Episodes
296
Latest episode
Oct 2026
Language
EN
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!
Unfortunately, retaliation is just sneaky enough to weave itself into the fabric of an organization. How might that happen? What does it look like? Today we discuss the tricky environment that develops when retaliation permeates the culture... and what to do about it! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Some animals present a special challenge to even the most seasoned of trainers. It's not impossible to train invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. More consideration needs to be placed on their welfare and perception capabilities, but if you know how to go about it, training can be beneficial for both the animals and their caretakers. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
It might be the overt acts that are against an organization's policies, it could be behavior that is much more subtle and difficult to identify. While we can't always determine intent, we can make note of changes in relationships and talk it out to avoid a snowballing effect and resentment. Let's discuss the more difficult to label behaviors of subtle retaliation. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
The wildest animal in any zoo or aquarium is not necessarily a big cat or a bear or a shark! Today we discuss the wildest entity of them all, how we deal with them, and why it's a necessity that we keep them around. We spend a lot of time and resources planning for whatever they might do, and even then, we're still surprised! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Most of us have had interactions with others that didn't quite go as intended. It can take a fair amount of practice and time to think back on those instances and identify exactly what went wrong. If you consider it carefully, however, there may be a chance to salvage that relationship and make it stronger than ever. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
Animal welfare is a concern for all, whether you're employed by an animal care institution or not. If you see something questionable in your visit to or work in an aquarium or zoo, there are ways to bring it to the staff's attention and they are obligated to investigate. We take these reports seriously, and we, too want to be sure the animals have the best welfare! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
It may be intentional, or it may not be. Regardless of the reasoning, dealing with someone who is hoarding information or gatekeeping in the workplace can be very frustrating. Today we discuss the challenges and opportunities involved with gatekeeping. Yay? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
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
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
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
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Alexander Spencer
