AquatiZoo podcast

Whether you're working or, like the animals, living in a zoo or aquarium... things happen. Today we discuss some unique and some not-so-unique situations where an animal has the potential for stress …

Yes, we've been discussing meetings a lot lately, but can we all agree that our work lives would be a little better if we weren't stuck in so many meetings? Today we discuss tips and tricks to reduci…

There are a fair number of differences between an animal care job and most other types of employment. Work hazards can be mundane or wacky, but ultimately we're striving to be as safe as we can so ou…

A meeting where everyone has an equal voice can be a challenge to run successfully, particularly when people from all levels of an organization might be involved. Today, we talk about how to get all …

Let's get real, awkward, and honest. There are many opinions surrounding animals kept in human care and the fitness of some species for this situation over others. No matter where you fall in your th…

Problem solving in a group can be an interesting but stimulating challenge. None of us has all the answers, but with many brilliant minds and some cohesive work, a creative solution might be just aro…

It's likely the most prominent complaint that a zoo or aquarium hears, and yes, we understand. If you've ever wondered why admission prices seem high or are curious as to where that money is going, l…

Brainstorming is simple in theory but can be difficult in proper execution. It's important to understand the people you're intending to involve and how to employ good techniques to stimulate open and…

Quarantine is necessary and important to protect the health of the individual as well as the rest of the group. It works for humans and animals alike! Today we're discussing why we use quarantine, al…

Yes, we've all been involved in terrible meetings. Many factors can contribute to the success or failure of a meeting, and thoughtful preparation can sway things in your favor. What should be conside…

Ever wonder how and why zoos and aquariums breed animals from time to time? Rest assured that it's not left to chance. Plenty of thought, planning, and preparation go into breeding decisions. A recen…

It might seem like a waste of time to take a personality test, but doing so can be surprisingly helpful. When applied properly in the workplace, we can skip a good many communication hurdles with whi…

Sometimes we reach the end of what we're able or willing to give to an employer. It's okay! It happens and there are good and bad ways to handle the situation. Take a breath, think it over, and put y…

Shockingly, some animals eat other animals! Even though that's not exactly a secret, aquariums and zoos are presented with a challenge when it comes to offering live foods to animals. Is it right? Is…

An animal in human care should have the same opportunities to thrive that their counterparts in the wild should have (minus, perhaps, the constant threat of predators...). With that in mind, keepers …

Feedback is one thing, evaluations are another... but they're related! There are some solid tips for presenting or receiving an evaluation that, if we can work together, help to lessen the anxiety we…

Perhaps it's not the most uplifting and positive topic of conversation, but there's a lot that goes into decisions about euthanasia in aquariums and zoos. What are we looking for in an animal to let …

Feedback has many parallels to animal training and if we keep that in mind, aquarium and zoo people should be naturally adept at giving and receiving feedback! Alas, we as humans are also hopelessly …