AquatiZoo podcast

A look into the inner workings of a zoo or aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Leadership, management, and career details that might interest someone who might be looking for a change or just might be curious about their favorite animal-related facilities!

Managing Perception for Organizations 05/08/2026

Managing Perception for Organizations Perceptions are not just important to manage on a personal level, but an organizational one as well. Today we discuss the identity management at a higher level and decision-making around perception of an institution and their work. There are many ways to handle it well, but there's a high potential for mistakes, too! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/41199150

Managing Perception in the Workplace 05/01/2026

Managing Perception in the Workplace You may not ponder what others think of you much, but there are some benefits to having an understanding of how you and your work are being perceived. Today we discuss why it's important to at least have an idea of what others may read in your words and actions, giving you a chance to correct and adjust! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/41067710

Data-Driven Empathy for Animal Care 04/24/2026

Data-Driven Empathy for Animal Care We use data-driven empathy regularly to improve welfare for our animals, so how might we be able to use similar skills for people? You don't have to be a leader to use data to improve someone's day, but being an animal care professional means you can take skills that you already have an apply them in a different and meaningful way! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40929450

Data-Driven Empathy in Leadership 04/17/2026

Data-Driven Empathy in Leadership The term "data-driven empathy" may seem contradictory, but it is important to understand what the numbers and the atmosphere are indicating about the health of your workplace. Paying attention to the numbers as well as the people aid in making appropriate and effective change to increase the welfare of all! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40893135

Risk in Animal Introductions 04/10/2026

Risk in Animal Introductions One of the most challenging things that animal care professionals have to do is introducing animals to one another. Today we discuss the methods we can use to make the transition smoother and all the things we think about before allowing animals to share the same space. Let's talk animal introductions! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40780510

Gaining Buy-In 03/27/2026

Gaining Buy-In There's a certain challenge to convincing others to go along with an idea or initiative that you're proposing, but there are a few simple things to keep in mind to help the process. Just one person can be enough to start a movement, so approach with curiosity and understanding, and soon enough you'll have the support to get things done! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40625635

Planning for the Future 03/20/2026

Planning for the Future When you have a job that is very physical in nature, planning by required if something like an injury or similar issue come into play. While unpleasant to consider having to alter the work you enjoy, it is a good idea to have an eye on the future to continue growing and be (sort of) ready for surprises ahead. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40547430

Initiative 03/13/2026

Initiative Why might someone be on the verge of losing a job for inaction? What else might be happening under the surface? Is it worth trying to help someone who may be struggling with initiative in the workplace? Let's talk about it! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40420440

For Profit and Non-Profit Zoos and Aquariums 03/06/2026

For Profit and Non-Profit Zoos and Aquariums Have you ever wondered how these different types of businesses operate? Today we discuss the things that are the same as well as the things that differ between the operation of AZA accredited for profit animal institutions and a non-profit animal institutions. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40320935

The Skill of Interviewing 02/20/2026

The Skill of Interviewing Believe it or not, you can get better at participation in the interview process! A bit of time spent preparing for these conversations can go a long way to help you find a team and organization that matches your abilities, values, and mission very well. Today, we discuss the skill of interviewing. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40171660

Teamwork in Aquariums and Zoos 02/13/2026

Teamwork in Aquariums and Zoos It's not just about the animals, or, it shouldn't be, at least. Despite our focus on providing great care for the animals, there is a need to spend time and effort cultivating relationships with each other. Our jobs have multiple dimensions, and ignoring one only serves to hamper oneself. Today we discuss the importance of valuing everyone on your team! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40080630

Accountability in Teams 02/06/2026

Accountability in Teams Accountability can a difficult thing to maintain in a group. Today we discuss the core issues at hand when people need to be held accountable for their actions (or inaction) and how we can handle this with empathy, understanding, and professionalism. Holding someone accountable does not have to ruin a relationship! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/40013195

Preparing for a Crisis 01/30/2026

Preparing for a Crisis There are many things to consider if you have the luxury of time to prepare for a situation that may impact work. In certain cases, there are many layers of decisions to be made and preparations to handle for an impending issue. Today we discuss the many things that zoos and aquariums are pondering when they weather... the weather! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/39918165

Internal or External Hiring 01/23/2026

Internal or External Hiring As if the work of hiring wasn't difficult enough, it's important to evaluate whether the best fit for a position is likely to come from a candidate already within the organization or to search out someone from outside the facility. Today we discuss the pros and cons that these different types of candidates bring to the table. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/39841180

Behind the Scenes Tours 01/16/2026

Behind the Scenes Tours It's a fun little add-on to the day, but there are a lot of hidden purposes and benefits to booking a tour behind the scenes. Whether your interest is in seeing unusual equipment, care techniques, asking lots of questions, or simply learning how the magic happens, the best way to get an idea for how an organization works is to take advantage of this special opportunity! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/39690935

Learn New Skills 01/09/2026

Learn New Skills The beginning of a new year is a great time to take a look at how things have been going and where some changes might be needed. A good way to keep the mind and body active and make improvements is to get interested and learn something new! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/39654105

Population Management 12/12/2025

Population Management Today is a deep dive into how we make decisions regarding how many animals to place in a given enclosure or space. There are many factors involved, but ultimately aquariums and zoos are trying to make the best decisions they can for optimal animal health and wellbeing! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/39375375

Psychological Safety 12/05/2025

Psychological Safety If you're not familiar with the term, you're very likely familiar with the feeling of a workplace where psychological safety has been established or where it was not. Unlocking creativity, innovation, and honesty requires some measure of freedom to express oneself authentically. A successful organization prioritizes a psychologically safe environment for its employees. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/39286650

Lifespans of Animals 11/14/2025

Lifespans of Animals It's one of the most common questions that we hear in the aquarium and zoo field. People naturally want to know how long animals live and sometimes the lifespans of animals in human care are compared to the lifespans of their counterparts in the wild. There are many factors at play, but let's discuss the lifespans of animals! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38971825

Dealing with Multiple Supervisors 11/07/2025

Dealing with Multiple Supervisors Often our organizations are structured in such a way that we have the potential for several supervisors, and their requests may differ. How might one prioritize or navigate a situation when there is more than one supervisor with a request? Today we discuss some options for how one might approach this complicated scenario. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38943250

Insurance in Zoos and Aquariums 10/24/2025

Insurance in Zoos and Aquariums Today we're taking an exceptionally deep dive into the things behind the scenes that keep zoos and aquariums running. There are many things that could happen unexpectedly in your average zoo or aquarium, so we do what we can to prepare ahead of a problem. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38640185

Revisiting: The Art of Forgiveness 09/26/2025

Revisiting: The Art of Forgiveness We're often led to believe that offering forgiveness to someone who has wronged us is only of benefit to the other person. In reality, it's quite the opposite! Today we discuss the vast difficulty and subtle-but-powerful benefits of forgiveness. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38359755

Revisiting: Guest Experience vs. Animal Welfare 09/19/2025

Revisiting: Guest Experience vs. Animal Welfare We understand what they are, but are guest experience and animal welfare naturally opposing forces? No, but it might happen behind the scenes in your favorite aquarium or zoo. We discuss the how and why this happens, and ponder ways to move forward together for the benefit of all. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38272725

Neurodivergence in the Workplace 09/05/2025

Neurodivergence in the Workplace Approaching this purely as a coworker and sometimes leader of people, today we discuss the challenges (and overestimated challenges) one might run across while working with people who experience the world differently than we do. There are lots of ways we can ensure that everyone has a chance to work peacefully and productively. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38050455

Surplus Animals 08/29/2025

Surplus Animals There are times when a zoo or aquarium has more animals than they can realistically care for in the long term. There are plans in place to handle these situations and to make sure that the extra animals have a full and comfortable life even if we aren't the ones who will be caring for them that entire time. Today, we discuss surplus animals! /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/38014695

Actions vs. Outcomes 08/08/2025

Actions vs. Outcomes There's a big difference in contemplating the "what" behind a goal versus the "why." Today we discuss the difference between actions and outcomes and how learning to recognize and focus on the right one will help to accomplish some big dreams. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/37726820

Scientific Research in Zoos and Aquariums 07/25/2025

Scientific Research in Zoos and Aquariums Our institutions strive to provide education, conservation, and scientific discovery to the communities we serve. There are several ways in which aquariums and zoos contribute to the scientific knowledge of animals and their behavior, though they may not be the straightforward ways you might imagine. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/37539650

Change Management 07/18/2025

Change Management When our organizations need to make changes, we should consider the methods and approach carefully. Why is change important? Where do we start? How can we make the changes stick? Today we discuss the challenges of change management. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/37435325

Social Media in Zoos and Aquariums 07/11/2025

Social Media in Zoos and Aquariums Despite it being such a normalized part of modern society, aquariums and zoos have to be thoughtful in the way they use social media. It can be a double-edged sword. Today we discuss the good and the bad of maintaining social media for these types of institutions. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/37368830

Risk Management 07/04/2025

Risk Management When change is needed, it is important to discuss the the worst possible scenario and the best possible outcome. Doing so, we can put things into perspective, use good judgment, and determine next steps all while giving ourselves the best chance at success. /episode/index/show/aquatizoo/id/37275255

AquatiZoo podcast

TOPICS