Developing Dolphin Drones
Zoo Logic
Dr. Jason Bruck and his collaborator, Dr. Jamey D. Jacob, School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Oklahoma Sate University describe their efforts to develop a suitable drone platform to study small cetaceans in the wild. Known as PHASM, Passive Health Assessment in Sea Mammals, the team has already worked through several iterations of the emerging technology to best collect and assess respiratory samples from bottlenose dolphins. Rather than rotary technology, the team settled on a fixed wing drone design to prevent dolphin blow samples from being dispersed by the downward...
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Seadragons
Zoo Logic
The announced the significant birth of several weedy seadragons. It is the first successful birth of these uncommon animals at Columbus, one of only a handful of institutions that have successfully bred seadragons. Senior Aquarist Aaron Jeskie, who was instrumental in the successful outcome, describes these unique creatures and some of the reasons they are so challenging to display and maintain.
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Sharks Don't Sink
Zoo Logic
Jasmin Graham describes her unique path as a shark scientist at , as well as, her efforts to increase diversity among the biological sciences, especially in marine science. She's also the president and CEO of (MISS), an organization dedicated to "see representation of gender minorities from historically-excluded communities of color and the Global South in shark, ray and other marine sciences is the norm rather than the exception." Her new book is entitled "
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International Conservation Center
Zoo Logic
Dr. Jeremy Goodman President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium returns to discuss the organization's rural 1000 acre offsite conservation center. Originally acquired to facilitate African elephant breeding and closed to the public, the (ICC) has added a few additional species and developed educational programming and other recreational activities to meet the needs of its rural farm community neighbors as well as school kids and families from the greater Pittsburgh area. The future of the facility includes developing conservation breeding programs for additional colder climate exotic...
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Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Zoo Logic
In 2021, Dr. Jeremy Goodman succeeded long time leader Dr. Barbara Baker to become the president and CEO of the , one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the US. Following years working as a clinician, Dr. Goodman elected to change his professional focus to serve as chief administrator of several other zoological institutions leading them through periods of significant change. He describes the rich history of his current facility, partnering with other major philanthropic organizations, and his vision for the future.
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Cannabis for Companion, Farm and Exotic Animals
Zoo Logic
Dr. Tim Shu is the founder and CEO of , a California based company that specializes in cannabis products for domestic, farm and zoological animals. As the legal cannabis industry for humans and animals grows across the US, state by state, the public has many questions as to the safety and efficacy of extracts like CBD or full spectrum products that include low doses of THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Dr. Shu reminds us that while the plant has largely been demonized for the past century, its extensive medicinal use by humans dates back thousands of years. Research on...
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News Zoos Can Use
Zoo Logic
Troy Hayden has been a journalist and TV news anchor for over 35 years. We asked for his perspective concerning the news industry's views on zoos and aquariums and whether a reporter's approach varies if the names "sanctuary" or "rescue" are attached. Troy admits to being a fan of zoos as a kid but admitted major controversies like that portrayed in Blackfish have tarnished the zoological community's reputation and created greater skepticism among some of his peers. A skepticism he doesn't share thanks in part to being married to a zoo and aquarium president who has opened his eyes to...
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Ocean Connections
Zoo Logic
Shelley Ballmann is the force behind Ocean Futures and its nonprofit wing, . Starting her career as a dolphin trainer, Shelley earned her niche working with pinnipeds at a time when everyone was more focused on cetaceans like bottlenose dolphins and orcas. She believes that training sea lions truly hones one's skill as a trainer in ways unique to pinnipeds. Following the closing of operations after 30-plus years at their original facility at Milwaukee County Zoo and a name change/addition, Shelley has expanded her programs and animal teams to two new locations, in addition to her...
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Never Too Late to Prepare for Disaster
Zoo Logic
Hurricane Beryl's effect on the Texas power grid still being felt by millions of people reminds us all that natural disasters like wind, fire, or flood can can occur anywhere with devastating consequences. Fortunately the team at Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery () has experience helping facilities plan for and if needed, respond to emergencies that can disrupt the lives of animals, staff, and the surrounding community. With over 180 zoological facility members united in support of each other in just a few years of operation, ZDR3 Executive Director, Julia Wilder...
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Operation Beluga Rescue: Ukraine to Spain
Zoo Logic
Dennis Christen, Senior Director, Animal Wellbeing & Behavior for the was one of the architects that helped move two beluga whales from the NEMO Dolphinarium in Putin-ravaged Ukraine to the safety of Europe's largest aquarium, Oceanographic, in Valencia, Spain. This story made international headlines recently and involved a host of zoological facilities and other agencies to rescue these animals from worsening conditions such as power interruptions, food and other supply chain issues, and the inherent danger posed to NEMO staff caring for these and other animals over the past several...
info_outlineBest selling author, Emmy winning actor, and fierce animal advocate, Carolyn Hennesy returns to discuss her recent comments at the annual meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) about how zoos and aquariums can begin to build better relationships with entertainers and influencers. In many instances, entertainers and those who work behind the camera inside the film and television industry have to be concerned about what supporting modern zoos and aquariums may do to their careers and future employment prospects. Carolyn encourages us to be persistent, inviting, and accommodating to those we wish to recruit into helping educate the world, including our detractors, about the important work of conservation we do.