Zoo Logic

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 Arbordale Publishing. 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. Animal Care Software

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 settle back into his role as behavioral coach for the entire collection and its animal care teams. He shares his insights on where we've been as an industry and where he thinks animal husbandry is headed in terms of an increasingly wholistic approach combining behavior, exhibit design, veterinary and nutrition. Animal Care Software

John M. Kinder is director of American Studies, professor of history at Oklahoma State University and author of the new book, World War Zoos: Humans and Other Animals in the Deadliest Conflict of the Modern Age. 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 examines the era from the Great Depression through the Cold War and its cumulative effects resulting in the zoological institutions and some of the policies we see today. Animal Care Software

Tom LaRock is a long time zoo administrator turned wildlife safari travel operator.  He founded Rewild Safaris 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 Software

The Philadelphia Zoo is America's oldest zoological institution that takes pride in its history of firsts.  Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President and CEO, exemplifies more firsts for the organization including serving as the first woman and first African American woman to hold the top leadership role. She describes how this urban Chicago introvert grew to love nature on her parents' front porch. She is candid about her personal interests which she realized in school did not include remote camping or field work, and the early and long hours of zookeeping.  Rather, her work has largely focused on the people side of the preservation equation, by connecting with diverse audiences through conservation and education.     Animal Care Software

A few weeks ago, Colossal Laboratories and Biosciences grabbed the world's attention when it announced the de-extinction of the Dire Wolf which last roamed the earth more than 12 thousand years ago, with the successful birth of three animals. Matt James, a long time zoo professional now serving as the company's Chief Animal Officer, discusses the science and technology behind the momentous announcement and the methodology's potential to help conserve extant but endangered species like red wolves. He also addresses some of the misinformation and misunderstanding about what this outcome has and has not achieved and where it   may lead in the future. Animal Care Software

According to its founder, Rebecca Rosenberg who was born with low vision, the name ReBokeh is derived from a photography term "Bokeh," a technique in which all light sources are out of focus and blurred. Re-Bokeh then represents her organization's efforts to re-clarifying of what is out of focus. When this eventual bioengineer was 17 and looking forward to college, she looked at the technology options for the vast majority of visually impaired peopled and discovered that most were geared towards the nearly or completely blind or resorted to auditory-based solutions, bypassing any visual input altogether.  The problem was these alternatives didn't serve the lives of millions of people with signifiant residual vision.  Joining Rebecca is Dr. De'Andrea Matthews, VP of Diversity and Community Engagement for the Detroit Zoological Society to discuss the recent rollout of ReBokeh's app designed to help visitors, staff and docents with low vision maximize their zoo-going experiences. Animal Care Software

We begin season 8 of Zoo Logic with a frank conversation with Dr. Jason Bruck and Billy Hurley about the proper role of accreditation organizations, as well as, their limitations.  When an accredited institution stumbles or allegations of poor animal well-being are made, what is the responsibility of accrediting bodies to investigate, act, and inform its members and the public as to its findings and remedies? Where is the dividing line between a professional trade organization's responsibilities to ensure adherence to its standards and guidelines and the government's legal authority to act to address animal well-being concerns?  In an age when news, information, and especially, opinions are instantly expressed on social and traditional media, how should professionals or members of the public effectively respond to animal welfare concerns so as to not make matters worse for the animals or the front line staff doing their best to care for them? Animal Care Software

First time author Christine Mott has a forthcoming children's book entitled, Free Bird: Flaco the Owl's Dreams Take Flight by Lantern Publishing. The story for kids ages 4 to 8 is based on upon actual events surrounding the Eurasian Eagle Owl that escaped from the Central Park Zoo. The story enthralled people from around the globe as Flaco was recorded across Central Park for over a year before his untimely death. As an attorney Christine also describes her advocacy work on behalf of animals. Animal Care Software 

While most North American zoological parks are still weeks away from the start of their summer high season, a few desert southwest facilities are already deep into their peak season. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park president Kristy Hayden returns to discuss the latest additions to their collection including a baby giraffe and an all new tiger habitat. As important as these megafauna are, Kristy insists it is important to look at animal welfare for all their species, especially as the zoo addresses some of the older original portions of the facility. Standards are different from the zoo's earliest days more than 40 years ago and it is important to keep up with those changes with improved construction materials and better designs, especially in a desert climate. Plus, we discuss the looming veterinary crisis with declining numbers of large animal clinicians entering the field with Dr. Dani Revers. Animal Care Software

Kristi Gravrock is a long time animal trainer having worked with dogs, horses, orcas, cats, dolphins and more. Her passion for training goes back to her early childhood pets before her first horse. Today, when she isn't competing in dressage, she uses her decades of experience with zoological species to train service dogs and mini horses.  While there are many similarities to training dolphins for swim programs and dogs or minis for hospital and nursing home visits, one key difference is the people involved. According to Kristi, unlike working in a zoo environment with other trainers, most lay people react unpredictably around animals  and don't know much about training.  So to be successful in the service animal space visiting people who are often frail with serious health issues, animals must be extremely well desensitized to the unexpected. This emphasis on desensitization is particularly important working with prey species like equines. Animal Care Software

It's our second installment talking with the management team at New England Aquarium following our recent three-day onsite visit with the pinniped and penguin department. With so much institutional and operant conditioning change affecting not only the animals' overall management through greater training and enrichment, but the employees' work experiences and responsibilities, how are the aquarium's leaders helping their teams adjust and thrive? We talk with Associate Curators, Patty Leonard and Eric Fox along with managers, Rebekah Miller and Diana Major. Animal Care Software

We are on location at the New England Aquarium talking with long time animal trainer and curator of pinnipeds and penguins, Kristen McMahon. Under her guidance, this unique department has successfully blended animal care providers from different taxa into one productive training team which has improved the social well-being of all the animals. Kristen discusses the aquarium's focus not only on improving animal welfare and training efficiency, but also the work-life balance for all employees. Animal Care Software

Since he was a young boy, KONG company founder, Joe Markham has been fascinated with animals of every kind. He credits his German Shepherd, Fritz with providing him long ago the inspiration for the famous beehive shaped pet toy. His latest venture petKORE.com is a labor of love to produce training and enrichment devices suitable for underserved zoo, aquarium, equine and farm species. Joining in the conversation about the challenges of developing larger natural rubber based toys for exotic species is long time animal trainer, Chuck Tompkins. According to Joe, making one of anything is relatively easy....and expensive. The key to manufacturing success is being able to produce many, efficiently and at a reasonable price that customers can afford. To that end Joe has spearheaded new technology and rubber blends to make larger products possible. With the initial enrichment products available now, Joe is excited to see how animal professionals will utilize these items in unique and creative ways for the well being of all animals. Animal Care Software

The new U.S. administration has put forth a slew of federal employee firings, funding freezes and cancellations, and agency reprioritizations since assuming office barely 1 month ago. One of the most notable moves has been the dismantling of USAID and a funding pause or in some instances, the elimination of the agency's projects to feed, educate, and/ or medically treat vulnerable communities around the globe. However, it's not just humans that will feel the effects of this humanitarian funding gap. Unknown to many, USAID also supports sustainable use, wildlife conservation, and habitat preservation efforts as well. While the agency's budget was nearly $60 billion, the monies dedicated to conservation totaled less than $400 million--a sizable amount for most taxpayers, but a literal drop in the bucket for the US government's yearly budget. Ashoka Mukpo, staff writer for Mongabay.com, an independent media organization reporting on Nature and planetary challenges, examines the immediate and downstream effects of this globally significant funding loss to international conservation groups working in the field to enable humans and animals to co-exist. Animal care Software

The Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport recently announced the successful hatching of 2 endangered black-footed penguins. As a newer facility in a medium sized city, President and CEO Kurt Allen returns to discuss the State's historic hatchlings, the challenges of meeting public and financial expectations, and the importance of remaining adaptable to meet customer needs. Animal Care Software

The zoological community lost an important colleague recently with the passing of Jeff Andrews. First a long-time orca trainer and curator for SeaWorld, Jeff eventually took his talents to the terrestrial side to manage elephants.  Not satisfied with the status quo of elephant management at that time, which was largely based on establishing a dominance hierarchy through punishment with the trainer as the leader, Jeff adapted the skills he learned using positive reinforcement with orcas and applied them to elephants.  As with any credible data-driven challenge to the way things are done, Jeff delighted in the flak he often received from the elephant management establishment. Two of the people that knew Jeff best during the industry's transformation from free to protected contact, Erin Ivory and Thad Lacinak share memories of Jeff's contributions to improving animal welfare. Animal Care Software

With a new administration and one party control of both houses in Congress,  the impact on animal-related legislation, facility oversight, and code enforcement is likely to change from the previous administration. Tom Albert, government affairs consultant for the Zoological Association of America discusses the differing historical perspectives of the two major political parties on the role of zoos as well as steps professionals can take to help garner more bipartisan support for the work of zoos and aquariums at home and globally. Animal Care Software

The animal and behavior training world lost a true revolutionary recently with the passing of Karen Pryor. Prolific writer, scientist, trainer, lecturer, and business woman with an entertainer's spirit, she changed the exotic and domestic animal training world forever with her ever popular book, Don't Shoot the Dog. She followed up her writing successes with the launch of Clicker Training and legions of trainers, students and fans, workshops, Karen Pryor Academy, and much much more by advancing the use of those mechanical behavioral markers and reward-based operant conditioning across the globe.  Her longtime friend and colleague, Terry Ryan of Legacy Canine, shares her earliest memories of meeting, traveling, learning from, and working with Karen for decades. Animal Care Software 

Julia Wilder, Executive Director of ZDR3 (Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery) returns to discuss the unfolding fires in Los Angeles. While her team is not presently deployed on scene, they are coordinating help through local MOU members as was one of the original goals of the now 200 facility member strong group across nearly 40 states. Julia describes how the risks and response to wild land fires are different in nature and immediacy compared to the hurricane disasters ZDR3 has been called in to assist with as recently as this past fall. Plus, we remember the life and impact on improving elephant welfare and training with the recent passing of colleague Jeff Andrews. Animal Care Software

Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola returns to discuss her upcoming free webinar summarizing recent dolphin cognition studies hosted by the Dolphin Communication Project and her just published invited rebuttal to a paper in the journal Science about marmosets supposed use of individual names. Few species have been shown to use names much like we humans do as labels to identify specific individuals. She discusses how authors of a recent study that relied on machine learning to analyze common marmoset "phee calls" found patterns which they suggest indicate the use of these calls as individual names. Dr. Jaakkola suggests in her rebuttal that while the computer methodology seems sound and exciting for future investigative work, there is another explanation which fits the data better than the  authors' interpretation that marmosets are using these calls as names like humans or dolphins do. Animal Care Software

With this first episode of Zoo Logic in the New Year, we hand this week's hosting duties over to our number one supporter and spouse of nearly 35 years, Karen Stafford to review key issues from the previous zoological year and the regular host's thoughts on the new podcast year ahead.  Animal Care Software

On the heels of 2023's Secrets of the Octopus, award-winning and best-selling author, Sy Montgomery returns to discuss her latest title, What the Chicken Knows from Atria Books. As with all of her books about animals and Nature, Sy does her research.  In this case much of her source material came from decades of raising, observing, and learning from chickens... and those that love and study them. As a prolific and successful writer, Sy offers some suggestions to listeners who think about writing their own book. Animal professionals and fans will appreciate her long list of titles covering dolphins, apes, big cats, turtles, humming birds and many more species, plus her full support for the zoological community and its vital impact on conservation. Animal Care Software

Jenna Palmisano is a doctoral student at the University of Central Florida tracking a parasitic tongue worm infecting nearly 2 dozen native species of snake, including the pygmy rattlesnake, and other ectotherms in central and southern Florida. While much is not known about this parasite, often referred to as a lung worm when it is actually a type of crustacean, it is believed to have been introduced by the many diverse invasive species, especially Burmese Pythons that are now endemic to Florida's rich biodiverse ecosystems. Jenna's field tracking and molecular work are attempting to identify where and at what rate the infestation has spread and to better understand the complex life cycle of this organism which has contributed to signifiant declines in native snake species. She helps manage a website to inform the public of this invasive disease and to recruit anecdotal data from citizen scientists. Animal Care Software

Veterinary epidemiologist, Dr. Dominic Travis, Chief Programs Officer for the Marine Mammal Center returns to discuss the virulent and usually lethal strain of avian influenza affecting a variety of species, especially marine mammals. Given the COVID pandemic fatigue felt across society, it is important not to let our guard down about monitoring for known risks such as influenza which has been front and center among researchers, clinicians, and public health agencies for decades. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Marine Mammal Center has rescued more than 26,000 marine mammals along 600 miles of California coastline and the Big Island of Hawai‘i. The TMMC team endeavors to advance ocean health through marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, research, and education. Animal Care Software

As part of Zoo Logic's year-long look at the well-being of animal care professionals, we invited a very special guest with Human Resources expertise across all aspects of the employer-employee spectrum. Karen Stafford is an HR veteran of Fortune 500 corporate and non-profit organizations, as well as, a professor at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. She's also knowledgeable about the zoo and aquarium space having witnessed more animal training shows, TV appearances and late night feedings of wild animals in her guest bathroom than any spouse of 34 years should have to endure! Karen offers helpful advice to those professionals considering leaving their dream job or profession due to hostile work environments, difficult coworkers, and/or inexperienced supervisors and managers. What steps should employers do to invest in better trained mangers to improve the overall work environment for every staff member and by doing so, improve retention? Before walking away, what steps can we as employees do to preserve our career paths, improve our own situation, and re-connect with the passion we all feel or once felt caring for and conserving animals in our care and in the wild. Ikigai - A Japanese concept for that which gives your life meaning, purpose, or worth. Similar to French "Raison d'etre": https://ikigaitest.com/en-personality-test/  The Standout Assessment: https://www.tmbc.com/standout-assessment/ Myers Briggs Type Indicator (similar) to help you understand key personality patterns to unlock professional & personal success:  https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test Love+Work by Marcus Buckingham The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor Animal Care Software

The marine mammal team at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park met with K-9 law enforcement officers from Prescott Arizona at the park last month to talk and demonstrate animal training principles. This follows a long tradition over the past 25 years or more, set by other representatives from facilities such as the US Navy dolphin program and SeaWorld, of these two very different training communities working to share creative solutions, best practices, and very different work environment requirements. According to Wildlife World's Krysta Henderson who manages the sea lion facility and K-9 coordinator, Officer Kyle Alltop it was motivating to see how the other group responds to behavioral challenges and fostering animal motivation to learn. This was the first of many planned joint sessions where teams from both organizations and surrounding law enforcement agencies in Central Arizona plan to work and learn together. Animal Care Software

Recently, the marine mammal team at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas announced they had tracked and located a male spotted dolphin the facility had rescued, rehabilitated and returned to the ocean over 5 years ago under the auspices of the company's Blue Project Foundation. The successful return of this animal was due in large part to a series of fortunate factors including the longitudinal study of these resident dolphins.  In fact, scientists knew of this animal, its birth year, dam, and migration habits long before it was found stranded and near death at age 9.  Thanks to this field evidence and the generous contributions from scientists in the Bahamas and the US including Dr Randy Wells at Mote Marine Lab, the team at the Dolphin Communication Project, the Wild Dolphin Project and others, the animal not only was returned to health and eventually the ocean, but he has since thrived having rejoined his social group. Vice President of Marine Mammal Operations for Atlantis, Ted Turner describes this historic journey for this extraordinary animal nicknamed "M & M." Animal Care Software

Recently, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced a new primate ambassador policy that essentially curtails the practice of having closer contact between primates and the public. Primatologist, Dr. Samantha Russak, Chief of Welfare and Research for Tanganika Wildlife Park in Goddard Kansas joins Zoo Logic to discuss the new policy's drawbacks and inconsistencies at a time when hand-rearing primates has largely gone the way of the dodo in accredited facilities. In addition, Dr. Sam touches on the Well-Being Summit put on by AZA this past week which included key speakers from anti-zoo and aquarium organizations lecturing zoo professionals on welfare practices. Animal Care Software

Dr. Rick LeCouter is a retired veterinary neurosurgeon originally from Australia. His new children's book entitled Nasty Names Are Hurtful: An Australian white ibis responds to name-calling in the city highlights the repercussions of human activities on wild habitats and underscores the importance of empathy and acceptance. Young readers will learn about a resilient species once on the verge of extinction that has since adapted to the loss of wetlands by surviving in urban areas. 

The Executive Director and co-founder of Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3), Julia Wilder returns to discuss her organization's efforts to assist zoological facilities in the wake of back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton.  With nearly 200 USDA licensed animal facilities joined together to provide mutual aid to institutions in distress, ZDR3 has already surpassed all expectations in its 5-year history. Julia describes her team's actions prior to, during and following these most recent devastating storms, as well as, ideas to enhance and improve national coordination so that mutual aid meets facilities where they are and provides them what they need, not just what people want to offer. Animal Care Software

Retired Kent State University professor, researcher and administrator, Dr. James Blank joins his former graduate student to discuss the state of flux of higher education in America. How are changing demographics in a post pandemic era affecting university budgets and how are these institutions adapting to the rapid pace of change? In terms of the sciences, what opportunities exist for those interested in a career involving some aspect of biology, especially field-related work?  Dr. Blank suggests that the funding pendulum that greatly favored cellular and molecular studies over the past several decades leading to incredible advancements in technology to answer complex questions about the cell and genes has swung back to include training scientists to examine system level problems, particularly from a multidisciplinary perspective. He advises students considering a career in biological sciences to focus on developing their problem-solving, writing, and speaking skills in order to remain adaptable (and employable) in an age where information and careers are changing every 3 to 5 years, rather than the 20 plus years when he began his career. Animal Care Software

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 threaten the entire polar food chain for reasons from the obvious, such as overfishing in critical habits, to the species' more complicated and dependent relationship on winter sea ice. Sea ice that has dramatically declined in recent years due to climate change. The book celebrates the countless researchers past and present working to unlock the ocean's deepest secrets. Animal Care Software

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 Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums 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 side of working with and preserving species for future generations. Animal Care Software

This October marks the Animal Behavior Management Alliance's (ABMA) 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 available to anyone interested in animals and the science of operant conditioning through positive reinforcement. Plus, our colleagues at Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue and Recovery (ZDR3.org) provide a brief update on response efforts in the wake of hurricane Helene. Animal Care Software

According to American Humane 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" suggest the long held promise of modern zoological facilities and the professionals that care for threatened and endangered species to safeguard and return species into the wild in a manner that is beneficial to local communities is real. It's happening with greater success and sense of urgency as more habitats and species face threats from human activities such as climate change, pollution, encroachment, overfishing and so on. The film is in theaters in select cites now with streaming planned for later this year.  Animal Care Software

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 and mental fitness of caregivers? Animal Care Software 

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 well as, threatened and endangered wildlife in national parks. Animal Care Software

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 rotary action of most drones. The latest stage of the project involved working with Dolphin Quest staff, animals and student researchers and pilots to beta test the drone and sample collection. Animal Care Software

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium 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. Animal Care Software

Jasmin Graham describes her unique path as a shark scientist at Mote Marine Lab and Aquarium, as well as, her efforts to increase diversity among the biological sciences, especially in marine science. She's also the president and CEO of Minorities In Shark Sciences (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 "Sharks Don't Sink: adventures of a rogue shark scientist." Animal Care Software

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 International Conservation Center (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 and native species. Animal Care Software

In 2021, Dr. Jeremy Goodman succeeded long time leader Dr. Barbara Baker to become the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 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.  Animal Care Software

Dr. Tim Shu is the founder and CEO of VetCBD, 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 the use of cannabinoids in animals suggests it has therapeutic effects to relieve and treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, nausea, and seizures. Products containing THC will also help stimulate appetite. As zoological populations continue to age well past typical lifespans found in the wild, Dr. Shu suggests we ought to be using every tool available to us to improve animal health and welfare, ensuring the best possible quality of life for animals. Animal Care Software

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 the important conservation work being done. Troy offers some advice on the importance of telling the great stories that zoos have to offer and how to get those on air. Animal Care Software

Shelley 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. Animal Care Software

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 (ZDR3) 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 describes the lessons learned thus far, and steps all facilities should take today to be better prepared, even with hurricane and wild land fire season already well underway. Animal Care Software

Dennis Christen, Senior Director, Animal Wellbeing & Behavior for the Georgia Aquarium 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 years of Russian aggression. It is another amazing example of conservation and compassion by zoological professionals and institutions concerned for the welfare of animals regardless of cost or risk. It is a tale that honors the bravery, national pride, and dedication of the people of Ukraine as they strive to maintain some degree of normal life even as they fight for survival against a powerful aggressor. Animal Care Software

Growing up on the beautiful Italian island of Ischia 19 miles off the coast of Naples, Dr. Valerio Mazzella of the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli grew to love the ecosystem's unique features and species.  As a natural source of thermal and pH gradients due to the region's secondary volcanism, which gives rise to carbon dioxide vents, Ischia and the surrounding ocean waters have long been a natural laboratory for scientists to study the global effects of rising atmospheric carbon and the resulting ocean acidification. Dr. Mazzella's research fascination first with sea grasses and the countless species that depend upon them, and later with sea sponges and their microbiomes has implications for preserving the island's fragile balance in the face of mounting pressures from increasing tourism and boat traffic, overfishing, and pollution. Animal Care Software 

Best 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. Animal care Software

Long time zoological statistician and animal manager, Kevin Willis, returns to discuss dolphin demographics and other mathematical insights into current species populations in human care. The overall population of dolphins in facilities looks promising, but Kevin warns this view is not reality since the animals are not actually maintained as one but several small islands of sub-populations that are not at all sustainable as currently managed. He also argues that zoos and aquariums are in the midst of change from the Noah's Ark conservation model of the 1980s and its SSP's (Species Survival Plans) designed to one day re-populate wild habitats, once humans get their act together, to something as yet still evolving. In fact, the number of managed species has been greatly reduced and the word conservation no longer appears in the description of SSP's on the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) website. When asked what the math tells him about the future of species and genetic diversity of both plants and animals in zoos and aquariums and the wild, he shares that we as a community have some tough choices ahead about what species can and should be prioritized for preservation. Animal Care Software