Voices for Conservation

In this episode, we chatted with Katie M. and Sabrina B. from our Life Support Systems team about how our Life Support Team keeps the water flowing to two aquariums and numerous animal habitats around zoo grounds. .

In this episode, we chatted with Jessie S. from the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater about her journey to the zoo world, her passion for bugs, and why bug conservation is so important.  Additional Resources Terrestrial Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group: https://titag.org/ SWARM: https://titag.org/conservation/aza-swarm/ The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation: https://www.xerces.org/

In this episode, Stacey sits down with our with three of our 2025 Volunteer Award Winners: 2025 Unsung Hero Award: Chris F. 2025 Rookie of the Year: Aquaria A. 2025 Brightman Achievement Award Winner: Kristina D.

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey chats with ZEED Director Alan V. about what it's like to run not one, but two, Zoological parks and the path that brought him here. 

We were excited to chat with Doctor Karen about her journey toward becoming a vet and her experiences caring for the endangered American Red Wolf. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina sit down with Facilities Lead Sam M. and Visitor Services Supervisor Justin C . to chat about their roles and their favorite things about Zoolights. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey sits down with Cameron T. and Jackie K. from the Eye to Eye Shark Dive Team to chat about their roles within the aquarium and some of their favorite shark dive stories. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chatted with Staff Biologist Mark M and Dive Safety Officer Heidi about PDZA's involvement in kelp conservation. We learned about PDZA's work in kelp cultivation and our efforts to monitor kelp beds in the Puget Sound.  For more information, check out the organizations and projects mentioned in this episode! Puget Sound Resto...

In this episode, Stacey sits down with three senior members of our Youth Leadership Development team and chats about their experiences as volunteers and their goals for beyond PDZA. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chat about the Shark and Ray SAFE, Sharks and Rays Awareness Day, and how we can support oceanic sharks. Stacey also chats with Aquarist Cindy K. about how PDZA cares for our sharks and contributes to Zebra shark conservation efforts.  Resources Article for AZA Connect 2020 https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/zebra-shark-conser...

In this staff chat, Stacey sits down with two members of our Animal Health Care team, Vet Tech Bianca M. and Dr. Cassidy S. 

In this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chat about burnout, fatigue, and how Zoo professionals get a double dose of both from both climate change and zoo work.  Burnout and Fatigue Resources and Further Reading Bemister, K. & Tawfik, M. (2023). Record, Recall, Reflect: A Qualitative Examination of Compassion Fatigue in Toronto Zoo Staff. Journal of Zoological and Botanic...

In this special Staff Chat, Stacey chats with 2024 Supervisors of the Year Suzanne Akerman and Laura Rynberg. 

In this episode, Stacey sits down with our six 2024 Volunteer Award Winners. 2024 Rising Star Award: Shelby R. and Walt B. 2024 Unsung Hero Award: Tony C. and Jackie C.C. 2024 Rookie of the Year: Bob Y.  2024 Brightman Achievement Award Winner: Tom R. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, Philina talks about corals, why we care about corals, and chats with Amy H. and Mette H. about designing the Coral Up Close exhibit in Tropical Reef Aquarium.  Supplemental materials Coral polyp up close: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/media/supp_coral01a.html Symmetry: https://evolution.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/sy...

On this Staff Chat, Stacey chats with Aquarist Cindy K. and Volunteer Bruce J. about their experiences in the newly remodeled Tropical Reef Aquarium. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, Stacey is joined by Lead Horticulturist Bryon J.

On this staff chat, Stacey talks with Front Gate Leads Christie and Diamond about their journey to PDZA and some of the unique stories from the Front Gate. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey chats with Curator Natalie D. and Aquarist Mark M. about their involvement in the Red Wolf SSP and the Sunflower Star SAFE program. 

In this staff chat, we talk with staff biologist Jamie O. and her experiences in the Red Wolf Program. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, we dive back into empathy with a focus on how zoos & aquariums can support conservation action by stimulating motivational empathy in our guests. Special guest Interpretive Programs Specialist Nicole M. Resources Consorte-McCrea, Adriana & Bainbridge, Alan & Fernandez, Ana & Nigbur, Dennis & Mcdonnell, Siri & Morin, Aïssa & Gr...

In this special anniversary episode, we sit down with PDZA Deputy Director Sarah and chat about one year of Voices for Conservation. 

Hear how Jasmine Williams, Community Collaboration Manager at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium made her way into the zoo and aquarium field. We will also dive into what equity and equity in conservation looks like in the zoo and aquarium industry.  

On this episode of Staff Chats, Stacey talks with Abbi Robocker, Guest Engagement Interpretive Specialist, at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. We learn about how her love of PNW marine life, her interest in conservation, and about her work as chair of PDZA's Equity Team. 

On this episode of Staff Chats, Stacey talks with Liz Hines, Community Engagement Coordinator, at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.  We learn how she went from part interpreter to Wildlife Champions instructor and now Community Engagement coordinator and how her previous jobs and interests have helped her in her current job.