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 podcastEmpowerment
Isn't it nice to know that you have the authority to make a decision to better the experience of those around you? Well, not all of us know that luxury. Let's…
AquatiZoo podcastGeriatric Animals
We all get a bit older. Animals are no different! How do aquariums and zoos navigate the challenges that accompany advancing age and decreased mobility?…
AquatiZoo podcastLines of Succession
Would you feel ready to take on your supervisor's job if the need arose? Moving up the ranks of an institution requires certain knowledge, skills, and…
AquatiZoo podcastExhibit Decor
Who knew that a negative review might lead us down a road to contemplating why and how zoos and aquariums select materials and objects to place in exhibits…
AquatiZoo podcastDeadlines and Work-Life Balance
We all deal with a time crunch differently. Some of us thrive under pressure while others stress out. Does the same happen when you're loaded with work and…
AquatiZoo podcastHappy Anniversary!
What a year it's been! I figured I'd celebrate a full year of episodes by giving a little insight into my history, the debate that went into making a podcast…
AquatiZoo podcastSetting Boundaries
It's safe and healthy to set boundaries for yourself in order to maintain your mental, physical, and emotional health. Communicate clearly with those around…
AquatiZoo podcastPhysicals
Animals need the occasional check-up just like you and me. How do we go about it? What are the challenges? How do we make it easier on the animals and…
AquatiZoo podcastTime Management
Deadlines? Meetings? Additional responsibilities? There's no time for that... right? Wrong! It's time to settle down and think logistically about what little…
AquatiZoo podcastChanging Exhibits
Sometimes a zoo or aquarium may introduce, for a very limited time, an exhibit you'd have to see to believe! Why might it be temporary? What goes into the…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Skill of Listening
We've all been frustrated by people who don't want to listen, but how practiced at it are we ourselves? Have you paid close attention to what you do when…
AquatiZoo podcastGuest Experience vs. Animal Welfare
We now understand what they are, but are guest experience and animal welfare naturally opposing forces? No, but it might happen behind the scenes in your…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Skill of Apologizing
Vulnerability and discomfort are a part of admitting you've made a mistake. Take it a step further and apologize. It doesn't feel so great initially, but it…
AquatiZoo podcastGuest Experience
Does a zoo or aquarium need to pay attention to their social media? Parking lot? Cleanliness? Educational programming? Exhibit condition? Retail selection? We…
AquatiZoo podcastAvoid the Blame Game
While it may be very tempting to place blame when things go wrong, it may serve us all better to look past that and probe for the root of the problem. It's…
AquatiZoo podcastExhibit Design
Have you ever been curious about how aquariums and zoos decide to design their facility or their exhibits? There are some goals and techniques involved that…
- AquatiZoo podcast
Happy (Working) Holidays
Just a quick happy holiday wish, an animal care related reality check, and a plan for the future! Be safe, stay healthy, have fun, and see you in 2021!
AquatiZoo podcastAssume Positive Intent
It takes skill and practice, but dealing with behaviors instead of making up negative stories about other people and the the things they do can save your…
AquatiZoo podcastIs That Animal Real?
It might sound like a strange question, but it's fairly common. Today we discuss the assumptions people have a tendency to make when at an aquarium or zoo and…
AquatiZoo podcastRecognition and Appreciation
It's difficult to explain how you best receive recognition and appreciation in the workplace, but it's a great thing to understand. We're all different and…
AquatiZoo podcastBabies!
Just about everyone enjoys seeing pictures, videos, and updates about babies, whether they're human or not. Get an inside look at what's likely happening with…
AquatiZoo podcastYou Are a Role Model
Do you think of yourself as a role model? Well, you should! Your circle of influence is likely wider than you realized and there are ways to become more aware…
AquatiZoo podcastHazards for Animals in Aquariums and Zoos
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…
AquatiZoo podcastLess Is Best for Meetings
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?…
AquatiZoo podcastHazards of the Job
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…
AquatiZoo podcastRound Table Meetings
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…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Elephant in the Room
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…
AquatiZoo podcastProblem Solving
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…
AquatiZoo podcastTicket Pricing
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…
AquatiZoo podcastBrainstorming
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…
AquatiZoo podcastQuarantine
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…
AquatiZoo podcastSuccessful Meetings
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…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Programs
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…
AquatiZoo podcastPersonality Tests
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…
AquatiZoo podcastConservation
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 podcastWhen It's Time for a Change
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…
AquatiZoo podcastLive Foods
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…
AquatiZoo podcastProfessional Development
Professional development is a great way to broaden your horizons while providing benefits to your work and organization. What are the options? How might you…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Enrichment
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…
AquatiZoo podcastEvaluations
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…
AquatiZoo podcastEuthanasia In Aquariums and Zoos
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…
AquatiZoo podcastGiving and Receiving Feedback
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!…
AquatiZoo podcastAnimal Welfare
One of the most important issues facing zoos and aquariums is animal welfare. What is it? What's the history of this particular topic in aquariums and zoos?…
AquatiZoo podcastDiversity in Aquariums and Zoos
At a time when rampant racism is on our minds and all over the headlines, it's important to take a moment to recognize our similarities and celebrate our…
AquatiZoo podcastChoosing Exhibit Animals
You might be surprised to know how much thought and preparation goes into an exhibit, and it happens a long time before an animal ever steps (swims? soars?)…
AquatiZoo podcastTaking a Promotion
Should I? Shouldn't I? At some point in your career, you may be offered a promotion. First of all, good for you! There are lots of things to consider before…
AquatiZoo podcastCrisis Management
Aquariums and Zoos have to be ready for all sorts of scenarios in order to keep the guests, animals, and staff safe. We might be surprised by things on…
AquatiZoo podcastApplying 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 podcastSupervisors Guiding Careers
It may not be a supervisor's job to find passion at work for their direct reports, but they still have plenty of work to do to keep their team motivated and…
AquatiZoo podcastFind Your Passion
It's easy for aquarium and zoo professionals to say that their passion is animals. Often, that's not quite accurate. Sometimes, your passions in life change…
AquatiZoo podcastTraining in Zoos and Aquariums
Animal training is a useful tool to enhance animal welfare and make care easier for the animals as well as the staff. Doing so in a positive way helps keepers…
AquatiZoo podcastZoonosis
The professional animal care world is quite aware of the dangers posed by illness transfer between animals and humans. The world's most infamous zoonosis case…
AquatiZoo podcastPandemic Update
We're all learning as we go. There's no doubt that this is going to change how we prepare for a crisis. If you're curious as to what's happening with your…
AquatiZoo podcastWhat is the AZA?
I know I talk a lot about "the average zoo or aquarium," but what does that really mean? I'm speaking of the group that falls under the highest standards in…
AquatiZoo podcastPreparing for Change
There's a lot happening in the world these days, but some jobs still keep going despite worldwide challenges. There are good practices to keep in mind while at…
AquatiZoo podcastA Day in the Life
When I tell someone what I do, they look at me in a confused fashion and repeat, "yeah... but what do you DO?" Well here's the quick breakdown of my average…
AquatiZoo podcastThe Introduction
New podcast, who dis? I'm taking a few minutes to introduce myself and let you know what I plan for this little adventure. It's going to evolve, I'm sure, but…