Take a look at our June newsletter!
JUNE 2025
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
And the Wonders of Zoos and Aquariums My Koala Adventure
Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved koala bears. They are so cute and seem so cuddly and peaceful, always perched high in the eucalyptus trees. My favorite stuffed animal was a little gray koala I named Koalie, and while all my other stuffed animals had to rotate sleeping spots to keep things fair, Koalie always had the honor of sleeping right next to me. This past April, I finally had the chance to see a real koala in person. I was in Australia with our daughter, Hannah, who was speaking at a medical conference in Melbourne. One morning, we decided to take a trip to the Healesville Sanctuary, just outside the city. The sanctuary is a haven for native Australian animals, and stepping onto the grounds felt like stepping into a storybook.
When I laid eyes on a koala nestled in the crook of a gum tree, it was every bit as magical as I’d imagined. Watching that gentle, sleepy marsupial slowly blink at the world around it reminded me of the wonder I felt like a child clutching Koalie at night again. There’s something about seeing your favorite animal up close — whether it’s a koala, a lion, or a penguin — that reignites a sense of wonder and curiosity that often gets lost in the busyness of adult life. For our family, animals have always held a special place in our hearts. John, for example, has an endless fascination with marine life. Whenever we travel, we make a point to visit the local aquarium. We’ve seen everything from colorful reef fish at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta to the serene ballet of jellyfish in Monterey Bay. John’s face always lights up in front of a tank — he says the quiet movement of fish is like a meditation for him. Zoos and aquariums offer more than just an up-close look at our favorite animals — they’re windows into entire ecosystems and gateways to conservation. At Healesville, I learned how the sanctuary plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and rehabilitating injured wildlife. Similarly, aquariums around the world are doing their part to protect our oceans, raise awareness about plastic pollution, and preserve the incredible diversity of marine life.
1 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com These experiences remind us that the natural world is vast and precious. They give us a chance to be awed by the simple beauty of a sleeping koala or the flash of color from a coral reef fish. They also encourage us to be better stewards of the planet we all call home. As we celebrate National Zoo and Aquarium Month this June, I encourage you to visit your local zoo or aquarium. Go with an open heart, like a child seeing their favorite animal for the first time. Let yourself marvel at the wonders of the animal kingdom and take a moment to appreciate the dedicated work of these institutions in protecting our planet’s creatures. You never know — you might just find yourself reconnecting with the wonder you felt as a child, and maybe even making a new animal friend along the way. – Hillary Rinehardt
OUR FAVORITE ANIMALS A
Rachel: My favorite animal encounters happen right at my family’s home in Clearwater, Florida. The house is situated on the water, and we frequently get to see dolphins. It’s absolutely thrilling every single time — they often come speeding by in pods, playing and leaping out of the water. There’s a palpable joy and energy when they appear, and honestly, it just never gets old. I still get just as excited as the first time I saw them. Dolphins are special to the Clearwater area. In fact, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is quite famous, partly due to its incredible rescue and rehabilitation work. Many people will know it as the home of Winter the dolphin, whose inspiring story was told in the “Dolphin Tale” movies. It really highlights the amazing connection people can have with these intelligent and beautiful marine animals. Here is a picture of me and my friends feeding one of the rescued dolphins at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Carrie: My favorite animal for the longest time growing up was the horse. I dreamed of owning one someday and galloping across the fields. However, in the last few years, my favorite animal has switched to the elephant. They’re such magnificent creatures. Its size and power are staggering. I love seeing them at the zoo and would love to go on safari someday to see them in their natural habitat. A friend of mine gave me the pictured elephant ornament for Christmas one year, and the story of love and loyalty attached to it deepened my love for elephants even more. A sisterhood, fierce protectors. The elephant has to be one of the most beautiful of God’s creatures!
Stephanie: My obsession with dolphins began when I was a young child. My parents often took me to SeaWorld, and I was always in awe of the dolphins’ grace and beauty in the water. That fascination has only grown over the years. There hasn’t been a vacation near the ocean where my family hasn’t taken a boat excursion to see dolphins. We’ve spotted them several times by boat, from the shore, and even while walking along the Halifax River in Florida. One of our most memorable experiences was in 2016 in Clearwater Beach, when my daughter was just yards away from a group of dolphins while paddleboarding. I’m looking forward to more adventures and the chance to see even more of these amazing creatures in the future.
Jeremy: I find all animals, from the amazing leafcutter ant to the tranquil blue whale endlessly fascinating! I am especially enthralled with marine life after obtaining my open-water scuba certification. It’s an entirely different world underwater! It feels alien, yet homey. My favorite aquarium is the Florida Keys Aquarium, where I had the opportunity to feed the marine life held there. Although these amazing creatures were in captivity, being surrounded by this wildlife was such an amazing experience that I encourage all to try it! My personal favorite was feeding the sharks. For as brave as I can be, I was very grateful to know there was a divider between me and the hungry sharks, because the Lord knows I’d be a hefty meal for those hungry predators!
2 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
AND WHERE WE SEE THEM
Suzanna Hammond: My favorite animal is the manatee! Manatees are fully aquatic mammals that live in warm climates. I like them because they are gentle and slow-moving and mostly plant-eating. They mostly sleep, eat, and swim, which sounds like a dream to me! They are also known as sea cows, which I find funny! Another cool fact is that during early sea voyages, manatees were often mistaken for mermaids due to their tails. (This sparked my collection of mermaid and manatee merch, haha.) I have taken many a trip to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium over the years to see their manatees. They look so peaceful floating around and eating their cabbage. I would love to go to Florida one day and swim with manatees!
Beth Ryan: I love all animals and I don’t like to play favorites! That said, I can say that I was fascinated to see a llama grazing along the Inca trail on our trip to Machu Picchu in Peru. I prefer seeing animals in their natural habitat, if possible. Llamas, along with alpacas, graze along many hillsides in South America.
Barb Chaffins: My favorite zoo animal is the red panda, because they are just so ridiculously cute! My favorite zoo is the Toledo Zoo, because it’s compact. The animals generally have enough room in their exhibits. It’s compact in that you don’t have to walk a long way between sections like you do at Columbus Zoo. You can spend your time looking at animals, not just walking! They also have a great aquarium and aviary.
INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup olive oil • 1 clove garlic, whole • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
BEACH STREET CAJUN SHRIMP John developed a shellfish allergy in his 40s. Until then, this recipe was a favorite at our house. It’s so easy and so delicious (as long as you’re not allergic)!
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 2 tbsp minced parsley • 1 tbsp soy sauce • 16 extra-large shrimp
DIRECTIONS 1. Combine the first six ingredients in a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Shell and devein the shrimp, pat dry, and toss in the marinade to coat. Refrigerate at least one hour and up to 12 hours. 3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. 4. Remove garlic clove. Bake for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be sure not to overcook! You can also grill them on skewers.
3 Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS EDITION 2404 Park Ave. W., Mansfield, OH 44906 419-LAW-2020 BeSmartLegal.com
1 Rekindling My Love of Animals, Especially Koalas
2 Our Favorite Animals and Where We See Them
3 Beach Street Cajun Shrimp
4 Best Zoos and Aquariums in Ohio
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH
TOP ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS TO VISIT IN OHIO (AND NEARBY)
plants and animals, or the zoo’s renowned primate collection. Newport Aquarium, Newport, KY Just across the river from Cincinnati, the Newport Aquarium invites visitors to dive into a world of sharks, rays, and coral reefs. The Shark Bridge and giant walk-through tanks offer immersive experiences that bring the ocean’s mysteries to life. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Cleveland, OH Housed in a historic power plant, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is a treasure trove of aquatic wonders. Explore touch pools, a 175-foot underwater tunnel, and beautifully themed exhibits that make you feel like you’re swimming alongside the fish. These zoos and aquariums remind us of the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. Whether you’re seeing your favorite animal for the first time or revisiting a childhood fascination, these places offer a chance to reconnect with wonder and curiosity.
As the second-oldest zoo in the U.S., the Cincinnati Zoo offers a rich blend of history and innovation. It’s home to Fiona the hippo, a beloved local celebrity, and hosts an impressive range of animals and lush botanical displays. The zoo’s efforts in breeding endangered species and its engaging exhibits make every visit memorable. Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, Toledo, OH The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium offers a unique dual experience, showcasing land animals and marine life together. Highlights include Penguin Beach, the Africa! exhibit, and the Kingdom of the Apes. The historic carousel and zip line add an extra touch of fun for families. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Cleveland, OH With expansive habitats like the African Savanna and Asian Highlands, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is a world-class destination. Don’t miss the RainForest, a 2-acre indoor tropical environment teeming with exotic
June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month, a perfect time to plan a visit to one of these standout animal attractions across Ohio and beyond. These destinations offer unforgettable opportunities to learn about animals, support conservation efforts, and spark joy in visitors of all ages. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, OH Renowned as one of the nation’s best, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals from around the globe. Must- sees include the Heart of Africa exhibit, Polar Frontier, and a top-tier aquarium. The zoo’s dedication to conservation and immersive exhibits makes it a must-visit for animal lovers.
4
Rinehardt Law | BeSmartLegal.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator