AquatiZoo podcast

So your favorite aquarium or zoo has an exhibit to renovate to make improvements... but where do the animals go? Today we discuss the challenges our institutions face when we have to make necessary c…

Perhaps one of the most frustrating things that we all deal with in life is the sheer amount of things about ourselves or the situation around us that we can't change. Is it hopeless? Should we give …

It can be a big challenge for aquariums and zoos to determine how to use public relations to their advantage. When things aren't going quite right, public statements become even more important. Today…

Beyond the circle of control lies the circle of influence. There are methods to build your influence and make a bigger impact on those around you. Today we discuss the importance of building relation…

There's something to be said for giving back to the community, and aquariums and zoos are no exception! Today we discuss just how our institutions might serve as a resource and support for our local …

It's difficult to remember how little control we have over a lot of the people and activities around us. We might not like it, but when we can't control the situation, we can at least control ourselv…

Animal care professionals often have to choose their words carefully. We don't want anyone to misunderstand our intentions or our work, so we are selective and thoughtful in our communications when i…

While gender shouldn't really matter in most workplaces, it's a commonly-used way to categorize people and make inferences about their choices, traits, and abilities. It's important to understand the…

It can be exciting and dangerous all at once, and it's a staple of specialized activity at many AZA accredited institutions. Today we discuss the purpose, preparation, and precautions swirling around…

Most of us have been using email for ages in our work day to day, but sometimes we all need a reminder to use some of the features to their fullest capacity to help us enhance our work performance. T…

We love animals... all sorts of animals. There are things we have to consider, however, when a guest brings an animal in their visit to their favorite zoo or aquarium. Today we discuss the ins and ou…

There are times when changes happen and we weren't prepared. One of the most important parts of the aftermath is debriefing with the group. How do these sudden shifts affect our teams? Our future suc…

Why might an animal care team elect to raise and care for a young animal instead of a parent? Today we discuss the ins, outs, and history of hand rearing in aquariums and zoos. A strange practice, pe…

There are some distinct advantages to opening your mind to learning no matter your age or current status. Whichever way fits best into your life is a great way to begin integrating new knowledge, ski…

Did you know that animals could be on display in an aquarium or zoo that may not actually be owned by that institution? It can get complicated and confusing, but I'm here to explain some of the nuanc…

If you've ever been dismissed or rejected, you probably understand how it feels when someone doesn't want to listen. Afford those around you a bit of your time and effort and listen to what they have…

Maybe you've wondered, maybe you haven't thought about it, but what happens when someone drops a toy or phone into an aquarium or zoo exhibit? Today we discuss the ins and outs of the response when s…

It takes a unique person to be comfortable enough with re-evaluating and changing their opinion on choices that they've already made. A strong leader can set an example by purposefully considering th…

You might be surprised about the complexity of exhibit lighting. There are lots of types of lights and many different reasons for using them. Today we discuss the science and design behind the illumi…

Great customer service skills are useful in most workplaces, if you have the right viewpoint when thinking about it. Today we discuss how a customer service mindset can lead to great personal success…