AquatiZoo podcast

Yes, we've been discussing meetings a lot lately, but can we all agree that our work lives would be a little better if we weren't stuck in so many meetings? Today we discuss tips and tricks to reducing meetings and working more efficiently... for the benefit of all!

There are a fair number of differences between an animal care job and most other types of employment. Work hazards can be mundane or wacky, but ultimately we're striving to be as safe as we can so our staff and animals are in good shape and having a good time.

A meeting where everyone has an equal voice can be a challenge to run successfully, particularly when people from all levels of an organization might be involved. Today, we talk about how to get all that valuable input you might need, staying attentive to the people around you, and how to handle all the information you've received.

Let's get real, awkward, and honest. There are many opinions surrounding animals kept in human care and the fitness of some species for this situation over others. No matter where you fall in your thoughts on this topic, there are a lot of things to consider.

Problem solving in a group can be an interesting but stimulating challenge. None of us has all the answers, but with many brilliant minds and some cohesive work, a creative solution might be just around the corner. Today we discuss helpful tips, tricks, and models for solving your most troublesome quandaries.

It's likely the most prominent complaint that a zoo or aquarium hears, and yes, we understand. If you've ever wondered why admission prices seem high or are curious as to where that money is going, listen in and delve into the inner workings of some of your favorite animal care facilities.

Brainstorming is simple in theory but can be difficult in proper execution. It's important to understand the people you're intending to involve and how to employ good techniques to stimulate open and creative thinking. Here are some tips and tricks to help find the best ideas your team can conjure!

Quarantine is necessary and important to protect the health of the individual as well as the rest of the group. It works for humans and animals alike! Today we're discussing why we use quarantine, all the things we take into consideration, and how we try to make it an overall comfortable experience for everyone involved.

Yes, we've all been involved in terrible meetings. Many factors can contribute to the success or failure of a meeting, and thoughtful preparation can sway things in your favor. What should be considered and how, exactly, might you construct a good meeting? Let's discuss.

Ever wonder how and why zoos and aquariums breed animals from time to time? Rest assured that it's not left to chance. Plenty of thought, planning, and preparation go into breeding decisions. A recent story in the news highlights why it can be so important!

It might seem like a waste of time to take a personality test, but doing so can be surprisingly helpful. When applied properly in the workplace, we can skip a good many communication hurdles with which we would otherwise struggle. How can knowing yourself help you? How can it help those around you? What happens when things go wrong? We're discussing it all!

One of the central principles, goals, and missions of aquariums and zoos is to conserve the natural world. This might mean individual species or entire ecosystems. How do we approach this vast challenge? What are our methods? How might guests get involved? Take some time to ponder, research, and join in! Helpful links: https://projectpiaba.org/ https://www.seafoodwatch.org/seafood-recommendations...

Sometimes we reach the end of what we're able or willing to give to an employer. It's okay! It happens and there are good and bad ways to handle the situation. Take a breath, think it over, and put your best foot forward. Today we talk about getting real, taking care of yourself both now and in the future.

Shockingly, some animals eat other animals! Even though that's not exactly a secret, aquariums and zoos are presented with a challenge when it comes to offering live foods to animals. Is it right? Is it wrong? How do we determine the right way to go about it? It takes a lot more thought and preparation than one might think!

Professional development is a great way to broaden your horizons while providing benefits to your work and organization. What are the options? How might you find them? What do we do in the midst of a pandemic? Today we talk it out! Handy-dandy links for you: https://www.aza.org/professional-development https://sdzglobalacademy.org/

An animal in human care should have the same opportunities to thrive that their counterparts in the wild should have (minus, perhaps, the constant threat of predators...). With that in mind, keepers have to get creative in how to make life fun, interesting, and intriguing for our animal friends. How do we know what to do? What kind of thought and preparation goes into enrichment? There's a lot hap...

Feedback is one thing, evaluations are another... but they're related! There are some solid tips for presenting or receiving an evaluation that, if we can work together, help to lessen the anxiety we all tend to feel when it's evaluation time. How does feedback play into the evaluation? What can you do to steer your career in the direction you'd like it to go? What should be avoided at all costs?...

Perhaps it's not the most uplifting and positive topic of conversation, but there's a lot that goes into decisions about euthanasia in aquariums and zoos. What are we looking for in an animal to let us know that it may be time? How do we go about making such a decision? Who is involved? There are differing opinions, but there's a basic framework for this sort of decision... devastating as it may b...

Feedback has many parallels to animal training and if we keep that in mind, aquarium and zoo people should be naturally adept at giving and receiving feedback! Alas, we as humans are also hopelessly awkward and prone to making poor choices sometimes. It might not come naturally to any of us, but take a step back and think about how animal training works. That's why this sort of thing takes some pr...

One of the most important issues facing zoos and aquariums is animal welfare. What is it? What's the history of this particular topic in aquariums and zoos? How can we influence it? How do we know if we're succeeding in making an animal's welfare better? Animal care professionals of all types spend a good portion of their time observing, researching, and improving their techniques when it comes to...

At a time when rampant racism is on our minds and all over the headlines, it's important to take a moment to recognize our similarities and celebrate our differences. Change can happen if we're brave enough to reflect on things we've done or said and make concerted effort to do better. I've seen diversifying shifts in my time in this career, and I'm very hopeful that we can make it happen again.

You might be surprised to know how much thought and preparation goes into an exhibit, and it happens a long time before an animal ever steps (swims? soars?) inside. Will the space be big enough? Is there enough shade? What's the deal with fabricated waterfalls? We consider the space from the animal's point of view and make the best decisions we can. For SCIENCE!

Should I? Shouldn't I? At some point in your career, you may be offered a promotion. First of all, good for you! There are lots of things to consider before you jump at the opportunity, however, to make sure that it's the right choice for you, your mental health, your institution, and your career. Today, we talk about all sorts of factors that might influence your decision.

Aquariums and Zoos have to be ready for all sorts of scenarios in order to keep the guests, animals, and staff safe. We might be surprised by things on occasion, but we try to be methodical about our response so that everything goes smoothly. Hurricanes? Fire? Animal escape? We prepare for all sorts of things... just in case.

You've found a job that you want, but now what? Here are a few helpful hints to increase your chances of getting your foot in the door and landing that position. It takes a lot of preparation, but if you're really ready to move on, it's got to be worth it, right? Good luck, and happy job hunting, friends!