (3x)

Animals depend on us, and we count on you! (They do, They do)

Renew the zoo, vote yes on 2 (3x)

Animals depend on us, and we count on you! (They do, They do)

Let’s get this straight and clear the air,

of the common misconceptions about this affair

a renewal, it will not raise your taxes,

it’s a renewal, only be towards the zoo if it passes,

for the animal’s food, care and their needs,

along with maintenance repairs if there’s a need,

the greenest zoo in America only want the best,

wildlife ambassadors who deserve nothing less,

all you have to do is check the yes,

on issue 2 for the levy to pass,

if animals could talk I’m sure they’d have much to say,

like thanks for supporting us on voting day!

Renew the zoo, vote yes on 2 (3x)

Animals depend on us, and we count on you! (They do, They do)

Renew the zoo, vote yes on 2 (3x)

Animals depend on us, and we count on you! (They do, They do)

Thank you so much for your support,

And if you’d like you can do more,

get a yard sign for all to see

our signs are compostable always Green

Thane Maynard has a vision for our success

for the animals, gardens, and the guests

an amazing place to learn and educate

never been to zoo? well it’s never too late

we are non-profit, AZA approved,

we have a lot to offer and always something new

so on November 5th, 2013een

check yes on 2 and let me hear you scream!

*Chorus Repeat*

Learn from business professionals and other experts about how to green your business.  It does not have to be expensive and overwhelming. This networking event brought to you by the Regional Storm Water Collaborative (RSWC) will illustrate how helping the environment will help your business. Little changes can make a big difference and small investments can go a long way. By going green your business can develop a whole new clientele. Learn how you can cater to this growing market from speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities from experts within the Tri-State area.

Speakers are local leaders that have saved money, resources, and increased business by going green, including yours truly from the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden – the greenest zoo in America!

The RSWC created the savelocalwaters.org campaign to utilize mass media and shared resources in order to better raise awareness concerning environmental quality issues in the Ohio River Valley. By leveraging joint resources, the RSWC alliance is capable of reaching regional audiences with a consistent message in the most economical and efficient manner possible. Together we all work to keep our environment clean and safe! All contributions made to RSWC fund environmental education and advocacy.

The event takes place Wednesday, October 16 from 1pm-3pm. It will be at the Union Township Civic Center at 4350 Aicholtz Road, Cincinnati, OH 45245. Cost is free to members of the Regional Storm Water Collaborative, and $10 for non members. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Guest blogger: Zoo Academy student, Keri Cross

Hello everyone! My name is Keri Cross, and I am a Zoo Academy senior!!!!!! I started attending the Zoo Academy last year, and the experience has been absolutely AMAZING!!!!!! I have evolved a lot since I first started attending the Zoo Academy, and the journey has been very impactful for me. I have met so many nice people here at the Zoo, and the keepers are the funniest people I have ever been around. They are always in good high spirits, and they keep me wanting to come back and help them the best I can.

As far as picking which department is my favorite, I really don’t have a favorite area. Every area I have worked in has something great about it, and it makes it hard to pick which one would be my absolute favorite. I have picked up skills from each lab, which I carry throughout not only the future labs, but also in my personal life as well.

My favorite animal that I have worked with has actually been the screaming hairy armadillo. They are one of the cutest animals I have seen since I’ve been at the Zoo. Bonnie, which is one of the screaming hairy armadillos, is actually my favorite. She lets me pick her up and hold her. She has made working with the screaming hairy armadillos a real pleasure. The screaming hairy armadillos are used to educate the public about the species. The Zoo usually socializes them, so they are use to human contact, but they really wouldn’t make good pets in someone’s home. The reason is mainly because they are pretty messy, and they are wild animals. The screaming hairy armadillo usually lives in desert, grassland, scrubland, and forest areas. Their diet includes plants and tasty bugs. They have an excellent sense of smell, and they are amazing diggers, too. Usually when it’s very hot, the screaming hairy armadillos dig burrows, which measure up to several meters in length, so that they can be protected from those hot, sunny days. Surprisingly, in the winter, they are very active during the day. Want to know an interesting fact???? Baby armadillos are called “pups”. A female is called a “zed” and the male is a “lister”.

Bonnie, the screaming hairy armadillo

My favorite animal overall would have to be the cheetah. The cheetah is one of the most beautiful animals I have ever seen. They have interesting patterns on their back, and they have big, beautiful brown eyes. Cheetahs usually come from the plains of Africa, wandering the savannas. Cheetahs are the fastest land animals on the planet!!!!!!!! With their extremely fast speed and good eyesight, they are able to spot their prey and immediately catch it. They are actually a species that is endangered right now. At this point, dedicated people are working hard to try to restore these beautiful creatures in the wild.

My favorite animal is the cheetah. (Photo: Dave Jenike)

One experience from the Zoo so far that has been my absolute favorite has been actually being able to work with the reptiles. Reptiles are some of my absolute favorite animals, and I have been able to handle different types of reptiles. Crystal, a ball python, has actually been my favorite snake to handle. She comes from Africa. Her scientific name is Python regius, and she belongs to the python family. Ball pythons are also called royal pythons, and they are actually the calmest snakes that I have ever worked with.

Crystal, the ball python

Crystal is talking to me.

With my experience so far this year, I’ve realized that this journey has been absolutely amazing. I take classes actually at the Zoo, which is pretty amazing, so I get to come to the Zoo every day, and work with the different types of animals. I’ve met a lot of great people who want to see me do great things in the future, especially with helping animals. My desire in life is to help animals, and I feel like I’m doing that every day I come to the different areas in the Zoo. My job right now may not be that much, but it all goes a long way in the end. I’m glad that I chose the Zoo Academy because I feel like I’m doing something that will stick with me forever. This experience will help lead me to bigger and better things in the future.