Presented By

Join us on Thursday, July 16, 2026, for a LUNCH (12:00-1:30pm) meeting at The View (1071 Celestial St, 45202), for a program with David Jenike, President & CEO, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Zoo Director David “Dave” Jenike has been integral to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s success in the three decades that he has been part of its history.

He is known for his love of wildlife, commitment to education and dedication to working with communities to achieve wildlife conservation goals through co-existence.

He has developed innovative programs to connect families and communities with wildlife. His focus on visitor experience has helped transform the Zoo, bringing together the best of a vibrant botanical garden with the wonder inspired by a wildlife encounter with a penguin or feeding a giraffe.

He’s a lifelong resident of Ohio, born in Cincinnati and graduated from Miami University in Oxford, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s degree in environmental science. As co-founder of Miami University’s Earth Expeditions program, Jenike’s work has led to conservation success across the globe, earning recognition from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), where he is an active member.

Jenike’s past professional affiliations include adjunct teaching at Cincinnati and Miami Universities, board participation for Uptown Consortium, and project direction for multiple IMLS-funded projects with focuses on Access & Inclusion, Connecting Families to Nature, and Inspiring Action through Wildlife Encounters. He is a member of Cincinnati Chamber’s Leadership Cincinnati Class of 36. 

When he’s not at the Zoo, Jenike can be found birding, hiking, reading, traveling the world, or talking a bought Aldo Leopold. 

RSVPs are required to attend, whether you are eating lunch or not, so if you would like to attend, please click HERE by 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 10, 2026, or contact [email protected]. If you are not a current member of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati, please note lunches are $30, and payment will be collected at the door via cash, check, or credit card.  Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.

Meal Choices – 

Regular Entrée: Grilled Chicken w/Sichuan Vinaigrette, Basmati Rice & Garlic Ginger Green Beans.

Salad Entrée: Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad w/Edamame, Tomato, Cheddar, Egg, Avocado, Dijon Dressing.

Vegetarian Entrée: Cavatappi, Lemon Cream Sauce, Peas, Zucchini, Arugula & Parmesan.