Zoo Logic

According to its website, the newly launched Association of Minority Zoo & Aquarium Professionals (AMZAP) is comprised of professionals currently working in the zoological industry focused on minority representation in the zoo field across all disciplines and at all levels. Its goal is to build a sense of community amongst minorities currently working in the zoo field and to promote animal care and conservation careers as viable options for interested minorities. To achieve these objectives, AMZAP focuses on four core goals: Networking, Outreach, Mentoring, and Professional Development. One of the organization's founding members, Craig Saffoe, curator at the National Zoo, discusses the group's formation and its plans for the future. That Sounds Wild: Little Blue Penguin. Rickey Kinley, Cincinnati Zoo Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Seasoned zookeeper Rickey Kinley began his career as a high school student enrolled in a unique job training program in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo. As a long time proponent of using operant conditioning as part of any animal management plan, he noticed the penguins in his care spent far less time swimming compared to the mostly aquatic lifestyle of their wild counterparts. Since excessive standing can lead to health issues like bumble-foot in some avian species, Rickey and his team developed a behavioral plan and exhibit changes to increase the time the animals spent being active in the water. That Sounds Wild: Catbird Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

What better way to begin season 4 of Zoo Logic than a conversation with seasoned zoo trainer, educator and friend, Jim Nemet. After long careers at SeaWorld and Cleveland's Metroparks Zoo, Jim recently accepted the role of Director of Wildlife for the prestigious Cleveland Museum of Natural History-- a role previously held by a local legend for almost 50 years! How has a career training with positive reinforcement helped Jim manage change for the collection of animals and keepers he now leads as well as for himself? What advice does he have for trainer keepers entering the field today? This episode is a fun stroll down memory lane between two friends appreciating the lessons of the past and applying them to the future of animal husbandry and training. That Sounds Wild: Butcher Bird Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility

Long time animal care professional PJ Beaven realized she would be unable to ensure the best welfare for the animals in her care if she didn't first prioritize her own mental and physical health and well-being. So using the same positive reinforcement principles of husbandry and training she learned to apply to animals, PJ created Zoo Fit. It's a process and lifestyle designed to "eat clean, live green, and train positive." Plus, we share a personal letter from the family of Jungle Jack Hanna. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

According to its website, Zoo Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery (ZDR3) provides support to zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, and other exotic animal businesses before, during, and after significant incidents. ZDR3 director, Julia Wagner, describes how this peer-to-peer support organization came to be as several facilities sent supplies and staff to aid others severely damaged in the wake of natural disasters like recent hurricanes That Sounds Wild: Baby Prairie Dogs Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility

For over 30 years, the Lubee Bat Conservancy has worked to preserve and protect bat species around the world. In addition to its conservation work, Lubee supports much-needed scientific research and public education on the importance of bats for insect control, pollination, and seed dispersal. Despite their fascinating behavior and physiology, these remarkable animals are increasingly under threat of extinction from a wide range of causes, not the least of which is the manner in which the more than 1200 known species of bats are maligned in pop culture and media, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Director of the Lubee Bat Conservancy, Brian Pope, is guest. Plus, Dr Jo Fava from Animal Necessity has a special message on an effort to support rescue and rehabilitation of dolphins along the Florida Keys. That Sounds Wild: Military Macaws. Frank Buck Zoo. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Dr. Terrie Williams is a research physiologist with a passion for studying species, particularly large predators, found in some of the most extreme habitats on earth. Her work endeavors to understand the energy requirements these challenging conditions present, as well as, the unique behavioral and physiological adaptations that animals like polar bears, killer whales, and narwhals use to satisfy those demands. In an era of rapid climate change, this data is critical for preserving species already living on the edge. That Sounds Wild: Gray Wolves Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

The executive director of the Zoological Association of America, John Seyjagat, describes the relatively young zoo and aquarium trade organization and its focus on improving animal welfare, inclusivity, and ensuring pubic safety around dangerous animals. Plus, he shares insights into the two current versions of what has become known as the "Big Cat Safety" bills making their way through Congress and why one version is much better than the other. In addition, Rachel Garner returns with a deep dive into the specifics of each bill and what passage of either would mean for the zoological community, the public, and the future of endangered large felines. That Sounds Wild: African Lion Why Animals Do The Thing Animal Care Software ZAA Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Confronted by a largely ignored feral and unwanted pet problem in the major US city of Houston, zoological professional and marine mammal trainer, Heather Crane decided to do something about it. In her spare time, she started Sea Dog Animal Training to help desperate pet owners and rescue organizations rehabilitate some of the most difficult behavioral cases in her community using the very positive reinforcement-based principles she uses with sea lions and other exotic species. During a year in which many zoo professionals found themselves out of work due to the economic impact of COVID-19, Heather's company was also able to put several trainers back to work. That Sounds Wild: Amphibian courtship season. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility

As Zoo Logic wraps up its third season over the next few weeks, we invited several past guests representing the arts, science and research, and animal law to share their diverse perspectives on the past difficult year and what a new US administration might mean for public display, conservation, and future regulations. One theme to emerge was the narrative of "retiring" animals to sanctuaries and whether sending older animals to such facilities was truly based on the best welfare of animals or simply designed to soothe human feelings. That Sounds Wild: African Cicada. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility

Nearly 50 years old, Loro Parque has grown into one of the premier zoological parks in the world and is a major attraction of the Canary Islands. Known for its extensive in situ and ex situ conservation and research of avian species, particularly psittacines, Loro Parque and its foundation have saved some parrot species from extinction. Currently, it participates in over 200 conservation projects across the globe. Loro Parque continues to proudly, proactively, and unapologetically promote the work of its foundation and that of other modern zoological facilities to display, study, conserve, and in some instances, reintroduce endangered species to recovered habitats. It contributes upwards of 10% of gate revenues to conservation research and has developed its own green energy production that exceeds the facility's demands for electricity. Loro Parque Foundation Science Director Rafael Zamora Padron is guest. That Sounds Wild: Great Migration of wildebeest. Animalcare Software Loro Parque Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Kong Zoo is a new platform where animal professionals can realize significant savings for themselves and their animal facilities when purchasing enrichment items. As the name suggests, the company is focused on an underserved segment of the animal training and enrichment world: large zoological (and equine) species. Since its creation about a year ago, the company has introduced new, larger animal products with more styles and sizes under development. Recently, they launched a fundraiser assistance program to help struggling organizations stretch their enrichment budgets. That Sounds Wild: Jaguar. Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic

Researchers Andreas Fahlman and Alicia Borque Espinosa return to discuss their latest respiratory physiology paper focusing on walrus. Relying on animals living and trained in managed care, the researchers were able to develop the necessary equipment to measure basic respirometry parameters for these semi-aquatic animals. As with all metabolic studies, it was important to work with calm animals desensitized to the presence of non-invasive equipment. Animals trained via operant conditioning to voluntarily participate in data collection by breathing into a mask helps avoid the confounding effects on respiration and metabolism of anxious or restrained subjects. That Sounds Wild: Cheetah purr. Frank Buck Zoo. Animalcare Software Zoo Logic Global Diving Research

Few people working in the entertainment world can point to sea lions, walrus and otters being among their earliest co-stars like comedian Bill Sindelar can. How did growing up in Cleveland working alongside animal trainers and marine mammals in front of live audiences prepare him for a successful life-long career in Hollywood working on popular live competition, theatrical, and talk shows? And, what advice does the number one warm up guy in Los Angeles have to share with today's zoological professionals and those aspiring to be? That Sounds Wild: Crested Guinea Fowl. Cleveland Metropark Zoo Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

From its humble beginnings on a one acre horse property 40 years ago rescuing and rehabilitating about 80 birds in its first year, Liberty Wildlife today has a modern medical and educational facility which treated and returned 12k wild, orphaned and/or injured birds last year. Education Coordinator, Laura Hackett describes the rich history of the facility, some of its long term resident ambassadors, and its rescue efforts' above average success rate. Plus, Liberty Wildlife is home to the only federally authorized non-eagle feather repository where Native Americans may request feathers and other legally restricted migratory bird parts for cultural and religious use. That Sounds Wild: Blue Fronted Amazon Liberty Wildlife Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

We are joined by the president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, Bert Castro, who is also the current board chair for the largest zoo and aquarium trade association in North America. How has his organization weathered the pandemic and its impact on staff health, attendance, revenues, and importantly, their extensive conservation efforts locally and internationally? What lessons does he think zoos and aquariums and their trade association (AZA) have learned in 2020 that can be carried forward for a more successful 2021? That Sounds Wild: Red Ruff lemurs. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Friends of the Zoo Logic Podcast, animal trainers and authors, Chuck Tompkins and Clicker Training's Ken Ramirez discuss the impact of using positive reinforcement on people. Each describes their own occasionally bumpy journey as young, inexperienced managers learning to tap into the individual motivations of their team members while also avoiding the management style errors of their predecessors. That Sounds Wild: Eurasian Eagle Owl. Cleveland Metroparks zoo. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Zoomility Whale Done!

Wildlife biologist and president of the conservation organization, Save Giraffes Now, David O'Connor returns with the real life account of a recent rescue of endangered giraffes stranded on an island in Kenya as lake waters continue to rise. With support of Save Giraffes Now, its international partners, and the local community united in its concern for this group of animals, the team was able to safely and successfully coax two of about a half-dozen Rothschild's giraffes onto a barge which was then towed to a nearby protected conservancy. Depending upon the travel obstacles posed by COVID-19, David and the team plan to reconvene in Kenya in early 2021 to rescue the remaining adults, plus an additional "castaway" born in recent weeks! That Sounds Wild: Shoebill. Dallas World Aquarium. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

It is difficult to launch a new zoological facility and major community resource under the best of times, much less during a global pandemic. That is exactly what the brand new Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport did just a few months ago on the 15th anniversary of hurricane Katrina, the historic storm that leveled homes and businesses throughout much of the gulf coast. President and CEO Kurt Allen describes the building process, the economic revival that has already begun in large part to the aquarium, and the spirit of collaboration that exists among all facilities to lend a hand during the good times and bad. That Sounds Wild: Fennec Fox. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility Mississippi Aquarium

Earlier this year it was announced that former Columbus Zoo Director turned Emmy winning wildlife TV host, Jungle Jack Hanna was retiring from his busy zoological career. Who better then to discuss the life and conservation legacy he and his wife of over 50 years, Suzi, have built, than their eldest daughter, Kathaleen. What was it like growing up in a zoo surrounded by wild animals, a famous dad, and later working with him on camera? Plus, several of Jack's famous and not so famous friends drop in to share a favorite memory and well-wishes for their next adventure. Friends of Jack and Suzi in order of appearance: Carolyn Hennesy, Dana Perino, Julie Scardina, Patty Neger, Mickey Ollson, Nancy Grace, Joe Stegmeyer, Sue and David Kleven, Paul Shaffer, Jim Nemet, Frederick Nsabaramiye, and Larry King. That Sounds Wild: IMATA 2017. Ubumwe Community Center, GISENYI, RWANDA Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility

Many people dream of building their own zoo but few individuals ever make that childhood wish a reality. For nearly 40 years, Mickey Ollson has directed the zoological facility he founded known as Wildlife World Zoo. Today that zoo has grown from its original 40 acres and a few hundred animals to well over one hundred acres featuring a Safari Park and Arizona's first public aquarium. In total Wildlife World now houses over 500 species and thousands of individual birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish in what has become one of the largest zoological collections in the western United States. From the lean early years to the unfolding 2008 financial crisis during a major collection expansion to this year's COVID disruptions, Mickey describes the organization's journey against a backdrop of tremendous growth of the desert southwest, and why, despite activism and over-regulation he's still bullish on the future and importance of zoos. That Sounds Wild: Night safari Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park

Last year's historic and devastating fires in Australia may have resulted in billions of animals lost, including many listed as threatened or endangered species, across 12 million hectares of habitat. That's roughly equivalent to the area of Spain according to guest, Beau Peberdy, a former zoo professional turned wildlife rescuer involved with several rescue organizations. Beau works with Bushfire Wildlife Rescue Support to help caregivers throughout much of Australia obtain needed medical and basic husbandry supplies to treat injured, orphaned, or burned koalas and macropods in the wake of fires and other natural disasters. That Sounds Wild: Kookaburra Bushfires Wildlife Rescue Support Far North Queensland FNQ Wildlife Rescue Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility

Rapid ecological destruction has been underway on the southern border of Arizona along some of the most pristine and inaccessible regions of the Sonoran desert. It isn't being done by poachers, crime syndicates, or undocumented immigrants. It's being done without serious public input, oversight, environmental impact studies, or objection by elected state and federal officials. Over the past 2 years, photographer, John Kurc, has been documenting the work of the Trump administration to build a wall in remote areas, some with 70-90% inclines. Paradoxically, in order to build this barrier, roads must first be blasted into these mountainsides. And, as we know from examples around the world in other formerly pristine and remote places, when you build roads, the people will follow. The impact on wildlife migration, watersheds, habitats, endangered plant and animal species, not to mention the increase in human migration in areas previously untravelled thanks to the new access courtesy of the federal government, are incalculable. Undeterred by the intimidation he's experienced at the hands of contractors, John's ongoing video documentation of the widespread destruction is shocking and suggests the scars upon this beautiful but fragile region will never heal. John Kurc @iamKurc Videos of desert destruction That Sounds Wild: Harris' Hawk Zoo Logic ZOOmility Animal Care Software

The term pioneer is overused but how else to describe the person contributing to our basic understanding of cetacean health and husbandry, anatomy and physiology, and behavior for the past 60 years? In the early 1960's, Dr. Sam Ridgway became one of the architects of the US Navy's Marine Mammal Program. Trained first as an Air Force veterinarian, Dr Ridgway went on to earn his doctorate and has for decades collaborated with some of the world's most renown marine mammal researchers in the areas of cetacean neuroscience, hearing and echolocation, sleep, deep diving physiology and more. That Sounds Wild: Bottlenose dolphin Animal Care Software National Marine Mammal Foundation Zoo Logic ZOOmility

It's part two of our discussion about modern behavioral training applications to improve animal husbandry and wildlife conservation with friends of Zoo Logic, large animal managers Erin Ivory, Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner. Using examples from their work with animals in human care and in the wild, the trio downplay the role of rewards like food while stressing the importance of establishing strong relationships with large predatory and prey animals through creative, fun, and unpredictable consequences. That Sounds Wild: tropical Australia. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Friends of Zoo Logic, large animal managers Erin Ivory, Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner return to discuss success stories from 3 decades or more of positive reinforcement-based training principles utilized with zoological and domestic species. The trio downplay the role of rewards like food while stressing the importance of establishing strong relationships with large predatory and prey animals through creative, fun, and unpredictable consequences. That Sounds Wild: Beaver pup. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic

The Fort Worth Zoo has been focused on preserving threatened and endangered iguana species in their native ranges for many years. Recently, they announced the successful hatching of 2 endangered Grand Cayman iguanas as part of a multi-institutional cooperative effort to boost healthy and genetically diverse populations of these animals, both in human care and in restored habitats. Remarkably, fewer than 10 of these individuals remained in the wild 20 years ago. Today, thanks to the work of zoological and conservation organizations there are more than 700. Fort Worth Zoo's conservation biologist and co-chair of the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group, Dr. Stesha Pasachnik explains some of the challenges facing larger vertebrate island species like the Grand Cayman iguana. That Sounds Wild: gator snort Animal Care Software Zoo Logic To learn more about iguana conservation: https://www.iguanafoundation.org/ https://www.iguanafoundation.org/adopt-an-iguana/ https://www.iucn-isg.org/

According to their press release, a new report published in recent weeks by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) calls for a broader, more integrated approach to the conservation of small cetaceans, particularly dolphins and porpoises. Many species and populations that are only found close to human activities are quickly declining due to known but unsolved problems – primarily accidental drowning in fishing gillnets. The report recommends urgent actions for several species and subspecies at risk of extinction, including Atlantic humpback dolphins, Yangtze finless porpoises, Franciscana dolphins, and Indus and Ganges river dolphins, and development of integrated conservation plans with explicit consideration of all measures and strategies that might be needed to save these and other threatened dolphin and porpoise species. Director of Life Sciences for the Seattle Aquarium, Grant Abel, returns to describe a "seminal" 2018 workshop in Nuremberg, Germany prompted by the realization that more tools were needed to prevent further extinctions of dolphins and porpoises following the recent extinction of the Yangtze River dolphin in China and the catastrophic decline of the vaquita porpoise in Mexico. A plan had been developed to save the Yangtze river dolphin by temporarily moving animals into protected areas until the threats to their survival had been addressed. Similar actions to conserve the critically endangered vaquita were attempted. In both cases, these efforts to protect the species came too late to succeed, as there were too few animals left. At this workshop, a scientific working group made up of conservation biologists, veterinarians, and marine mammal population experts discussed novel approaches to dolphin and porpoise conservation that are routinely used for terrestrial species. The working group consisted of experts from 14 countries. The resulting workshop report recommends that marine mammal conservationists around the world work together and act with urgency to consider critically needed conservation measures both in wild environments within the species' geographic range (in situ) and in protected or modified environments within or outside that range (ex situ). This holistic framework for species conservation planning is known as the One Plan approach. People frequently associate the term "ex situ conservation" with captive breeding of individuals in zoos and aquariums. In reality, ex situ approaches comprise a variety of actions including safeguarding animals in protected environments such as semi-natural reserves to prevent species extinction; initiating research programs to fill gaps in our understanding of a species' biology and threats to its survival; rescue and release of stranded or otherwise incapacitated individuals; and public engagement programs to promote understanding and support of species conservation. The One Plan approach, developed by the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Conservation Planning Specialist Group, features direct involvement of many stakeholders – conservation scientists, NGO representatives, government wildlife managers, local community leaders and industry representatives – combined with science-based decision making to improve species conservation planning. That Sounds Wild: Siamang. Wildlife World Zoo Aquarium & Safari Park Animal Care Software Zoo Logic IUCN Report

American Humane's new groundbreaking documentary, Escape from Extinction, narrated by Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, showcases the critical efforts certified zoos and aquariums are undertaking to preserve millions of species on the verge of disappearing forever. As the first pro-zoo-and-aquarium documentary of its kind, the film takes viewers on a dramatic trip around the world and through time to explore the roots of the wholesale disappearance of species in our forests and oceans, described by scientists and journalists as a "Sixth Mass Extinction." Importantly, however, the film also shows people that there is hope as animal experts, conservationists, animal scientists, veterinarians, bioethicists and others at leading zoological organizations across the globe work feverishly to pull endangered and disappearing species back from the brink. The making of this 90-minute film took many years, passion, and tens of thousands of miles of travel. From the producers: About American Humane Founded in 1877, American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. For 142 years, the nonprofit has pioneered many of the humane protections we have come to take for granted and today works to save, shelter, feed, and improve the lives of some one billion animals around the world. With 91 cents of every dollar spent going directly to programs, American Humane has earned Charity Navigator's highest "Four-Star Rating," has been named a "Top-Rated Charity" with an "A" rating by both the American Institute of Philanthropy's CharityWatch and Great Nonprofits, and was awarded the gold level seal from GuideStar USA. The organization has also earned the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence, was awarded inclusion on Better Business Bureau's prestigious Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charities list and was designated as a "Best Charity" by Consumer Reports. For more information about American Humane's lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org. About MRB Productions MRB Productions brings inventive stories and inspired imagery to media platforms around the world. Whether producing a commercial, a feature film, television, digital, live sports or an award show, MRB evolves to embrace a project's specific needs. We are passionate about what we do and committed to being exceptional. MRB's most recent feature, All I Wish, with Sharon Stone, Tony Goldwyn & Ellen Burstyn, is currently streaming. Our documentary, Back to Life, premiered on ABC and is currently on Amazon Prime. MRB's latest films, all festival darlings, are available on streaming platforms. These include The Night Stalker with Lou Diamond Phillips, The Truth About Emanuel with Jessica Biel, & Grassroots with Jason Biggs. In Television, MRB has a decade of experience producing the pre-taped segments and VIP program for ESPN's ESPY Awards, in addition to producing the Hero Dog Awards for the Hallmark Channel. Additional TV projects include two seasons of the mockumentary comedy show Free Radio on VH1 and Comedy Central and the Webby award-winning series, The Confession, starring Kiefer Sutherland. MRB is also known for sports programming for the Longhorn Network. MRB's commercial repertoire includes a longstanding relationship with Mattel and collaborations with Periera & O'Dell, Saatchi & Saatchi, and Publicis, for clients such as McDonald's, Pepsi, Mattel, Lay's, Foot Locker, Samsung, Nerf, NHL, Smirnoff, Wal-Mart, and University of Phoenix. In the video game space, MRB partners with Ubisoft to produce the Just Dance Kids series. For more information, please visit www.mrbproductions.com. That Sounds Wild: African Pied crow (sort of) Animal care Software ZOOmility Zoo Logic

The San Diego Zoo Global's Institute for Conservation Research maintains what is called the frozen zoo. For decades, carefully collected and prepared cell samples from over 1000 species, many of them listed as threatened or endangered and nearing extinction, have been stored almost indefinitely in ultra cold freezers. Recently, the frozen zoo played an instrumental role in the successful cloning of an endangered Przewalski's Horse by providing the genetic material from a long deceased yet underrepresented stallion. SDZG's Dr. Oliver Ryder has spent his career working to preserve the Przewalski's Horse and many other species through scientifically managed breeding programs and husbandry in human care. However, when the number of individuals in a rare population is very small the natural loss of genetic diversity can't be met or prevented by managed breeding methods alone. Thus, Dr. Oliver describes how increasing the number of species and individuals from which cells are collected and stored would provide future generations with the option of whether and to what extent assisted reproductive techniques should be used to increase species biodiversity. That Sounds Wild: African elephant Animal Care Software Zoo Logic ZOOmility

Recently, historic news of the successful birth of an endangered Przewalski's Horse foal conceived through cloning technology was announced. Remarkably, the nuclear material used for the purpose of expanding the genetic diversity of this managed species was from a genetically underrepresented stallion that has been deceased for many years. The stallion's DNA had been preserved at what is colloquially called the Frozen Zoo located at the San Diego Zoo Global's Institute for Conservation Research. Ryan Phelan, co-founder of Revive & Restore and lead scientist Ben Novak discuss the use and future promise of technology to increase biodiversity of vulnerable populations in what they deem "genetic rescue." That Sounds Wild: African Crested Porcupine tail Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Page ZOOmility

Long time journalist for the popular environmental news website Mongabay.com, Jeremy Hance has a new book entitled, Baggage: Confessions of a Globe Trotting Hypochondriac. In it, he openly and sometimes humorously describes his own struggles with mental illness including anxiety and depression as a child and how his later in life diagnosis of OCD affected and informed his work as a world traveling environmental journalist. Despite the challenges and opportunities his condition presents, Jeremy relishes his time interviewing field researchers in some of the most remote and biodiverse locations in the world. That Sounds Wild: Asian Elephants. Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Podcast

Dr. Isabella Clegg is an ethologist researching animal welfare, particularly in cetaceans, and developing species assessments in zoological settings. David Kleven is a zoo animal professional and founder of Animal Care Software. Together, they developed a new animal welfare assessment software module that caregivers can use other mobile devices in the field and in real time. The goal is to have customized data collection and analysis to better understand the welfare needs of animals at the species and individual levels. Dr. Clegg also gives a quick update on two beluga whales transferred from China to an ocean sea pen in Iceland last year. That Sounds Wild: Swamp wallaby joey. Frank Buck Zoo Animal care Software Zoo Logic

Researchers at UC Davis published a paper recently describing through computational methods the relative risk of COVID-19 infection to over 400 species examined. Nearly half of the species studied are listed as threatened or endangered. Some of the animals found to be most at risk were not too surprising, such as endangered Old World apes. Still others, particularly reptiles and birds, represent a lower risk. Our guests, Dr. Yvonne Nadler from the USDA funded ZAHP Fusion Center and Dr. Dominic Travis, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine discuss how this research will help the zoological and veterinary health community set conservation and husbandry priorities and funding for developing best practices to safeguard the most vulnerable species both in human care and in the wild, as well as humans. That Sounds Wild: African Lion Cub COVID-19 hub for information on nonhuman primates Animal Care Software Zoo Logic FB page For information on our training workshops, consulting and book ZOOmility

It's part two of our conversation about the future with zoo and aquarium thought leaders from the Denver Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Dolphin Discovery, and Karen Pryor Clicker Training. Coinciding with the news that at least 1 major aquarium has decided to close public operations temporarily to reassess its business model in a COVID-19 reality, our panel looks at revenue streams and the need for greater creativity going forward. They also stress the need for organizations to put trade association differences aside and work together, lest all facilities (and as a result, possibly animal welfare) suffer during these troubling public health, travel industry, and economic times. That Sounds Wild: Lory parrots. Wildlife World Animal Care Software Zoo Logic Indianapolis Zoo Denver Zoo The Dolphin Company Karen Pryor Clicker Training

Following our conversation with futurist Bob Johansen last week, we assembled a panel of zoo and aquarium thought leaders with diverse backgrounds, interests and organizations, to get their views on what the future may hold for zoological facilities and professionals. Topics include: sharing how they adapted their guest experience, infrastructure, and staffing roles to address the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic upon reopening; the re-focus on smaller, personal interactions among animals, staff, and guests versus large audience events and attractions; and the implications for budgets and revenues now and forever. Denver Zoo Indianapolis Zoo The Dolphin Company (Dolphin Discovery) Karen Pryor Clicker Training That Sounds Wild: Smooth-sided toad. Kemah Aquarium. Animal Care Software KONG ZOO

Given the globally disruptive challenges presented by COVID-19, zoos, aquariums, and the conservation and research organizations they support are in serious financial jeopardy. So to help sort out a robust pathway forward, we sought the assistance of renowned futurist, Dr. Bob Johansen from the Institute for the Future. In his latest book, he describes the importance of a Full-Spectrum Thinking mindset to avoid the brain's tendency towards rigid categorical thinking. With the next decade expected to be even more chaotic than today such rigidity is not only outdated, it often leads to a false certainty and all too simplistic binary choices. He argues this old way of thinking is not only foolish, it can be dangerous. To successfully navigate what he calls the "scramble" and to reach the next decade, what's needed is a future-back approach- one that allows leaders to use foresight to set the direction for where an organization wants to be among a spectrum of possible futures. Then by harnessing current insights and remaining flexible about how to get to that future, leaders and organizations can make sense of new opportunities. Resisting labels and using new technologies will assist leaders to see patterns in big-data and achieve greater clarity over false certainty. That Sounds Wild: Black Bear. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software Zoo Logic podcast ZOOmility

More than a year after his arrival in the waters of Norway, Hvaldimir, a trained beluga whale is surviving on his own while still seeking the company of his human family. Whether it's sleeping under maintenance boats at fish farms or engaging with people in crowded waterways, Hvaldimir may be living free in the open ocean but he's anything but wild. Marine mammal expert Lindsay Rubincam shares how a social media network tracking his whereabouts is helping a team of volunteers insure his future well being and informing Norway Fisheries. One thing is clear, Hvaldimir is touching the hearts and minds of the people of Norway, which is remarkable given the country's whaling past and present. That Sounds Wild: Gibbons. The Phoenix Zoo Animal Care Software ZOOmility

Animal training experts Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner return for a third installment on behavioral principles to discuss how operant conditioning using positive reinforcement in managed care can prevent and at minimum reduce the frequency and intensity of aggressive behaviors directed at other animals, caregivers, or the immediate environment. The goal is not to react to or try to suppress aggressive responses after they have happened as traditional punishment-based training often calls for, but to prevent the fear or frustration that leads to aggression before it ever occurs. Animal Care Software ZOOmility Zoo Logic FB page

Renowned veterinary pathologist and researcher, Dr. Judy St. Leger is the president of Rising Tide Conservation. According to its website, Rising Tide Conservation is dedicated to developing and promoting aquaculture of marine ornamental fish species through the collaborative efforts of researchers, public aquaria, hobbyists, pet industry professionals, and conservation groups. Rising Tide Conservation facilitates sustainability in the aquarium industry by supporting marine ornamental fish aquaculture research in order to reduce the impacts of wild fish collection on fish populations and the coral reefs where they live. That Sounds Wild: Screech owl. Frank Buck Zoo. Visit our sponsor: Animal Care Software To contact us or to learn more about our availability for workshops, speaking events etc., visit our FB page Zoo Logic or ZOOmility

This special episode features a series of panel presentations based on recently published peer-reviewed papers about dolphin life expectancy, orca longevity, cetacean dive physiology, and two rebuttals of Marino et al 2019. Panelists Kelly Jaakkola, Kevin Willis, Andreas Fahlman, Heather Hill, Kathleen Dudzinski, & Jason Bruck present data, as well as, commentary on a case study example of a published paper on orca welfare that never should have cleared the peer-review process. Our panel of scientists clarify what we currently know and don't know about two popular species of marine mammals in human care and in the wild across a few key welfare measures. Plus, they discuss at length the problems that occur when previous scientific citations are misused, and unsupported opinion and agendas are passed off as science in peer-reviewed journals. Animal care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic Page ZOOmility Kelly Jaakkola Dolphin Life Expectancy https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mms.12601 Kevin Willis Orca Longevity Kochanek KD, Murphy SL, Xu JQ, Arias E. Deaths: Final data for 2017. National Vital Statistics Reports; vol 68 no 9. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. 2019. Jett, J. and Ventre, J. Captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) survival. Marine Mammal Science, 4:297-311. 2015. Robeck, T. R., K. Willis, M. R. Scarpuzzi and J. K. O'Brien. 2015. Comparisons of life history parameters between free-ranging and captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations for application toward species management. Journal of Mammalogy, 96:1055-1070. Robeck, T., Jaakkola, K., Stafford G., and Willis, K. Killer whale (Orcinus orca) survivorship in captivity: A critique of Jett and Ventre (2015). Marine Mammal Science, 32, 786–792. 2016. Andreas Fahlman Dolphin Dive and Respiratory Physiology Borque Espinosa, A., Burgos, F., Dennison, S., Laughlin, R., Manley, M., Capaccioni, R. and Fahlman, A. (2020). Lung function testing as a diagnostic tool to assess respiratory health in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 138, 17-27. Fahlman, A., Borque-Espinosa, A., Facchin, F., Ferrero Fernandez, D., Muñoz Caballero, P., Haulena, M. and Rocho-Levine, J. (2020). Comparative respiratory physiology in cetaceans. Frontiers Physiology 11, 1-7. Fahlman, A., Brodsky, M., Miedler, S., Dennison, S., Ivančić, M., Levine, G., Rocho-Levine, J., Manley, M., Rocabert, J. and Borque Espinosa, A. (2019). Ventilation and gas exchange before and after voluntary static surface breath-holds in clinically healthy bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Journal of Experimental Biology 222, 1-9. Fahlman, A., Brodsky, M., Wells, R., McHugh, K., Allen, J., Barleycorn, A., Sweeney, J. C., Fauquier, D. and Moore, M. (2018a). Field energetics and lung function in wild bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in Sarasota Bay Florida. Royal Society Open Science 5, 171280. Fahlman, A., Jensen, F., Tyack, P. L. and Wells, R. (2018b). Modeling tissue and blood gas kinetics in coastal and offshore common Bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. Frontiers Physiology 9, 1-13. Fahlman, A., Loring, S. H., Levine, G., Rocho-Levine, J., Austin, T. and Brodsky, M. (2015). Lung mechanics and pulmonary function testing in cetaceans Journal of Experimental Biology 218, 2030-2038. Fahlman, A., McHugh, K., Allen, J., Barleycorn, A., Allen, A., Sweeney, J., Stone, R., Faulkner Trainor, R., Bedford, G., Moore, M. J. et al. (2018c). Resting metabolic rate and lung function in wild offshore common bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, near bermuda. Frontiers in Physiology 9. Fahlman, A., Moore, M. J. and Garcia-Parraga, D. (2017). Respiratory function and mechanics in pinnipeds and cetaceans. Journal of Experimental Biology 220, 1761-1763. Thanks to Dr. Randy Wells, Director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and Chicago Zoological Society. https://www.sarasotadolphin.org/about-us-2/ Kathleen Dudzinski & Heather Hill Commentary on Marino et al 2019 https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6cj9473p www.aquaticmammalsjournal.org https://www.dolphincommunicationproject.org/index.php/about-dolphins/scientific-publications Jason Bruck Commentary on Marino et al 2019 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jason_Bruck2

Friend of the podcast, Dr. Hendrik Nollens describes his new role as VP of Conservation Medicine and Science at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. In addition to responding to marine mammal stranding events along the entire coastline of Orange County, the PMMC has an ongoing role in public education, original wildlife research, as well as, assisting wild animals, particularly large cetaceans, entangled by ropes and other fishing debris. Dr. Nollens sees advancements in veterinary medicine and animal husbandry science developed in zoological facilities being increasingly utilized proactively to intervene with wild animals, including endangered species, at risk from injury or illness. That Sounds Wild: Reeves muntjac. Frank Buck Zoo. Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic Zoomility

Modern zoos and aquariums are agents for positive change. Through conservation, public education, in situ and ex situ research, and the display of amazing animals, zoological facilities inspire people of all ages to care about the well-being of wildlife and wild places. Still, it doesn't take one long to realize that these organizations so dedicated to preserving biodiversity are, in fact, not all that diverse in terms of their workforce, especially across animal-related departments and occupations. Given the ongoing historical protests for racial equality and justice, how are zoos and aquariums endeavoring to build more diverse teams? What roadblocks exist to increasing participation in zoological work by people of color? Does the lack of diversity among role models have an effect on inspiring young people to consider careers in zoos and aquariums? And, how do we reconcile the shameful role some prominent western zoos played in the 19th and 20th centuries in perpetuating racial stereotypes in support of white supremacy and Colonialism? Our guest is Odysea Aquarium's TJ Lowery who is also co-founder of Defeating Racism at Work or DR@W. That Sounds Wild: Nubian Ibex. Frank Buck Zoo Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic Zoomility

Our recent episode on the Least Reinforcing Scenario (#113) set download records and elicited so much feedback from listeners that we invited long time animal training experts Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner back to discuss other controversial operant conditioning terms and topics. The Intermediate Bridge and End of Session signal are two such concepts about which few behavior training professionals are ambivalent. Chuck and Ted reflect on the validity of these concepts and warn trainers against letting humanistic interpretations of animal responses cloud their decision-making when it comes to behavior management using operant conditioning. That Sounds Wild: African lion, coyote, and new guinea Singing Dog. EATM at Moorpark College. Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic FB page ZOOmility

Dr. Barbara Baker the president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium for thirty years spoke at the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums annual meeting in February (just as the COVID-19 pandemic was arriving in the United States) as part of a panel discussion made up of leaders of major zoological organizations from around the world. She also serves as the Board Chair for the trade association known as the Zoological Association of America. Dr. Baker shares her insights on Expedia's decision to support ticket sales to zoos and aquariums accredited by a few trade groups but not others. Given the resurgence in activism by well-funded companies like PeTA and HSUS, Dr. Baker warns of the federal, state, and local legislative bills targeting such aspects of zoo operations as animal ambassadors, transports, breeding and public display. She argues these efforts are intended to force zoos into adopting a sanctuary model and eventually into extinction. She stresses the need for all zoo and aquarium accreditation organizations to work together and to resist activist efforts to divide and conquer zoo and aquarium professionals. Also, Dr Jo Fava from Animal Necessity returns with a great way for zoo and aquarium fans to support their local facilities struggling with the loss of revenues during the pandemic. That Sounds Wild: Asian Elephant cows Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic Podcast ZOOmility

Recently, the Georgia Aquarium site of the Animal Planet show, The Aquarium, announced the birth of a large female beluga whale calf. Long time marine mammal husbandry and training professionals, Eric Gaglione and Dennis Christen describe the extensive planning and staff preparation that occurs in advance of any cetacean birth. Most important to the process is the extensive desensitization training based upon operant conditioning and positive reinforcement that the expectant mother receives from her caregivers. The goal is to prepare the team and the animals for any conceivable contingency prior to, during, and after parturition. Hear the latest on what challenges occurred during delivery, how the team successfully responded, and the latest on how the calf is doing. That Sounds Wild: Beluga chorus. Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic

Few behavioral terms or concepts have engendered as much discussion, confusion, and heated debate among zoo professionals, behaviorists, and animal trainers over the past thirty years as the Least Reinforcing Scenario, known simply as LRS. Two of the original LRS architects, Chuck Tompkins and Ted Turner, describe the concept and the fundamental shift in behavioral psychology it represented by rejecting the status quo of traditional animal training that urged trainers to say "no" to animals when they make a mistake. Chuck and Ted clarify what the LRS is and is not, and why its development made trustful relationships and incredible behavioral advancements with with killer whales possible. The LRS has since been applied to the care of hundreds of other marine and terrestrial species, as well as, domestic pets. That Sounds Wild: orcas. SeaWorld Hubbs Research Institute. Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic

Dr. Andreas Fahlman returns with doctoral candidate Alicia Espinosa to describe their research using tools and knowledge of human spirometry to better understand dolphin pulmonary function. Their goal is to establish a baseline of small cetacean pulmonary physiology measures for use in assessing wild and stranded dolphin respiratory health. Global Diving Research That Sounds Wild: Bottlenose Dolphin whistle Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic

With science proving to be an easy target these days for those looking to politicize it, what lasting harm is done to the public discourse and society's faith in anything the research community at large has to report on any subject, in those rare instances when unsubstantiated, misleading, or unethically crafted papers clear a respected journal's peer review process? Dr. Heather Hill, principle author of the recent rebuttal letter to one such concerning peer-reviewed paper joins researcher Jason Bruck, PhD to discuss the implications for us all. That Sounds Wild: Red Tailed Hawk. Frank Buck Zoo To download the rebuttal/commentary: Distinguishing personal belief from scientific knowledge for the betterment of killer whale welfare – a commentary The International Journal of Comparative Psychology (IJCP) Animal Care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic Zoomility

When the plea for help went out across the US for medical professionals to lend their talents to the city hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic, like nearly 100 thousand of his colleagues, Ohio surgeon Dr. Ray Gagliardi answered the call. Dr. Ray shares his insights into the myriad of ways the deadly disease attacks the human body making it much more than just a respiratory illness. That Sounds Wild: Great Horned Owls. Frank Buck Zoo Animal care Software Peppermint Narwhal Zoo Logic