AquatiZoo podcast

Hosted by Lori Semple

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Episodes

288

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

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

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60 recent

August 21, 202630 min

Ethics of Zoos and Aquariums

The question we hear most often is whether animals should be in human care. Is it ethical? Are there circumstances where it is or is not? Today we wade into the thorny topic of how and why zoos and aquariums exist, as well as how they've changed over time. Is it enough that we've learned a lot and continue to perfect our techniques in the hopes that we're making a difference for animals in their natural habitat? Let's talk it out. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

August 14, 202630 min

Be the Change

Now that we have discussed so many different behaviors that might be problematic, it's time to talk about what might be a better option. Whether you have actual authority or not, you have the power to do the right thing, adjust your behavior, and influence others to do the same. Be the change you want to see! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

July 31, 202630 min

Vendors and Suppliers

Aquariums and zoos may not always have the expertise on staff needed to accomplish all of the work that needs to be done. We hire companies and partners to help us out an our visitors may never know the difference! Today we discuss how vendors and suppliers are a necessary and sometimes seamless addition to our operations. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

July 24, 202630 min

The Credit Stealer

Another challenging type of behavior seen in leaders and peers can be someone who takes credit for the work of others. Today, we discuss how this behavior may come to be, how to recognize it, and options of what to do in response. It's challenging, but can be handled with grace, maturity, and still have good outcomes. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

July 17, 202630 min

Administration

There's a group of well-dressed professionals dreaming big and mapping the road to success in any aquarium or zoo, and guests may not even realize it. Today we discuss the unique talents of the administrative team and how their work is crucial to the success of the organization. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

July 3, 202630 min

The Authoritarian Leader

There is a time and place to use the authoritarian leadership style. When it is used as the default leadership style, however, it can cause problems in the workplace. Today we discuss the necessity, navigation, benefits, and drawbacks of authoritarian leadership. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

June 26, 202630 min

Facilities Teams

The often unnoticed group that keeps zoos and aquariums running in top shape are the facilities teams. Covering a wide array of skills, knowledge of experience, these talented team members are the ones that are sometimes overlooked but provide the safe, fun, engaging environment that we all know and love! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

June 12, 202630 min

The Non-Confrontational Leader

It seems so harmless to have a leader that doesn't seem to want to upset anyone, but this sort of stand-offish behavior can be a problem for everyone in the long run. How nice is too nice? Today we discuss! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

June 5, 202631 min

Transparency in Animal Care

Why would an aquarium or zoo invite guests to see behind-the-scenes areas? What might the reasoning for positioning a camera crew to record keeper, aquarist, and veterinary work? Today we discuss why many of our institutions opt to show off what we do when it comes to animal care. Transparency is important! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

May 29, 202630 min

Accidental Micromanager

As common as micromanaging tends to be, it's important to understand how these behaviors come to be and why people might lean into micromanaging habits. There are ways to correct the issue, allowing those managed to grow and innovate as well as increase the effectiveness and knowledge of the leader themselves. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple