Zoo Logic

Dr. Terrie Williams is a research physiologist with a passion for studying species, particularly large predators, found in some of the most extreme habitats on earth. Her work endeavors to understand the energy requirements these challenging conditions present, as well as, the unique behavioral and physiological adaptations that animals like polar bears, killer whales, and narwhals use to satisfy those demands. In an era of rapid climate change, this data is critical for preserving species already living on the edge.

That Sounds Wild: Gray Wolves

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Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

The executive director of the Zoological Association of America, John Seyjagat, describes the relatively young zoo and aquarium trade organization and its focus on improving animal welfare, inclusivity, and ensuring pubic safety around dangerous animals. Plus, he shares insights into the two current versions of what has become known as the "Big Cat Safety" bills making their way through Congress and why one version is much better than the other. In addition, Rachel Garner returns with a deep dive into the specifics of each bill and what passage of either would mean for the zoological community, the public, and the future of endangered large felines.

That Sounds Wild: African Lion

Why Animals Do The Thing

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ZAA

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

Confronted by a largely ignored feral and unwanted pet problem in the major US city of Houston, zoological professional and marine mammal trainer, Heather Crane decided to do something about it. In her spare time, she started Sea Dog Animal Training to help desperate pet owners and rescue organizations rehabilitate some of the most difficult behavioral cases in her community using the very positive reinforcement-based principles she uses with sea lions and other exotic species. During a year in which many zoo professionals found themselves out of work due to the economic impact of COVID-19, Heather's company was also able to put several trainers back to work.

That Sounds Wild: Amphibian courtship season. Frank Buck Zoo

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Zoo Logic

Zoomility

As Zoo Logic wraps up its third season over the next few weeks, we invited several past guests representing the arts, science and research, and animal law to share their diverse perspectives on the past difficult year and what a new US administration might mean for public display, conservation, and future regulations. One theme to emerge was the narrative of "retiring" animals to sanctuaries and whether sending older animals to such facilities was truly based on the best welfare of animals or simply designed to soothe human feelings.

That Sounds Wild: African Cicada.

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Zoo Logic

Zoomility

Nearly 50 years old, Loro Parque has grown into one of the premier zoological parks in the world and is a major attraction of the Canary Islands. Known for its extensive in situ and ex situ conservation and research of avian species, particularly psittacines, Loro Parque and its foundation have saved some parrot species from extinction. Currently, it participates in over 200 conservation projects across the globe.

Loro Parque continues to proudly, proactively, and unapologetically promote the work of its foundation and that of other modern zoological facilities to display, study, conserve, and in some instances, reintroduce endangered species to recovered habitats. It contributes upwards of 10% of gate revenues to conservation research and has developed its own green energy production that exceeds the facility's demands for electricity. Loro Parque Foundation Science Director Rafael Zamora Padron is guest.

That Sounds Wild: Great Migration of wildebeest.

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Loro Parque

Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

Kong Zoo is a new platform where animal professionals can realize significant savings for themselves and their animal facilities when purchasing enrichment items. As the name suggests, the company is focused on an underserved segment of the animal training and enrichment world: large zoological (and equine) species. Since its creation about a year ago, the company has introduced new, larger animal products with more styles and sizes under development. Recently, they launched a fundraiser assistance program to help struggling organizations stretch their enrichment budgets.

That Sounds Wild: Jaguar. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park.

Animal Care Software

Zoo Logic

Researchers Andreas Fahlman and Alicia Borque Espinosa return to discuss their latest respiratory physiology paper focusing on walrus. Relying on animals living and trained in managed care, the researchers were able to develop the necessary equipment to measure basic respirometry parameters for these semi-aquatic animals. As with all metabolic studies, it was important to work with calm animals desensitized to the presence of non-invasive equipment. Animals trained via operant conditioning to voluntarily participate in data collection by breathing into a mask helps avoid the confounding effects on respiration and metabolism of anxious or restrained subjects.

That Sounds Wild: Cheetah purr. Frank Buck Zoo.

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Zoo Logic

Global Diving Research

Few people working in the entertainment world can point to sea lions, walrus and otters being among their earliest co-stars like comedian Bill Sindelar can. How did growing up in Cleveland working alongside animal trainers and marine mammals in front of live audiences prepare him for a successful life-long career in Hollywood working on popular live competition, theatrical, and talk shows? And, what advice does the number one warm up guy in Los Angeles have to share with today's zoological professionals and those aspiring to be?

That Sounds Wild: Crested Guinea Fowl. Cleveland Metropark Zoo

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Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

From its humble beginnings on a one acre horse property 40 years ago rescuing and rehabilitating about 80 birds in its first year, Liberty Wildlife today has a modern medical and educational facility which treated and returned 12k wild, orphaned and/or injured birds last year. Education Coordinator, Laura Hackett describes the rich history of the facility, some of its long term resident ambassadors, and its rescue efforts' above average success rate. Plus, Liberty Wildlife is home to the only federally authorized non-eagle feather repository where Native Americans may request feathers and other legally restricted migratory bird parts for cultural and religious use.

That Sounds Wild: Blue Fronted Amazon

Liberty Wildlife

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Zoo Logic

ZOOmility

We are joined by the president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, Bert Castro, who is also the current board chair for the largest zoo and aquarium trade association in North America. How has his organization weathered the pandemic and its impact on staff health, attendance, revenues, and importantly, their extensive conservation efforts locally and internationally? What lessons does he think zoos and aquariums and their trade association (AZA) have learned in 2020 that can be carried forward for a more successful 2021?

That Sounds Wild: Red Ruff lemurs. Frank Buck Zoo

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Zoo Logic

ZOOmility