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.com/staff/lori-semple...
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/staff/lori-semple...
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-semple...
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@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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-semple...
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-semple...
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@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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/staff/lori-semple...
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/staff/lori-semple
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.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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/lori-semple...
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/staff/lori-semple...
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-semple...
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/staff/lori-semple...
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.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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/lori-semple...
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.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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/lori-semple...
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.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
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...
