– PUBLIC EVENT –
Thursday, October 8th 2026 (11:00AM)
‘A Tribute to Native Bird Conservation‘
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH)
Discover how the protection of nature and culture go hand in hand in this dynamic live presentation at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
The live event highlights the power of Hawaiian storytelling – an ancient tradition where vital ecological knowledge and reverence for the living world are passed down across generations through oral history, chant, and dance.
Through expressive hula performed by Kaʻimi Naʻauao O Hawaiʻi Nei, cultural leader Kumu Sharon Balidoy shows how movement carries the memory and voice of the land.
Concluding with insights from filmmaker Ella Marcil and cultural educator Kumu Sabra Kauka on what it means to “reconnect to nature,” this presentation inspires audiences of all ages to understand that conserving biological diversity begins with honoring the cultural stories that connect us to the earth, and to each other.
Cultural Presentation
‘A Tribute to Native Bird Conservation’ will begin at 11:00AM below the Elephant Trek Overlook.
This live event will be focused on the cultural and human aspect of nature conservation, showcasing talk story and hula performances from the Ka’Imi Na’auao O Hawai’i Nei Institute hula group, and their kumu, Sharon Balidoy. During this 30-minute event, meant to entertain and educate, Sharon will explain choreography and discuss the research and work that goes into composing songs and dances related to nature conservation.
Sabra Kauka will also discuss her work with “Save our Shearwaters” program and connect biological conservation with cultural conservation.
‘A Tribute To Native Bird Conservation‘ (11AM)
Schedule of the Presentation
- 11:00-11:05 Welcoming Protocol
- 11:05-11:10 Hula performed by members of Kaʻimi Naʻauao O Hawaiʻi Nei
- 11:10-11:15 Kumu Sharon Balidoy Talk Story
- 11:15-11:20 Song performed by members of Kaʻimi Naʻauao O Hawaiʻi Nei
- 11:20-11:25 Ella Marcil introduces Kumu Sabra Kauka
- 11:25-11:30 Kumu Sabra Kauka Talk Story
- 11:30 Wrap
- 11:30-11:45 Sabra, Sharon, Kaʻimi members and Ella say hello to the public, answer questions, take photos, etc.
Event Location within the Zoo
Important Note: Admission to the live event is free once inside the zoo.
To purchase a Zoo ticket, please proceed directly through the Zoo Online Ticket Purchase:
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Tickets
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Mobile App
* Online prices are always lower than prices at the Zoo’s ticket window. *
Questions? Go to our Contact Us page.