Podcasts about zoo logic

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

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

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

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

Recently, the open access scientific journal Animals published a special issue entitled: Zoo and Aquarium Welfare, Ethics, Behavior.  Many of the peer-reviewed papers within this special issue focus on and in some instances call for improvements to animal welfare assessment, husbandry, training, housing, and overall management. The goal of the invited editors, which includes the host of Zoo Logic, was to highlight advances and current best practices across a range of species, and to inspire further progress, while also addressing public perceptions and expectations of zoos and aquariums. One such paper, "A Reexamination of the Relationship between Training Practices and Welfare in the Management of Ambassador Animals," by lead author, and long time trainer and founder of Natural Encounters, Steve Martin and veterinarian and researcher, Dave Miller (and yours truly) examines the history and current state of ambassador animal welfare and the need for choosing the right species and individual animals for such programs (and avoiding the wrong ones). The authors make no secret that animal ambassador welfare has generally not kept pace with other advancements in zoo animal well being. It is vital that zoological facilities devote the necessary resources in terms of time, money, animal selection, and staff training to properly handle and ensure the best welfare outcomes for these animals with a unique role. Animal Care Software    

The journal, Animals, has published a special issue that includes overviews and original research papers that rigorously assess zoo and aquarium behavior, welfare and ethics. One of the papers, The Cetacean Sanctuary: A Sea of Unknowns is written by frequent Zoo Logic guest, Dr. Jason Bruck and concerns the elusive cetacean sanctuary standards put forth by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS). Jason methodically asks questions about important aspects of animal welfare arising from these standards, which point to no supportive peer-reviewed citations or a history of best practices as seen in other zoological welfare and husbandry standards such as the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In the final analysis, it is difficult to reconcile the stated top priority of sanctuary proponents, maximizing animal welfare, with the more likely motivation, the end of cetaceans in managed care. Animal Care Software

As 2023 draws to a close and Zoo Logic approaches its 300th episode, we look back at a remarkable institution that launched or strengthened the careers of many zoological professionals and leaders still very active today. In 1970, the second SeaWorld park opened in a most unlikely place, a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio on the shores of Geauga Lake. The purpose of building an inland marine animal park in the Midwest was to draw upon a radius of huge population centers located within about a 6-hour drive of the location. Sadly, the park could never escape the realities of a seasonal park in a region prone to spectacular winter weather. However, despite its brief 30-year history, the blue collar zoological park left an indelible mark on the community and the professionals that passed through her gates. Some of those that knew her well discuss the unique park and the lessons learned while working there. Animal Care Software

Marine biologist Dr. Holley Muraco returns to Zoo Logic to discuss her recent work rehabilitating orphaned beavers. This iconic and unique species was integral to the early history and commerce of western Europeans in North America and narrowly managed to avoid extinction.  Holley also discusses her work monitoring the health of coastal Mississippi, largely via its resident dolphin population, through her new role with MS State University. Holley also discusses her experiences with and the passing of the beloved orca known as Lolita. Animal Care Software

Many people, perhaps most including some scientists, think Monarch Butterflies are in trouble. It turns out, according to Monarch expert and researcher, Andy Davis, PhD from the UGA Odum School of Ecology that Monarch populations over the past decade are stable and may even be climbing. So what began as a Zoo Logic conversation about threats to Monarchs quickly turned into a discussion about the importance of science communications and the difficulty of correcting the public narrative when it is factually wrong. The implications of strongly held, false narratives among the public, media or policymakers are significant and include expensive, misguided and even harmful public policies, what types of research questions are funded or not, and whether data running contrary to the prevailing opinion even gets published in peer-reviewed journals. The parallels to the strongly held narratives about zoos and aquariums and certain charismatic species in human care are unmistakable. Animal Care Software  

About the episode; Welcome, animal training enthusiasts! You're tuning in to a unique and exciting episode of our podcast. This time, we're giving you a glimpse behind the mic, revealing the ins and outs of being a podcast host in the fascinating field of animal training. Today's episode features an intriguing discussion from my guest appearance on the TEC Talk podcast from Natural Encounters. This delightful experience was hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable Chris Jenkins and Ari Bailey. But that's not all. I had the honour of being on the panel with Dr. Grey Stafford, the insightful voice behind the Zoo Logic podcast, and Shane Gorbett, the engaging host of Animal Behavior Conversations: The Podcast of The ABMA. Together, we navigated the stimulating world of podcast hosting, exploring its challenges, triumphs, and the finer details that make this journey unique. This is a bit different from our usual fare, and you might wonder why. It's a rare opportunity to learn about the personalities that echo through your speakers on a regular basis. This candid conversation is filled with enlightening dialogues and absorbing anecdotes, and it's not devoid of humour, either. So, get comfortable and join us on this enlightening journey. Whether you're an avid podcast listener or a budding podcast host, this episode promises to offer a refreshing perspective and might even inspire your own podcasting adventures. Enjoy the show!  

This episode Shane Gorbett, the host of "Animal Behavior Conversations", is joined by four other incredible hosts of three other like-minded, zoological and behavior-based podcasts. Joining Shane in this episode is Chris Jenkins and Ari Bailey, the hosts of The TEC Talk Podcast, Dr. Grey Stafford, the host of Zoo Logic, and Ryan Cartlidge, the host of Animal Training Academy Podcast Show. These five podcast hosts nerd out about all things podcasting and behavior while also pulling back the curtain to give insight in to the podcasting process. The hosts also comment on the future of the zoological field and the importance of sharing information. For questions or suggestions about the podcast email abc@theabma.org and make sure to check out and tune in to Zoo Logic, Animal Training Academy Podcast Show, and The TEC Talk Podcast: Presented by Natural Encounters, Inc.  Let's talk some training (and podcasting)!

In a zoological podcast first, the hosts of 4 animal training and welfare related shows, including Zoo Logic, join together to discuss how their respective programs came about, future goals, as well as, content similarities and differences. Guests include Ryan Cartlidge of The Animal Training Academy podcast, Shane Corbett of the recently launched Animal Behavior Conversations podcast from the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA), and Ari Bailey and Chris Jenkins from The Natural Encounters, Inc., Training and Education Center (TEC) Talk podcast. Animal Care Software

After years of delays due to scheduling, hurricanes, and COVID, the long discussed combined conference of trainers from the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) is underway in Atlanta.  Zoo Logic is live with two of the organizations' long time leaders, Nicki Boyd, Curator of Applied Behavior from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Will Elgar, Director of ZOO Miami. While animal training in applied zoo and aquarium settings will always be the primary focus of these groups, both leaders recognize the growing importance and industry influence their alliance of behaviorists have on the global zoological community.  Animal Care Software KORE Enrichment Products

In the 20th century, it was the norm for people over the span of decades to work at and eventually retire from the same company. With the approach of the 21st century, a monumental economic shift occurred in which most employees now have a more varied work history with multiple employers over much shorter durations. So to meet zoological professionals with a lifetime of experience at one location with the same individual animals, not just the same species, is increasingly rare. Nicole West, animal manager at Dolphin Quest Oahu, discusses what growing up and working with  the same individual animals for nearly a quarter century has meant to maintaining their behavioral and psychological well-being in good times and bad. Animal Care Software (https://animalcaresoftware.com/) KONG Zoo (https://kongzoo.com/) Zoo Logic (https://www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast) Dolphin Quest (https://dolphinquest.com/)

From time to time Zoo Logic is approached by publishers, animal facilities, and individuals requesting to appear on this podcast. Recently, we were approached by a publisher in what can only be described as the most unexpected guest request ever! The publisher had re-issued an updated 30th anniversary edition of Free the Animals, written by none other than PeTA founder, Ingrid Newkirk. After sending a review copy and scheduling the interview, communications coming from the publisher and PeTA began to decline and eventually cease altogether. Apparently, the team representing Ms. Newkirk developed cold feet. Undaunted, we examine the book which describes the formation of the Animal Liberation Front in North America in the early 1980's. Given the advancements in the law, oversight, and public awareness of animal testing since the book's first release decades ago, the question for Ms Newkirk and the author of her foreword, actor Joaquin Phoenix, is whether their message of resorting to criminal acts and property destruction to achieve animal liberation is relevant today. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic  

Recently, Zoo Logic was invited to participate in an online international Cooperative Care Conference conducted by the behavioral team at ZooSpensefull. Our topic was a focused look at the enigmatic Least Reinforcing Scenario with one of the architects of the behavioral tool, Ted Turner. After more than 30 years, why is there ongoing debate about the LRS? Why do some still conflate the LRS with a timeout? More importantly, what are the behavioral laws that form the basis for the LRS and its resulting effectiveness in reducing frustration and aggression in naive and experienced animals? Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic  

Ari and Chris are super excited to be joined by animal trainer, author, and fellow podcaster, Dr. Grey Stafford! We sit down to chat about Grey's early days in the marine mammal world, his long-running (and HIGHLY recommended) podcast, Zoo Logic, the joy of playing host to what we consider the best discussion ever of the always-contentious topic of the LRS, and his passion for the role we can all play in shaping the future of our industry! To listen to all the great episodes of the Zoo Logic podcast, check out the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcast services around the globe.  Have a question for us, or want to be on a future episode of the show? Let us know at podcast@naturalencounters.com!  

For the past few decades, an unsubstantiated narrative which suggests as many as 10,000 big cats are living in backyards across America has been repeated without evidence. The poorly understood and tracked presence or absence of so many endangered and dangerous felines has implications for policymakers and conservationists alike. To help shed some light on these issues, frequent Zoo Logic contributor, Rachel Garner discusses her recent peer-reviewed paper on the number of big cats found in USDA licensed facilities throughout the U.S.   A Census of Federally Regulated Big Cat Populations within the United States as of December 2020. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

I had so much fun nerding out on animal behavior with our guest tonight that I'm splitting the Zoo-notable on his amazing book, Zoomility, into 2 parts. Here is part 1 where we discuss some of the negative effects of punishment, the benefits of positive reinforcement, and how setting our animals up for success actually sets US up for success! Learn more about Zoomility, Zoo Logic, and Dr. Grey Stafford's projects here: Website Zoo Logic Podcast Kong Zoo Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon- learn to apply these training principles to your own fitness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I had so much fun nerding out on animal behavior with our guest tonight that I'm splitting the Zoo-notable on his amazing book, Zoomility, into 2 parts. Here is part 2 where we continue our talk on how positive reinforcement empowers us and the animals and teaches us to never give up! Listen to Part 1 here: https://anchor.fm/pj-beaven/episodes/Zoo-notable-15--Zoomility-with-Dr--Grey-Stafford-Part-1-e13gs9c Learn more about Zoomility, Zoo Logic, and Dr. Grey Stafford's projects here: Website Zoo Logic Podcast Kong Zoo Check out some of these related Zoo-notables: Lads Before the Wind by Karen Pryor Dragons, Unicorns, Chimera and Clickers Pursuit of Perfect by Tal Ben-Shahar Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Join the ZooFit Tribe on Patreon- learn to apply these training principles to your own fitness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What better way to begin season 4 of Zoo Logic than a conversation with seasoned zoo trainer, educator and friend, Jim Nemet. After long careers at SeaWorld and Cleveland's Metroparks Zoo, Jim recently accepted the role of Director of Wildlife for the prestigious Cleveland Museum of Natural History-- a role previously held by a local legend for almost 50 years! How has a career training with positive reinforcement helped Jim manage change for the collection of animals and keepers he now leads as well as for himself? What advice does he have for trainer keepers entering the field today? This episode is a fun stroll down memory lane between two friends appreciating the lessons of the past and applying them to the future of animal husbandry and training. That Sounds Wild: Butcher Bird Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility

As Zoo Logic wraps up its third season over the next few weeks, we invited several past guests representing the arts, science and research, and animal law to share their diverse perspectives on the past difficult year and what a new US administration might mean for public display, conservation, and future regulations. One theme to emerge was the narrative of "retiring" animals to sanctuaries and whether sending older animals to such facilities was truly based on the best welfare of animals or simply designed to soothe human feelings.   That Sounds Wild: African Cicada. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility  

It's part two of our discussion about modern behavioral training applications to improve animal husbandry and wildlife conservation with friends of Zoo Logic, large animal managers Erin Ivory, Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner. Using examples from their work with animals in human care and in the wild, the trio downplay the role of rewards like food while stressing the importance of establishing strong relationships with large predatory and prey animals through creative, fun, and unpredictable consequences. That Sounds Wild: tropical Australia. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Friends of Zoo Logic, large animal managers Erin Ivory, Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner return to discuss success stories from 3 decades or more of positive reinforcement-based training principles utilized with zoological and domestic species. The trio downplay the role of rewards like food while stressing the importance of establishing strong relationships with large predatory and prey animals through creative, fun, and unpredictable consequences. That Sounds Wild: Beaver pup. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic

This week's Zoo Logic episode is a mash-up of researchers, trainers, and news items from around the zoo and aquarium world following the recent professional joint conference for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (www.AZA.org) and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (www.IMATA.org) in New Orleans. Past guest Jeremy Hance, writer for (www.Mongabay.com) shares insights into a species few have ever heard of. And, working with another past guest, Dr Jason Bruck, Samantha Sheppard describes new research suggesting dolphins use urine tasting to identify others! Hear from zoo media personality Stephanie Arne (www.stephaniearne.com) about conservation efforts to help the endangered black-footed penguin in need of guano for shelter. Wouter Stellard teases the new multi-species exhibit at the Columbus zoo and aquarium featuring more than a dozen pinnipeds ready in time for next year's annual AZA conference in Columbus.  And Shelley Ballman from Ocean Connections (www.oceansoffun.org) shares why training is so important for animals and their caretakers. That Sounds Wild: Maned wolf bark. www.endangeredwolfcenter.org. www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.animalcaresoftware.com http://peppermintnarwhal.com  

Animal welfare science is a relatively new discipline that has generated some degree of debate among scientists, policymakers, animal professionals, animal rights activists, and the public. Even the meaning of the term animal welfare has been cause for scientific and public debate in part because the conversation often includes qualities such as emotions normally associated with humans being applied to animals. Dr. Isabella Clegg shares her work assessing the welfare of dolphins living in human care, describes the difficulty that language can present when discussing animal welfare, and explains why a simple experiment can demonstrate whether an animal can be considered an optimist or a pessimist. David Kleven, long time zoological educator and president of Animal Care Software talks about the importance of great animal record-keeping. His Animal Care Software enables zoological, domestic, rescue, and farm animal professionals to utilize today's mobile and cloud technology to record, share, search, and analyze in real time individual animal observations, photos, health, behavior and welfare data. www.AnimalCareSoftware.com.   Long time animal ambassador, conservationist and past Zoo Logic guest, Julie Scardina shares a new Something I Don't Know About Animals. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/julie-scardina-conservationist-trainer-author/id1385908352?i=1000414292200   www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ @ZooLogicPodcast @IzziClegg www.animalwelfareexpertise.com www.AnimalCareSoftware.com http://peppermintnarwhal.com    

An all star panel of Zoo Logic alumni discusses current wildlife news stories including why the misguided and unscientific cetacean ban recently passed by Canada's parliament will have a chilling effect on conservation research. Researchers Dr. Kelly Jaakkola and Dr. Jason Bruck join Killing Keiko author and wildlife advocate, Mark Simmons to describe some of the negative implications for wildlife conservation, public education, field research, and policymaking everywhere, not just in Canada. The panel examines the critical role zoological facilities play in conducting important research and developing technology and methods necessary for species conservation that would simply not be possible to do in the wild. Plus, hear the panel's views on counteracting one-sided and often anti-cap media, the future of those Russian orcas and belugas, and "spy whale." Sounds Wild: Squeak toy lemur Thanks to Conservation Ambassadors Zoo to You. http://conservationambassadors.org https://www.ammpa.org/why-canada-got-it-wrong www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ Dr. Kelly Jaakkola http://zoologic.libsyn.com/dolphins-live-how-long Dolphin Research Center https://dolphins.org www.iReinforce.com Dr. Jason Bruck http://zoologic.libsyn.com/zoos-and-researchers-join-forces-to-preserve-nature Killing Keiko author, Mark Simmons http://zoologic.libsyn.com/killing-keiko-author-mark-simmons-0        

Animal law expert and attorney Michelle Pardo returns to Zoo Logic to describe some of the recent and ongoing legislative efforts animal rights organizations are pushing at the local, state, and federal levels. What lessons can we learn about how the legislative process is being used to promote an extreme animal rights agenda, not shared by most people? Why is it so important for animal professionals, zoo and aquarium fans, and taxpayers to pay attention to legislative bills with reasonable sounding titles, especially when those same stakeholders are purposefully left out of the deliberative and amendment process by those seeking to pass such bills? Finally, where should our future animal welfare priorities lie? Creating redundant and unnecessary animal welfare laws and new language with which critics may launch novel legal challenges to lawful, ethical, and humane animal endeavors? Or, should we focus oversight resources and dollars on better enforcement of existing animal welfare and public display laws to eliminate the few bad actors that aren't living up to modern husbandry, training, and care standards? Animal Adventurer and spokeswoman, Mallory Lindsay shares an all new Ms Mallory Minute. Plus, an all new That Sounds Wild.   https://blogs.duanemorris.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ http://msmalloryadventures.com www.iReinforce.com http://peppermintnarwhal.com That Sounds Wild: Beluga whales

Frequent contributor to Zoo Logic, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center discusses the new peer-reviewed study she coauthored and published in the Journal Marine Mammal Science that compared survival rates and life expectancies for bottlenose dolphins living in zoological facilities with comparable values published for wild populations. The main takeaway from the study is dolphins living in zoological facilities today live at least as long or longer than wild populations studied to date. These results stand in stark contrast to some zoo and aquarium critics that continue to promote the false claim that dolphins do not live as long in human care.  Data analyzed in this new study come from a U.S. government source called the “Marine Mammal Inventory Report” (MMIR), which lists basic information (e.g. birth date, death date, transfers, etc.) for all dolphins in marine mammal facilities in the U.S over the past 40 years or so.  A few complications with comparing current MMIR data with previous studies of wild populations are due to the inherent limited scope of observations found in most wild studies and the different methods of statistical analysis that have been used in each previous publication. To make comparisons valid, the new study used the same analysis on the MMIR data that was used for each wild population publication. The last scientific paper to analyze survival for dolphins in facilities before this latest study used data that are now more than 25 years old. Even back then, survival rate and life expectancy for dolphins living in zoos and aquariums in the US were increasing and this study shows continuing significant increases since then. The current median life expectancy of bottlenose dolphins living in human care in the U.S. is 29.2 years. This is based on the most robust method of analysis called the Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis. While the K-M approach is the most accurate analysis because it uses information from ALL animals in the population (both dead and living) and does not assume equal probability of dying at all ages like some of the other methods used in previous publications require, no wild study has yet used the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze the life expectancy of the respective wild populations examined due to the lack of detailed information on the age of living animals and the age-at-death for dead animals. Also of interest was the finding that a direct comparison of calf survival rate between the decades-long field study of the Sarasota population of dolphins and modern MMIR data found no significant difference between populations. In other words, while dolphin calf (age less than 1 year) mortality is higher than for adults, as is the case for many species including humans, there is no significant difference in survival rate between dolphin calves born in human care and those born in the wild.   K. Jaakkola/K. Willis: How long do dolphins live? Survival rates and life expectancies for bottlenose dolphins in zoological facilities vs. wild populations. Marine Mammal Science 2019; DOI: 10.1111/mms.12601. Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/mms.12601 http://zoologic.libsyn.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com https://dolphins.org    

According to the book, Dark Horse, society has systems of education and employment management that require us "to be the same as everyone else, only better." As designed, these systems are a zero-sum game with only limited opportunities for a few. Thus, these systems leave "most of us feeling disengaged, frustrated, and yearning for something more personal and authentic." Harvard researcher and Dark Horse coauthor Dr. Ogi Ogas discusses how real life dark horses are able to attaining personal fulfillment and professional success, not by following the standardize systems of society, but by tapping into each individual's micro-motives and then being willing to make decisions in the moment that reflect who they truly are. Achieving greater fulfillment is not about taking the standard pathway towards some long term goal, nor does it require the dark horse to be endowed with marvelous gifts. The dark horse mindset involves harnessing each person's individuality, not society's systems bent on conformity, in pursuit of personal satisfaction in order to achieve professional excellence. As part of the Dark Horse Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, researchers focused on many different individuals including several animal professionals including marine mammal trainers like former Zoo Logic guest, Ken Ramirez. Also, to celebrate World Penguin Day, we're joined by a penguin expert from SeaWorld San Diego to discuss the current status of these iconic flightless birds, as well as, SeaWorld's rich history and contributions to species other than orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. Mallory Lindsay shares another Ms Mallory Minute on the unusual Hagfish. https://lsi.gse.harvard.edu/dark-horse www.iReinforce.com https://mallorylindsay.com https://sanccob.co.za www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/penguins/    

Catherine McCartney and Mark Nagelhout freed a bear cub from a trap in a New Jersey town, but what they believed was a good deed landed the animal rights activists in court. A judge ordered McCartney to serve 15 days in jail because of her record of freeing animals from traps set by government agents trying to protect communities from bears. Nancy Grace looks at the controversy with McCartney, Nagelhout, and their lawyer Doris Lin, director of legal affairs at Animal Protection League of New Jersey. Grace's expert panels also includes Zoo Logic podcast host Dr. Grey Stafford -- who is an animal trainer and zoologist, Atlanta lawyer and animal rights activist Penny Douglas-Furr, and Crime Stories reporter Robyn Walensky.

On occasion, laws and regulations enacted for common sense reasons have purposefully been misapplied by those with agendas and intentions that are radically different from what Congress or state legislatures had in mind. It is difficult to anticipate such unintended consequences in new laws, especially when stakeholders that may be affected by such legislation are excluded from the bill writing and amendment process. Animal related organizations such as zoos and aquariums seem particularly and increasingly prone to this trend thanks to animal rights groups as in the current case of HR 1042 known as the "Prepared Act."  It's an otherwise common sense idea that the thousands of USDA licensed facilities including zoos, aquariums, research, and breeding facilities ought to have disaster preparedness plans in place in the event of natural or other catastrophic events. However, backers of the bill seem to have an insidious goal in mind, to use HR 1042 to gain access to an organization's private operational and emergency contingency plans through the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA. Julia Matson Wagner, a risk mitigation expert, discusses the bill and why it might make zoos and aquariums vulnerable as soft targets to much more dangerous elements than simply animal rights groups. In an all new Zoos News elephant expert, Erin Ivory, returns to Zoo Logic to discuss EEHV, a devastating and almost always lethal virus that has just claimed two young elephants at the Indianapolis zoo. Plus an all new That Sounds Wild.  www.iReinforce.com www.zoologic.libsyn.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/  

What happened to Tara Grinstead was a mystery for over a decade, but not jurors in the trial of Bo Dukes hear his confession to charges of helping Ryan Duke burn the Georgia beauty queen and high school teacher's corpse after she was strangled to death. This episode opens with a special report from the trial. Also, dogs can be your best friend, but sometimes these pets kill. Nancy Grace explores recent animal attacks with experts including animal trainer and zoologist Dr. Grey Stafford -- host of Zoo Logic podcast, the director of legal affairs at Animal Protection League of New Jersey Doris Lin, Atlanta lawyer and animal activist Penny Douglas-Furr, and Crime Stories reporter Robyn Walensky.

Throughout history and literature few species have been as unfairly disparaged and misunderstood as vultures. Despite serving as Nature's "garbage disposal," capable of digesting harmful bacteria that would kill most other animals, the vulture has long been viewed with fear or scorn. Today, this important group of long-lived and slowly reproducing species is under threat of extinction not as a direct target of human activities but as an indirect and innocent participant in the very scavenging behaviors it evolved to do--behaviors necessary to maintain healthy ecosystems.  Zoo Logic guest Michael Mace from San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG), the organization behind the famous Southern California zoo and safari parks, dispels some of the myths about vultures, describes their importance to human health, and explains the deadly threats from poachers, farmers, and ranchers (albeit for different reasons) through the same mechanism, mass poisonings. Fortunately, organizations like SDZG and others are working in the field to increase public education and to train communities how to prevent more vulture population losses and to care for animals suffering from poisonings. www.animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/vulture www.iReinforce.com www.aza.org/safe-species www.vulpro.com/about/ www.zoologic.libsyn.com      

Few people from Hollywood have been as demonstrably supportive of modern zoos and aquariums, helping animals in need, and conserving our planet over the past decade as Emmy winning actor and best selling author, Carolyn Hennesy. Carolyn joins Zoo Logic to discuss some of her new creative projects coming in 2019, including assuming the iconic role of General Leia Organa in two animated series: Star Wars Resistance and Lego Star Wars: All-Stars. Carolyn also shares the latest news about her hometown zoo and her efforts to help the LA zoo keep its famous elephant named Billy.  12:00 Billy the elephant 23:35 Replacing single use plastic while filming on location in Jamaica  31:40 Counter protesting PeTA at the LA zoo. www.CarolynHennesy.com www.iReinforce.com www.LAZoo.org www.AmericanHumane.org  

Highlights from 2018's lineup of Zoo Logic guests including world renowned trainers, celebrities, best selling authors, scientists, veterinarians, and entrepreneurs, as well as, perspectives from legal, public policy, and conservation experts.  Trainers 0:51 Ken Ramirez www.clickertraining.com 4:09 Erin Ivory elephant manager and consultant 5:05 Barbara Heidenreich  7:45 Dave and Jess Peranteau, Odysea Aquarium 10:04 Professor Gary Wilson, Moorpark College 10:51 Joe Markham, Kong company founder, www.KongCompany.com Celebrity Authors 13:11 Kyle Kittleson, Wear a Wetsuit at Work 14:03 Mark Simmons, Killing Keiko 17:53 Julie Scardina, Wildlife Heroes 18:57 Jack Hanna, Into the Wild, www.jackhanna.com 20:42 Carolyn Hennesy, www.CarolynHennesy.com Scientists 25:13 Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, www.dolphins.org 27:03 Dr. Barbara Taylor, NOAA 21:27 Dr. Jason Bruck, OK State University 32:39 Marty Haulena, DVM, Vancouver Aquarium Animal Law, Rights and Public Policy 37:03 Michelle pardo, esq. 40:38 Rachel Garner, www.whyanimalsdothething.com 41:20 Lara Croft, DVM 44:16 Arizona Department of Game and Fish Public Relations and Trade Associations 47:50 Billy Hurley, www.IMATA.org 48:16 Will Coggins, www.HumaneWatch.org 49:54 Doug Cress, www.WAZA.org Perspectives 54:27 Dr. Susie Ellis, www.Rhinos.org 56:02 Brian Masuga, www.PeppermintNarwhal.com 57:28 Clarissa Black, www.PetsforVets.com 58:13 Dr Javier Almunia, Loro parque 59:18 Mandy Rodriguez, www.Dolphins.org 59:58 Mallory Lindsay, www.MalloryLindsay.com 1:00:19 Brad Andrews, www.AmericanHumane.org    

World-renowned wildlife storyteller Sir David Attenborough and the BBC were criticized recently for essentially portraying a view of Nature that was too positive. According to the op-ed which appeared in The Guardian, "By downplaying our environmental crisis, the presenter's BBC films have generated complacency, confusion and ignorance" amongst the viewing public. While the criticism goes to an unfair extreme, the author does identify a longstanding dilemma, not just for famous environmentalists and their networks, but for all zoos and aquariums and animal professionals. How best to balance the need to inspire the public about amazing wildlife and wild places versus focusing on what is currently happening to them? Regardless of the type or size of our platform, how do we accurately inform without turning the audience off by being too negative or creating a paralyzing sense of helplessness with respect to saving species in a world bursting with people? Who better to ask about these issues than the person who has spent decades sharing wild animals and wild places with all of us through his many hours of televised content, Late Night laughs, books, and public appearances? Zoo Logic is pleased to welcome back the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Emmy award winning TV host of Into the Wild, Jungle Jack Hanna! www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/?ref=bookmarks www.iReinforce.com www.PeppermintNarwhal.com www.JackHanna.com www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/07/david-attenborough-world-environment-bbc-films    

Conversations with animal training and research experts from our recent travels to Portugal and Japan. Guests Mandy Rodriguez, co-founder of the Dolphin Research Center, DRC's Director of Research and Zoo Logic contributor, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, and professor Satoru Yamamoto pay homage, each in their own unique way to our animal training and care past, the growing focus on conducting research in the present, and the future potential for greater understanding, and improved training and welfare across the globe. Each stresses the importance of not just the science of animal training but also the need to build strong relationships with animals through positive reinforcement steeped in love, a sense of humor, and fun for the animals as well as the people that care for and study them.   Plus, a judge in NY has issued the first ever writ of Habeas Corpus for an elephant named Happy living at the Bronx zoo. Blogger Rachel Garner shares an update on this troubling precedent-setting case brought by those seeking to give human rights to animals, in an all new Zoos News.     www.dolphins.org www.iReinforce.com www.whyanimalsdothething.com    

Zoo Logic is in Algarve, Portugal for the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association annual conference. Our guests are Dolphin Research Center's Dr Kelly Jaakkola, Karen Pryor's Ken Ramirez, and Loro Parque's Dr. Javier Almunia. Kelly and Ken talk about the importance and current state of research and training in zoos and aquariums, and their impact on wild populations. Plus, Dr. Almunia describes his organization's research, conservation projects and success stories for rare birds and cetaceans at risk. And he updates us on the status of the world's most well known and deaf killer whale, Morgan, and her newborn calf. www.IMATA.org www.Dolphins.org www.iReinforce.com www.LoroParque.com www.ClickerTraining.com  

Should zoos partner with animal rights groups in those rare instances where there's a common interest, even if the larger, long term mission of these groups is to close all zoos and aquariums? Zoo Logic's guest is Will Coggin from Berman & Co, the driving force behind the watchdog website www.HumaneWatch.org. 18:00. Has there been any indication of a shift in anti zoo groups' thinking about zoos? 20:00. Ending the chimps in research exemption under the ESA: a notable example of zoos partnering with anti-zoo groups. While an important issue, was it a credibility giveaway by zoos? Plus a legal update by Rachel Garner from www.whyanimalsdothething.com on two recent court filings with scary implications for all animal facilities. www.iReinforce.com www.AZA.org www.IMATA.org  

Zoo Logic features a wife and husband animal care and training team that has successfully worked in the same field and at the same facilities for more than 20 years. Jess and Dave Peranteau are part of the senior team that built the OdySea Aquarium located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Phoenix-- it's the largest aquarium in the desert southwest. From competing for the same full-time trainer job when they first met at SeaWorld of Ohio to building a life, a family, and most recently, a major AZA accredited aquarium, you'll enjoy their full circle journey from Shamu, to terrestrials, to fish and back to marine mammals. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Dr. Marty Haulena, a veterinarian with the Vancouver Aquarium provides Zoo Logic with a breaking Zoos News update about first of its kind medical efforts to help the malnourished wild and endangered southern resident killer whale known as J50.  In a related story, with nearly 70% of all humans depending on the world ocean as their source of protein, Michelle Garis, with McRoberts Sales discusses their efforts to promote sustainable use of fisheries and to provide zoos and aquariums with information to help them better conserve commercial fish stocks commonly used to feed animals living in human care. With the collapse of a number of commercial fisheries in recent years, it is more important than ever for zoological professionals to use a wide range of fish types to ensure a steady supply of food for their animals. Plus an all new That Sounds Wild.  

How did an old part from a VW bus and a rock chewing German Shepherd dog named Fritz lead to the most recognizable pet toy on earth? Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford asks Kong Company cofounder, Joe Markham and lead behavior and training specialist, Mark Hines about the history of the classic dog toy that's still made in the USA, and how it has helped solve problems for animals and people for more than 40 years. Hear how Kong's unique design and quality construction continues to find new behavior training and enrichment applications with police and military canines, zoo species from primates to pumas, and farm animals as big as horses.  Plus the latest Zoos News, a Ms. Mallory Minute with wildlife adventurer Mallory Lindsay, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Long time Moorpark College professor Gary Wilson joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to discuss the Exotic Animal Training and Management program, America's oldest professional zookeeping academic curriculum. Gary describes the early history of EATM at Moorpark first as a student and now as a long serving professor. Students develop advanced skills and gain practical experience  learning and working at a functioning public zoo with about 130 animals. Gary and Grey discuss the evolution of zookeeping as a multidisciplinary and science-based career that is increasingly reliant on applied animal training principles. Plus the latest Zoos News, an all new Ms. Mallory Minute with national spokesperson and wildlife adventurer, Mallory Lindsay, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Dr. Jason Bruck joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to talk about the increasingly important collaborative role between scientists and zoological facilities in order to preserve wild species. Jason describes his research on how complex social systems in cetaceans, primates and other vertebrates drive the evolution of complex learning and memory skills. They also discuss the role of a researcher and that of a paid lobbyist to answer whether a scientist can or should publish scientific papers at the same time he or she is lobbying on behalf of a client or issue.   Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

NOAA Fisheries scientist, Dr. Barbara Taylor, joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to discuss the progress of women in science, her field work to help endangered marine mammals like the Bowhead whale rebound in numbers, and the recent efforts through vaquitaCPR.org to save the nearly extinct vaquita porpoise. While the fate of the vaquita may be sealed, the cooperative model and painful lessons learned over the past few years by scientists, marine mammal veterinarians, animal trainers and zoological professionals, governments, animal activists, and related conservation organizations to act early and boldly may just save other wild marine species from extinction.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Doug Cress, Chief Executive Officer of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. With nearly 400 facilities and regional associations, WAZA members wield great influence with 700M visitors per year. As the new CEO, Doug describes changes to WAZA leadership, direction, and plans for growth in membership as a more balanced and representative global organization. We also get WAZA's bold take on recent news that mega food producer, Nestle, has been expelled from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for failing to meet membership requirements designed to preserve rainforest habitat and help consumers make sustainable choices at the supermarket.   Plus the latest Zoos News, a special legislative update separating real  tiger numbers from fiction with whyanimalsdothething.com’s Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Trainer, media personality, and author of the book, Wear a Wetsuit to Work, Kyle Kittleson talks with Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford about his journey from growing up in the desert to successfully becoming a marine mammal trainer. Kyle's journey prompted him to write a helpful how-to guide for those aspiring to become marine mammal trainers in a highly competitive field. Plus the latest Zoos News, a legislative update from whyanimalsdothething.com’s Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Wildlife Heroes author, media personality, and retired SeaWorld and Busch Gardens animal ambassador, Julie Scardina and her continued work with several conservation groups around the world. Seemingly busier than before retirement, in addition to live audience and media appearances, Julie is a member of several boards including the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which means evaluating hundreds of worthy funding proposals each year. At a critical time when habitats and animal populations are shrinking, she describes her work with zoos and wildlife organizations to help mentor young zoological professionals through the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program (wildlifeleaders.org). Julie's best advice to young zoological professionals and students is to get involved in wildlife policy by making their voices heard to protect existing landmark laws and efforts to preserve what's left of the wild.   Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Mark Simmons, author of Killing Keiko, the true story of Free Willy's return to the wild. As the behaviorist tasked with preparing Keiko mentally, physically, and behaviorally for possible release to the waters off Iceland, Mark describes firsthand why this gentle orca was never a good candidate for return and how those behind the project sealed his fate by ignoring the law and the best welfare interests of Keiko in favor of media attention and marketing. Abandoned by the only family he knew, humans, Keiko's sad and tragic end provides important lessons now more than ever for zoos, policy makers, and all those concerned about preserving species in human care and the wild. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Jungle Jack Hanna, Emmy Award winning host of Into the Wild joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to talk about his love for animals and the important role of zoos and aquariums as "arks" to save wildlife and wild places. From his humble beginnings cleaning cages as a kid, Jack describes his 40-year zoo career and the tremendous growth of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the adventures of filming all over the globe, and his focus on "filming with respect."   Plus the latest Zoos News, a new Ms Mallory Minute with national spokesperson Mallory Lindsay of MsMalloryAdventures.com, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director of the International Rhino Foundation (Rhinos.org) about the status of rhinos in Indonesia and Africa. For 25-years the IRF has been supporting research, education, and on the ground protection for the world’s remaining species of rhinos. Susie describes some of the challenges the IRF team faces to prevent rhino extinction due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and record levels of poaching. Plus the latest Zoos News, a legislative update on Animal Rights Groups growing use of the ESA to further their anti-zoo agenda from whyanimalsdothething.com’s Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with elephant trainer, international consultant and animal welfare advocate, Erin Ivory about her work since leading the effort to bring Mila, New Zealand's lone elephant to the U.S. to live out her days with other elephants at the San Diego Zoo. Erin discusses her work with SE Asia zoos and elephant camps to improve positive reinforcement-based training and expand the use of enrichment. According to Erin, sometimes the biggest impediment to achieving better animal welfare is convincing zoo directors of the critical need for using enrichment and reward-based training to improve the lives of animals. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Emmy Award winning actor, best selling author, and zoo animal advocate, Carolyn Hennesy on the difference between advocacy and activism, and why the difference matters. Fans of Carolyn from her work on General Hospital, True Blood, Jesse and more will enjoy her candor describing her own personal journey from activist to vocal zoo advocate. Plus the latest Zoos News, a legislative update on the progress of the Big Cat Public Safety Act by whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, the Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center on the importance of science in the debate over whether animals like dolphins should be kept in human care. Kelly and Grey discuss how the public narrative and widespread misperceptions about dolphins and orcas affect public attitudes of these animals living in the wild versus those living in human care. Plus the latest Zoos News, an all new That Sounds Wild, and a legislative update by whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner explaining why it is illegal for carnivores to breed in Michigan!

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, the Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center on dolphin cognition and how scientists describe animal intelligence. Kelly and Grey discuss how the public narrative and widespread misperceptions about dolphins and orcas affect public attitudes of these animals living in the wild and those living in human care. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Emmy Award winning actor, best selling author, and zoo animal advocate, Carolyn Hennesy on her experiences with elephants in SE Asia. Fans of Carolyn from her work on General Hospital, True Blood, Jesse and more will enjoy her candor describing her own personal journey from activist to vocal zoo advocate. Plus the latest Zoos News, an update on efforts to remove Los Angeles Zoo's Billy the elephant to a sanctuary, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with long time marine mammal, pet, and wild animal training expert, Ken Ramirez, about the growing importance of science-based behavioral management for preserving wild populations of animals. Ken recalls his efforts to encourage primates through operant conditioning to use their natural distress call to alert nearby park rangers to the presence of poachers. He also describes his successful efforts to mitigate human - polar bear conflicts in the arctic. And, after an attack by poachers that left he and some of his team critically injured last year, Ken tells of his renewed determination to help teach wild elephants a new migratory route away from human conflicts and deadly poachers. Plus the latest Zoos News, a new conservation feature with the Curious Conservationist and national spokesperson Mallory Lindsay from MsMalloryAdventures.com, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

We talk with Playwright Trevor Allen about writing for different voices, fugue writing, Zoo Logic, Tenders in the Fog, dealing with current events and the danger of "too soon", and podcasting The Creature.