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 podcastExhibit Lighting
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…
AquatiZoo podcastCustomer Service
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…
AquatiZoo podcastNot So Mythical Animals
Some animals are creations of fantasy, others are not. Every once in a while, a guest enters a zoo or aquarium who thought that certain types of animals are…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Definition of Success
Just as we have different viewpoints and experiences, everyone has a different definition of success. Does it revolve around work? family? Tangible awards? A…
AquatiZoo podcastClimate Change, Aquariums, and Zoos
There are numerous reasons to be concerned about the changing conditions of the environment. Today we discuss the dangers facing numerous species and what…
AquatiZoo podcastCoaching and Counseling
Helping coworkers to problem solve can be a challenge, but there are tools available to assist the people around us. Today we discuss the ins and outs of…
AquatiZoo podcastBehavioral Husbandry and Welfare
Behavioral husbandry and welfare are closely intertwined, but do, in fact, give us different information regarding an animal's current status. Knowing how to…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Value of Reflection
When things go right, when things go wrong, when things just need an objective look, reflection on the situation can help provide some clarity to move forward…
AquatiZoo podcastUsing All of Our Senses
Animal care professionals tend to use all of our senses in our work, whether we realize it or not. It becomes second nature after a while. Today we discuss the…
AquatiZoo podcastWork to Retain Employees
When you surround yourself with good people and put time and effort into getting to know them, it can benefit you and your organization in ways you don't even…
AquatiZoo podcastInternal vs. External Candidates
If you're interested in finding a job within the aquarium and zoo field, then you might want to know a little more about how the hiring process works…
AquatiZoo podcastInvest in Yourself
It's nice when your employer is able to offer the opportunities that you'd like to have to improve your skillset, knowledge, and experience. There are times…
AquatiZoo podcastEnvironmental Testing
You may never have known how much work goes into monitoring the conditions within your favorite aquarium or zoo's habitats. Today we discuss the importance of…
AquatiZoo podcastMaintaining a Diverse Culture
A diverse work culture doesn't stop with simply hiring a group of people with differing backgrounds and experiences. Work goes into developing the…
AquatiZoo podcastExhibit Veterinary Facilities
Some aquariums and zoos have a very fancy room on display filled with medical equipment, seemingly for the next incoming patient. Today we discuss what happens…
AquatiZoo podcastStarting Right as a Manager
It's intimidating to start a new job, especially when you're a new manager. Today we discuss some helpful advice to get you through your first few months so…
AquatiZoo podcastFree Flight Shows
Just how do a bird and trainer prepare for flight shows without barriers and enclosures? If you've ever seen one of these marvelous demonstrations of bird…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Benefit of the Doubt
We've all had bad days when we're simply not capable of doing our best. It's good to remember that we don't know everything that's happening in someone else's…
AquatiZoo podcastResearch in Aquariums and Zoos
You may not always see it, but there's often research happening behind the scenes at your favorite zoo or aquarium. There are numerous methods and intensities…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Power of Rethinking
It takes work to remain open-minded and ready to reconsider your views, opinions, and decisions. Today we discuss why it's so important to consider the views…
AquatiZoo podcastGift Shops
Did you know how much thought and planning goes into setting up the perfect gift shop at your favorite aquarium or zoo? It's part science, part art, all…
AquatiZoo podcastLeading in a Crisis
What makes a crisis the perfect time for the not-as-perfect leader to emerge as a driving force? Today we discuss how to spot trouble and what one might do…
AquatiZoo podcastWhat Happens after an Animal Dies?
You might be curious as to what happens to a body when one of our beloved animals in the zoo or aquarium passes away. Today we discuss the various options, no…
AquatiZoo podcastSupportive Conversations
There are times when someone in our life just needs us to be there for them. It might be in words of affirmation, it might be just a listening ear, it might be…
AquatiZoo podcastAfter Hours Events
Aquariums and zoos make it look so easy to run fabulous events after hours. Fundraisers, parties, weddings, sleepovers... the fun is amplified! Today we…
AquatiZoo podcastHaving Difficult Conversations
It might make your palms sweaty and a lump form in your throat, but sometimes a confrontation needs to be had. Fortunately, it can be done in a calm, collected…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Welfare Concerns
AZA Accredited institutions have numerous methods by which anyone can report animal welfare concerns. It can come from a staff member, volunteer, contractor…
AquatiZoo podcastGender Bias
It might be subtle in today's day and age, but it's good to keep an eye out for gender bias and their impact on the workplace. Today we discuss ways this sort…
AquatiZoo podcastDonated Animals
It's not the most common way for a zoo or aquarium to bring in an animal, but sometimes the circumstances are perfect and a donated animal is the right fit for…
AquatiZoo podcastKnowing Your Influence
Whether we intend to or not, we're building influence with those around us. Are there ways we can shape the way people interpret our words and actions? Can we…
AquatiZoo podcastKeeping it Real with Animal Care
It's a great job, without a doubt! Let's be honest, though, a career in animal care has its own set of challenges. If you're interested in joining us in one of…
AquatiZoo podcastAuthenticity and Doing What You Say
When there is a disconnect between the things that we say and the actions we take, it makes quite an impression on those around us. Trust your gut when you…
AquatiZoo podcastGreen Initiatives
Aquariums and zoos are often looking for good ways to contribute to sustainable practices and reducing waste. Today we discuss the many ways that our…
AquatiZoo podcastLet's Talk about Biases
Sure, we have them. It's a good idea to be aware of what they are, when they strike, and how to view things objectively for the good of ourselves, our teams…
AquatiZoo podcastEthograms and Behavioral Analysis
There's a lot more study and science happening behind the scenes at your favorite aquarium or zoo than you might have guessed! Today we discuss the approach we…
AquatiZoo podcastDealing with Regret
Most of us have regrets and many of us relive the choices that we've made over and over again. Is it a part of life? Sure. Should it be something that we dwell…
AquatiZoo podcastWhen Catastrophe Strikes
In an average zoo or aquarium, there's a lot of time spent preparing for problems. Every once in a while, however, something entirely unexpected happens. Today…
AquatiZoo podcastOrganizational Charts and Direct Reports
If you've ever worked for a supervisor that had too many direct reports, you probably understand how impactful the organizational structure can be. How many is…
AquatiZoo podcastStereotypical Behavior
You can tell when an animal's behavior seems "off." Today we talk about behavior patterns one might see in a zoo or aquarium and how we might categorize or…
AquatiZoo podcastNew Year, New Habits
New resolutions may not work for everyone, but anyone can try and establish a new habit. The new year is a good time to make a clean break and start something…
AquatiZoo podcastPublic Feeding Programs
Some aquariums and zoos offer a unique opportunity for guests to get up close and personal by feeding some select animals. What goes into these programs and…
AquatiZoo podcastAsking for Feedback
Hearing feedback is one challenge. Asking for it is a rather different problem. Difficult though it may be, it's best to know where you stand, where your work…
AquatiZoo podcastExtra Wildlife
Sometimes aquariums and zoos attract additional "friends" of the animal variety to our institutions. It's a challenge to keep our residents safe, fed, and…
AquatiZoo podcastDealing with Disappointment
We all encounter them eventually, but are there ways to cope with things and situations that prove disappointing? Absolutely. It's not easy or fun, but I hope…
AquatiZoo podcastInspections
We've talked a lot about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) inspections specifically, but what other inspections might be of importance in your favorite…
AquatiZoo podcastGetting Comfortable with Discomfort
It might be of benefit to pay attention to that sinking feeling in our gut when we consider certain challenges, tasks, and situations. There are benefits to…
AquatiZoo podcastHorticulture
Really cool animals are not the only thing on exhibit in your favorite zoo or aquarium. Plants (and the people that take care of them) are a very important…
AquatiZoo podcastAsking for Help
It can be rather intimidating and nerve-wracking to do a thing as "simple" as asking another human being for help. Today we sort through the potentially…
- AquatiZoo podcast
Philanthropy and Development
Donations are an important part of the organizational planning for aquariums and zoos. With the aid of the community, we continue to set goals and improve our…
AquatiZoo podcastQuiet Quitting
You may have heard about it from news and social media, but quiet quitting is not exactly a new technique. Today we discuss what it is, how behavior change for…
AquatiZoo podcastExhibit Construction
Today we touch upon the history of zoo and aquarium exhibit design, what we're considering when deciding on how exhibits will be executed and function, as some…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Cost of Rehiring
Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Before anyone gets too far into making financial decisions that might impact employees directly, consider…
AquatiZoo podcastManaging Guest Expectations
It's impossible to please anyone, but most good zoos and aquariums have a general idea of what most guests intend to see and experience when they visit our…
AquatiZoo podcastNot the Military
You may never have noticed how many words and phrases with military-based roots have found their way into average business vernacular. Just how does this…
AquatiZoo podcastReproductive Health in Zoos and Aquariums
It's surprisingly complicated to manage animal populations in aquariums and zoos, but we do have a myriad of tools available. It's important to maintain…
AquatiZoo podcastDangers of Entitlement
Ever work around someone who believes that things should be made easier or better for them at the expense of everyone else? You may have been dealing with a…
AquatiZoo podcastSuperstitions in Zoos and Aquariums
Yes, it sounds strange. Yes, we like science. But hey! We're human! Superstitions sometimes arise even in aquariums and zoos. Whether generated from within or…
AquatiZoo podcastHappy Staff Means Happy Guests
While it isn't a difficult concept to grasp, it's sometimes an easy one to forget. Keeping employees content on the job helps to ensure that guests, customers…
AquatiZoo podcastSummers and Holidays
It's this time of year in the northern hemisphere when many of our institutions are at their busiest. Just how do we go about preparing for the influx of…
AquatiZoo podcastDistinguishing Oneself
It can be difficult in a group of high performers to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Can you avoid a common pitfall? Do you have to kill you soul to…