Deep Water
Zoo Logic
James Bradley, an award winning author of fiction has just released his latest title, a non-fiction book entitled Deep Water: the world in the ocean. It is a "blend of history, nature writing, and environmental science" giving readers insights into the mysteries of the ocean and "humanity's complex connections to the seas." In one passage, James describes the surprisingly complex life cycle of Antarctic krill, its vast biomass often visible from space, and the source of energy for so many species including fish, penguins, and whales. Yet krill are declining in key areas that...
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Career Educator
Zoo Logic
Long time zoo and aquarium educator, Terran McGinnis discusses her passion for informal education from her earliest days as a park naturalist. From great storytelling to laughter, she describes some of the most effective ways to reach audiences of all ages. As she steps down from chairing the education committee for the after many years of service to the zoological community, Terran talks about how the industry has learned from its earlier push to share "just the facts" about animals, in hopes of avoiding the appearance of anthropomorphism, to weaving in more of the powerful emotional...
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ABMA Behavior Month
Zoo Logic
This October marks the Animal Behavior Management Alliance's () fourth annual Behavior Month featuring daily animal training videos from zoological professionals from around the globe. The goal is to share training ideas and examples to enhance species' well-being in zoos, aquariums, as well as with companion animals. These contributions are to anyone interested in animals and the science of operant conditioning through positive reinforcement. Plus, our colleagues at (ZDR3.org) provide a brief update on response efforts in the wake of hurricane Helene.
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Escape From Extinction: Rewilding
Zoo Logic
According to and its leadership team, the newly released sequel to 2020's award-winning "Escape from Extinction," introduces the science of "rewilding," a proven method for sustainable conservation that has the potential to bring back hundreds of thousands of species from the brink of extinction. Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane and the film's Executive Producer, along with Director and producer from MRB Productions, Matthew Brady, discuss the science and optimism behind rewilding projects from all over the world. The examples in "Escape From Extinction Rewilding"...
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Survival of the Fitness
Zoo Logic
Peter Giljam is a long time animal trainer and cofounder of the training resources website Zoospensefull.com. In his spare time from his role as Behavioral Curator at SeaWorld Australia, he's also developed into an avid triathlon athlete. We asked him about his physical and mental health journey since COVID and whether the pain, frustration, dedication, and euphoria of such endurance competition has affected his animal training and behavioral management approach. Given the industry-wide concern and focus on enhancing the well-being of species in our care, how do those goals mirror the physical...
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Enrichment Is Not a Substitute Trainer
Zoo Logic
Jim Nemet is a long time marine and terrestrial animal trainer and serves as the Director of Wildlife for the Cleveland Natural History Museum. We asked him about the somewhat dated and artificial distinctions between training and enrichment, especially at a time when zoological facilities are increasingly concerned about improving animal welfare or well-being. Jim talks about the wider applications of operant conditioning and behavioral management, of which enrichment is a component, not just for public display animals in zoos and aquariums, but rescue, rehab and return of native species, as...
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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...
info_outlineShelley Ballmann is the force behind Ocean Futures and its nonprofit wing, Ocean Connections. 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 longstanding facility at Hershey Park, as part of the Dolly Parton family of attractions. She is particularly thrilled to be able to bring educational components to these highly theatrical cirque-type shows which include sea lions, birds and domestic dogs. As evidence of Ocean Connections' success, Shelley and her team are preparing another animal team for a third location in the Dolly company to begin in 2025.