Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation

Dateline: June 27, 2025. This episode starts off like any other, but then as I dive into my headline story it goes off the rails. I talk about the loss the animal world experienced this week as we said goodbye to Mikayla Raines of Save A Fox Rescue. This leads to a discussion of bullying, mental health, the supposed anonymity of the internet, and how we can support our animal caregivers. ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.comPatreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Today, the Safari heads to Sedgwick County Zoo to discuss some incredible animals including orangutans and chimpanzees! Best of all, much of the interview is conducted with two mama chimps and two baby chimps, including a 2.5 week old baby. I've never seen anything like it in person, and I can't wait to share all of this great content with you! EPISODE LINKS: @sedgwickcountyzoo on socials scz.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: June 20, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on me. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Aquarium of Niagara, Southwick's Zoo, Zoo Miami, Sequoia Park Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, and more.We then say goodbye to animals from Buttonwood Park Zoo, Denver Zoo, Hogle Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, and Chattanooga Zoo.We have additional Zoo News stories from the Columbus Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Perth Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, and more! Conservation News stories includes updating pangolin protections, a rediscovery, and more! And in Other News, it's Ed the zebra.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Goddard, KS, to Tanganyika Wildlife Park, to talk to Dr. Samantha Russak on her birthday!  This episode gets into all kinds of cool research and welfare topics, and also features a surprise guest who wanted to drop in to say hi and to call me an a-hole. Ok, most of you probably now know who it is, but still, exciting stuff! EPISODE LINKS: twpark.com @tanganyikawildlifepark on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: June 13, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee!Our headline story this week heads back to the Natural Bridge Zoo, which should probably be renamed the Natural Disaster Zoo at this point. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from the National Aviary, Elmwood Park Zoo, Cape May County Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and more.We then say goodbye to animals from Brookfield Zoo, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Happy Hollow Park Zoo, and more. We have additional Zoo News stories from SeaWorld Orlando, Sequoia Park Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, and more.Conservation News stories include all positive stories, including new ocean protections, new info about lizards, and more!And we skip Other News this week.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Southwick's Zoo for two amazing interviews. First, sit in as Dani and her team welcome us into a post-show discussion after one of their new free flight shows. Then join us as we introduce you to John Simcox of the Talon Ridge Raptor Institute and share some really exciting news! EPISODE LINKS: @talonridegeraptors@southwickszooofficial - All NEW instagram for Southwick's! ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: June 6, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee!Our headline story this week features multiple stories about Pride, Pride events at zoos, a zoo that is admitting they need to do better, and how you can help zoos become more inclusive and welcoming spaces for all! We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from the Smithsonian's National Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Jacksonville Zoo, Altina Wildlife Park, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Zoo Knoxville. We then say goodbye to animals from Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Denver Zoo, Turtleback Zoo, and the Indianapolis Zoo.We have additional Zoo News stories from the Erie Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Denver Zoo, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Francisco Zoo. And we start with a look at how Bad Bunny and Brookfield Zoo are partnering together to save toads. Conservation News stories include lynx in Scotland, a fauna escape hatch, two rediscoveries, and the reintroduction of gorillas! And in Other News, we talk about a pet zebra on the loose and how the bird flu may outlive us all.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Omaha, Nebraska, to sit down with Mitch Carl of the Henry Doorly Zoo, regularly rated one of the best zoos in the country. We talk about taking care of all of the water at the zoo, the aquarium including the team and animals found within, and try really hard to get Mitch to think of one or two mammals he likes. EPISODE LINKS: @omahazoo on socials omahazoo.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.compatreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: May 30, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee!Our headline story this week features multiple stories about bad zoos getting in trouble, which is my favorite thing they do.We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Exmoor Zoo, Fresno Chaffe Zoo, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and Tanganyika Wildlife Park!We then say goodbye to animals from Oklahoma City Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, the Sydney Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and Woodland Park Zoo.We have additional Zoo News stories from the Kansas City Zoo, Lehigh Valley Zoo, the National Aquarium, Trevor Zoo, an update on animal laws in Britain, and the USA Today Top Ten Aquariums List! Conservation News stories include a new octopus, an unsurprising update on dire wolves, two amazing stories about coral restoration efforts, praise for Republican conservation efforts, and a look at what might be the last effort to save the Orinoco crocodile.And in Other News, we talk about primate kidnapping and even worse...drumming!ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Manhattan, KS, to hang out with Caitlin Kenny of the Sunset Zoo. We talk tiger training, red panda baby time, going from lemurs to...lemurs? and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: sunsetzoo.com @sunsetzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: May 23, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on meeeeeeee!Our headline story this week features three stories tied together to illustrate how easy it is for the anti-zoo movement to cause trouble online without any real reason, logic, or facts to go off of. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from ZooWorld, Idaho Falls Zoo, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the Museum of Life and Science, Calgary Zoo, Zoo Goerlitz, the Jacksonville Zoo, Tanganyika Wildlife Park, and Port Moresby Nature Park.We then say goodbye to animals from Mill Mountain Zoo, Ecotarium, Bergen County Zoo, and Point Defiance Zoo.We have additional Zoo News stories from the Cincinnati Zoo, Hogle Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Racine Zoo, and the Memphis Zoo. Conservation News stories are about Mountain Pygmy Possums, white noise machines getting rid of bats, a new species of caterpillar, and more! And in Other News, we go back to baseball and also talk about parrot names. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Kansas for our first episode from Tanganyika Wildlife Park. This experiential zoological facility is unlike anywhere else I've visited, and we dig into why that is, and into some of the amazing animals found at the park with today's guest, Jess Price. From honey badgers to primates to rhinos and giraffes, we talk a ton of animals, but we also talk about how the culture of this unique facility really sets it apart for staff and guests alike. EPISODE LINKS: twpark.com @tanganyikawildlifepark on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: May 16, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a funny story that turns into a heartfelt message.We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Zoo Knoxville, the Dallas Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, and Nashville Zoo. We say goodbye to animals from the Oregon Zoo, Phoenix Zoo, and Chattanooga Zoo. And then we have one more deeper story with an open question I want to hear your answer to! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Boston to visit Franklin Park Zoo, part of Zoo New England! But we aren't there to talk with people that work at the zoo...instead, we are talking to Matthew Kamm and Kirsten Ward of the Zoo New England Field Conservation Team! We talk turtles, we talk newts, we talk all kinds of good stuff. I always love shining a light on the conservation work done at zoos, and the fact that this organization has an entire staff dedicated to field conservation is such a wonderful thing to hear! EPISODE LINKS:@zoonewenglandzoonewengland.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok

Dateline: May 9, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with our usual introduction, talking a bit about me. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Zoo Duisburg, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Abilene Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, Aquarium of Niagara, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo! We say goodbye to beloved animals at Zoo Boise, the Toledo Zoo, Utica Zoo, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the Oregon Zoo.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from Mote Marine Lab, Zoos Victoria, Brevard Zoo, the St. Louis Zoo, the Cincinnati Zoo, and the reveal of the latest SAFE Program! Then in Conservation News we have multiple rediscoveries, multiple stories focused on how new technologies are helping save species, and a discussion about the video game Fortnite!In Other News, we talk about a guy who got bit by a lot of snakes and more! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Happy Keep the Five Alive Day! To celebrate all things rhino, I'm bringing you an interview with Nina Fascione of the International Rhino Foundation! We talk all things rhino and rhino conservation, from going deep into exactly how scary the world of poachers can be to discussing the "arms race" of conservation. We also talk about the amazing rangers helping to save the five species of rhinos, how dogs are helping conserve rhinos, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: rhinos.org@rhinosirf on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod and check out exclusive stickers!

Dateline: May 2, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with our usual introduction, talking a bit about me. We then get to our headline story for the week: my interview with Scott Newland, CEO of Sedgwick County Zoo, about the amazing work being done to save siheks, through collaborative efforts of AZA facilities and conservation partners.  We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Maryland Zoo, Australia Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Dallas Zoo, Bronx Zoo, and Paignton Zoo. Also bonus interview content with Scott!We say goodbye to beloved animals at ZooMontana, the St. Louis Zoo, Topeka Zoo, and the Buffalo Zoo.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the Columbus Zoo, Tierpark Schönebeck, and Chester Zoo.Then in Conservation News we have good news for oysters, snow leopard population studies in Nepal, an interesting look at the human side of conservation, and more.In Other News, we talk about a guy who didn't get eaten by gators. Good job, guy.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari stays in Boston to bring you another fun episode from our friends at New England Aquarium. This week, we are talking about the pinnipeds that call the facility home! Five California sea lions and five harbor seals make up this incredible collection, and you'll not only learn all about them and the amazing training done with them, but even get to join me inside the seal habitat and hear from some of the animals as well as the trainers there! EPISODE LINKS: newenglandaquarium.org @newenglandaquarium on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: April 4, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a discussion about my time spent at Tanganyika Wildlife Park this week, and go into a lot of detail about what makes this such an incredible, and incredibly unique, facility. We then get to our headline story for the week: Two currently running polls, one for the best zoo in the country, and one for the best aquarium in the country. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from the Nashville Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo, Stone Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, Wrocktaw Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and Zoo Berlin.We say goodbye to beloved animals at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, Chattanooga Zoo, ZooAtlanta, and Rockhampton Zoo. The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Nova Wild Zoo, Chester Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Mesker Park Zoo, Monterey Bay Aquarium, SeaWorld, the Oakland Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and Roger Williams Park Zoo.Then in Conservation News we have good news for sea turtles, a hippo tragedy, the Trump administration doing Trumpy things, and a look at an interesting situation involving koalas in Australia. In Other News, we talk about why you never see an obese Gila monster. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Boston to visit our friends at the New England Aquarium to talk all things penguins in celebration of World Penguin Day! Learn about the incredible habitat at the Aquarium that makes life fascinating for the penguins and the trainers there, how the two species that currently call the facility home are similar and different, and so much more! You'll also get to go on an audio tour of the various penguin habitats with me, including the new penguin retirement home! EPISODE LINKS: newenglandaquarium.org @newenglandaquarium on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline April 18, 2025Rossifari Zoo News is back with a collection of stories that go deeper than usual, but less so than last week! This week we share some personal stories, and then look at three headlines from the field. First, we discuss what an Executive Order signed this week means for animal conservation. Spoiler alert: It's not good. Then we dive into the labor unrest at the San Diego Zoo. And we finish up by taking a look at the negative effect the #AIActionFigure trend had on zoos and aquariums this week, and how some facilities rose above the fray to participate in creative ways.Also, Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok

Today, the Safari heads back to Buttonwood Park Zoo, to talk to newly appointed director Shara Rapoza along with returning friends Sarah Henry and Sara Van Wormer! We talk about the new Ambassador Animal building the zoo is nearing completion on, and what that will look like when it has its glorious opening to the public later this year! We also talk about some of the amazing ambassadors that call the zoo home, what goes into deciding to turn a barn into a state-of-the-art Ambassador building, and so much more! And of course, I start with an update about my girl, Emily the elephant!EPISODE LINKS: bpzoo.org @buttonwoodparkzoo on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials@rossifaripod on TikTok

Dateline: April 11, 2025.You knew it was coming, and it's here. An entire episode digging into every aspect of this week's announcement of the "de-extinction" of dire wolves by Colossal Biosciences. We talk about this from a variety of angles, and dig into some of the other claims the company has made. We also look at what this might mean to the current administration, and most importantly, what effect this can have on conservation. And shockingly, Jurassic Park and Game of Thrones references are kept to a minimum. For me. ROSSIFARI LINKS: Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod and get stickers Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari takes a journey (on Zoom) to Peru to discuss RAREC, the RAINFOREST AWARENESS RESCUE EDUCATION CENTRE, located in Peru! We have a wild and sprawling conversation with John Garnica, the founder of the organization, talking about how his career took him from Kanye to the rainforest, how our friends at The Nashville Zoo made his dream a reality, how a motorcycle accident almost derailed everything, and how, time and again, John has overcome the odds to create a magical place that is doing so much for animals! EPISODE LINKS: rarec.org @rarec.center on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok

Dateline: April 4, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update on me and a story about how I saved a beaver this week. Totally good normal stuff.We then get to two headline stories: one looking at how recent Executive Orders can affect the Smithsonian's National Zoo, and zoos and aquariums in general; and then as a pallet cleanser, a look at some of the best April Fool's posts from facilities we all love! We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Colchester Zoo, Long Island Aquarium, Hertfordshire Zoo, Altina Wildlife Park, Zoo Miami, Opel Zoo, The Alaska Zoo, and Longleat. We say goodbye to beloved animals at Brevard Zoo, Gladys Porter Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, the Detroit Zoo, and the Nashville Zoo. The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the New Zoo, Duke Lemur Center, the San Antonio Zoo, SeaLife Sydney, and more.Then in Conservation News we have good and bad news for wolves and a look at a recent bust in the illegal wildlife trade. In Other News, we talk about dogs.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Providence, RI, to sit down with some incredible team members at Roger Williams Park Zoo. Diana and Emily are an amazing duo that work with ambassador animals and in the commissary (which we never even get to), and have a LOT of fun doing it. This duo has come up in their careers together, and the relationship they share is as amazing as the work they are currently doing. With shoutouts to SANCCOB, VulPro, Amy Fennell, and Dani Poirier-Larson, this episode has it all! EPISODE LINKS: rwpzoo.org @rwpzoo on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

Dateline: March 28, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update on me and a chat about Penguins International's March of the Penguin Madness competition! We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from the Nashville Zoo, the Toledo Zoo, ZooAtlanta, Auckland Zoo, Dudley Zoo, Altina Wildlife Park, and Wildlife World Zoo! We say goodbye to beloved animals at SeaWorld San Antonio, the San Francisco Zoo, the Memphis Zoo, Pueblo Zoo, the Louisville Zoo, and the Alaska Zoo. The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the Cincinnati Zoo, Zoos Victoria, the New Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, and more! Then in Conservation News we talk about cougars in Michigan, mountain bongos moving from Florida to Africa, and a look at what is going on with juvenile seal populations on Sable Island.In Other News, we talk about how beavers should be in government, or something like that.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Wildlife World Zoo to catch up with our friend Danielle Hinderliter, bird keeper, educator, and one of the faces of the zoo! We talk about what the last two years have been like at the zoo, discuss the human-animal connection, and so much more! Oh, and we talk birds. So. Many. Birds. EPISODE LINKS: @wildlifeworldzoo on socials wildlifeworld.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

Dateline: March 21, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update on me and a chat about Penguins International's March of the Penguin Madness competition! We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Mogo Wildlife Park, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, The North Carolina Zoo, Saginaw Children's Zoo, Sea Life Sydney, and Lincoln Park Zoo. We say goodbye to beloved animals at ZooAtlanta, Seattle Aquarium, and Sedgwick County Zoo.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from The Minnesota Zoo, Brevard Zoo, Altina Wildlife Park, and the Cincinnati Zoo! Then in Conservation News Katie Propp jumps on to discuss March of the Penguin Madness AND a new legal victory for African penguins, we celebrate the largest sea turtle hospital in the world, discuss beaver reintroductions, look at stats about rhino conservation, and so much more! In Other News, we talk about a new ray being discovered and go into details about how not to smuggle turtles through airports. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to the Lehigh Valley Zoo to talk to Dani DiMarco about all the things. We catch up on what's new since our last interview, we go wander the zoo together and talk about some new and cool animals, and so much more. This is just one of those conversations where two friends just chat animals and zoos and have the best time! EPISODE LINKS: @lvzoo on socials lvzoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari for stickers

Dateline: March 14, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update on me and a chat about Penguins International's March of the Penguin Madness competition! We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Roger Williams Park Zoo, Zoo Montana, Seneca Park Zoo, Zoo Miami, The Toledo Zoo, The Duke Lemur Center, Sacramento Zoo, The Denver Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, and the Nashville Zoo.We say goodbye to beloved animals at Lehigh Valley Zoo, the Phoenix Zoo, Zoo de Granby, and the Jacksonville Zoo.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from Monarto Safari Park, the Cincinnati Zoo, Zoo Poznań, Reid Park Zoo, Zoo Miami, the Columbus Zoo, and also a look at some fake stories that popped up online this week. Then in Conservation News we discuss the latest Trump Administration decisions that affect conservation, some new rediscoveries of species, how six elephants dying in Sri Lanka illustrate the larger issues facing the species, and the start of sea turtle nesting season. In Other News, we talk about a new discovery about mice that is truly fascinating. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Wildlife World Zoo outside of Phoenix, to talk to three trainers who had to put up with my sorry butt for an entire week as I did a voluntary mini internship (Minternship) with the sea lion training team at the zoo! We talk about why an incredible team matters so much, and how an incredible culture can create resiliency for animals and staff alike. We dig into so much more interesting stuff, and the episode ends with a very unique musical performance! ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: March 7, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with where I am now, and wondering why is it so cold?Our headline story is a look at Chappy, the seal pup rescued by Mystic Aquarium that came to national prominence before sadly passing away. What can we learn from all the things Mystic did so, so right? We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Blank Park Zoo, the San Diego Zoo, Jacksonville Zoo, the Indianapolis Zoo, the London Zoo, and Wild Discovery! We say goodbye to beloved animals at Potawatomi Zoo, the Calgary Zoo, and the Toronto Zoo.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the AZA, Zoos Victoria, Zoo Atlanta, Buttonwood Park Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and more! Then in Conservation News we discuss the latest Trump Administration decisions that affect conservation, some new rediscoveries of species, and the latest update on the quest to recreate the woolly mammoth. In Other News, we talk about a death that wasn't and also a look at how your house cat can be affected by HPAI in new and exciting ways! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari continues our celebration of 10 years and 50 programs under the AZA's SAFE banner! We look at what individual programs are doing, talking to members of SAFE Gorilla and SAFE African Penguin about the work they are doing in the field, what goes into getting involved in a SAFE program, how conservation partners team up with SAFE programs, and more. We also spend some time talking about the incredible animals at each of their home facilities, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok

Dateline: 2.28.25 Today's episode of Rossifari Zoo News starts with Jon riffing about life and how tired he is. Lots of cool stuff going on this week, Then we do a deep dive into what is going on at the SeaQuest chain of aquariums. It's a long story with a pretty solid ick factor. Then it's Animal Holidays, because Jon is very, very tired.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari sits down with Dan Ashe and Katey Leban of the AZA to start a two-part series looking at the ten years and fifty programs of AZA SAFE! We talk about what SAFE programs are, how they are run, how they manage to maintain independence while being part of the AZA, and so much more! Tune in next week to hear from members of individual SAFE programs as they share the incredible work they are doing towards their goal of Saving Animals From Extinction! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: February 21, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a story about my time on SNL. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Hogle Zoo, Zoo Tampa, the Perth Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, and Zoo Miami. We say goodbye to beloved animals at Zoo Boise, the Chattanooga Zoo, The Denver Zoo, Paignton Zoo, the Oakland Zoo, and a surprising and amusing farewell.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from Milwaukee County Zoo, the Auckland Zoo, the Fort Worth Zoo, the Philadelphia Zoo, as well as a look at the Top 10 Zoos voting from USA Today and a look at grief. Then in Conservation News we discuss Celebrity Jeopardy and two conservation stories from Scotland. In Other News we talk about pet microchips. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Birds of a Feather Talk TogetherA podcast on The Feather Thief - a true crime museum heist in search of bird feathersListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today, the Safari heads down to Fort Worth, TX, to talk to Tripp Gorman, the president of the Elephant Managers Association. This professional organization exists to help any human who takes care of elephants to increase their knowledge and skills! A lost-cost professional organization that focuses on welfare regardless of anything else going on at your facility is pretty rare, and I find it really inspiring! EPISODE LINKS: elephantmanagers.com @elephantmanagersassociation on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials@rossifaripod on TikTokpatreon.com/rossifari to support the podBirds of a Feather Talk TogetherA podcast on The Feather Thief - a true crime museum heist in search of bird feathersListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Dateline: February 14, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update about the SAFE Red Panda plan.Our headline story this week is...well, I'm not going to spoil it. But it's a STORY, y'all!We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from the Oregon Zoo, Shreveport Aquarium, Metro Richmond Zoo, Mystic Aquarium, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.We say goodbye to beloved animals at Elmwood Park Zoo, the Adelaide Zoo, the Tulsa Zoo, the Naples Zoo, ZooAtlanta, and Smithsonian's National Zoo.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from Sedgwick County Zoo, Phoenix Zoo, Bronx Zoo, the San Francisco Zoo, and more.Then in Conservation News we have the latest ways Trump is trying to destroy environmental protections, jaguar migration, a look at the tiger population of India, an extension of the ivory ban in the UK, some concerning news about monarch butterflies, and one way climate change is actually a positive.In Other News we talk about pinnipeds in beds and such.  ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Birds of a Feather Talk TogetherA podcast on The Feather Thief - a true crime museum heist in search of bird feathersListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today, the Safari heads to Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester to sit down with elephant footcare specialist Mike McClure. I spent the day with Mike watching him train the elephant teams from Seneca Park Zoo and Rosamond Gifford Zoo on the intricacies of elephant foot health, and it was truly amazing. We talk about the conservation work Mike participates in, the field work he does in Africa and Nepal, how zoos contribute directly to the welfare of animals in the wild, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @mcclureinternational ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: February 7, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update from my life and welcome some new Patrons. Our headline stories this week are two deep dives into very interesting topics: first, Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the AZA talks about a recent email he sent to the membership of the AZA that led to some confusion and controversy. It's a great discussion about the DEAI situation in the AZA. We then have a second headline story in which you'll get to experience my day with Linda Chavez and Raquel Gomez, two musicians from the Valley Symphony Orchestra who went to Gladys Porter Zoo and played for a variety of animals there. It's a beautiful story with incredible music. We then have just a few Zoo News items from Woodland Park Zoo, the Toledo Zoo, and the Oakland Zoo.Then in Conservation News we have some more rediscoveries, a Quick Look at some bad news for the oceans, a discussion about a measure passed in Alaska that is terrible news for the predator populations there, a look at how many giraffe species there are, and more! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Papua New Guinea to talk to Jim Thomas of the Tenkile Conservation Alliance, an organization dedicated to the conservation of tree kangaroos in their natural habitat. You'll hear about three species of tree roos we've never talked about before on the pod, learn the amazing conservation work being done to save these animals, and get a Poop Story that will blow you away. EPISODE LINKS: tenkile.com @tenkileconservationalliance on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod! 

Dateline: January 31, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick update from Texas! Our headline story this week is Zoë talking about a proposed change to the veterinary field that is NOT a great idea. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Dickerson Park Zoo, the Chattanooga Zoo, Karlsruhe Zoo, and Cameron Park Zoo.We say goodbye to beloved animals at the Edinburgh Zoo, the Montgomery Zoo, the Staten Island Zoo, Dickerson Park Zoo, John Ball Zoo, and Zoo Berlin.The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from ZooMontana, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Potawatomi Zoo, and so much more! Then in Conservation News we have another update about bird flu, discuss a whole community coming together to save tortoises, discuss the illegal wildlife trade, and dive into why we keep finding species we thought were extinct. In Other News we finally end the escaped monkeys story from three months ago, look for some heroes, and share an amazing story about bonnethead sharks! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari sits down with Josh Courteau of Species 360 to talk all about ZIMS, the Zoological Information Management System that is basically involved in every aspect of life in zoos and aquariums. If you've ever wondered what facilitates moving animals between facilities, how veterinary records travel from facility to facility, how research done at one facility is shared with others, how we get base levels of medical information for various species, and so much more, ZIMS is the technology that allows all this to happen! EPISODE LINKS: @species360 on socials species360.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: January 24, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off by welcoming a new Patron, and discussing the Patron sticker program! Our headline story this week is me ranting about politics. You can skip to 14 minutes and 10 seconds in to avoid it. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from The Toledo Zoo, The National Aquarium, and The Indianapolis Zoo.We say goodbye to beloved animals at Zoo Miami, the National Zoo, Brevard Zoo, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Pittsburgh Zoo. The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from Seneca Park Zoo, the Maryland Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the Little Rock Zoo, the Adelaide Zoo, and some extra fun Zoo News stories.Then in Conservation News we talk about the unconventional growth of the Arctic fox population, an update on avian influenza, an assessment of wolves in Yellowstone after 30 years, and a look at the Recovering America's Wildlife Act. In Other News we find out that cuttlefish are even more impressive than I thought, and discuss how a prosthetic penis derailed the career of a falconer.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to the Metro Richmond Zoo to bring you the story of Poppy, the world-famous baby pygmy hippo that is taking the internet by storm! Come meet mom, dad, and America's Princess, Poppy! You'll get to hear a lot of cool stuff about pygmy hippos and what having a sudden celebrity has been like for the zookeepers and the rest of the staff at the zoo! EPISODE LINKS: metrorichmondzoo.com @metrorichmondzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: January 17, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick look Look at what I have coming up soon with my gigging life, and also some exciting podcast news!Our headline story this week is about a new study showing that sea pens may not be the best option for cetaceans currently in human care. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from The Prague Zoo, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Brevard Zoo, and Colchester Zoo! We say goodbye to beloved animals at WNC Nature Center, Beardsley Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, the Cincinnati Zoo, the Oklahoma City Zoo, and Elmwood Park Zoo. We also say goodbye to two amazing humans in the zoological world. The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the San Francisco Zoo, Henry Vilas Zoo, the Calgary Zoo, New England Aquarium, Zoo New England, and Highland Wildlife ParkThen in Conservation News we talk about a new species of pangolin, grizzly bear populations in the US, and how ShellBank is saving sea turtles. In Other News we tackle a CGI chimp, a viral video, and a tubby tabby.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Norfolk, VA, to visit the Virginia Zoo. This is the zoo that made me fall in love with binturongs, and you'll hear about the bint that calls the zoo home, as well as the red pandas, cranes, and tapirs that live there! In fact, you'll come behind the scenes with me to hang out with the tapirs at the zoo! EPISODE LINKS: @virginiazoo on socials virginiazoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: January 10, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a huge announcement - The new website is live at rossifari.com ! We then also talk about my life and such.Our headline story this week is about fires raving areas in the US and Australia. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Congo Wildlife Ranch, Zoo Miami, the Toledo Zoo, the North Carolina Zoo, and SeaLife Sydney! We say goodbye to beloved animals at Cape May County Zoo, Naples Zoo, the Columbus Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, and then say goodbye to a true icon in the training world. The rest of our Zoo News stories feature items from the San Diego Zoo, Melbourne Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, and so much more! Then in Conservation News we talk about a great internet post going viral, the sad story of Tahlequah, and a huge congrats to Jane Goodall!  ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to the Metro Richmond Zoo for our first episode from this facility. We talk about all kinds of stuff, including a huge penguin colony, a special friendship between a cheetah and a dog, a binturong who is the most binturong to ever binturong, snow leopard cubs, and more! This is a really fun and freewheeling interview! EPISODE LINKS: @metrorichmondzoo on socials metrorichmondzoo.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: January 3, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with an update on what's going on with the pod and a quick discussion of my life.Our headline story this week is about a few elephant deaths that have occurred since last week's episode, and how keyboard warriors suck. The rest of the episode is our Best of the Rest, featuring some stories from 2024 that didn't make a Zoo News episode but that I think are really fascinating. Enjoy! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok