After nearly a 3-year gap since its last annual conference due to the pandemic, the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) will soon host an in-person conference in Chicago. The timing couldn't be better with 2022 marking the 50th anniversary of the animal training organization. Madelynn Hettiger, animal manager with the Shedd Aquarium and IMATA VP responsible for planning the conference discusses the lineup of speakers, workshops, and events.

That Sounds Wild: mini donkey

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KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

Dedicated to preserving animals uniquely adapted to survive the hottest, driest, and sparsely vegetated desert for which it is named, the Sahara Conservation Fund works to preserve habitat and to reintroduce critically endangered species to the wild. SCF CEO John Watkin describes the organization's successful cooperation among zoos, field biologists, governments and supporters to maintain nationally protected areas and build productive breeding and return programs with species on the brink of extinction, including the once extinct in the wild, scimitar-horned oryx.

Animal Care Software

KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

Recently, Zoo Logic was invited to participate in an online international Cooperative Care Conference conducted by the behavioral team at ZooSpensefull. Our topic was a focused look at the enigmatic Least Reinforcing Scenario with one of the architects of the behavioral tool, Ted Turner. After more than 30 years, why is there ongoing debate about the LRS? Why do some still conflate the LRS with a timeout? More importantly, what are the behavioral laws that form the basis for the LRS and its resulting effectiveness in reducing frustration and aggression in naive and experienced animals?

Animal Care Software

KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

On a cold day sixteen years ago, a months old bottlenose dolphin calf was severely entangled by a crab trap. Thanks to a quick thinking fisherman notifying rescuers, the young animal was eventually freed from the strangling ropes and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for recovery. The constriction of blood flow to her tail led to the loss of her flukes and marked the beginning of an extraordinary tale of survival and perseverance by a small cetacean the world would eventually come to know thanks to a Hollywood film. The aquarium's Animal Care Program Manager, Robin Curry describes the life and recent passing of this animal ambassador and the generosity of prosthetic engineers who developed the technology to handle the harsh marine environment that enabled Winter to thrive despite her disability.

That Sounds Wild: Screamers.

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Kong Zoo

Zoo Logic

Animal professionals often experience great highs in their work from the birth of an endangered species to the smiles on the young faces of future conservationists. Yet, animal work is often heavy with the sadness of losing a dear animal or frustration at the slow pace of societal change for the better. To help individuals and institutions better navigate the chronic and acute mental health aspects of animal work, our guest Erin McNally, helped create GRAZE: Growing Resiliency for Aquarium and Zoo Employees.

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KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

After some 30 years as an animal trainer and agency owner working in film, TV, and print, Cris Rankin has worked with dozens of domestic, exotic and native species from skunks to scorpions. What is the life of an animal actor like and what steps does Chris take to ensure the well-being of the animals while on set, as well as, between gigs.  How has animal wrangling changed during her career and does she think computer technology will eventually replace all animal actors?

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KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

Healthy forests provide immeasurable benefits to humans, animals and ecosystems from capturing carbon to preventing erosion and preserving water tables, just to name a few. So it is important to understand the complex and interconnected layers of threats trees face today. Forest health specialist, Aly McAlexander from Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management describes the deleterious effects stemming from years of mega drought, bark beetle infestation, and 100 years of fire suppression policy on the desert southwest's forests.

That Sounds Wild:  African Wild Dogs feeding.

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Zoo Logic

KONG Zoo

ZOOmility

Randy Babb is a retired wildlife biologist, author, and educator having spent his long career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. As the year end holidays approach, he discusses the iconic wild turkey, the importance of preserving species and habitats, and the positive influence that changing demographics of wildlife biologists promises for the future of conservation efforts.

Plus, we remember Winter, the special bottlenose dolphin whose story of survival touched the world.

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KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

The events of 9/11 had a profound effect on a young Clarissa Ward's career plans and ultimately led her on path to becoming an award winning journalist with a focus on covering conflict zones. From the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the devastation of civil war in Syria, she describes her dangerous work and its impact on her personally, in her book, On All Fronts. Currently serving as CNN's Chief International correspondent, we discuss some of the personal and professional challenges and similarities between being a war correspondent and an animal professional in a modern world.

That Sounds Wild: Wild African Lions Eating

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KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

Modern zookeeping involves an array of disciplines from veterinary medicine and operant conditioning to species specific nutrition. Founded in 1989, Mazuri, which means "good" in Swahili has researched, developed and brought to market exotic animal diets across the spectrum of avian, reptile, insect, fish and mammalian species. Our guest, Dr. Troy Tollefson joined the Mazuri team after studying the dietary needs of bears and later serving as nutritionist at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. He describes the extensive process working with zoos and aquariums to bring new dietary products for animals to market.

That Sounds Wild: Hippos

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KONG Zoo

Zoo Logic Podcast

ZOOmility