Zoo Logic
After years working for Merlin Entertainments building and renovating major aquariums, architect Benedikt Schikora founded which handles project management in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism space. He's also a partner in the zoo and aquarium consulting firm, . We discuss the trends in zoological design, particularly those back of house aspects of animal care that have historically lagged behind today's modern, more enriching public display exhibits. One of the biggest challenges according to Benedikt is working across the many stakeholder groups from owners, curators,...
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Sooner or later most zoological professionals will meet a local or national celebrity as part of their work. Some, like our guest Lanie Angeles, have met dozens or possibly hundreds of popular actors, musicians, politicians and other influencers as part of her long career in educational and media outreach. Sharing some of her most memorable encounters, both positive and not so positive, Lanie is quick to remind us that most celebrities, like everyday people, are enamored by animals, which offers an informal opportunity to educate and motivate those with larger platforms to get involved with...
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Christine Devane is a former elementary school teacher with a new children's book entitled, Elephant Beach. The story revolves around a shy girl who just wants to read her book while at the beach and a nearby playful group of elephants with other ideas. Devane hopes that introverted kids can learn to try new experiences and that extraverted children can be patient with those who may need a little more encouragement to participate in new activities or to make new friends. Also, Dr. Jason Bruck returns to discuss unfolding events in the Mexico legislature this past week. A bill likely to...
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Pernilla Mosesson is a long time trainer from Sweden having started her career working with marine mammals. We sat with her at the Johannesburg airport to hear her thoughts on the state of marine and terrestrial animal training across the zoological space. While there are many similarities between European and North American facilities, particularly with regard to the current politics surrounding zoos and aquariums, there were a few surprising differences!
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Much has changed since Zoo Logic first examined six years ago the North American pangolin consortium formed by several zoological parks despite some pushback from the industry. Providing an update on the status of the species, the handful of animals living in human care, and the consortium is Mark Wanner is Associate Vice President, Animal Care & Conservation for Brookfield Zoo Chicago and the Chair of the North American Pangolin Consortium. He describes their white bellied pangolin program which has resulted in several successful births, development of specialized diets, and the...
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Dr. Jason Bruck returns to discuss the seemingly increasing erosion of the peer review process by some authors looking to expand their legitimacy through overuse of self-citations and passing opinion articles off as science. The most egregious offenders of the process produce commentaries devoid of data or that refuse to address credible criticisms or contrasting data sets raised by other scientists through peer-reviewed rebuttals. Jason describes what structural business model changes and other obstacles have occurred to scientific publishing which have contributed to the rise in dubious...
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Susan Kleven is the long time director of the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville, TX. She returns to Zoo Logic to discuss her upcoming children's book telling the true story of Nzuri, a premature giraffe whose first time mother was unable to nurse or otherwise care for him. Nzuri Grows Up: A Preemie Giraffe's Story coauthored by Jennifer Keats Curtis is due out in wide release this fall through . Now more than six years old, Nzuri is thriving with the zoological team that beat the odds and gave this underdeveloped calf a chance at life.
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Behaviorist Tim Sullivan has been with the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago for 47 years, nearly half the history of that leading institution. After two decades as a marine mammal trainer and leader, Tim moved to an internal consultant role at the zoo by guiding the change from free to protected contact with their elephant team. Needless to say those were challenging times early on, which led Tim to examine his teaching methods, not so much with animals, but with humans! Since then he has temporarily (often for years at a time) led 4 other areas and departments. These days he is happy to...
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John M. Kinder is director of American Studies, professor of history at Oklahoma State University and author of the new book, . He chronicles the horrific effects of war on zoos throughout Europe, the US and the South Pacific and the sometimes heroic efforts by keepers and the public to preserve their animal charges even in times of scarcity and personal starvation. Zoos that were spared bombing still had to wrestle with difficult questions such as which animals should be euthanized when food supplies were low? Or which should be killed to prevent the escape of dangerous animals? Kinder...
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Tom LaRock is a long time zoo administrator turned wildlife safari travel operator. He founded to connect his travel organization with conservation organizations around the globe working on the ground to solve problems and preserve species and habitats. For him, the meaning behind rewild extends beyond the effort to return species to recovered habitats but also to connect travelers with the wild and wildlife. Animal Care
info_outlineAs 2023 draws to a close and Zoo Logic approaches its 300th episode, we look back at a remarkable institution that launched or strengthened the careers of many zoological professionals and leaders still very active today. In 1970, the second SeaWorld park opened in a most unlikely place, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio on the shores of Geauga Lake. The purpose of building an inland marine animal park in the Midwest was to draw upon a radius of huge population centers located within about a 6-hour drive of the location. Sadly, the park could never escape the realities of a seasonal park in a region prone to spectacular winter weather. However, despite its brief 30-year history, the blue collar zoological park left an indelible mark on the community and the professionals that passed through her gates. Some of those that knew her well discuss the unique park and the lessons learned while working there.