AquatiZoo podcast

It's important to take a step back and look at what you've accomplished, whether the results were what you were expecting or not. This is how we learn. This is how we improve. This is how we build trust with our teams! Celebrate the good and the bad in the workplace because there's always something to learn. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.c...

There's a group of animals at aquariums and zoos that have the special job of interacting with the public. How do we manage them? What sort of training might they have? Let's discuss the importance of animal ambassadors! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com

It's so difficult to work with someone that you don't really like. It's worth it to your career, mental health, and to your coworkers to make an effort to try and work together regardless. It's not easy, but it is impactful and a personal triumph to take that high road. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com

Does it matter what a customer or guest thinks of your institution and its practices? Of course it does! Today, we discuss the sorts of things that aquariums and zoos think about and plan for when it comes to making sure that our guests' perception is positive. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com

Part of the challenge of working with others is open communication. It's not always so easy to establish a trusting relationship, but there are ways to invite others to talk and open up to you so that you can begin building those very important connections! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com  

One of the sometimes overlooked members of a zoo or aquarium's staff is the public relations person. What might they be doing? How hard could it be? Today we discuss the importance and the challenges of public relations in aquariums and zoos. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com

Change is hard. We all know it. If you've ever been curious as to how to go about making changes in a workplace where you have newfound influence or authority, we're going to figure it out together! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com  

There's a lot of thought and preparation that goes into the decisions about what animals at aquariums and zoos will eat. Where will the food come from? How much will there be? How is it prepared? If you've ever wondered what's going on in the kitchen, we discuss it today! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com  

If you've ever found yourself ready to leave your current job, how might you decide where to go? An often overlooked option is a lateral move with a new facility when it's so tempting to go for a promotion. We talk pros and cons of strategic career moves and hope we come out mentally at peace in the end! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com

We work in animal care institutions and need a very specialized person to help us with animal emergencies and medical knowledge. How does being a veterinarian in an AZA accredited zoo or aquarium work? What challenges might they face? How do they tend to all of those cool animals? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com

We all have bad days and struggle with tasks on occasion. How does a good leader cope with these challenges when dealing with a seemingly unwilling coworker? It's not about you, it's about them! Put those great leadership skills to work!   If you're interested in supporting the podcast: www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com  

They're perhaps not my proudest moments, but they're learning opportunities nonetheless! Please feel free to chuckle and educate yourself using the mistakes I've made in the course of my career. If I can save someone a little heartache or embarrassment, it's worth the trouble!   www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com    

It's never easy or fun to have a failure on your hands, but it's going to happen to all of us at some point. How can you prepare? How do you avoid it? How can you rebound with grace, wisdom, and gratitude? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com

Did you know that zookeepers and aquarists make and modify lots of tools and household items to more easily accomplish our work? Today we discuss why that might be necessary and what sort of things might we need to make. Discover the obscure and sometimes funny creations of the animal care community! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com

It might seem superfluous and unnecessary, but you'd be surprised how much a little attention paid to yourself can do. I certainly was! It is important to pay attention to the very subtle signs that we or those around us might need a break. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo www.magicalvacationplanner.com

Volunteers are a blessing! There's nothing but love and respect for the generous people who freely offer up their time and energy to our facilities. It can be a challenge to remember how to delicately handle these marvelous individuals, so here's a reminder!

How does one prepare for AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) inspection? If you've ever wondered what goes into the last few weeks before an aquarium or zoo is going to be inspected, then behold all of the sweaty, tiring, but oddly fulfilling details!

It's inevitable that we're going to struggle with interactions and relationships with other people from time to time, but it's important to grasp how those interactions might be processed, handled, and internalized. Can we all learn a lesson? Certainly!

Why do aquarium and zoo professionals do what they do? While it may not be the most lucrative industry, there's more to success than a large paycheck. Fun, passion, and personal accomplishment all play a part.

It's easy to forget that the things we do and say have impact on those around us, whether we like it or not. Why might someone be interested in paying attention to anything beyond their daily tasks? Why should one care about what's happening around them? Let's discuss!

If you happen to be looking for an animal care job or are just curious about how to prepare for a new field of work, there are steps you can take long before you step foot in an aquarium or zoo. Some things are helpful, others are a necessity, and it's all just good stuff to know.

We all make mistakes. Sometimes our missteps are fueled by arrogance or ignorance, but how we handle the aftermath can show our true colors. Consider infusing more humility in your life and build your relationship with others!

Passionate people have a lot to say! How do zoos and aquariums navigate among other people who also love animals, but have a different way of showing their stance? It can be tricky, but it's necessary to acknowledge and understand animal activism.

The next time someone finds themselves in an argument over race, politics, sexual orientation, religion, or any number of other issues, would it be possible for them to simply stop and listen? To try and understand the viewpoint of the other person? We'd all be better for it.

Have you ever wondered how a large or challenging animal might find its way between one location and another? When zoos and aquariums move animals, it can be quite a production. Today, we take a look at the planning and execution of animal transports.