It takes work to remain open-minded and ready to reconsider your views, opinions, and decisions. Today we discuss why it's so important to consider the views, opinions, and concerns of others and how your mindset can affect those around you. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple https://adamgrant.net/book/think-again/...
Did you know how much thought and planning goes into setting up the perfect gift shop at your favorite aquarium or zoo? It's part science, part art, all mission and a helpful source of income for the institution's endeavors. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
What makes a crisis the perfect time for the not-as-perfect leader to emerge as a driving force? Today we discuss how to spot trouble and what one might do when a crisis shakes up leadership. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
You might be curious as to what happens to a body when one of our beloved animals in the zoo or aquarium passes away. Today we discuss the various options, no matter how strange, unusual, or scientific. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
There are times when someone in our life just needs us to be there for them. It might be in words of affirmation, it might be just a listening ear, it might be just the right questions asked at the right time. Today we discuss how to be supportive of those around us through the power of words. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Aquariums and zoos make it look so easy to run fabulous events after hours. Fundraisers, parties, weddings, sleepovers... the fun is amplified! Today we discuss the potential impacts of these events on the animals and how we handle it. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It might make your palms sweaty and a lump form in your throat, but sometimes a confrontation needs to be had. Fortunately, it can be done in a calm, collected manner that's effective for all involved. Today we discuss difficult conversations. Yay? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
AZA Accredited institutions have numerous methods by which anyone can report animal welfare concerns. It can come from a staff member, volunteer, contractor, or visitors. Anyone is free to let us know when they see something off and have a concern about an animal so that we can get it fixed. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It might be subtle in today's day and age, but it's good to keep an eye out for gender bias and their impact on the workplace. Today we discuss ways this sort of bias is important to avoid if you possibly can. Diversity in our teams and staff is a good thing! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It's not the most common way for a zoo or aquarium to bring in an animal, but sometimes the circumstances are perfect and a donated animal is the right fit for our institution. There's a lot to consider before we bring in a donated friend, however, and we don't take the decision lightly! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Whether we intend to or not, we're building influence with those around us. Are there ways we can shape the way people interpret our words and actions? Can we use our powers for good? Today we discuss our influence in the workplace. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It's a great job, without a doubt! Let's be honest, though, a career in animal care has its own set of challenges. If you're interested in joining us in one of the coolest jobs in the world, there are a few things you should know before you hop in! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
When there is a disconnect between the things that we say and the actions we take, it makes quite an impression on those around us. Trust your gut when you have a feeling that an organization or individual is being inauthentic in this way, because you're probably right! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Aquariums and zoos are often looking for good ways to contribute to sustainable practices and reducing waste. Today we discuss the many ways that our facilities are already looking to make improvements and practice what we preach! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Sure, we have them. It's a good idea to be aware of what they are, when they strike, and how to view things objectively for the good of ourselves, our teams, and our organizations. Today we discuss the dangers of biases and how they can affect our work. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
There's a lot more study and science happening behind the scenes at your favorite aquarium or zoo than you might have guessed! Today we discuss the approach we might use to determine if we're really providing what the animals need. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Most of us have regrets and many of us relive the choices that we've made over and over again. Is it a part of life? Sure. Should it be something that we dwell on for long periods of time? I hope not. Today we discuss the challenges of regret. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
In an average zoo or aquarium, there's a lot of time spent preparing for problems. Every once in a while, however, something entirely unexpected happens. Today we discuss how the priorities are set and where to begin when responding when the worst occurs. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
If you've ever worked for a supervisor that had too many direct reports, you probably understand how impactful the organizational structure can be. How many is too many on a team? Does something like that really impact effectiveness overall? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
You can tell when an animal's behavior seems "off." Today we talk about behavior patterns one might see in a zoo or aquarium and how we might categorize or label what is happening. Is it good? Is it bad? Sometimes it's difficult to judge. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple
New resolutions may not work for everyone, but anyone can try and establish a new habit. The new year is a good time to make a clean break and start something interesting, exciting, or fun! It's never too late to try something new while being kind to yourself! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Some aquariums and zoos offer a unique opportunity for guests to get up close and personal by feeding some select animals. What goes into these programs and how are they managed? Are there dangers to be considered? Why doesn't everyone do this? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Hearing feedback is one challenge. Asking for it is a rather different problem. Difficult though it may be, it's best to know where you stand, where your work may have drifted off the mark, and what improvements can be made earlier rather than later. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Sometimes aquariums and zoos attract additional "friends" of the animal variety to our institutions. It's a challenge to keep our residents safe, fed, and healthy while the locals are looking to get in on the action. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
We all encounter them eventually, but are there ways to cope with things and situations that prove disappointing? Absolutely. It's not easy or fun, but I hope my experiences and a few tips and tricks help to make future challenges like this just a little bit easier to navigate. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
We've talked a lot about AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) inspections specifically, but what other inspections might be of importance in your favorite zoo or aquarium? What are they looking for and why are they important? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It might be of benefit to pay attention to that sinking feeling in our gut when we consider certain challenges, tasks, and situations. There are benefits to confronting situations that intimidate or make us a little uncomfortable. What's on the other side? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Really cool animals are not the only thing on exhibit in your favorite zoo or aquarium. Plants (and the people that take care of them) are a very important part of making our guests and animals feel comfortable and immersed in our facilities, and they're sometimes underappreciated. Not today! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It can be rather intimidating and nerve-wracking to do a thing as "simple" as asking another human being for help. Today we sort through the potentially negative feelings and get to the benefits of admitting that you can't do it all alone. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Donations are an important part of the organizational planning for aquariums and zoos. With the aid of the community, we continue to set goals and improve our institutions. Today we discuss donations, philanthropy, and the talented individuals who make it all work! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
