AquatiZoo podcast

Today we're taking an exceptionally deep dive into the things behind the scenes that keep zoos and aquariums running. There are many things that could happen unexpectedly in your average zoo or aquarium, so we do what we can to prepare ahead of a problem. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

We're often led to believe that offering forgiveness to someone who has wronged us is only of benefit to the other person. In reality, it's quite the opposite! Today we discuss the vast difficulty and subtle-but-powerful benefits of forgiveness. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

We 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. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Approaching this purely as a coworker and sometimes leader of people, today we discuss the challenges (and overestimated challenges) one might run across while working with people who experience the world differently than we do. There are lots of ways we can ensure that everyone has a chance to work peacefully and productively. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magi...

There are times when a zoo or aquarium has more animals than they can realistically care for in the long term. There are plans in place to handle these situations and to make sure that the extra animals have a full and comfortable life even if we aren't the ones who will be caring for them that entire time. Today, we discuss surplus animals! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanne...

There's a big difference in contemplating the "what" behind a goal versus the "why." Today we discuss the difference between actions and outcomes and how learning to recognize and focus on the right one will help to accomplish some big dreams. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Our institutions strive to provide education, conservation, and scientific discovery to the communities we serve. There are several ways in which aquariums and zoos contribute to the scientific knowledge of animals and their behavior, though they may not be the straightforward ways you might imagine. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff...

When our organizations need to make changes, we should consider the methods and approach carefully. Why is change important? Where do we start? How can we make the changes stick? Today we discuss the challenges of change management. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Despite it being such a normalized part of modern society, aquariums and zoos have to be thoughtful in the way they use social media. It can be a double-edged sword. Today we discuss the good and the bad of maintaining social media for these types of institutions. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

When change is needed, it is important to discuss the the worst possible scenario and the best possible outcome. Doing so, we can put things into perspective, use good judgment, and determine next steps all while giving ourselves the best chance at success. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Perhaps you've wondered what happens when a large or exotic animal passes in a zoo or aquarium. While not the most upbeat of topics, it is one that we have to deal with from time to time and it's best to be clear about how it works! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

If you're anything like me, the paperwork side of your job can be entirely overwhelming. There are ways to streamline and make necessary actions a lot easier and more palatable. Let's discuss ways we can get back to the fun parts of our work! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It is unlikely that visitors ever give much thought to what medications might be onsite at their favorite aquarium or zoo or how they are used. The innovation of veterinarians should be celebrated and respected, as medications and healthcare are crucial to good animal care. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Change is hard. Resistance can appear in many different forms. Today we discuss the many ways resistance to change might appear and how to turn it into something helpful and useful. It isn't the end of the world and it could actually help bring about a better future. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

We all get a bit older. Animals are no different! How do aquariums and zoos navigate the challenges that accompany advancing age and decreased mobility? Well... with the welfare of the animal in mind of course!

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.

Having a goal in mind is important for the progress of any organizations. Today we discuss the benefits and challenges of discussing where we're going, why we're going there, and why we need to plan how we get there. Fun times with strategic planning! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Communication is complicated. When you're trying to get people to come along with you, there should be some clarity about the end goal. Don't just tell people what you don't want, tell them what you do want! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

What do power outages, hurricanes, zombie apocalypses, floods, wars, diver injuries, guest falls, and epidemics have in common? These are things that zoos and aquariums discuss and prepare for just to be ready! (Okay, maybe zombie apocalypse isn't on the list...) www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

A great way to show that you value the people around you is to respect their time as valuable to them and to you. Keeping meetings running as scheculed and understanding time boundaries can be something of a relief to all. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It's frustrating, it's rewarding, it's stressful, it's exciting! Exhibit design may seem simple and straightforward on the surface, but when it comes to aquariums and zoos, there are a lot of opinions to be had. Today we discuss collaboration to produce new exhibits and experiences. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

This is something that can take a long time to identify and work on for oneself. Emotion management is important to practice so that you avoid doing something that could damage your reputation or career. Today we discuss the ins and outs of keeping your cool! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

While it isn't the most common way for aquariums and zoos to obtain animals, it is one of the most interesting and potentially complicated. Animals that are removed by law enforcement need some care and attention. Today we discuss the complicated situation that defines confiscations. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

There's a phrase that some people use to end an argument with a coworker that can be infuriating. Today we talk about the challenges of failing to be innovative and crushing creativity. Don't be afraid to re-think! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

There are a few things that hopeful aquarists and zookeepers might like to know about their intended field and there should be some deep thought about the road ahead. These are the things that I wish I had understood when I entered the field. I hope that this episode helps the animal care professionals of tomorrow! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationpl...