Zoo Logic

The animal care and veterinary heroes behind Saving the Survivors treat wild and endangered animals that are victims of poaching or traumatic incidents. Most of the organization's work has focused on caring for rhinos in the field that have been illegally and horrifically attacked by those seeking to profit from the animal's horns. According to the organization's website, many injured animals have been given a second chance after undergoing various interventions and multiple surgical procedures performed by their team of veterinary experts. Dorota Ladosz, a veterinary assistant to the organization's founder, Dr. Johan Marais, shares stories of some of the animal heroes that have survived unfathomable pain, injury and lengthy recoveries. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

In her new book, After the Forests: Thailand's Captive Elephants and Their People, Dr. Nikki Savvides explores the life and welfare of Thailand's captive elephants. Neither wild nor domesticated, these animals, once utilized in the country's now defunct logging industry, find themselves in a newer and uncertain industry: tourism. The book also examines the people who care for these elephants — including their mahouts, activists, conservationists, and tourists committed to improving elephant lives. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic After the Forests

Should families have long-lived animals like parrots as pets? Do owls make good animal ambassadors? The founder of Avian Behavior International, Hillary Hankey, works to ensure bird's have better lives and to reduce behavior-caused stress for owners in the home. Bird training is complex and with so much random information online, she believes training them properly with positive reinforcement can be overwhelming to learn and even harder to implement. So she and her team created online and in-person learning experiences at her southern California farm featuring a variety of avian species from macaws and parrots to several types of birds of prey. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Following his work in Kabul and Baghdad rescuing zoological animals caught in war zones, author and conservationist Brendan Whittington-Jones began a seven year stint studying endangered and often maligned African Wild Dogs. In his book, African Wild Dogs: on the front lines, he describes his work examining the behavior of this species once they leave the relative safety of protected reserves and venture out into human civilization. Brendan compares them to the story of wolves in North America rather than their distant cousins, the often urban savvy coyote. Thanks to some public education and rebranding, the future of the African Wild Dog may not be as bleak as once feared. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast Endangered Wildlife Trust Wildlife Act

Not since Keiko or Tilikum has a killer whale garnered as much attention as the single orca resident of Miami Seaquarium known as Lolita. Estimated to be about 56 years old, she has lived at the park since the early 1970's. To learn more about this amazing animal, one of the park's longtime executives and eventual general manager, Andrew Hertz describes his family's interwoven history with the facility and its grande dame. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

When Coalition Forces invaded Iraq in 2003, the security situation across the country and in major cities like Baghdad was grim. Amongst all the devastation of war, the situation for the Baghdad zoo animals was critical with starvation, dehydration, poaching, and shelling reducing the collection to a few dozen inhabitants. Along with his boss, South African Brendan Whittington-Jones, a game rancher turned captive animal rescuer, researcher and author, travelled to Baghdad with no money or institutional support, but a huge desire to help zoo animals in need. Brendan describes what is was like working for a year with minimal resources and on the "coat-tails" of the US military to save the remaining animals, and what lessons might apply to Ukrainian zoos trying to survive Russia's invasion and brutal war. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Across the globe, few have been spared the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of personal, public, and animal health, business operations, and travel to name a few. As animal professionals know having experienced it firsthand, public attractions like zoological parks were among the first and hardest hit facilities as the pandemic's effects on a mobile society grew. What were some of the earliest steps taken to blunt these outcomes? How did previous regional pandemics and disaster preparedness plans inform zoological leaders staring at the abyss and what changes need to be made for the future? While the human consequences over the past two years have been devastating, what about the behavior and well-being of species in our care and the wild? What are some of the less visible impacts on field research and wildlife conservation? Join us for a live audience panel discussion held at the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association annual conference with three senior leaders, Grant Abel, Dr. Yvonne Nadler, and Bob Wengel, from Seattle Aquarium, ZAHP Fusion Center, and Shedd Aquarium, respectively, tasked with protecting and preserving their teams, their animals, and the public. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo

Recent news reports of state and federal agencies taking the extraordinary step of providing supplemental feeding to starving wild manatees point to a larger problem, the decline of vital seagrass beds due to runoff, coastal development, and dredging. Seagrass not only supplies nourishment to turtles and manatees, it is also used by countless aquatic species as a nursery and habitat. Beau Williams of Aquaticus Plants and Aquatech Eco Consultants discusses their efforts to sustainably source seagrass products for zoos, aquariums and rehabilitation facilities, as well as, efforts to protect and restore historical seagrass beds. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Just as the scope of the COVID 19 pandemic was becoming clear, the animal team at OdySea Aquarium realized their latest black-footed penguin hatchling was not achieving normal developmental milestones. While she was otherwise healthy and growing, the team observed "Rosie" was not progressing in her ability to stand or walk. Despite the impact COVID had on staffing, operations and the temporary closure of the aquarium, the team was committed to improving the mobility of this special penguin. Director of Animal Care and Education, Jess Peranteau and Animal Care Manager, Mary Mills discuss the creative steps and penguin onesie the team devised to strengthen Rosie's legs and introduce her to the rest of the colony, adoring children with special needs, and the national media. That Sounds Wild: Blue Penguin Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Son of famous paleoanthropologists, Mary and Louis Leakey, Richard Leakey was also famous for his discoveries on the origins of early humans, particularly the nearly complete skeletal remains of what became known as Turkana Boy. As a Kenyan of British descent, Richard Leakey lived a fascinating life in East Africa as a researcher and conservationist. In 1989, Leakey was named the head of the Kenyan Wildlife Conservation and Management Department which eventually became what is known today as the Kenya Wildlife Service. At the time, much of Africa experienced historical levels of poaching of elephants for ivory and Kenya's economy was at risk of losing its important wildlife tourism industry. One of Leakey's first decisions was to implement a controversial shoot on sight policy for any poachers. Conservation writer, Jeremy Hance returns to discuss the Leakey family's contributions to science and conservation. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

While not a completely new phenomena, the COVID pandemic has exposed the public's lack of training in and understanding of the scientific method and the process of doing science. Increasingly, one's opinion or online search results are valued as much as someone else's peer reviewed data, according to returning guest, Dr. Jason Bruck. To guard against unsubstantiated, anthropomorphic narratives or rampant conspiracy theories, he argues we need a return to parsimony, the concept that the simplest scientific explanations are often the most accurate because they require as few assumptions as possible. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast

Last year, several major zoological parks named a woman to their organization's top leadership position. In some cases, these appointments mark the first time a woman has ever held the role of director at their respective institutions. As part of our ongoing conversation about increasing diversity in zoos and aquariums, Dr. Brandie Smith, recently named director of the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, discusses what this trend means to her and to future conservation professionals. That Sounds Wild: Wildebeest on the Serengeti Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility AMZAP

Biologist EO Wilson has been called the heir to Darwin. His decades of work in evolutionary biology and island ecology has helped shape modern thinking about species conservation and the increased extinction risks associated with shrinking wild habitats. Science author Jeremy Hance had the opportunity to interview Dr Wilson a few years prior to his recent passing and shares insights into the legendary researcher's life, work, and legacy. Animal care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

As most fans know, the late Betty White loved animals and zoos. She routinely donated her time and support to zoos and aquariums and often shared the stage with her good friend, Jungle Jack Hanna. Conservation Ambassador's, David Jackson returns to describe what working with Betty was like on and off stage. Plus, the passing of another zoological icon. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

After nearly a 3-year gap since its last annual conference due to the pandemic, the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association (IMATA) will soon host an in-person conference in Chicago. The timing couldn't be better with 2022 marking the 50th anniversary of the animal training organization. Madelynn Hettiger, animal manager with the Shedd Aquarium and IMATA VP responsible for planning the conference discusses the lineup of speakers, workshops, and events. That Sounds Wild: mini donkey Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Dedicated to preserving animals uniquely adapted to survive the hottest, driest, and sparsely vegetated desert for which it is named, the Sahara Conservation Fund works to preserve habitat and to reintroduce critically endangered species to the wild. SCF CEO John Watkin describes the organization's successful cooperation among zoos, field biologists, governments and supporters to maintain nationally protected areas and build productive breeding and return programs with species on the brink of extinction, including the once extinct in the wild, scimitar-horned oryx. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Recently, Zoo Logic was invited to participate in an online international Cooperative Care Conference conducted by the behavioral team at ZooSpensefull. Our topic was a focused look at the enigmatic Least Reinforcing Scenario with one of the architects of the behavioral tool, Ted Turner. After more than 30 years, why is there ongoing debate about the LRS? Why do some still conflate the LRS with a timeout? More importantly, what are the behavioral laws that form the basis for the LRS and its resulting effectiveness in reducing frustration and aggression in naive and experienced animals? Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

On a cold day sixteen years ago, a months old bottlenose dolphin calf was severely entangled by a crab trap. Thanks to a quick thinking fisherman notifying rescuers, the young animal was eventually freed from the strangling ropes and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for recovery. The constriction of blood flow to her tail led to the loss of her flukes and marked the beginning of an extraordinary tale of survival and perseverance by a small cetacean the world would eventually come to know thanks to a Hollywood film. The aquarium's Animal Care Program Manager, Robin Curry describes the life and recent passing of this animal ambassador and the generosity of prosthetic engineers who developed the technology to handle the harsh marine environment that enabled Winter to thrive despite her disability. That Sounds Wild: Screamers. Animal Care Software Kong Zoo Zoo Logic

Animal professionals often experience great highs in their work from the birth of an endangered species to the smiles on the young faces of future conservationists. Yet, animal work is often heavy with the sadness of losing a dear animal or frustration at the slow pace of societal change for the better. To help individuals and institutions better navigate the chronic and acute mental health aspects of animal work, our guest Erin McNally, helped create GRAZE: Growing Resiliency for Aquarium and Zoo Employees. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

After some 30 years as an animal trainer and agency owner working in film, TV, and print, Cris Rankin has worked with dozens of domestic, exotic and native species from skunks to scorpions. What is the life of an animal actor like and what steps does Chris take to ensure the well-being of the animals while on set, as well as, between gigs. How has animal wrangling changed during her career and does she think computer technology will eventually replace all animal actors? Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Healthy forests provide immeasurable benefits to humans, animals and ecosystems from capturing carbon to preventing erosion and preserving water tables, just to name a few. So it is important to understand the complex and interconnected layers of threats trees face today. Forest health specialist, Aly McAlexander from Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management describes the deleterious effects stemming from years of mega drought, bark beetle infestation, and 100 years of fire suppression policy on the desert southwest's forests. That Sounds Wild: African Wild Dogs feeding. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic KONG Zoo ZOOmility

Randy Babb is a retired wildlife biologist, author, and educator having spent his long career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. As the year end holidays approach, he discusses the iconic wild turkey, the importance of preserving species and habitats, and the positive influence that changing demographics of wildlife biologists promises for the future of conservation efforts. Plus, we remember Winter, the special bottlenose dolphin whose story of survival touched the world. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

The events of 9/11 had a profound effect on a young Clarissa Ward's career plans and ultimately led her on path to becoming an award winning journalist with a focus on covering conflict zones. From the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to the devastation of civil war in Syria, she describes her dangerous work and its impact on her personally, in her book, On All Fronts. Currently serving as CNN's Chief International correspondent, we discuss some of the personal and professional challenges and similarities between being a war correspondent and an animal professional in a modern world. That Sounds Wild: Wild African Lions Eating Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Modern zookeeping involves an array of disciplines from veterinary medicine and operant conditioning to species specific nutrition. Founded in 1989, Mazuri, which means "good" in Swahili has researched, developed and brought to market exotic animal diets across the spectrum of avian, reptile, insect, fish and mammalian species. Our guest, Dr. Troy Tollefson joined the Mazuri team after studying the dietary needs of bears and later serving as nutritionist at SeaWorld and Busch Gardens. He describes the extensive process working with zoos and aquariums to bring new dietary products for animals to market. That Sounds Wild: Hippos Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility

For the past few decades, an unsubstantiated narrative which suggests as many as 10,000 big cats are living in backyards across America has been repeated without evidence. The poorly understood and tracked presence or absence of so many endangered and dangerous felines has implications for policymakers and conservationists alike. To help shed some light on these issues, frequent Zoo Logic contributor, Rachel Garner discusses her recent peer-reviewed paper on the number of big cats found in USDA licensed facilities throughout the U.S. A Census of Federally Regulated Big Cat Populations within the United States as of December 2020. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility Feline Conservation Foundation

Recent headlines about major zoological institutions not retaining their accreditation status have raised troubling questions about the inspection process, the role of trade associations, and the relevance of peer-reviewed seals of approval. As a zoo professional with more than 40 years of experience, Brad Andrews has not only overseen the largest zoological collection in the world, he has served in leadership roles among several North American and European trade and third party animal welfare organizations. That Sounds Wild: dromedary camels. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

An all-star panel of researchers, Heather Hill, Jason Bruck and Isabella Clegg discuss and debate a recent published essay in the Journal of Applied Animal Ethics Research by Dr. Clegg in which she explores what the future may hold for the public display of cetaceans. Dr. Clegg asserts that "...any industry that uses animals must largely align their ethical position with that of the general public: 'the mainstream social ethic'." In response, Drs. Hill and Bruck ask what if the public's prevailing opinions of animals like dolphins in human care are based on faulty science or are flat out wrong? Should zoological facilities align their animal management, business models, and conservation programs with a false or unsubstantiated public narrative just because it may be held by the majority? Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility

Dr. Alex Dehgan is the cofounder and CEO of Conservation X Labs as well as author of the book, The Snow Leopard Project and other adventures in war zone conservation. His policy and field work have taken him to 80 countries over his distinguished career, which includes time in the Obama administration and the Wildlife Conservation Society. Perhaps no country in his portfolio means as much to this conservation biologist and innovator as Afghanistan. Despite the false narrative from decades of war coverage of the country being a harsh barren desert, Dr. Dehgan describes the countryside's long human history matched only by the nation's rich biodiversity and ecological importance to European, Asian and African species, including migratory species. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

A recent science publication describes the social bonding that seems to occur among male chimpanzees towards the alpha male that has the effect of enabling less dominant males access to females. The data is based upon nearly 40 years of longitudinal observations of our closest relatives made at Gombe National Park in Tanzania. Primatologist Dr. Samantha Russak from Tanganika Wildlife Park discusses the implications of the study for understanding early humans as well as the conservation importance of preserving primate species. That Sounds Wild: Fisher's Turaco. Animalcare Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

At age three, future animal care professional, Mike Dech, discovered a love of sharks. So much so that by age twelve, he earned his SCUBA certification, which has served him well in his zoological career, as a hobby, and as a growing side business teaching new generations of divers and leading offshore excursions. Mike shares his insights after a lifetime of exploring his home state of Florida's reefs and offers advice to those looking to grow personally and professionally by pursuing their passion. Erin Ivory from Veterinarians International stops by to announce their walkathon and how listeners can participate. That Sounds Wild: Argus Pheasant. Dallas World Aquarium. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Bill Street, Sr VP at Indianapolis Zoo describes attending the recently concluded International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress held in Marseilles, France. The IUCN is organized by taxa to address global preservation issues affecting the survival of animal, plant and fungi species. It publishes the well known Red List database which lists species according to their current population status such as endangered, threatened or least concern. The work to assess thousands of wild species is largely conducted by volunteers, so the Indianapolis Zoo has formed and funded the Global Center for Species Survival to help support IUCN committees. This center includes several paid positions for conservation coordinators whose purpose is to assist IUCN committees. That Sounds Wild: Rhinoceros Hornbill and Pesquet's Parrot. Dallas World Aquarium Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Chicago Zoological Society's Dr. Lance Miller is one of the principle investigators of a recently published comprehensive Dolphin Welfare Study. Using new technology and software to track study animals, researchers examined physiological and behavioral metrics for dozens of cetaceans from more than 40 AMMPA and AZA accredited facilities across 4 continents to better understand the factors that contribute to improved animal welfare. Such factors include habitat size, access to environmental enrichment, training, age, guest interactions, and more. That Sounds Wild: Hippos Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

In search of some happier news to amplify, we turned to San Antonio Zoo director, Tim Morrow and American Humane President and CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert. Tim describes how his local community responded to support the zoo during the financial hardships posed by COVID-19, so much so, that recently, staff members were reimbursed for lost wages from a year ago. Robin shares her great news about the passage of the Paws Act, a new federal law that funds the Veterans Administration's pilot project to support the training of more therapy dogs for service men and women. That Sounds Wild: Safari Ants Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Denver Zoo behavioral manager, Heather Genter describes her lifelong passion for animal training. Starting out with her own dog training business, she graduated to working with exotic species at a time when zoos didn't have behavioral managers and it seemed only sea lions and elephants were being trained. Following the operant conditioning and positive reinforcement principles she learned training dogs and by observing the sea lion keepers, she began working with spider monkeys to teach them how to safely and calmly participate in annual exams despite the initial protests by her manager. With zoos and aquariums widely using behavioral techniques across an array of species today, she thinks zoological professionals have only just begun to realize the benefits for animal health, welfare, research and the guest experience. That Sounds Wild: Bald Eagle Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Within days of opening the new Mississippi Aquarium in 2020, hurricane zeta made a nearly direct hit on the Gulfport attraction. While the harrowing experience left some damage to the campus shade structures, a larger lesson had been learned. The staff, exhibits, and disaster planning had withstood the test of a category 3 storm in a region once completely devastated by Katrina. As a result of the confidence stemming from weathering the storm, the newly formed aquarium team went on to handle more challenges in the facility's freshman year. We are on location with curators Andy Horn and Matt Fripp as they describe that first year and the process of building a culture of excellence. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

Dr. Alexa Delaune, Vice President of Veterinary Services at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport discusses her career, the challenges of launching a brand new zoological facility, and a very special patient named Stella. When the sand tiger shark developed a bulging spine affecting her health and well-being, Dr. Delaune reached out to colleagues in animal and human medicine for treatment and surgical solutions. Within 48 hours, a team of professionals assembled to conduct the first of its kind stabilization of a shark spine in attempt to preserve Stella's quality of life. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Animal trainer Stephanie Mantilla has a new book How to Clicker Train Your Cat, which draws upon her many years working with exotic animals including cheetahs, hoofed animals, primates, and even elephant shrews! While COVID and raising a toddler may have put her client work on hold temporarily, Stephanie continues to encourage cat owners to refrain from labeling their pets as stubborn in favor of recognizing and appreciating the behavioral and natural history differences between cats and dogs. While dogs tend to be more social, most cat species are solitary which has a dramatic impact on their behavior and interest in play and learning. That Sounds Wild: Cheetah purr Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo director, Jonathan Miot describes the 50-year-old program designed to train the next generation of zookeeping professionals. While college level zookeeping programs have grown in number over the past few decades, few academic institutions can lay claim to operating their own accredited zoo. What qualities and skill sets produce a successful zookeeper? How can professional degree programs contribute to a more diverse workforce across the zoo and aquarium industry? Why should unpaid internships be a thing of the past? And, as the longstanding chasm between keepers and zoo administrators seems to be widening, what advice does professor Miot have for his fellow zoo directors to reduce attrition and the loss of senior keeper level expertise and leadership. That Sounds Wild: Lion Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Back by listener request, long time behaviorists and marine mammal experts, Ted Turner and Chuck Tompkins return to discuss the finer points of reinforcement schedules, tips for those hoping to change the training culture at their facility, and the politics and prospects for the recently stranded orca calf in New Zealand. LRS Episode That Sounds Wild: tiger play. Conservation Ambassadors Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Despite being an ancient species, we still have much to learn about sea turtles, in part, because they spend most of their long lives at sea. We usually only hear about them or get a glimpse when the females come onshore a few weeks each spring and early summer to lay eggs or when groups of turtles are trapped in northern waters at the onset of winter in a cold stunning event. Dr. Joe Pfaller, research director for the Caretta Research Project discusses his field research with loggerheads at the Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, the sea turtle conservation role of volunteers and students, and ongoing threats to sea turtle survival. That Sounds Wild: Clouded Leopard. Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Spring and summer represent the peak season when newly weaned seals and sea lion pups strand along the California coastline. Celebrating its 50th year, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center has rescued, rehabilitated, and returned approximately 10,000 animals since its humble start by a concerned lifeguard prior to the creation of the landmark conservation legislation known as the Marine Mammal Protection Act. While many marine mammal populations have recovered in recent decades, threats to their survival from starvation, pollution, climate change, entanglement, and disease have only increased in number and severity. In addition to treating animals, the center focuses on public education and original research to help alleviate these emerging threats. That Sounds Wild: Stellar Sea Lion Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

As Director of Communications for one of the largest zoos and aquariums in the western US, Kristy Morcom relies on her animal care and training experiences like barrel racing horses, being a mother to young kids, and her nurturing personality to share wild animal and conservation stories through print, radio, television and increasingly, social media. Given the scrutiny and criticism zoos often face today by a small but vocal minority, Kristy advocates for building relationships with the community and local media by getting information out through multiple platforms quickly and completely when the news is good and not so good. That Sounds Wild: Grizzly Bear. Bearizona Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen holds the record for being the first American woman to win 4 gold medals in the same Olympic Games. As a child suffering from severe asthma, Amy took up swimming to improve her lung capacity and breathing, which enabled her to become part of a team and do the the kind of things kids like to do. By high school, Amy narrowly missed out on qualifying for the 1992 games. She spent her college years training and qualifying for the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, winning a total of 6 gold medals in free-style and butterfly. She is one of few athletes in history to have won only gold medals! We caught up with Amy while covering the US Olympic swim trials for the Tokyo Games in Omaha to see which athletes stand out to her, as well as, to understand the commitment required to be the best in the world. That Sounds Wild: Bottlenose Dolphin Animal Care Software Kong Zoo Zoo Logic

Built along America's Space Coast, the Brevard zoo has an entrepreneurial history with a focus on local conservation. Located so close to the world's busiest space center, which is also home to some of the few remaining acres of near pristine Florida habitat and biodiversity, Brevard zoo is planning on building the only aquarium along the I-95 corridor. Zoo director, Keith Winsten, hopes to tap into the region's advanced technology expertise to help with next generation solar power and battery storage--important considerations for a future aquatic facility subject to hurricanes and dependent on stable energy supplies to run life support systems. That Sounds Wild: Addax Animal Care Software Kong Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility

As we age, our DNA begins to show signs of degradation. Physiological mechanisms to protect and preserve DNA from the effects of internal or external factors such as environmental pollutants grow less effective. By studying age-related changes to DNA at specific sites conserved within and across species, scientists have developed epigenetic clocks which are strongly correlated with chronological age in humans and several mammalian species. Validated epigenetic clocks from known age animals, such as those living at zoos and aquariums, allow scientists to more accurately determine the age distribution of wild populations from blood or skin samples collected in the field during health assessments or stranding events. Dr. Todd Robeck describes recent collaborative work across several species of odontocetes or toothed whales that promises to give researchers and government agencies a powerful wildlife conservation tool. Paper: "Multi-species and multi-tissue methylation clocks for age estimation in toothed whales and dolphins" That Sounds Wild: Gila Woodpecker Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

The past year has not been kind to manatees along the Florida coastline. While years of public educational programs and law enforcement seem to have stemmed the tide of animals killed by boat propeller strikes, a new and greater threat has emerged resulting in record manatee deaths. As a result of poor coastal water quality and clarity, the sea grasses that these gentle, slow moving herbivores rely on for survival are vanishing. Nowhere is the situation more dire than the complex and fragile estuary ecosystem known as the Indian River Lagoon along Florida's Atlantic coast. Dr. Duane De Freese, Executive Director of the Indian River lagoon Council and IRL National Estuary Program, describes decades of human caused damage to the IRL which in turn threatens countless species of plants and animals. That Sounds Wild: Western Diamondback Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic

For over a decade, the Akron Zoo has been partnering with US Fish & Wildlife Service in their efforts to preserve critically endangered red wolves. Recently the zoo reported their first ever successful litter of red wolf pups. As part of the federal species recovery plan, some of the pups were transferred to the den of a wild wolf pair that had a litter within days of the zoo's births to be fostered and raised as wild wolves. That Sounds Wild: Red ruff lemur. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility Saving Mexican Gray Wolves episode Endangered Wolf center episode

According to their website, the mission of Veterinarians International is to provide veterinary aid and education to improve the health and well-being of animals and their communities worldwide. VI is a global network of veterinarians, animal welfare specialists and researchers who partner with local communities to improve the care and conservation of animals in need, both wild and domestic. Founder and president, Dr. Scarlett Magda and friend of the podcast, behaviorist and VI's new VP of Programs, Erin Ivory discuss partnering with local organizations and work with veterinarians and community leaders to ensure animals in their communities receive the veterinary care they need. VI's teams provide veterinary expertise, equipment and supplies for both immediate aid and disease prevention; build necessary infrastructure for animal care; and educate communities about animal health, behavior and husbandry for long-term, sustainable solutions in their own communities. That Sounds Wild: Ring Tail Coati. Frank Buck Zoo Animal care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility

A visit to Africa can have a life-altering effect on those fortunate enough to make the trip. Following her first trip to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda and accompanied by notable animal experts Julie Scardina and Jungle Jack Hanna, Nancy Uslan founded NEUGlobal.com to help improve literacy in the central African nation. Realizing students were often missing school due to water borne illnesses, NEU Global's mission has since expanded to help bring clean and sustainable water to communities living close to wildlife for the benefit of people and the preservation of habitats for endangered species like the gorilla. That Sounds Wild: red tailed cockatoos. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software KONGZoo.com Zoo Logic ZOOmility

For the past several years, scientists have been tracking the stony coral tissue loss disease that is rapidly destroying corals as it spreads across the Florida Reef Tract. To preserve coral species, a consortium of public and private organizations has formed the Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC). The FCRC is the newest and largest member of a national network of coral holding facilities coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Jim Kinsler, SeaWorld aquarium curator and FCRC facility manager leads a team of specially trained aquarists to care for, study and hopefully one day, help facilitate successful reproduction and eventual reintroduction efforts for dozens of species. That Sounds Wild: Cheetah chirps. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software KONG Zoo Zoo Logic ZOOmility