Deadlines? Meetings? Additional responsibilities? There's no time for that... right? Wrong! It's time to settle down and think logistically about what little time we have available to us in a given work day. You can absolutely do it!

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 decision making for how, where, and why to unveil a short-term addition? Behold, the enigma of changing exhibits!

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 someone else speaks? Why does it matter? Today we discuss the challenges of truly listening.

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 favorite aquarium or zoo. We discuss the how and why this happens, and ponder ways to move forward together for the benefit of all.

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 will eventually pay off in the end. Free your guilty mind and let's all be better humans!

Does a zoo or aquarium need to pay attention to their social media? Parking lot? Cleanliness? Educational programming? Exhibit condition? Retail selection? We strive to make it fun, educational, and exciting, and it's all part of the guest experience!

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 easy to point fingers. It's challenging to search for solutions. The next time things are breaking down, consider restructuring your thought process.

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 you may never have noticed or thought about.

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!