Shows / AquatiZoo podcast
AquatiZoo podcast
A look into the inner workings of a zoo or aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Leadership, management, and career details that might interest someone who might be looking for a change or just might be curious about their favorite animal-related facilities!
Episodes
AquatiZoo podcastConfiscations
While it isn't the most common way for aquariums and zoos to obtain animals, it is one of the most interesting and potentially complicated. Animals that are…
AquatiZoo podcast"The Way We've Always Done It"
There's a phrase that some people use to end an argument with a coworker that can be infuriating. Today we talk about the challenges of failing to be…
AquatiZoo podcastCompetition for Jobs
There are a few things that hopeful aquarists and zookeepers might like to know about their intended field and there should be some deep thought about the road…
AquatiZoo podcastGrudges
They're natural, but not particularly helpful. If you've ever held a grudge or been on the receiving end of a grudge, you might know that it's generally an…
AquatiZoo podcastParthenogenesis
While it is not a commonly discussed phenomenon for those outside the world of biology, there are some animals that can reproduce in unexpected ways. You may…
AquatiZoo podcastBuilding Trust
Trust is important, but how can we develop it with the people around us? Believe it or not, there are things that we can do to purposefully and thoughtfully…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Encounters
Aquariums and zoos may have up close and personal interactions with certain animals to enhance the learning experience. How are these animals selected? What…
AquatiZoo podcastResistance to Demands
When you're the leader and your team seems to be resisting what you're telling them to do, it can be frustrating. Today we look at ways to examine the problem…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Side Hustle
Whether it's for fun or necessity, many of us take on what are known as side hustles. A little extra income for talents you already have or for learning…
AquatiZoo podcastDiscussing Politics at Work
We all have thoughts and opinions, obviously. Politics can be a rather polarizing topic of conversation, however, and it's always a good idea to consider many…
AquatiZoo podcastSecurity
You may have noticed them, but have you paid much attention to the group charged with maintaining peace and order in an aquarium or zoo? Today we discuss the…
AquatiZoo podcastDeveloping Self-Awareness
Sometimes, we understand our impact and how we are perceived, but not always. Self-awareness doesn't come naturally to everyone, but there are ways to develop…
AquatiZoo podcastRevisiting: Animal Enrichment
An animal in human care should have the same opportunities to thrive as their wild counterparts (minus, perhaps, the constant threat of predators...). With…
AquatiZoo podcastRevisiting: Applying and Interviewing
You've found a job that you want, but now what? Here are a few helpful hints to increase your chances of getting your foot in the door and landing that…
AquatiZoo podcastRevisiting: Conservation
One of the central principles, goals, and missions of aquariums and zoos is to conserve the natural world. This might mean individual species or entire…
AquatiZoo podcastRevisiting: The Skill of Apologizing
Revisiting some advice for those who might need it. Vulnerability and discomfort are a part of admitting you've made a mistake. Take it a step further and…
AquatiZoo podcastRevisiting: Crisis Management
Please excuse the lack of new episodes for the moment. School work is occupying much of my time these days! Please enjoy a popular older episode and I will be…
AquatiZoo podcastDoing a Little Extra
Did you know that aquarium and zoo professionals often volunteer to take on more work than what falls within their job description or organization? Today we…
AquatiZoo podcastChoosing the Right Role Models
When we're feeling unsure, it's tempting to draw upon past experiences for guidance, even when they weren't so effective or pleasant. Today we discuss…
AquatiZoo podcastThe D-E-R Portion of the SPIDER Model of Enrichment
It's relatively easy to envision how the first portion of the SPIDER model of enrichment works, but the second portion is just as important. Today we discuss…
AquatiZoo podcastWorkplace Politics
Even when we've had our fill of politics, it's important to remember that politics in the workplace can be very important to consider when it comes to one's…
AquatiZoo podcastThe S-P-I Portion of the SPIDER Model of Enrichment
It's fun to be able to think creatively on behalf of the animals every now and again. If you've ever wondered how animal care professionals come up with the…
AquatiZoo podcastNice vs. Kind Confrontation
It's not uncommon for people to think they're doing something good by withholding their corrections in hope that the other person will figure it out on their…
AquatiZoo podcastHolistic Enrichment Programs
Keepers are only available for a small portion of the day. We have to consider the experience of the animals all through the day, though, so let's take a…
AquatiZoo podcastMiddle Management
It is perhaps not everyone's dream to be a middle manager, but rest assured, being in the position between a team of individual contributors and senior…
AquatiZoo podcastBurnout
Mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion occurring at the same time can affect all aspects of our lives even when the stress is only experienced in one…
AquatiZoo podcastAuthority vs. Influence
The terms might seem interchangeable, but there's a big difference in using power via authority or influence. The manner in which followers respond is just as…
AquatiZoo podcastMental Health and Dealing with Loss in Animal Care
It's important for animal care professionals to understand how they cope with loss because it will happen. While the animals that we work with are not pets or…
AquatiZoo podcastA Culture of Trying
Innovation and creativity sometimes have a cost, and that can be mistakes and unplanned outcomes. Is it worth it, though? Certainly! Today we talk about…
AquatiZoo podcastQuality of Life
This is a topic that we don't discuss a openly very often, but there come times in animals' lives when they get older or injured or sick that the staff must…
AquatiZoo podcastHow Close is too Close?
It can be difficult to navigate how to integrate into a new work environment and getting to know new coworkers. Should you share more about yourself? Less?…
AquatiZoo podcastGovernmental Affairs
Aquariums and zoos may very well be involved with work that helps to shape the language and direction of laws and protections that affect themselves as well as…
AquatiZoo podcastZoo and Aquarium Summer Camps
Did you know that many aquariums and zoos run summer camps and programs? In case you'd never considered this as an option if you were looking for an…
AquatiZoo podcastPeople Skills for Technical Folks
When you have a technical job or a technical mind, it can be challenging to navigate issues with people. We can't address the problems in the same way with…
AquatiZoo podcastSafety Protocols
It's understood that working with wild animals carries a lot of risk. Each institution spends a lot of time pondering and creating a lengthy list of safety…
AquatiZoo podcastDon't Sweat the Small Stuff
Working with people tends to come with small annoyances that get under our skin. Whether it's friends, family, or coworkers, someone at some point is going to…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Animals' Point of View
It might seem obvious, but it's difficult for us as humans to perceive the entirety of our surroundings the same way the animals do. A challenge for animal…
AquatiZoo podcastConflict Management
There is a combination of factors at play when we evaluate how to deal with conflict. We each have a natural tendency, a role to play, and a current objective…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Favorite Trainer
People like to surround themselves with people that they like. Every once in a while, we make a particularly strong bond with one special person. Animals do…
AquatiZoo podcastLeadership and Animal Training
It might sound like and odd pairing, but it's interesting to see how much overlap there can be in the skills that make a good leader and those that make a good…
AquatiZoo podcastTraining Animal Trainers
How do animal care professionals know how to train animals? We put a lot of work into properly preparing ourselves and our coworkers to train animals, and it…
AquatiZoo podcastResponsibility for Professional Development
If you're interested in increasing your knowledge and experience within your craft, whose responsibility might it be to get you there? Is it yours? Your…
AquatiZoo podcastWhere Animals Go During Renovations
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…
AquatiZoo podcastCircle of Concern
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…
AquatiZoo podcastPublic Relations and News
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…
AquatiZoo podcastCircle of Influence
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…
AquatiZoo podcastAquariums and Zoos as a Community Resource
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…
AquatiZoo podcastCircle of Control
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…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Language of Animal Care
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…
AquatiZoo podcastGender in Leadership
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…
AquatiZoo podcastScuba Diving in Aquariums
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…
AquatiZoo podcastEmail as a Work Tool
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…
AquatiZoo podcastService Animals
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…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Importance of Debriefing
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…
AquatiZoo podcastHand Rearing
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…
AquatiZoo podcastLifelong Learning
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…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimals on Loan
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…
AquatiZoo podcastListening is Respect
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…
AquatiZoo podcastItems Falling into Exhibits
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…
AquatiZoo podcastChanging Your Mind
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…