If you're anything like me, the paperwork side of your job can be entirely overwhelming. There are ways to streamline and make necessary actions a lot easier and more palatable. Let's discuss ways we can get back to the fun parts of our work! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It is unlikely that visitors ever give much thought to what medications might be onsite at their favorite aquarium or zoo or how they are used. The innovation of veterinarians should be celebrated and respected, as medications and healthcare are crucial to good animal care. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Change is hard. Resistance can appear in many different forms. Today we discuss the many ways resistance to change might appear and how to turn it into something helpful and useful. It isn't the end of the world and it could actually help bring about a better future. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
We all get a bit older. Animals are no different! How do aquariums and zoos navigate the challenges that accompany advancing age and decreased mobility? Well... with the welfare of the animal in mind of course!
We've all been frustrated by people who don't want to listen, but how practiced at it are we ourselves? Have you paid close attention to what you do when someone else speaks? Why does it matter? Today we discuss the challenges of truly listening.
Having a goal in mind is important for the progress of any organizations. Today we discuss the benefits and challenges of discussing where we're going, why we're going there, and why we need to plan how we get there. Fun times with strategic planning! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Communication is complicated. When you're trying to get people to come along with you, there should be some clarity about the end goal. Don't just tell people what you don't want, tell them what you do want! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
What do power outages, hurricanes, zombie apocalypses, floods, wars, diver injuries, guest falls, and epidemics have in common? These are things that zoos and aquariums discuss and prepare for just to be ready! (Okay, maybe zombie apocalypse isn't on the list...) www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
A great way to show that you value the people around you is to respect their time as valuable to them and to you. Keeping meetings running as scheculed and understanding time boundaries can be something of a relief to all. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
It's frustrating, it's rewarding, it's stressful, it's exciting! Exhibit design may seem simple and straightforward on the surface, but when it comes to aquariums and zoos, there are a lot of opinions to be had. Today we discuss collaboration to produce new exhibits and experiences. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
This is something that can take a long time to identify and work on for oneself. Emotion management is important to practice so that you avoid doing something that could damage your reputation or career. Today we discuss the ins and outs of keeping your cool! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
While it isn't the most common way for aquariums and zoos to obtain animals, it is one of the most interesting and potentially complicated. Animals that are removed by law enforcement need some care and attention. Today we discuss the complicated situation that defines confiscations. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
There's a phrase that some people use to end an argument with a coworker that can be infuriating. Today we talk about the challenges of failing to be innovative and crushing creativity. Don't be afraid to re-think! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
There are a few things that hopeful aquarists and zookeepers might like to know about their intended field and there should be some deep thought about the road ahead. These are the things that I wish I had understood when I entered the field. I hope that this episode helps the animal care professionals of tomorrow! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
They're natural, but not particularly helpful. If you've ever held a grudge or been on the receiving end of a grudge, you might know that it's generally an unpleasant experience. Today we discuss the painful truth about grudges and how to overcome them. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
While it is not a commonly discussed phenomenon for those outside the world of biology, there are some animals that can reproduce in unexpected ways. You may have seen it in the news or heard talk of it before, but today we discuss the ability that some animals have to reproduce all on their own! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Trust is important, but how can we develop it with the people around us? Believe it or not, there are things that we can do to purposefully and thoughtfully with our teams, friends, and family. Today we discuss the possibilities when it comes to developing healthy, trusting relationships with others. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Aquariums and zoos may have up close and personal interactions with certain animals to enhance the learning experience. How are these animals selected? What preparation goes into such an interaction? Today we discuss the interesting details surrounding animal encounters. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
When you're the leader and your team seems to be resisting what you're telling them to do, it can be frustrating. Today we look at ways to examine the problem and determine how to handle those who resist doing tasks. And no, it's not an immediate HR problem! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Whether it's for fun or necessity, many of us take on what are known as side hustles. A little extra income for talents you already have or for learning something new can't hurt, right? Today we discuss the idea of side work especially as an aquarium or zoo professional. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
We all have thoughts and opinions, obviously. Politics can be a rather polarizing topic of conversation, however, and it's always a good idea to consider many factors before delving into political discussions in the workplace. Today we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of discussing politics in the workplace. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
You may have noticed them, but have you paid much attention to the group charged with maintaining peace and order in an aquarium or zoo? Today we discuss the scope and types of issues that they deal with on a daily basis to keep things calm and fun. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Sometimes, we understand our impact and how we are perceived, but not always. Self-awareness doesn't come naturally to everyone, but there are ways to develop it over time. You are capable of taking some time to reflect, ponder, and make choices to improve your impact. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
An animal in human care should have the same opportunities to thrive as their wild counterparts (minus, perhaps, the constant threat of predators...). With that in mind, keepers have to get creative in how to make life fun, interesting, and intriguing for our animal friends. How do we know what to do? What kind of thought and preparation goes into enrichment? A lot is happening that you might not have considered in what seems such a simple idea. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacation...
You've found a job that you want, but now what? Here are a few helpful hints to increase your chances of getting your foot in the door and landing that position. It takes a lot of preparation, but if you're really ready to move on, it's got to be worth it, right? Good luck, and happy job hunting, friends!
One of the central principles, goals, and missions of aquariums and zoos is to conserve the natural world. This might mean individual species or entire ecosystems. How do we approach this vast challenge? What are our methods? How might guests get involved? Take some time to ponder, research, and join in! Helpful links: https://projectpiaba.org/ www.patreon.com/aquatizoo
Revisiting some advice for those who might need it. Vulnerability and discomfort are a part of admitting you've made a mistake. Take it a step further and apologize. It doesn't feel so great initially, but it will eventually pay off in the end. Free your guilty mind and let's all be better humans! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo l.semple@magicalvacationplanner.com www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple...
Please excuse the lack of new episodes for the moment. School work is occupying much of my time these days! Please enjoy a popular older episode and I will be back with something new as soon as I can! Aquariums and Zoos have to be ready for all sorts of scenarios in order to keep the guests, animals, and staff safe. We might be surprised by things on occasion, but we try to be methodical about our response so that everything goes smoothly. Hurricanes? Fire? Animal escape? We prepare for all sort...
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.com/staff/lori-semple...
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...
