Did you know that aquarium and zoo professionals often volunteer to take on more work than what falls within their job description or organization? Today we discuss the pros and cons of taking on more and being generous with your time and efforts in your field. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner…

When we're feeling unsure, it's tempting to draw upon past experiences for guidance, even when they weren't so effective or pleasant. Today we discuss emulating behaviors and habits of other people, and why it may or may not work for you. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

It's relatively easy to envision how the first portion of the SPIDER model of enrichment works, but the second portion is just as important. Today we discuss how we know our enrichment and training ideas are working and how we carry those ideas into the future. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner…

Even when we've had our fill of politics, it's important to remember that politics in the workplace can be very important to consider when it comes to one's words and actions. There can be impact even when the choice is made to avoid workplace politics. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/sta…

It's fun to be able to think creatively on behalf of the animals every now and again. If you've ever wondered how animal care professionals come up with the enrichment ideas that we do, this is a quick rundown of the first half of the process. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-se…

It's not uncommon for people to think they're doing something good by withholding their corrections in hope that the other person will figure it out on their own. Confrontation can be intimidating, after all. Today we discuss how and why difficult discussions should be done with kindness in mind. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationpl…

Keepers are only available for a small portion of the day. We have to consider the experience of the animals all through the day, though, so let's take a closer look as to how and why we care what the animals are up to when we aren't around. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semp…

It is perhaps not everyone's dream to be a middle manager, but rest assured, being in the position between a team of individual contributors and senior leadership requires special skill and awareness. It's not for the faint of heart! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion occurring at the same time can affect all aspects of our lives even when the stress is only experienced in one portion. What is burnout and what can be done about it? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

The terms might seem interchangeable, but there's a big difference in using power via authority or influence. The manner in which followers respond is just as different. Today we discuss the nuances and use of authority as opposed to influence. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-s…

It's important for animal care professionals to understand how they cope with loss because it will happen. While the animals that we work with are not pets or family members, losses can hit hard. Coping and healing are hard, but essential. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Innovation and creativity sometimes have a cost, and that can be mistakes and unplanned outcomes. Is it worth it, though? Certainly! Today we talk about developing a culture of trying and why it's important. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo aquatizoo@gmail.com l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

This is a topic that we don't discuss a openly very often, but there come times in animals' lives when they get older or injured or sick that the staff must have meaningful conversation about the animal's day to day experiences. We discuss their future and how we should respond. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo aquatizoo@gmail.com l.semple@magicalvacation…

It can be difficult to navigate how to integrate into a new work environment and getting to know new coworkers. Should you share more about yourself? Less? Today we discuss the decisions to be made when joining a new work team. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Aquariums and zoos may very well be involved with work that helps to shape the language and direction of laws and protections that affect themselves as well as animals. It's delicate work, but helpful in conserving animals and habitats on a larger scale than within the walls of their institutions. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationp…

Did you know that many aquariums and zoos run summer camps and programs? In case you'd never considered this as an option if you were looking for an interesting experience for a special young person, today we discuss the good opportunities in summer camps. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/…

When you have a technical job or a technical mind, it can be challenging to navigate issues with people. We can't address the problems in the same way with analytics, logic, and facts. Today we discuss how to go about developing skills for engaging people. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/…

It's understood that working with wild animals carries a lot of risk. Each institution spends a lot of time pondering and creating a lengthy list of safety protocols to help their staff stay safe even in the most challenging of scenarios. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Working with people tends to come with small annoyances that get under our skin. Whether it's friends, family, or coworkers, someone at some point is going to annoy you with their antics. Today we discuss some framing to help overcome and avoid ruining relationships. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationp…

It might seem obvious, but it's difficult for us as humans to perceive the entirety of our surroundings the same way the animals do. A challenge for animal care professionals, we have to consider many aspects of the experience to determine the best ways to care for our animals. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magic…

There is a combination of factors at play when we evaluate how to deal with conflict. We each have a natural tendency, a role to play, and a current objective in the conflict. It may not be comfortable, but we all need to find a way to navigate it. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lo…

People like to surround themselves with people that they like. Every once in a while, we make a particularly strong bond with one special person. Animals do the same! They have preferences and people with whom they'd prefer to spend their time. Who knew? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/st…

It might sound like and odd pairing, but it's interesting to see how much overlap there can be in the skills that make a good leader and those that make a good animal trainer. It's more similar than you might realize! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

How do animal care professionals know how to train animals? We put a lot of work into properly preparing ourselves and our coworkers to train animals, and it can be rather challenging to do properly. Today we discuss how to train animal trainers! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori…

If you're interested in increasing your knowledge and experience within your craft, whose responsibility might it be to get you there? Is it yours? Your employer? Today we discuss the many facets of professional development and how it might be accomplished. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com…

So your favorite aquarium or zoo has an exhibit to renovate to make improvements... but where do the animals go? Today we discuss the challenges our institutions face when we have to make necessary changes that might pose a danger to the animals that live there. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanne…

Perhaps one of the most frustrating things that we all deal with in life is the sheer amount of things about ourselves or the situation around us that we can't change. Is it hopeless? Should we give up? No way! Today we discuss the circle of concern. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/…

It can be a big challenge for aquariums and zoos to determine how to use public relations to their advantage. When things aren't going quite right, public statements become even more important. Today we discuss some interesting examples of PR and news in the zoo and aquarium world. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.m…

Beyond the circle of control lies the circle of influence. There are methods to build your influence and make a bigger impact on those around you. Today we discuss the importance of building relationships with others and how it can benefit everyone. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/l…

There's something to be said for giving back to the community, and aquariums and zoos are no exception! Today we discuss just how our institutions might serve as a resource and support for our local area and population. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

It's difficult to remember how little control we have over a lot of the people and activities around us. We might not like it, but when we can't control the situation, we can at least control ourselves. The choices we make in frustrating circumstances dictate how we move forward. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.mag…

Animal care professionals often have to choose their words carefully. We don't want anyone to misunderstand our intentions or our work, so we are selective and thoughtful in our communications when it comes to the animals in our care. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

While gender shouldn't really matter in most workplaces, it's a commonly-used way to categorize people and make inferences about their choices, traits, and abilities. It's important to understand the stereotypes and biases surrounding gender so that we can do better! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationp…

It can be exciting and dangerous all at once, and it's a staple of specialized activity at many AZA accredited institutions. Today we discuss the purpose, preparation, and precautions swirling around scuba diving in an aquarium. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Most of us have been using email for ages in our work day to day, but sometimes we all need a reminder to use some of the features to their fullest capacity to help us enhance our work performance. Today we discuss the great ways that email can make us better at our jobs. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvaca…

We love animals... all sorts of animals. There are things we have to consider, however, when a guest brings an animal in their visit to their favorite zoo or aquarium. Today we discuss the ins and outs of service animals in our institutions. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semp…

There are times when changes happen and we weren't prepared. One of the most important parts of the aftermath is debriefing with the group. How do these sudden shifts affect our teams? Our future success? Today we discuss the importance of debriefing. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff…

Why might an animal care team elect to raise and care for a young animal instead of a parent? Today we discuss the ins, outs, and history of hand rearing in aquariums and zoos. A strange practice, perhaps, but not a decision made casually! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

There are some distinct advantages to opening your mind to learning no matter your age or current status. Whichever way fits best into your life is a great way to begin integrating new knowledge, skills, and abilities into your daily activities. Today we discuss the fascinating world of lifelong learning! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalv…

Did you know that animals could be on display in an aquarium or zoo that may not actually be owned by that institution? It can get complicated and confusing, but I'm here to explain some of the nuances of animals on loan! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

If you've ever been dismissed or rejected, you probably understand how it feels when someone doesn't want to listen. Afford those around you a bit of your time and effort and listen to what they have to say. It could prove incredibly valuable! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-se…

Maybe you've wondered, maybe you haven't thought about it, but what happens when someone drops a toy or phone into an aquarium or zoo exhibit? Today we discuss the ins and outs of the response when stuff ends up where it doesn't necessarily belong. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lo…

It takes a unique person to be comfortable enough with re-evaluating and changing their opinion on choices that they've already made. A strong leader can set an example by purposefully considering the facts and changing their mind. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

You might be surprised about the complexity of exhibit lighting. There are lots of types of lights and many different reasons for using them. Today we discuss the science and design behind the illumination of some of your favorite exhibits. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-sempl…

Great customer service skills are useful in most workplaces, if you have the right viewpoint when thinking about it. Today we discuss how a customer service mindset can lead to great personal success in just about any line of work. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Some animals are creations of fantasy, others are not. Every once in a while, a guest enters a zoo or aquarium who thought that certain types of animals are only in fairy tales. Today we talk about animals that are not so mythical as they might be portrayed! *I'm aware of an audio issue in the first part of this episode caused by an unstable microp…

Just as we have different viewpoints and experiences, everyone has a different definition of success. Does it revolve around work? family? Tangible awards? A feeling of accomplishment? Success is personal. *Please note: I'm aware of an audio issue caused by an unstable microphone in this episode. Apologies for the inconvenience!* www.patreon.com/aq…

There are numerous reasons to be concerned about the changing conditions of the environment. Today we discuss the dangers facing numerous species and what aquariums and zoos intend to do about it. Also, you can help! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple…

Helping coworkers to problem solve can be a challenge, but there are tools available to assist the people around us. Today we discuss the ins and outs of coaching and counseling and how they can assist in a harmonious workplace environment. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-sempl…

Behavioral husbandry and welfare are closely intertwined, but do, in fact, give us different information regarding an animal's current status. Knowing how to use and navigate these two different aspects of animal care greatly helps our animals thrive! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff…