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 podcastChanging Careers
Given that people are switching up jobs and careers at a high rate lately, how feasible might it be to work in animal care after having a previous career?…
AquatiZoo podcastHigh Performers
They're some of the most valuable people in the workplace, but how does one go about recognizing them? Today we discuss high performers, their traits, and…
AquatiZoo podcastZoo and Aquarium Leadership
What should someone expect when they've worked their way through the ranks to the top of the animal care group at their zoo or aquarium? It's a different sort…
AquatiZoo podcastMotivation vs. Inspiration
Shockingly, when it comes to the workplace, motivation and inspiration are two different things. Both need to be considered for the well being of the people…
AquatiZoo podcastFull-Time Aquarists and Keepers
There's a degree of understanding about what an internship or part-time animal care position might entail, but what about full-time aquarists and keepers?…
AquatiZoo podcastSocial Accountability
While personal responsibility is an important part of decision making in the workplace, social accountability should be considered as well. How will your…
AquatiZoo podcastPart-Time Keepers and Aquarists
Part-time positions as zookeepers and aquarists can be a fantastic opportunity to explore an exciting and unique workplace. There are benefits for both the…
AquatiZoo podcastPersonal Responsibility
Some of us find it easy to place blame. It's more difficult to accept personal responsibility for some of our circumstances. While it may not be fun, it is…
AquatiZoo podcastZoo and Aquarium Internships
Is it a great learning opportunity for students? Yes! Is it perfect? No. There are many wonderful reasons that internships exist and benefit students…
AquatiZoo podcastSpeaking with Clarity
There are several common words with ambiguous meanings that we use in conversation regularly. Have you taken a moment to check if you're communicating…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Rehabilitation
When an animal gets sick or injured, do you know where, how, and why rehabilitation is done? Who is best equipped to deal with these wild animals in a tough…
AquatiZoo podcastToxic Positivity
Who would have thought that positivity could ever be a bad thing? It can be very sneaky, but when positive thinking is used as a weapon in the workplace…
AquatiZoo podcastExhibit Refurbishments
It's an unfortunate reality for any institution that desires to remain relevant and in top condition... we have to spruce things up sometimes! The decisions…
AquatiZoo podcastCarrying Baggage
If you've ever wondered why you've gotten such a strange reaction to a typical work discussion or activity, you may have accidentally uncovered some baggage…
AquatiZoo podcastResiliency Training
There are a lot of sights, sounds, and experiences that an animal will encounter at an aquarium or zoo. Did you know that we have ways of preparing animals for…
AquatiZoo podcastStep it up, Leaders!
Businesses, institutions, and leaders are faced with the challenge of navigating through the great resignation with their integrity and practices intact. How…
AquatiZoo podcastEducation vs. Entertainment
It takes a rather large amount of effort for aquariums and zoos to walk the line between education and entertainment. How do we fit both into our exhibits and…
AquatiZoo podcastStaying Curious
It's tempting to allow only those thoughts and opinions with which we agree to enter our consciousness while rejecting all else. It's dangerous and…
AquatiZoo podcastAccessibility
It's important that we design our exhibits, programs, and institutions for all to enjoy. Anyone who enters our institution should feel confident that they will…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Art of Forgiveness
We're often led to believe that offering forgiveness to someone who has wronged us is only of benefit to the other person. In reality, it's quite the opposite!…
AquatiZoo podcastMedia Training
It may seem smooth and flawless when an aquarium or zoo professional appears in an interview or speaks on behalf of the institution, but there's a lot of…
AquatiZoo podcastReward without Promotion
Despite what we're often taught when we're young, it's not necessarily a linear progression upwards through our career that should be desired or expected…
AquatiZoo podcastOutreach Programs
Aquariums and zoos regularly go out into the world with educational materials, animals, and artifacts to help people learn well outside the boundaries of their…
AquatiZoo podcastWorkplace Culture
It could be healthy, it could be troubled, it could be positive, it could be ineffective. There are many ways that workplace culture can be evaluated…
AquatiZoo podcastGoverning Bodies
Do you happen to know the organizational structure of your favorite zoo or aquarium? You may think that's an odd question to ask, but if you've never…
AquatiZoo podcastImpostor Syndrome
Have you ever had that feeling that you've somehow fooled everyone into thinking that you're capable and confident and can handle all sorts of new challenges?…
AquatiZoo podcastVendors and Contractors
Brought to mind by a recent story in the news, it's important to remember why zoos and aquariums must be so vigilant when bringing skilled workers and external…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Great Resignation
The wild job market right now in the USA has impact on zoos and aquariums. How should we proceed? Today, we discuss evaluating our positions and how to retain…
AquatiZoo podcastAZA SAFE Programs
Did you know that there are programs run through AZA with the help of many zoos, aquariums, researchers, business partners, and concerned citizens to address…
AquatiZoo podcastKeeping Calm
There are times when disagreements get pretty heated, but it's not appropriate to raise your voice at work. Some people struggle to communicate without yelling…
AquatiZoo podcastContinuing Education and Conferences
People in animal care jobs are expected to hone their skills and keep up with the latest technology and practices. Today we discuss how we know where to look…
AquatiZoo podcastOnboarding
One of the most important things institutions can do for a new hire is a thorough and thoughtful onboarding process. It might sound boring, but it's time well…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Introductions
It can be quite a challenge to introduce animals to one another in hopes that they get along. Today we discuss the why and how we might play matchmakers. It's…
AquatiZoo podcastCelebrating Success and Failure
It's important to take a step back and look at what you've accomplished, whether the results were what you were expecting or not. This is how we learn. This is…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Ambassadors
There's a group of animals at aquariums and zoos that have the special job of interacting with the public. How do we manage them? What sort of training might…
AquatiZoo podcastWorking with Others
It's so difficult to work with someone that you don't really like. It's worth it to your career, mental health, and to your coworkers to make an effort to try…
AquatiZoo podcastGuest Perception
Does it matter what a customer or guest thinks of your institution and its practices? Of course it does! Today, we discuss the sorts of things that aquariums…
AquatiZoo podcastBeing Approachable
Part of the challenge of working with others is open communication. It's not always so easy to establish a trusting relationship, but there are ways to invite…
AquatiZoo podcastPublic Relations in Aquariums and Zoos
One of the sometimes overlooked members of a zoo or aquarium's staff is the public relations person. What might they be doing? How hard could it be? Today we…
AquatiZoo podcastHow to Make Changes
Change is hard. We all know it. If you've ever been curious as to how to go about making changes in a workplace where you have newfound influence or authority…
AquatiZoo podcastNutrition
There's a lot of thought and preparation that goes into the decisions about what animals at aquariums and zoos will eat. Where will the food come from? How…
AquatiZoo podcastLateral Career Moves
If you've ever found yourself ready to leave your current job, how might you decide where to go? An often overlooked option is a lateral move with a new…
AquatiZoo podcastVeterinarians!
We work in animal care institutions and need a very specialized person to help us with animal emergencies and medical knowledge. How does being a veterinarian…
AquatiZoo podcastFlexibility in Leadership
We all have bad days and struggle with tasks on occasion. How does a good leader cope with these challenges when dealing with a seemingly unwilling coworker?…
AquatiZoo podcastMistakes I've Made
They're perhaps not my proudest moments, but they're learning opportunities nonetheless! Please feel free to chuckle and educate yourself using the mistakes…
AquatiZoo podcastCoping with Failure
It's never easy or fun to have a failure on your hands, but it's going to happen to all of us at some point. How can you prepare? How do you avoid it? How can…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Right Tool for the Job
Did you know that zookeepers and aquarists make and modify lots of tools and household items to more easily accomplish our work? Today we discuss why that…
AquatiZoo podcastSelf-Care
It might seem superfluous and unnecessary, but you'd be surprised how much a little attention paid to yourself can do. I certainly was! It is important to pay…
AquatiZoo podcastSuccess with Volunteers
Volunteers are a blessing! There's nothing but love and respect for the generous people who freely offer up their time and energy to our facilities. It can be…
AquatiZoo podcastInspection Preparation
How does one prepare for AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) inspection? If you've ever wondered what goes into the last few weeks before an aquarium or…
AquatiZoo podcastRise Above
It's inevitable that we're going to struggle with interactions and relationships with other people from time to time, but it's important to grasp how those…
AquatiZoo podcastIt's Not about the Money
Why do aquarium and zoo professionals do what they do? While it may not be the most lucrative industry, there's more to success than a large paycheck. Fun…
AquatiZoo podcastCircle of Influence
It's easy to forget that the things we do and say have impact on those around us, whether we like it or not. Why might someone be interested in paying…
AquatiZoo podcastCertifications and Extra Knowledge
If you happen to be looking for an animal care job or are just curious about how to prepare for a new field of work, there are steps you can take long before…
- AquatiZoo podcast
Exercise Humility
We all make mistakes. Sometimes our missteps are fueled by arrogance or ignorance, but how we handle the aftermath can show our true colors. Consider infusing…
- AquatiZoo podcast
Animal Activism
Passionate people have a lot to say! How do zoos and aquariums navigate among other people who also love animals, but have a different way of showing their…
AquatiZoo podcastSeek to Understand
The next time someone finds themselves in an argument over race, politics, sexual orientation, religion, or any number of other issues, would it be possible…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Transports
Have you ever wondered how a large or challenging animal might find its way between one location and another? When zoos and aquariums move animals, it can be…
AquatiZoo podcastOrganizational Resiliency
Times are rough. All of us, including our workplaces have had to make some adjustments in order to bounce back. What kinds of adjustments might an organization…
AquatiZoo podcastVenom!
Ever wondered how keepers and aquarists deal with venomous animals? We do a lot of training, preparation, and drills to make sure that if we ever have an…