Zoo Logic

Jasmin Graham describes her unique path as a shark scientist at Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, as well as, her efforts to increase diversity among the biological sciences, especially in marine science. She's also the president and CEO of Minorities In Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization dedicated to "see representation of gender minorities from historically-excluded communities of color and the Global South in shark, ray and other marine sciences is the norm rather than the exception." Her new book is entitled "Sharks Don't Sink: adventures of a rogue shark scientist."

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Dr. Jeremy Goodman President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium returns to discuss the organization's rural 1000 acre offsite conservation center. Originally acquired to facilitate African elephant breeding and closed to the public, the International Conservation Center (ICC) has added a few additional species and developed educational programming and other recreational activities to meet the needs of its rural farm community neighbors as well as school kids and families from the greater Pittsburgh area. The future of the facility includes developing conservation breeding programs for additional colder climate exotic and native species.

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In 2021, Dr. Jeremy Goodman succeeded long time leader Dr. Barbara Baker to become the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the US. Following years working as a clinician, Dr. Goodman elected to change his professional focus to serve as chief administrator of several other zoological institutions leading them through periods of significant change. He describes the rich history of his current facility, partnering with other major philanthropic organizations, and his vision for the future.

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Dr. Tim Shu is the founder and CEO of VetCBD, a California based company that specializes in cannabis products for domestic, farm and zoological animals. As the legal cannabis industry for humans and animals grows across the US, state by state, the public has many questions as to the safety and efficacy of extracts like CBD or full spectrum products that include low doses of THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Dr. Shu reminds us that while the plant has largely been demonized for the past century, its extensive medicinal use by humans dates back thousands of years. Research on the use of cannabinoids in animals suggests it has therapeutic effects to relieve and treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, nausea, and seizures. Products containing THC will also help stimulate appetite. As zoological populations continue to age well past typical lifespans found in the wild, Dr. Shu suggests we ought to be using every tool available to us to improve animal health and welfare, ensuring the best possible quality of life for animals.

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Troy Hayden has been a journalist and TV news anchor for over 35 years. We asked for his perspective concerning the news industry's views on zoos and aquariums and whether a reporter's approach varies if the names "sanctuary" or "rescue" are attached. Troy admits to being a fan of zoos as a kid but admitted major controversies like that portrayed in Blackfish have tarnished the zoological community's reputation and created greater skepticism among some of his peers. A skepticism he doesn't share thanks in part to being married to a zoo and aquarium president who has opened his eyes to the important conservation work being done. Troy offers some advice on the importance of telling the great stories that zoos have to offer and how to get those on air.

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Shelley Ballmann is the force behind Ocean Futures and its nonprofit wing, Ocean Connections. Starting her career as a dolphin trainer, Shelley earned her niche working with pinnipeds at a time when everyone was more focused on cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins and orcas. She believes that training sea lions truly hones one's skill as a trainer in ways unique to pinnipeds. Following the closing of operations after 30-plus years at their original facility at Milwaukee County Zoo and a name change/addition, Shelley has expanded her programs and animal teams to two new locations, in addition to her longstanding facility at Hershey Park, as part of the Dolly Parton family of attractions. She is particularly thrilled to be able to bring educational components to these highly theatrical cirque-type shows which include sea lions, birds and domestic dogs. As evidence of Ocean Connections' success, Shelley and her team are preparing another animal team for a third location in the Dolly company to begin in 2025.

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Hurricane Beryl's effect on the Texas power grid still being felt by millions of people reminds us all that natural disasters like wind, fire, or flood can can occur anywhere with devastating consequences. Fortunately the team at Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3) has experience helping facilities plan for and if needed, respond to emergencies that can disrupt the lives of animals, staff, and the surrounding community. With over 180 zoological facility members united in support of each other in just a few years of operation, ZDR3 Executive Director, Julia Wilder describes the lessons learned thus far, and steps all facilities should take today to be better prepared, even with hurricane and wild land fire season already well underway.

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Dennis Christen, Senior Director, Animal Wellbeing & Behavior for the Georgia Aquarium was one of the architects that helped move two beluga whales from the NEMO Dolphinarium in Putin-ravaged Ukraine to the safety of Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanographic, in Valencia, Spain. This story made international headlines recently and involved a host of zoological facilities and other agencies to rescue these animals from worsening conditions such as power interruptions, food and other supply chain issues, and the inherent danger posed to NEMO staff caring for these and other animals over the past several years of Russian aggression. It is another amazing example of conservation and compassion by zoological professionals and institutions concerned for the welfare of animals regardless of cost or risk. It is a tale that honors the bravery, national pride, and dedication of the people of Ukraine as they strive to maintain some degree of normal life even as they fight for survival against a powerful aggressor.

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Growing up on the beautiful Italian island of Ischia 19 miles off the coast of Naples, Dr. Valerio Mazzella of the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli grew to love the ecosystem's unique features and species. As a natural source of thermal and pH gradients due to the region's secondary volcanism, which gives rise to carbon dioxide vents, Ischia and the surrounding ocean waters have long been a natural laboratory for scientists to study the global effects of rising atmospheric carbon and the resulting ocean acidification. Dr. Mazzella's research fascination first with sea grasses and the countless species that depend upon them, and later with sea sponges and their microbiomes has implications for preserving the island's fragile balance in the face of mounting pressures from increasing tourism and boat traffic, overfishing, and pollution.

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Best selling author, Emmy winning actor, and fierce animal advocate, Carolyn Hennesy returns to discuss her recent comments at the annual meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) about how zoos and aquariums can begin to build better relationships with entertainers and influencers. In many instances, entertainers and those who work behind the camera inside the film and television industry have to be concerned about what supporting modern zoos and aquariums may do to their careers and future employment prospects. Carolyn encourages us to be persistent, inviting, and accommodating to those we wish to recruit into helping educate the world, including our detractors, about the important work of conservation we do.

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