AquatiZoo podcast

By Lori Semple

What's AquatiZoo podcast about?

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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AquatiZoo podcast episodes:

05.17.2024
Don'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 annoy you with their antics. Today we discuss some framing to help overcome...
05.10.2024
The 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 care professionals, we have to consider many aspects of the experience to...
05.03.2024
Conflict 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 in the conflict. It may not be comfortable, but we...
04.26.2024
The 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 the same! They have preferences and people with whom they'd prefer to spend...
04.19.2024
Leadership 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 animal trainer. It's more similar than you might...
04.12.2024
Training 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 can be rather challenging to do properly. Today we discuss how to...
04.05.2024
Responsibility 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 employer? Today we discuss the many facets of professional development and how it might be...
03.29.2024
Where 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 institutions face when we have to make necessary changes that might pose a danger...
03.22.2024
Circle 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 change. Is it hopeless? Should we give up? No way!...
03.15.2024
Public 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 statements become even more important. Today we discuss some interesting examples of PR...
03.01.2024
Circle 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 discuss the importance of building relationships with others and how it can...
02.23.2024
Aquariums 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 as a resource and support for our local area and population. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected]...
02.16.2024
Circle 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 situation, we can at least control ourselves. The choices we...
02.09.2024
The 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 thoughtful in our communications when it comes to the animals in our care. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo...
02.02.2024
Gender 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 abilities. It's important to understand the stereotypes and biases surrounding gender so that we can do better!...
01.26.2024
Scuba 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, preparation, and precautions swirling around scuba diving in an aquarium. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
01.19.2024
Email 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 help us enhance our work performance. Today...
01.12.2024
Service 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 aquarium. Today we discuss the ins and outs of service animals...
12.29.2023
The 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 shifts affect our teams? Our future success? Today we discuss the importance...
12.01.2023
Hand 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 aquariums and zoos. A strange practice, perhaps, but not...
11.17.2023
Lifelong 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 to begin integrating new knowledge, skills, and abilities into your daily...
11.10.2023
Animals 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, but I'm here to explain some of the nuances of animals...
11.03.2023
Listening 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 and effort and listen to what they have to say. It could...
10.27.2023
Items 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 the ins and outs of the response when stuff ends up where...
10.20.2023
Changing 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 an example by purposefully considering the facts and changing their mind. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
10.13.2023
Exhibit 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 the science and design behind the illumination of some of your favorite exhibits....
10.06.2023
Customer 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 mindset can lead to great personal success in just about any line of work....
09.29.2023
Not 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 only in fairy tales. Today we talk about animals that are...
09.22.2023
The 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 feeling of accomplishment? Success is personal. *Please note: I'm aware of an audio issue caused by...
09.15.2023
Climate 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 aquariums and zoos intend to do about it. Also, you can help! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
09.08.2023
Coaching 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 coaching and counseling and how they can assist in a harmonious workplace...
09.01.2023
Behavioral 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 use and navigate these two different aspects of animal care greatly helps our animals thrive! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected]...
08.25.2023
The 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. It might not always be fun, but it certainly can be made simple....
08.18.2023
Using 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 how and why our senses help us do our best...
08.11.2023
Work 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 realize. Today we discuss the how and why of investing in...
08.04.2023
Internal 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, particularly when it comes to making a decision on a candidate. Today...
07.28.2023
Invest 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, however, when that isn't an option. What is one to do? Invest in yourself!...
07.21.2023
Environmental 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 environmental testing! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
07.14.2023
Maintaining 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 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
07.07.2023
Exhibit 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 in exhibit veterinary facilities and what you can expect to see. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
06.30.2023
Starting 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 that you learn what you need and begin establishing healthy relationships with...
06.09.2023
Free 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 behavior, you might have wondered just how they do that. Today we discuss the...
06.02.2023
The 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 life. Today we discuss giving others the benefit of the doubt. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo...
05.26.2023
Research 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, but it's all done with the aim of ensuring that animals survive and thrive....
05.19.2023
The 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, opinions, and concerns of others and how your mindset can affect those around you....
05.12.2023
Gift 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 mission and a helpful source of income for the institution's endeavors. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo...
05.05.2023
Leading 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 when a crisis shakes up leadership. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
04.28.2023
What 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 matter how strange, unusual, or scientific. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
04.21.2023
Supportive 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 just the right questions asked at the...
04.14.2023
After 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 discuss the potential impacts of these events on the animals and how we handle it. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo...

What's AquatiZoo podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

AquatiZoo podcast episodes:

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

The Animals' Point of View

Conflict Management

The Favorite Trainer

Leadership and Animal Training

Training Animal Trainers

Responsibility for Professional Development

Where Animals Go During Renovations

Circle of Concern

Public Relations and News

Circle of Influence

Aquariums and Zoos as a Community Resource

Circle of Control

The Language of Animal Care

Gender in Leadership

Scuba Diving in Aquariums

Email as a Work Tool

Service Animals

The Importance of Debriefing

Hand Rearing

Lifelong Learning

Animals on Loan

Listening is Respect

Items Falling into Exhibits

Changing Your Mind

Exhibit Lighting

Customer Service

Not So Mythical Animals

The Definition of Success

Climate Change, Aquariums, and Zoos

Coaching and Counseling

Behavioral Husbandry and Welfare

The Value of Reflection

Using All of Our Senses

Work to Retain Employees

Internal vs. External Candidates

Invest in Yourself

Environmental Testing

Maintaining a Diverse Culture

Exhibit Veterinary Facilities

Starting Right as a Manager

Free Flight Shows

The Benefit of the Doubt

Research in Aquariums and Zoos

The Power of Rethinking

Gift Shops

Leading in a Crisis

What Happens after an Animal Dies?

Supportive Conversations

After Hours Events

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