Grant helps Cincinnati Zoo expand international fellowship program

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has received a $652,260 grant to expand its Hoffman Coexistence Impact Fellowship Program, a three-year initiative developing the next generation of wildlife conservation leaders around the world.

The fellowship provides emerging conservationists with salaries, resources and professional development opportunities to carry out projects in their own communities. Fellows are addressing issues such as human-elephant coexistence in India and Thailand, gorilla conservation in the Congo, predator preservation in South Africa and sea otter reintroduction in Oregon.

“This national recognition will enable the growth of our impactful wildlife conservation program,” said Lily Maynard, the zoo’s director of global conservation. “The Cincinnati Zoo is committed to facilitating coexistence between wildlife and people, helping both to thrive with innovative interventions, assessing impact to reveal best practices, and creating a network of conservationists around the world supporting each other.”

Expanding a global network of conservation leaders

Celebrating its 150th anniversary, the Cincinnati Zoo draws more than 1.8 million visitors annually to see over 400 animals and 3,000 plant species. Yet its mission goes far beyond exhibits. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1978, the zoo leverages its research and conservation expertise to mentor fellows worldwide.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services, which presented the National Leadership Grant – Museum Award, supports programs that expand access to educational and cultural resources. Together, the zoo and IMLS aim to grow a global network of conservation leaders connecting communities, protecting wildlife, and sharing best practices.

This past spring, the zoo’s six 2025 fellows traveled to Cincinnati for a week of presentations, coaching, and collaboration. They met with staff across departments, shared updates on their research, and refined strategies to guide their projects. Fellows also partnered on hands-on solutions. Zoo maintenance team member Joshua Vandament worked with Parvathi Prasad to improve solar lighting for pathways on Indian tea estates, supporting her studies on human-elephant coexistence.

Fellowship members during a visit to Cincinnati.

“In addition to being in Cincinnati, meeting people and developing all the skills that I need, the fellowship has given me the opportunity and the freedom to do the kind of research and conservation that I want to do in my landscape,” Prasad told the zoo.

The program’s influence extends beyond individual fellows. Findings are shared through publications and conferences, promoting collaboration and local leadership across the conservation sector. Ave Owen of Bring the Elephant Home in Thailand said the Cincinnati visit energized returning fellows Kie Phringphroh and Mo Sutthiboriban.

“Their renewed passion for their projects is contagious and has given a boost to our entire team,” Owen said.

Building on a legacy of conservation

By investing in people on the front lines of conservation, the zoo is extending its reach far beyond Cincinnati – empowering leaders who are protecting ecosystems and redefining how humans and wildlife coexist.

Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said the grant reinforces the zoo’s global reputation for conservation excellence and its leadership in workforce development.

“It is great to see (the zoo) receive this well-deserved recognition for something Ohioans already know: The Cincinnati Zoo is a world leader in conservation efforts, and they are intentional about workforce development and training to support this focus,” he said. “Their work with this grant award will only further these efforts across the globe.”