Zoo Logic

There are millions of unwanted feral cats roaming the US, leaving an indelible mark on vulnerable species conservation. Before appreciating the size of the problem that feral cats present globally, Neighborhood Cats founder, Bryan Kortis recognized the issue in his own NYC backyard as he tried to rescue and place a few kittens found next to his apartment. Turns out one useful strategy is known as TNR, trap, neuter and return. Bryan suggests TNR has to be applied in a targeted fashion in order to have high sterilization rates in defined locations resulting in gradual but significant population decline and control of feral cats. He discusses the nuanced application of TNR in sensitive nesting areas in places like Maui, as well as, the pushback his efforts have received by many in the conservation biology community. Have we in the zoological and conservation space made an as yet unrealized perfect solution the enemy of the good? Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Podcast

Seven years ago SeaWorld was approached with the idea of building a world class marine animal facility in Abu Dhabi. Long time SeaWorld and Busch Gardens curator, Rob Yordi, was involved in planning this immense indoor park from the start. While we don't yet know exactly when in 2023 SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will open to the public, the Yas/SeaWorld Research and Rescue center has launched to serve the conservation and educational needs of the region. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Podcast

After years of delays due to scheduling, hurricanes, and COVID, the long discussed combined conference of trainers from the Animal Behavior Management Alliance (ABMA) and the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) is underway in Atlanta. Zoo Logic is live with two of the organizations' long time leaders, Nicki Boyd, Curator of Applied Behavior from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Will Elgar, Director of ZOO Miami. While animal training in applied zoo and aquarium settings will always be the primary focus of these groups, both leaders recognize the growing importance and industry influence their alliance of behaviorists have on the global zoological community. Animal Care Software KORE Enrichment Products

Environmental journalist Marlowe Starling recently published an article in Mongabay about the efforts of Ukrainian biologists and their colleagues around the world to preserve data, specimens, and research sites in the war ravaged country. These biologists have risked their lives to transport, recover, and most importantly, share conservation data with scientists around the globe. The urgency is great as field research on vulnerable and endangered species such as the sandy blind mole-rat, the Black Sea bottlenose dolphin, migratory birds, and native plants has come to a standstill or has been severely curtailed, and original data sets have been lost. Animal CareSoftware KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

With all the activist and conservation challenges confronting the zoological world, it's important to just stop and appreciate good news when it happens. Recently, the Tanganika Wildlife Park announced its first successful birth of an Indian rhinoceros, also called the greater one-horned rhino. This large species of rhino once numbered as few as 100 individuals in the wild. Today, while still considered vulnerable, it has made a remarkable comeback to approximately 4000 animals according to sources like the International Rhino Foundation. Even more remarkable is this young calf was born to a mother who was conceived through artificial insemination--proving that reproductive assistance techniques developed for humans has a role to play in species conservation. The park's curator of research and welfare, Dr. Samantha Russak and primary rhino keeper, Sierra Smith discuss the new arrival and all the adjustments needed as a result of this significant birth. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

In the 20th century, it was the norm for people over the span of decades to work at and eventually retire from the same company. With the approach of the 21st century, a monumental economic shift occurred in which most employees now have a more varied work history with multiple employers over much shorter durations. So to meet zoological professionals with a lifetime of experience at one location with the same individual animals, not just the same species, is increasingly rare. Nicole West, animal manager at Dolphin Quest Oahu, discusses what growing up and working with the same individual animals for nearly a quarter century has meant to maintaining their behavioral and psychological well-being in good times and bad. Animal Care Software (https://animalcaresoftware.com/) KONG Zoo (https://kongzoo.com/) Zoo Logic (https://www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast) Dolphin Quest (https://dolphinquest.com/)

Board certified veterinarian and author, Dr. Doug Mader returns to discuss the growing problem of invasive species throughout Florida and especially, the Everglades and Keys. Given the perfect climate and bountiful food availability, it's no wonder why one such invasive species, the green iguana, has flourished to the point of being deemed a nuisance animal by the state. Still, there are some residents that want to protect the iguanas despite their overgrowth which only serves to complicate matters and thwart potential solutions to reduce population numbers. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Historically, many if not most scientists dismissed the value of studying wild animals in managed care settings like zoos and aquariums. With dwindling wild populations in need of immediate conservation solutions and increased competition for research funding, the importance and relevance of studying animals in human care has been on the increase. Friend of the podcast, Dr. Jason Bruck and some of his graduate students discuss the challenges and opportunities of developing working relationships with zoological facilities and staff, as well as, the "game changing" emergence of smaller, cheaper, and more powerful technologies with which to study marine and terrestrial animals. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

By the mid 2000's, Chris Fischer began to lend his business, angling, and media acumen to answering a basic question facing ocean scientists and all of humanity: how do we ensure our grandkids will be able to eat a fish sandwich? Having grown up in the 1970's and all too familiar with the depleted fish stocks of the western Atlantic at that time, Chris realized the biggest threat to our world oceans was a data deficit and the siloing of well-intentioned researchers stuck in an antiquated and dysfunctional system of funding. So he set about disrupting the research status quo by forming Ocearch to bring a multidisciplinary team of cooperating scientists and a uniquely equipped ship and experienced crew to study, assess, and track apex predators like white sharks. As Chris points out, he's not a shark guy, rather he's an abundance guy. His goal is to restore balance to the oceans through shared data, public education, and informed policymaking. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Few species are as widely recognizable as Australia's koala. Despite its iconic status and reams of studies, there is much we don't know about this species and the threats to its survival. As a result, Dr. Danielle Clode chose to explore "why this species is the lone survivor of a once-diverse family of uniquely Australian marsupials." Her new book Koala: a natural history and an uncertain future (W.W. Norton & Company) released this month examines their behavior, physiology, and complex relationship with the "distinctive" trees upon which they depend. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

This past week marks a year since the passing of Wildlife World Zoo founder, Mickey Ollson. And while changes as significant as the loss of a leader can be paralyzing to any organization, the team at Wildlife World knew there would be no time to close shop and grieve when thousands of animals and tens of thousands of visitors are depending on them. Wildlife World spokesperson and president, Kristy Hayden reflects on the staff's and facility's past year, describes some of the improvements made thus far, and shares plans for the future. Kristy notes that succession planning can be a sensitive situation for any organization to embrace and underscores how important it is to have those difficult conversations before change occurs. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

While many zoos and aquariums feature animals from around the globe, Bearizona, located in the old western town of Williams, Arizona is uniquely situated among ponderosa pines to focus on north American species. Director of Animals, Dave O'connell returns to discuss managing animals, including more than 40 black and brown bears at high elevation where snow and weather can be extreme. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Growing up in New Jersey, conservationist, author, and award-winning filmmaker, Paul Rosolie would much rather be outdoors testing his own survival skills than in a classroom. As a young boy he was fascinated by rainforests. Even before graduating college, he had formed an ecotourism company with his mentor Juan Julio Durand. Proceeds from leading ecotours to some of the most remote and dangerous regions in the world are used to purchase and protect pristine patches of the Peruvian rainforest. Paul is also founder of Junglekeepers, which conserves thousands of acres of threatened habitat in the vitally important Madre de Dios region of the Peruvian Amazon. The Las Piedras watershed is part of the Andes/Amazon hotspot—one of the most biodiverse and pristine areas on earth. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association has recently published a decade-by-decade account of major contributions by its members to research, conservation, strengthening the human-animal bond, husbandry, and veterinary medicine through advancements in animal training. Michael Hunt, a long time zoological professional with decades of engagement with the organization at all levels of its leadership, discusses IMATA's history and future, including an upcoming first-ever joint conference with the Animal Behavior Management Alliance. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

In addition to serving as the current board chair for the Zoological Association of America, Holly Hunt operates the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio. She also serves as president of the International Animal Exchange, an exotic animal import/export and transport company started over 60 years ago by her father and uncles. Who better than someone with Holly's experience to discuss the confusing transport, display, and import implications of the recently passed Big Cat Public Safety Act. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

In an effort to help reduce the effects of human-caused greenhouse gases on global climate, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums has recently produced a publicly available comprehensive guide to help facilities and individuals reduce their carbon footprint. Karen Fifield, WAZA Vice President from Wellington Zoo and Helen Lockhart, from Two Oceans Aquarium were instrumental in producing the guide and discuss its implementation for zoos and aquariums of all sizes and resources. The important takeaway they agree is for every facility to just begin wherever they can and to build greater success from there. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Dr. Doug Mader is an experienced, board-certified veterinarian with expertise in equine, small animal, and exotic animal care. The author of several medical textbooks, book chapters, and hundred of articles, his most recent book is The Vet at Noah's Ark: stories of survival from an inner-city animal hospital. The book is a celebration of the human-animal bond and reflects on his time in Los Angeles protecting his animal patients and his team during the time of the Rodney King riots. His many talents include expertise with reptiles and amphibians having developed a passion for these animals as a boy growing up in the Florida Keys. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

The team at ZooSpensefull has created its second annual Cooperative Care Conference for animal professionals and enthusiasts. Founder Peter Giljam describes the reasoning behind the conference to bring trainers from diverse animal backgrounds together to share behavior modification ideas, solutions, and best practices. The online conference features over a dozen international speakers over several days. Attendees will be able to access recorded presentations and panel discussions for several months following the conference. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

The team at ZooSpensefull has created its second annual Cooperative Care Conference for animal professionals and enthusiasts. Founder Peter Giljam describes the reasoning behind the conference to bring trainers from diverse animal backgrounds together to share behavior modification ideas, solutions, and best practices. The online conference features over a dozen international speakers over several days. Attendees will be able to access recorded presentations and panel discussions for several months following the conference. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Mission K9 Rescue's purpose is to "Rescue, Reunite, Re-Home, Rehabilitate and Repair any retired working dog that has served mankind in some capacity." Whether it's bringing them back from overseas deployments which is quite costly, reuniting them with their military handlers, or rescuing them from poor environments at home, Mission K9 works to provide the best possible care for working canines once their service is completed due to injury, age, and/or health issues. Mission K9 co-founder Bob Bryant discusses the life and fate of working dogs. In many cases, when these animals retire, some have extensive medical issues that can become quite costly. Often retired working dogs have been in situations that can cause them severe anxiety and stress. Many retire with issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These dogs need time to decompress and reintegrate into society. Mission K9 Rescue works with these dogs in order to make them suitable for adoption. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Animal curator LynnLee Schmidt formed Animals Amplified to "save the world one person at a time," by providing professional development courses for zookeepers and animal trainers so they can own their own development and provide amazing care for their animals. Rather than give keepers permission to quit difficult work environments or managers, she tries to help individuals develop their own skill sets to cope with all the challenges and opportunities found in such workplaces. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

As he describes in his recently released first book, Dog Dad: How Animals Bring out the Best in Us and Can Help Save the World, Instagram sensation Tophy Brophy's childhood was anything but easy. Suffering from anxiety and never feeling fully connected to the people around him, Topher recalls years of loneliness, depression and attempts to cure his "sad sickness." Once he found a lifelong friend in a puppy named Rosenberg, the quality of life for Topher increased dramatically. In addition to the fulfillment of caring for the needs of another living being that the adoption brought, life with Rosenberg lead to an unexpected creative outlet when people began commenting how similar Rosenberg and Topher resembled each other, especially as they dressed in over-the-top costumes. As a way to help others, Topher is donating all proceeds from the book to support rescue and recovery efforts by American Humane. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

We catch up with long time pinniped trainer, Heather Crane to see how the recent launch of her 16,000 square foot animal rescue, training, and boarding facility for Sea Dog Animal Training is going. As part of her mission to help the animal population of Houston, Heather and her team set aside about 40% of kennel space for rescue and feral dog rehabilitation. In addition to the main boarding wing, there's a specially designed rescue wing with extra environmental controls to help animals adjust and rest from previous abuse, over stimulation, and/or life on the streets. While the struggle to complete construction and now staff and operate the facility has been greater than Heather and her supportive family may have anticipated, the satisfaction of helping animals too easily deemed disposable by society is why Heather began this journey. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

We catch up with Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) executive director, Julia Wagner following their deployment to south Florida immediately after hurricane Ian made landfall. Julia shares what the team discovered, and how member zoo and aquarium facilities both in the region and from several states away were quick to provide resources and expertise to help facilities devastated by flooding, power loss, downed trees and damaged structures and fencing. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Dr. Katie Hall is the Animal Welfare and Training coordinator for Sedgwick County Zoo. Her interest in animal welfare and training began as a teenager when she had the opportunity to provide care for chimpanzees used in the film industry. As an internal consultant to the animal care and veterinary team, Dr. Hall describes the importance of collecting and using behavioral and physiological data to inform on husbandry and management decisions to improve individual animal welfare. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Less than 24 hours after the near category 5 strength hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida, Zoological Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) executive director, Julia Wagner, was already booked on a flight to help the region's zoos and aquariums. Julia describes the consortium of over 100 zoological facilities nationwide who have signed on to lend assistance, staffing, expertise, and other resources whenever facilities request help following natural and made-made disasters or incidents. This mutual help is offered freely among zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and exotic animal businesses independent of various trade affiliations. Joining in the effort to help ensure the mental well-being of animal professionals whose work and home lives have been disrupted is GRAZE, Growing Resiliency for Aquarium and Zoo Employees. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

For nearly 100 years, the Sacramento Zoo has operated on approximately 14 acres. As a result of improvements in animal welfare standards, many of the iconic charismatic species the zoo once displayed are no longer featured due to space. Soon after becoming CEO, Jason Jacobs began investigating what it would take to modernize the current zoo or relocate to a larger location. The analysis concluded that modernization of the existing zoo would cost about as much as the first phase of a new facility on 60 acres. A new zoo would permit the return of some iconic species and the care and display of larger populations. Jason provides insights on potential design and guest interaction concepts drawn from visiting hundreds of zoos and aquariums from around the world. Animal care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

As the song Collide states, even the best fall down sometimes. That was the situation in 2020-2021 when one of the premier zoological institutions in the world, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, stumbled as a result of poor judgment by a few in leadership. Stepping into the fray was long time Texas State Aquarium CEO Tom Schmid to answer the call to restore stakeholder trust in the organization. Tom describes his efforts to rebuild the institution's reputation and plans for future growth and reinvestment. He speaks frankly about the organization's loss of accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which some have deemed unfair, even as it earned accreditation through the Zoological Association of America and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. And no conversation about the zoo's past, present or future can be complete without mention of the contributions by the one and only Jungle Jack Hanna. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

As the newer director of Turtle Back Zoo with an all female senior leadership team, Dr. Jilian Fazio discusses the growing demographic shift in zoological professions towards greater diversity. As more women assume leadership roles, what does she believe are some of the long term implications for the zoo and aquarium community? Plus, as the leader of her organization how does she adjust to the typical and often rapid-fire highs and lows of working with animals. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Clay Carabajal got his zoological start as a "show host" at SeaWorld of Texas. While not exactly the role he envisioned at the marine mammal park as a young man, he turned it into one opportunity after another over a 17-year span. The lessons learned served him well as an educator and ambassador animal presenter. Following the examples set by his mentors Julie Scardina and Jungle Jack Hanna, Clay launched his own YouTube channel featuring wild animals and facilities, which he now conducts from his new base camp at the Abilene Zoo. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

About 5 years ago, a month old beluga whale calf from the endangered subpopulation of cetaceans native to Cook Inlet Alaska stranded on a mud flat. Much to the surprise of initial responders from the Alaska Sealife Center, the little male was still alive but in serious condition. Over the next serval days and weeks, members of the marine mammal zoological community rallied from across the U.S. to provide medical resources and staffing to provide him around the clock care. By early 2018, NOAA Fisheries deemed the young whale non-releasable due to his young age, health status, and lack of survival skills. The government decided the best location to continue his recovery was with the large beluga pod at SeaWorld of Texas. Curator Katie Kolodziej describes this remarkable young cetacean named Tyonek and the process of introducing him to his new pod of beluga whales and the instrumental role one special pacific white-sided dolphin played in his success. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

How do we describe the last of any living thing, plant or animal? Is there even a word for something, some individual that is the last of its kind? And does it matter? According to scientist and historian, Dr. Lydia Pyne, one useful word may be, "Endling." In her new book, Endlings: Fables for the Anthropocene, she explains why these "last individuals" are poignant characters in the stories that humans tell themselves about today's Anthropocene. From Benjamin the thylacine to Celia the ibex to Lonesome George the Galápagos tortoise, endlings, Pyne argues, have the power to shape how we think about grief, mourning, and loss amid the world's sixth mass extinction. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Growing up in the United Kingdom, Will Elgar told his mom he was going to be either an astronaut, dolphin trainer or stunt man. Given the lack of cetaceans in the UK, working with dolphins seemed unlikely, but Will eventually found a way. It turns out that his real passion was working with and training sea lions, which led him to new opportunities and species around the world. Recently named as the director of Zoo Miami in 2021, Will discusses how learning to train animals with positive reinforcement to develop relationships based on mutual trust has informed his skills as a manager and coach. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Given the lack of familiarity on the current state of animals in research combined with deliberate misinformation by animal rights organizations, it's no wonder people have doubts about the use of animals for biomedical studies. Dr Cindy Buckmaster, Director of Public Outreach for the National Animal Interest Alliance and host of the podcast, GetReal! describes why animals are still necessary to develop therapeutic solutions for human and animal diseases. She also discusses the various levels of oversight for animals in research as well as the multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible husbandry care and welfare for animals. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

From time to time Zoo Logic is approached by publishers, animal facilities, and individuals requesting to appear on this podcast. Recently, we were approached by a publisher in what can only be described as the most unexpected guest request ever! The publisher had re-issued an updated 30th anniversary edition of Free the Animals, written by none other than PeTA founder, Ingrid Newkirk. After sending a review copy and scheduling the interview, communications coming from the publisher and PeTA began to decline and eventually cease altogether. Apparently, the team representing Ms. Newkirk developed cold feet. Undaunted, we examine the book which describes the formation of the Animal Liberation Front in North America in the early 1980's. Given the advancements in the law, oversight, and public awareness of animal testing since the book's first release decades ago, the question for Ms Newkirk and the author of her foreword, actor Joaquin Phoenix, is whether their message of resorting to criminal acts and property destruction to achieve animal liberation is relevant today. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Recently, the IUCN Red List announced its findings that the Monarch Butterfly population had declined between 22% and 72% in just the past decade. As a result of this latest census, which largely attributes the dramatic population decline to habitat loss and overuse of pesticides, the species is now listed as endangered by the IUCN. Butterfly Wonderland's director of education, Adriane Grimaldi helps us understand this amazing species and its incredible yearly migration from Canada to Mexico. Plus, she describes what each of us can do to help preserve and restore the monarch. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Emmy winner, best-selling author, and animal advocate Carolyn Hennesy shares news on the launch of her new podcast: Life, Love and Conservation. We also learn more about her work as an actor and how she's able to channel the light and dark she says lies within each of us to create memorable characters on stage and screen. Plus, she reveals her professional link to the Star Wars universe and her family connection to the original Star Trek series. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

After 15 months of constant care to restore JJ the gray whale calf to health and to prepare her for life in the wild, the complex day to return her back to the sea had arrived. Marine mammal expert Keith Yip describes the apprehension he and his team experienced as they attempted to safely transport the largest living creature in history. Plus, a moment to remember the passing of a marine mammal medicine and science icon, Dr. Sam Ridgway. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

A quarter of a century ago, SeaWorld San Diego received a days old, nearly one ton gray whale calf whose mother was nowhere to be found and was presumed dead from a possible boat strike. With no previous data or experience on the neonatal nutritional and husbandry needs of a large species of baleen whale, SeaWorld's Keith Yip and the rest of the animal team set about the impossible task of saving an emaciated and dehydrated calf on the verge of death. What began as a long-shot turned into world wide interest in the first-of-its-kind rescue, rehabilitation, study, and eventual return to the ocean of a 31 foot, 19,000 pound gray whale some 15 months later. Part 1. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Maricopa County Animal Care and Control is one of the largest municipal shelters in the US. Community Outreach Manager, Gina Martino describes the challenges of operating a nearly full public shelter caring for several hundred animals at a time in the fastest growing county in the country. Compounding matters is the July 4th holiday, which invariably leads to more missing and frightened family pets. Gina offers steps the community can take to improve the lives of animals in their care even as we all work to lower the number of animals in need of forever homes. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

For the past few weeks, the ZooMontana team has been at the center of a local controversy stemming from a scheduled 406 Pride event featuring drag queens reading family friendly stories to children. Executive Director, Jeff Ewelt who has borne the brunt of the criticism by those opposed to the Pride event being held at the zoo, has eloquently and unapologetically posted on social media defending his decision to host this ticketed event because "ZooMontana prides itself in being inclusive of all living beings." Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

The New York State court of appeals announced its decision this week supporting lower court rulings that Happy, the Bronx Zoo elephant, was not entitled to legal rights held by human beings such as Habeas Corpus. This is the latest in a series of attempts by groups such as the non Human Rights Project to have charismatic animals like elephants and great apes granted personhood, under which they could then avail themselves of legal rights such as Habeas Corpus. Animal Law attorney, Michelle Pardo, describes the court's ruling and criticism of the plaintiff's petition, as well as, the minority opinion. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Dr. Holley Muraco is the director of research at the Mississippi Aquarium. In addition to starting her career training aquatic and terrestrial animals like dolphins and elephants, she has spent her graduate and post graduate time studying reproduction in marine mammals, especially those that are not as prolific in human care. She also enjoys working with students, particularly girls and minorities from her home state, and exposing them to the possibilities of a marine biology research career. Thanks to circumstances stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, she found herself caring for native wildlife like raccoons and most recently, beaver kits. And according to Holley, there's so much to learn about this once nearly extinct species from their physiology to engineering skills.

Hickman's Family Farms is a family run egg provider almost as old as the state of Arizona where the company was founded. With approximately 10 million laying hens housed across a half dozen facilities in the Southwest, its husbandry and bio-security measures to protect the collection from hazards such as the current strain of Avian Influenza virus dwarf those of any zoo or aquarium. Compliance Manager, Shari Yeatts describes the American Humane certified company's operations, the tracking of current and future animal welfare regulations which often vary by state, and the growing use of cage-free housing and enrichment. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

It's part two of our animal welfare research panel of experts from the recent meeting of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums held at SeaWorld of Florida. First up is researcher, Dr Jason Bruck describing his diverse study interests including the first published evidence that dolphins utilize urine to identify conspecifics--an extraordinary finding making national and international news and even a mention in Stephen Colbert's monologue on the Late Show! Also featured are scientists, Dr Kathleen Dudzinski and Dr. Heather Hill to discuss animal welfare and the future of the marine mammal community. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Recently, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums held its annual meeting at SeaWorld of Florida. We had the opportunity to hear from several researchers on the latest zoo and aquarium animal welfare studies, with an emphasis on cetaceans. In part one of this two part series, we hear from Dr. Lance Miller from the Chicago Zoological Society on how the organization monitors, assesses, and studies welfare across the entire zoo collection. Dr. Miller also provides an overview of the extensive cetacean welfare study conducted in cooperation with dozens of facilities, which has already resulted in 9 peer-reviewed papers. Plus, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola from the Dolphin Research Center discusses her passion for cognition research, cognitive welfare for animals in human care, and the importance of providing species appropriate cognitive challenges to animals. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

In 1988 two veterinarians launched a dolphin facility on the Big Island of Hawaii that would help usher in a whole new experience between humans and bottlenose dolphins. That company, Dolphin Quest, has been a pioneer in creating guest interactive experiences based on science, conservation and education about the ocean environment and its most well-known cetacean ambassadors. Co-founder, Dr. Rae Stone pierced the once male dominated veterinary profession and lead the way in the use of ultrasound technology to monitor animal health and reproduction. Joining Dr. Stone is long time DQ team member and current VP of Animals, Michelle Campbell. Together, these marine mammal leaders discuss the Dolphin Quest culture and its mission to apply scientific and husbandry lessons learned in human care to meet the growing list of challenges wild marine animals face. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

No one is immune from heart-wrenching video clips of animals in dire conditions, particularly a stranded marine mammal or one ensnared in ghost nets, crab traps, and other ocean debris. While most people want to assist wild animals in need, few of us are trained, experienced, and authorized to intervene in what can be an incredibly dangerous situation for both animals and humans. Keith Yip is an experienced animal care professional with decades of experience in husbandry, transport logistics, and government authorization for disentanglement of large whales and other species. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

According to its website, Wildlife ACT is a non-profit trust on a mission to save endangered wildlife and wild places from extinction. Its professionals, like our guest PJ Roberts, work in the field to monitor endangered and critically endangered species, including lesser known and appreciated animals like vultures. To assist in their conservation and fundraising efforts, Wildlife Act incorporates tourists as part of their data collection and monitoring services to protected areas in South Africa and other range countries. Wildlife ACT uniquely advances conservation by initiating, implementing and managing monitoring projects on reserves which do not have existing monitoring programs in place or by taking over existing monitoring projects on reserves that can no longer fund or manage them. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

In a world weary of pandemic, we asked Dr. Yvonne Nadler, long time veterinary expert with the ZAHP Fusion Center, to describe the risks to animals from the latest strain of Avian Influenza. This year's strain appears more active than in recent years, which places the nation's poultry industry at greater risk. Other facilities like zoos and aquariums are at heightened risk of an outbreak due to accidental spread through public visitation as well as the mingling of collection and wild species in open air exhibits. What are the steps facilities can take to prevent the lethal spread of Avian Flu and what species are most vulnerable? Plus, an unusual case of rabies. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility