AquatiZoo podcast
198 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago -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!
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Episodes
The Favorite Trainer
April 26, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 25.2 MBPeople 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 the same! They have preferences and people with whom they'd prefer to spend their time. Who knew? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Leadership and Animal Training
April 19, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBIt 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 animal trainer. It's more similar than you might realize! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Training Animal Trainers
April 12, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 24.5 MBHow 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 can be rather challenging to do properly. Today we discuss how to train animal trainers! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Responsibility for Professional Development
April 05, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.3 MBIf 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 employer? Today we discuss the many facets of professional development and how it might be accomplished. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Where Animals Go During Renovations
March 29, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26.4 MBSo 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 changes that might pose a danger to the animals that live there. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Circle of Concern
March 22, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25 MBPerhaps 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 up? No way! Today we discuss the circle of concern. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Public Relations and News
March 15, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 24.3 MBIt 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 we discuss some interesting examples of PR and news in the zoo and aquarium world. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Circle of Influence
March 01, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.5 MBBeyond 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 relationships with others and how it can benefit everyone. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Aquariums and Zoos as a Community Resource
February 23, 2024 12:00 - 29 minutes - 25 MBThere'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 area and population. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Circle of Control
February 16, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.5 MBIt'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 ourselves. The choices we make in frustrating circumstances dictate how we move forward. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
The Language of Animal Care
February 09, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.7 MBAnimal 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 it comes to the animals in our care. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Gender in Leadership
February 02, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.3 MBWhile 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 stereotypes and biases surrounding gender so that we can do better! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Scuba Diving in Aquariums
January 26, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutes - 25.9 MBIt 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 scuba diving in an aquarium. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Email as a Work Tool
January 19, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 26.3 MBMost 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. Today we discuss the great ways that email can make us better at our jobs. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Service Animals
January 12, 2024 12:00 - 30 minutes - 24.8 MBWe 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 outs of service animals in our institutions. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
The Importance of Debriefing
December 29, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.9 MBThere 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 success? Today we discuss the importance of debriefing. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Hand Rearing
December 01, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 26.3 MBWhy 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, perhaps, but not a decision made casually! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Lifelong Learning
November 17, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.9 MBThere 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, skills, and abilities into your daily activities. Today we discuss the fascinating world of lifelong learning! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Animals on Loan
November 10, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBDid 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 nuances of animals on loan! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Listening is Respect
November 03, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25 MBIf 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 to say. It could prove incredibly valuable! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Items Falling into Exhibits
October 27, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.1 MBMaybe 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 stuff ends up where it doesn't necessarily belong. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Changing Your Mind
October 20, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.9 MBIt 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 the facts and changing their mind. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Exhibit Lighting
October 13, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBYou 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 illumination of some of your favorite exhibits. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Customer Service
October 06, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 24.3 MBGreat 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 in just about any line of work. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Not So Mythical Animals
September 29, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBSome 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 only in fairy tales. Today we talk about animals that are not so mythical as they might be portrayed! *I'm aware of an audio issue in the first part of this episode caused by an unstable microphone. I apologize for any inconvenience while listening!* www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacatio...
The Definition of Success
September 22, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26 MBJust as we have different viewpoints and experiences, everyone has a different definition of success. Does it revolve around work? family? Tangible awards? A feeling of accomplishment? Success is personal. *Please note: I'm aware of an audio issue caused by an unstable microphone in this episode. Apologies for the inconvenience!* www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Climate Change, Aquariums, and Zoos
September 15, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes - 27.3 MBThere are numerous reasons to be concerned about the changing conditions of the environment. Today we discuss the dangers facing numerous species and what aquariums and zoos intend to do about it. Also, you can help! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Coaching and Counseling
September 08, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes - 27.2 MBHelping 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 coaching and counseling and how they can assist in a harmonious workplace environment. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Behavioral Husbandry and Welfare
September 01, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes - 26.3 MBBehavioral husbandry and welfare are closely intertwined, but do, in fact, give us different information regarding an animal's current status. Knowing how to use and navigate these two different aspects of animal care greatly helps our animals thrive! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
The Value of Reflection
August 25, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26.8 MBWhen 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. It might not always be fun, but it certainly can be made simple. Today we discover the value of reflection. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Using All of Our Senses
August 18, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBAnimal 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 how and why our senses help us do our best work. Weird? Yes. Gross? Maybe. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Work to Retain Employees
August 11, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 26.3 MBWhen 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 realize. Today we discuss the how and why of investing in retaining great employees. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected]/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Internal vs. External Candidates
August 04, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26.4 MBIf 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, particularly when it comes to making a decision on a candidate. Today we discuss internal and external hiring. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Invest in Yourself
July 28, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.1 MBIt'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, however, when that isn't an option. What is one to do? Invest in yourself! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Environmental Testing
July 21, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.9 MBYou 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 environmental testing! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Maintaining a Diverse Culture
July 14, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.5 MBA diverse work culture doesn't stop with simply hiring a group of people with differing backgrounds and experiences. Work goes into developing the relationships and attitudes needed to maintain an inclusive culture, as we'll discuss today! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Exhibit Veterinary Facilities
July 07, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.9 MBSome 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 in exhibit veterinary facilities and what you can expect to see. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Starting Right as a Manager
June 30, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.6 MBIt'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 that you learn what you need and begin establishing healthy relationships with your team. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Free Flight Shows
June 09, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 27.3 MBJust 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 behavior, you might have wondered just how they do that. Today we discuss the time and effort that go into creating a free flight show. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
The Benefit of the Doubt
June 02, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26 MBWe'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 life. Today we discuss giving others the benefit of the doubt. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Research in Aquariums and Zoos
May 26, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26.4 MBYou 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, but it's all done with the aim of ensuring that animals survive and thrive. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
The Power of Rethinking
May 19, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26.2 MBIt 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, opinions, and concerns of others and how your mindset can affect those around you. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/
Gift Shops
May 12, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 26.1 MBDid 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 mission and a helpful source of income for the institution's endeavors. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Leading in a Crisis
May 05, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 25 MBWhat 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 when a crisis shakes up leadership. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
What Happens after an Animal Dies?
April 28, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBYou 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 matter how strange, unusual, or scientific. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Supportive Conversations
April 21, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.3 MBThere 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 just the right questions asked at the right time. Today we discuss how to be supportive of those around us through the power of words. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
After Hours Events
April 14, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 25.2 MBAquariums and zoos make it look so easy to run fabulous events after hours. Fundraisers, parties, weddings, sleepovers... the fun is amplified! Today we discuss the potential impacts of these events on the animals and how we handle it. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Having Difficult Conversations
April 07, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 25.2 MBIt 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 manner that's effective for all involved. Today we discuss difficult conversations. Yay? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Animal Welfare Concerns
March 31, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 23.6 MBAZA Accredited institutions have numerous methods by which anyone can report animal welfare concerns. It can come from a staff member, volunteer, contractor, or visitors. Anyone is free to let us know when they see something off and have a concern about an animal so that we can get it fixed. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Gender Bias
March 24, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 23.3 MBIt 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 of bias is important to avoid if you possibly can. Diversity in our teams and staff is a good thing! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple