Zoo Logic

Shrouded in secrecy until it was declassified in the 1990's, the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program continues its mission which began nearly 60 years ago to protect service men and women at home and abroad. Dr. Mark Xitco, researcher and Director of the NMMP discusses the rich history of the program, the animal training and welfare focus in use today, the hundreds of publicly available peer-reviewed research papers on marine mammal behavior and physiology the program has produced, and the important recovery and security missions that teams of California sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and their human trainers are ready to assist with 24 hours day anywhere in the world. According to the NMMP website, in the early years of the program, more than a dozen different species of marine mammals, as well as sharks, rays, sea turtles, and marine birds were tested, and their sensory and physical capabilities explored. Today, the Navy relies on ​bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions as both are known for their trainability and adaptability to a wide range of marine environments. The navy relies on dolphins because they "naturally possess the most sophisticated sonar known to science. Mines and other potentially dangerous objects on the ocean floor that are difficult to detect with electronic sonar, especially in coastal shallows or cluttered harbors, are easily found by the dolphins. Both dolphins and sea lions have excellent low light vision and underwater directional hearing that allow them to detect and track undersea targets, even in dark or murky waters. They can also dive hundreds of feet below the surface, without risk of decompression sickness or "the bends" like human divers. Someday it may be possible to complete these missions with underwater drones, but for now technology is no match for the animals." The animals are trained for 3 primary missions: '"recovering objects in harbors, coastal areas, and at depth in the open sea, sea lions locate and attach recovery lines to Navy equipment on the ocean floor. Dolphins are trained to search for and mark the location of undersea mines that could threaten the safety of those on board military or civilian ships. Both dolphins and sea lions also assist security personnel in detecting and apprehending unauthorized swimmers and divers that might attempt to harm the Navy's people, vessels, or harbor facilities." That Sounds Wild: penguins www.iReinforce.com www.public.navy.mil/spawar/NIWC-Pacific/technology/Pages/mammals.aspx http://www.nmmf.org/service.html www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/

American Humane is the oldest organization in the US dedicated to "promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people." For more than one hundred years, American Humane has operated wherever animals are in need of rescue, shelter, protection or security. President and CEO, Dr. Robin Ganzert describes the various programs in place to achieve its mission today including working to reunite military dogs wth their human handlers once their service is complete. In addition, American Humane achieves its mission through a variety of other programs including their well known "No Animals Were Harmed®" program in Hollywood to broad-based farm animal welfare and zoo and aquarium conservation certifications, to rapid response rescue and care. In total, about 1 Billion animals worldwide are covered by AH programs and science-based welfare certification standards. That Sounds Wild: Lion cub www.AmericanHumane.org www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ http://zoologic.libsyn.com

According to the USFWS, illegal and unsustainable trade in wildlife and plants is a multibillion dollar industry that is having a devastating impact on thousands of species globally. Former Scottish police detective and law enforcement expert, author, and lecturer John Sellar spent 14 years working for CITES where he became Chief of Enforcement and conducted hundreds of missions to more than 60 countries to assess enforcement and develop strategies to combat wildlife crime. His book, 'The UN's Lone Ranger: Combating International Wildlife Crime', was published in January 2014. In recognition of his UN service, in 2013 he was appointed by the Queen as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire. That Sounds Wild: Wildebeest https://globalinitiative.net/experts/john-m-sellar/ http://zoologic.libsyn.com www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/

Animal law expert and attorney Michelle Pardo returns to Zoo Logic to describe some of the recent and ongoing legislative efforts animal rights organizations are pushing at the local, state, and federal levels. What lessons can we learn about how the legislative process is being used to promote an extreme animal rights agenda, not shared by most people? Why is it so important for animal professionals, zoo and aquarium fans, and taxpayers to pay attention to legislative bills with reasonable sounding titles, especially when those same stakeholders are purposefully left out of the deliberative and amendment process by those seeking to pass such bills? Finally, where should our future animal welfare priorities lie? Creating redundant and unnecessary animal welfare laws and new language with which critics may launch novel legal challenges to lawful, ethical, and humane animal endeavors? Or, should we focus oversight resources and dollars on better enforcement of existing animal welfare and public display laws to eliminate the few bad actors that aren't living up to modern husbandry, training, and care standards? Animal Adventurer and spokeswoman, Mallory Lindsay shares an all new Ms Mallory Minute. Plus, an all new That Sounds Wild. https://blogs.duanemorris.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ http://msmalloryadventures.com www.iReinforce.com http://peppermintnarwhal.com That Sounds Wild: Beluga whales

Frequent contributor to Zoo Logic, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center discusses the new peer-reviewed study she coauthored and published in the Journal Marine Mammal Science that compared survival rates and life expectancies for bottlenose dolphins living in zoological facilities with comparable values published for wild populations. The main takeaway from the study is dolphins living in zoological facilities today live at least as long or longer than wild populations studied to date. These results stand in stark contrast to some zoo and aquarium critics that continue to promote the false claim that dolphins do not live as long in human care. Data analyzed in this new study come from a U.S. government source called the "Marine Mammal Inventory Report" (MMIR), which lists basic information (e.g. birth date, death date, transfers, etc.) for all dolphins in marine mammal facilities in the U.S over the past 40 years or so. A few complications with comparing current MMIR data with previous studies of wild populations are due to the inherent limited scope of observations found in most wild studies and the different methods of statistical analysis that have been used in each previous publication. To make comparisons valid, the new study used the same analysis on the MMIR data that was used for each wild population publication. The last scientific paper to analyze survival for dolphins in facilities before this latest study used data that are now more than 25 years old. Even back then, survival rate and life expectancy for dolphins living in zoos and aquariums in the US were increasing and this study shows continuing significant increases since then. The current median life expectancy of bottlenose dolphins living in human care in the U.S. is 29.2 years. This is based on the most robust method of analysis called the Kaplan-Meier Survival Analysis. While the K-M approach is the most accurate analysis because it uses information from ALL animals in the population (both dead and living) and does not assume equal probability of dying at all ages like some of the other methods used in previous publications require, no wild study has yet used the Kaplan-Meier method to analyze the life expectancy of the respective wild populations examined due to the lack of detailed information on the age of living animals and the age-at-death for dead animals. Also of interest was the finding that a direct comparison of calf survival rate between the decades-long field study of the Sarasota population of dolphins and modern MMIR data found no significant difference between populations. In other words, while dolphin calf (age less than 1 year) mortality is higher than for adults, as is the case for many species including humans, there is no significant difference in survival rate between dolphin calves born in human care and those born in the wild. K. Jaakkola/K. Willis: How long do dolphins live? Survival rates and life expectancies for bottlenose dolphins in zoological facilities vs. wild populations. Marine Mammal Science 2019; DOI: 10.1111/mms.12601. Available at: http://doi.wiley.com/10.1111/mms.12601 http://zoologic.libsyn.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com https://dolphins.org

According to the book, Dark Horse, society has systems of education and employment management that require us "to be the same as everyone else, only better." As designed, these systems are a zero-sum game with only limited opportunities for a few. Thus, these systems leave "most of us feeling disengaged, frustrated, and yearning for something more personal and authentic." Harvard researcher and Dark Horse coauthor Dr. Ogi Ogas discusses how real life dark horses are able to attaining personal fulfillment and professional success, not by following the standardize systems of society, but by tapping into each individual's micro-motives and then being willing to make decisions in the moment that reflect who they truly are. Achieving greater fulfillment is not about taking the standard pathway towards some long term goal, nor does it require the dark horse to be endowed with marvelous gifts. The dark horse mindset involves harnessing each person's individuality, not society's systems bent on conformity, in pursuit of personal satisfaction in order to achieve professional excellence. As part of the Dark Horse Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, researchers focused on many different individuals including several animal professionals including marine mammal trainers like former Zoo Logic guest, Ken Ramirez. Also, to celebrate World Penguin Day, we're joined by a penguin expert from SeaWorld San Diego to discuss the current status of these iconic flightless birds, as well as, SeaWorld's rich history and contributions to species other than orcas, dolphins, and sea lions. Mallory Lindsay shares another Ms Mallory Minute on the unusual Hagfish. https://lsi.gse.harvard.edu/dark-horse www.iReinforce.com https://mallorylindsay.com https://sanccob.co.za www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ https://seaworld.org/animals/all-about/penguins/

Our one-on-one conversation with best selling author, advocate, and Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, Dr. Chelsea Clinton discussing her new picture book, Don't Let Them Disappear, as well as, memories of her earliest encounters with animals and reliving those experiences by visiting zoos and aquariums with her own children today. In her new book, Chelsea shares the stories of 12 threatened and endangered species--what makes them unique, what risks they face in the wild, and even what simple steps kids can take to increase pubic awareness about Nature and ways they can begin to help build connections with species and habitat in their own lives. Throughout the conversation, Chelsea shares an appreciation for the important and increasingly necessary conservation and educational work of aquariums and zoos. She ends with some personal advice for animal professionals when confronted by unfair criticism. Mallory Lindsay returns with another informative installment of Miss Mallory Minute. Plus, an all new That Sounds Wild! www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/563903/dont-let-them-disappear-by-chelsea-clinton-illustrated-by-gianna-marino/9780525514329/ www.clintonfoundation.org @ChelseaClinton www.mallorylindsay.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com http://peppermintnarwhal.com www.conservationambassadors.org www.AZA.org www.WildlifeWorld.com www.phoenixzoo.org

Species that will experience the effects of climate change the most are ones that depend on sea ice for survival. As the quantity and quality of sea ice changes and the time gap between the spring thaw and fall formation increases, animals like polar bears are struggling to find adequate high fat prey in the form of ringed seals, which are necessary for the bears to survive the winter. Field biologist turned Director of Conservation and Research at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, Dr. Stephen Petersen discusses polar bear physiology, life history, public education and policy, and the resulting conflicts against the backdrop of a changing arctic habitat and ecosystem. The clear message is that one size does not fit all when it comes to population management strategies for this species as various segments of the bear population react differently depending on their latitude and proximity to humans. This week's Sounds Wild: African Crested Porcupine tail. Thanks to www.conservationambassadors.org. www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca www.polarbearsinternational.org www.peppermintnarwhal.com/

Why do people risk personal injury or death just to get a photo next to wild animals, even those living in the relative safety of a zoo or aquarium? What is it about protective barriers, walls, or fences designed to bring animals and the viewing public safely together in close proximity that communicates to some visitors, "sure, climb over"? A recent incident of a zoo visitor injured for ignoring the safety barriers just to get a selfie with an adult jaguar went viral and highlights the importance of human perceptions of animals and how well they align with reality. More importantly, how do our perceptions or misperceptions of animals impact our feelings and behavior, especially with regards to preserving species under threat of extinction? Dr. Susan Clayton professor of psychology and environmental studies at the College of Wooster discusses how human perceptions of animals is affected by things such as TV, youtube, and early learning experiences with animals at the zoo. The nature of that education can affect whether we objectify animals or view them with respect. She argues that zoos are important institutions because they hold the promise not only to educate and inspire people about animals through proper messaging, but to change human behavior in achievable increments to protect the natural environment. www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com www.wooster.edu www.WildlifeWorld.com www.FOX10Phoenix.com www.KTAR.com

On occasion, laws and regulations enacted for common sense reasons have purposefully been misapplied by those with agendas and intentions that are radically different from what Congress or state legislatures had in mind. It is difficult to anticipate such unintended consequences in new laws, especially when stakeholders that may be affected by such legislation are excluded from the bill writing and amendment process. Animal related organizations such as zoos and aquariums seem particularly and increasingly prone to this trend thanks to animal rights groups as in the current case of HR 1042 known as the "Prepared Act." It's an otherwise common sense idea that the thousands of USDA licensed facilities including zoos, aquariums, research, and breeding facilities ought to have disaster preparedness plans in place in the event of natural or other catastrophic events. However, backers of the bill seem to have an insidious goal in mind, to use HR 1042 to gain access to an organization's private operational and emergency contingency plans through the Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA. Julia Matson Wagner, a risk mitigation expert, discusses the bill and why it might make zoos and aquariums vulnerable as soft targets to much more dangerous elements than simply animal rights groups. In an all new Zoos News elephant expert, Erin Ivory, returns to Zoo Logic to discuss EEHV, a devastating and almost always lethal virus that has just claimed two young elephants at the Indianapolis zoo. Plus an all new That Sounds Wild. www.iReinforce.com www.zoologic.libsyn.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/

The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito is not just the organization that responds to more stranded marine mammals than any other in the world. According to www.TMMC.org, from the depletion of fish stocks to increasing ocean temperatures, human activity threatens marine ecosystems that are vital to the health of our ocean and all life on earth. As a critical first responder to these threats, The Marine Mammal Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary science, and education. Marine mammals are ecosystem indicators, and the health of these animals provides insights into human and ocean health threats. Executive Director, Jeff Boehm discusses how the center supports a network of scientists and stewards to protect our shared ocean environment for future generations. www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.zoologic.libsyn.com

For 45 years, Dr. Laurie Marker has dedicated her life to saving cheetahs, the fastest land mammal on earth. A species of cat like no other, cheetahs face mounting pressures from conflicts with farmers, habitat loss and fragmentation, local and species-wide genetic bottlenecks, and the illegal pet trade. Her love and fascination with the species led Dr. Marker to move to Namibia where in 1990 she established the headquarters for the Cheetah Conservation Fund organization (www.Cheetah.org). Dr. Marker serves as an advisor for several national and international zoological and conservation organizations; is the recipient of many awards recognizing her contributions to science, conservation, and education; and has authored or contributed to a long list of academic publications. From the CCF website: Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF) is the global leader in research and conservation of cheetahs. CCF is dedicated to saving the cheetah in the wild. CCF's mission is to be the internationally recognized center of excellence in the conservation of cheetahs and their ecosystems. CCF will work with all stakeholders to develop best practices in research, education, and land use to benefit all species, including people. The vast majority of wild cheetahs are outside protected areas, in areas populated by humans. Saving this magnificent animal from extinction requires innovative conservation methods that address the welfare of both cheetah and human populations over large landscapes. CCF has developed a set of integrated programs that work together to achieve this objective. CCF's programs have effectively stabilized and even increased the wild cheetah population in Namibia. CCF has close links and assists in training and sharing program successes with other countries where cheetah live, including Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Iran, Algeria and more recently, Angola. In many of these countries, efforts are currently underway to develop new conservation programs or support existing cheetah conservation efforts. CCF's international collaborations involve distributing CCF materials, lending resources and support, and providing training through Africa and the rest of the world. CCF's conservation programming is rooted in scientific research. CCF maintains a research program on the biology, ecology and genetics of cheetahs that publishes papers in peer-reviewed journals annually, and currently operates the only fully-equipped genetics lab at an in-situ conservation facility in Africa. CCF's renowned Livestock Guarding Dog Program has been highly effective at reducing predation rates and thereby reducing the inclination by farmers to trap or shoot cheetahs. CCF breeds Anatolian shepherd and Kangal dogs, breeds that for millennia have guarded small livestock against wolves and bears in Turkey. The dogs are placed with Namibian farmers as puppies. They bond with the herd and use their imposing presence and loud bark to scare away potential predators. CCF has been placing dogs since 1994 and our research shows the dogs are highly effective, reducing livestock loss from all predators by over 80 and up to 100 percent. According to Dr. Marker, "the Cheetah Conservation Fund is many things. We are a world class research facility doing groundbreaking research in the biology, ecology and genetics of the cheetah. We're a conservation organization working to combat the problems that afflict the human communities that live alongside cheetahs and threaten the cheetah as a species with extinction. We're a place that visitors may come to learn about the cheetah and experience its magnificence and grace more closely." "But we do all that we do for a single purpose – to win the race to save the cheetah. We've lost 90 percent of the world's population of cheetahs in the last 100 years. And we know that if we're going to have cheetahs around for the next 100 years, we need to act now to address the threats to the cheetah's survival." Plus, an all new That Sounds Wild and a Zoos News legislative update from Rachel Garner from www.whyanimalsdothething.com. www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/

The highly touted federal and state program to conserve the Black-footed Ferret over the past three decades is really a story about two interconnected species, of a predator and its prey. Once thought extinct until a tiny number were rediscovered on a rancher's private property, Black-footed Ferret populations plummeted in the wild as humans sought to eradicate their primary source of food, prairie dogs. In hindsight we recognize today the tremendous ecological importance of prairie dogs that once numbered in the hundreds of millions across the grasslands of the U.S. If we are going to succeed in saving the ferret, then we must also save the prairie dog. Unfortunately, prairie dogs have lost 95% of their historic range according to www.worldwildlife.org and they are susceptible to the plague carried by fleas on infected rats that entered North America aboard European ships. Curator of Conservation Science for the Phoenix Zoo, Brad Poynter joins us for part two of our conversation on how modern zoos and aquariums work behind the scenes locally and internationally to study and preserve species that no one may ever see on display, but that are intrinsically important to conserve in order to maintain healthy environments. www.Phoenixzoo.org www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com www.zoologic.libsyn.com

By the late 1960's, the Arabian oryx was considered extinct in the wild. Some of the few remaining animals living in human care were sent to the Phoenix Zoo in the early 1970's because its desert climate matched the species' former natural range across the Middle East. From just nine animals, zoo professionals were able to establish a successful breeding herd with subsequent offspring sent to other zoos to rebuild a sustainable population. The program was so successful that by 1982, Arabian Oryx were beginning to be reintroduced in safe zones across its former range. It is the first species to ever be down listed from "extinct in the wild" to a much improved (but still at risk) status of "vulnerable." Today, the Phoenix zoo's rich history of conservation success is coordinated at its conservation center by Brad Poynter, curator of conservation science. The center is responsible for the preservation, and in some instances, the reintroduction of at-risk species native to Arizona, including the once believed extinct Black-footed ferret. www.Phoenixzoo.org www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/

Historically, animal professionals were discouraged from sharing feelings of grief over the loss of a pet or zoo animal. To do otherwise might call into question one's ability to remain objective when managing, studying, or conserving wild species. In other words, emotionally speaking, animals should be kept at arm's length and zookeepers shouldn't have favorites! Such attitudes about the need to acknowledge one's grief over the passing of a favorite furry, scaly or feathered friend seem to be changing, especially as modern zoos must now grapple with the often competing priorities of preserving entire populations through dispassionate science-based principles, while also balancing the welfare needs of individual animals within those populations. Increasingly, zoological and veterinary organizations are realizing the importance of processing grief not just for pet owners, but for keepers and the general public, too. Our guest, Ann Howie, is an author and mental health professional who integrates animals into her counseling practice. She describes things we should and should not do to help ourselves and others process grief. www.dogsinactionolympia.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com @zoologicpodcast

While other well known and charismatic species like rhinos, tigers, and elephants garner more headlines, the small, shy, and nocturnal pangolin has the sad distinction of being the globe's most illegally trafficked animal. Prized for their meat and the few hundred keratin scales that cover their bodies like a suit of armor that's strong enough to repel lion attacks, pangolins are no match for Nature's top predator, man. And the result of the industrial-sized poaching occurring over the past few decades may be the extinction of all 8 varieties of this gentle creature that feeds exclusively on thousands of ants, termites, and other insects each day. Recently, a consortium of 7 North American zoos, including the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium imported a small group of one pangolin species to better understand their behavior, physiology, and highly specialized nutritional requirements. It is a great example of zoos working across trade association affiliations like www.AZA.org and www.ZAA.org to improve our husbandry and overall understanding of this species before it's too late to preserve them. World Pangolin Day is this Saturday, February 16th. www.pangolinconservation.org www.GlobalConservationForce.org www.pittsburghzoo.org/ www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.iReinforce.com

The California Condor is the largest bird naturally found in North America and by the mid 1980's its population had plummeted to a few dozen individuals. Society had a choice: let the species pass into oblivion or develop a bold and untested plan to collect, preserve, and eventually, repopulate the desert southwest with wild animals and their descendants that could fend for themselves. Animal expert Michael Mace from San Diego Zoo Global describes some of the early obstacles to success and the pressure professionals from the San Diego and Los Angeles zoos felt working with the world's only remaining California Condors. While some of the the factors (e.g., use of pesticide DDT) that led to the condor's near extinction over thirty years ago may have faded, new and persisting risks remain. Not only has the Condor conservation program continued to evolve and incorporate new technologies to meet these challenges, it continues to serve as a model and inspiration to preserve other critically endangered species. https://institute.sandiegozoo.org/species/california-condor www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ http://zoologic.libsyn.com This week's That Sounds Wild comes from www.conservationambassadors.org

China is experiencing tremendous growth in the popularity, number and size of family attractions under development, especially aquariums featuring marine mammals. In recent years, Russia has been a primary source of the larger marine mammal species sent to these major aquarium projects. Against the backdrop of this demand which is projected to grow, scant reports, including one by CBS News late last year, have raised concerns over the status of approximately 100 orcas and beluga whales collected from Russian waters and currently temporarily housed in "cramped and potentially illegal" near shore sea pens on Russia's Pacific east coast near the city of Nakhodka. This situation and the broader implications of these collections raise at least 3 potential concerns for zoological professionals from accredited public display facilities: 1) whether the animals from Russia are being collected humanely and sustainably based upon previously conducted and up to date scientific environmental impact assessments? 2) how well the veterinary care and welfare of the animals while housed in temporary sea pen facilities are being maintained? and 3) whether the long term housing, husbandry, and reproductive plans for larger cetaceans like orcas once they are transferred to China will meet their social, behavioral, and health needs? To shed light on the situation and help separate fact from fiction, long time amusement park and family entertainment attractions insider, journalist, and blogger, Joe Kleiman, joins us. Plus, an all new That Sounds Wild and a personal aloha to an animal friend and teacher. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-whale-jail-investigated-prosecutors-nakhodka-orca-beluga-whales-held/ www.iReinforce.com www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/ www.finaldaysofwisdom.wordpress.com/2018/10/18/final-days-synopsis-on-the-expanding-future-of-killer-whale-exhibition/

Perhaps because they are silent giants synonymous with zoos and the African landscape it is difficult to imagine a world without the iconic species known as giraffe. Their unique familiarity ingrained in human consciousness may help explain how the tallest land mammal suddenly and quietly slipped from "least concern" to "endangered" status according to the IUCN, much to the surprise of everyone over the past few years, even wildlife professionals. Now that we've all been warned of the peril facing the "watchtowers of the savanna," zoological institutions like the San Diego Zoo Global's Institute for Conservation Research are working in Northern Kenya and elsewhere to study and stabilize giraffe populations through in situ and ex situ studies relying on local communities, technology, and crowdsourcing. Researchers David O'Connor and Jenna Stacy-Dawes describe the latest giraffe news as well as how anyone can get involved in original research like thousands of people already have to help giraffe and other African species at risk through SDZG's website www.WildWatchKenya.org. www.iReinforce.com www.institute.sandiegozoo.org www.iucnredlist.org www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/

Throughout history and literature few species have been as unfairly disparaged and misunderstood as vultures. Despite serving as Nature's "garbage disposal," capable of digesting harmful bacteria that would kill most other animals, the vulture has long been viewed with fear or scorn. Today, this important group of long-lived and slowly reproducing species is under threat of extinction not as a direct target of human activities but as an indirect and innocent participant in the very scavenging behaviors it evolved to do--behaviors necessary to maintain healthy ecosystems. Zoo Logic guest Michael Mace from San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG), the organization behind the famous Southern California zoo and safari parks, dispels some of the myths about vultures, describes their importance to human health, and explains the deadly threats from poachers, farmers, and ranchers (albeit for different reasons) through the same mechanism, mass poisonings. Fortunately, organizations like SDZG and others are working in the field to increase public education and to train communities how to prevent more vulture population losses and to care for animals suffering from poisonings. www.animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/vulture www.iReinforce.com www.aza.org/safe-species www.vulpro.com/about/ www.zoologic.libsyn.com

Few people from Hollywood have been as demonstrably supportive of modern zoos and aquariums, helping animals in need, and conserving our planet over the past decade as Emmy winning actor and best selling author, Carolyn Hennesy. Carolyn joins Zoo Logic to discuss some of her new creative projects coming in 2019, including assuming the iconic role of General Leia Organa in two animated series: Star Wars Resistance and Lego Star Wars: All-Stars. Carolyn also shares the latest news about her hometown zoo and her efforts to help the LA zoo keep its famous elephant named Billy. 12:00 Billy the elephant 23:35 Replacing single use plastic while filming on location in Jamaica 31:40 Counter protesting PeTA at the LA zoo. www.CarolynHennesy.com www.iReinforce.com www.LAZoo.org www.AmericanHumane.org

We begin 2019 by celebrating an increasingly scarce conservation "win" with news by the IUCN that mountain gorillas have been down-listed from critically endangered to endangered. Mountain gorillas are the elusive great ape species introduced to most of the world by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey, who studied and ultimately lost her life protecting the animals. And who better to discuss the decades-long effort to preserve these gentle giants, not just for today but indefinitely, and to help the people of Rwanda than the director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, Jack Hanna. https://globalimpact.columbuszoo.org/projects/project/gorilla-doctors-in-africa www.peppermintnarwhal.com www.iReinforce.com https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39999/17989719

Highlights from 2018's lineup of Zoo Logic guests including world renowned trainers, celebrities, best selling authors, scientists, veterinarians, and entrepreneurs, as well as, perspectives from legal, public policy, and conservation experts. Trainers 0:51 Ken Ramirez www.clickertraining.com 4:09 Erin Ivory elephant manager and consultant 5:05 Barbara Heidenreich 7:45 Dave and Jess Peranteau, Odysea Aquarium 10:04 Professor Gary Wilson, Moorpark College 10:51 Joe Markham, Kong company founder, www.KongCompany.com Celebrity Authors 13:11 Kyle Kittleson, Wear a Wetsuit at Work 14:03 Mark Simmons, Killing Keiko 17:53 Julie Scardina, Wildlife Heroes 18:57 Jack Hanna, Into the Wild, www.jackhanna.com 20:42 Carolyn Hennesy, www.CarolynHennesy.com Scientists 25:13 Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, www.dolphins.org 27:03 Dr. Barbara Taylor, NOAA 21:27 Dr. Jason Bruck, OK State University 32:39 Marty Haulena, DVM, Vancouver Aquarium Animal Law, Rights and Public Policy 37:03 Michelle pardo, esq. 40:38 Rachel Garner, www.whyanimalsdothething.com 41:20 Lara Croft, DVM 44:16 Arizona Department of Game and Fish Public Relations and Trade Associations 47:50 Billy Hurley, www.IMATA.org 48:16 Will Coggins, www.HumaneWatch.org 49:54 Doug Cress, www.WAZA.org Perspectives 54:27 Dr. Susie Ellis, www.Rhinos.org 56:02 Brian Masuga, www.PeppermintNarwhal.com 57:28 Clarissa Black, www.PetsforVets.com 58:13 Dr Javier Almunia, Loro parque 59:18 Mandy Rodriguez, www.Dolphins.org 59:58 Mallory Lindsay, www.MalloryLindsay.com 1:00:19 Brad Andrews, www.AmericanHumane.org

World-renowned wildlife storyteller Sir David Attenborough and the BBC were criticized recently for essentially portraying a view of Nature that was too positive. According to the op-ed which appeared in The Guardian, "By downplaying our environmental crisis, the presenter's BBC films have generated complacency, confusion and ignorance" amongst the viewing public. While the criticism goes to an unfair extreme, the author does identify a longstanding dilemma, not just for famous environmentalists and their networks, but for all zoos and aquariums and animal professionals. How best to balance the need to inspire the public about amazing wildlife and wild places versus focusing on what is currently happening to them? Regardless of the type or size of our platform, how do we accurately inform without turning the audience off by being too negative or creating a paralyzing sense of helplessness with respect to saving species in a world bursting with people? Who better to ask about these issues than the person who has spent decades sharing wild animals and wild places with all of us through his many hours of televised content, Late Night laughs, books, and public appearances? Zoo Logic is pleased to welcome back the Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Emmy award winning TV host of Into the Wild, Jungle Jack Hanna! www.facebook.com/ZooLogicpodcast/?ref=bookmarks www.iReinforce.com www.PeppermintNarwhal.com www.JackHanna.com www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/07/david-attenborough-world-environment-bbc-films

Travel along the old route 66 west of Flagstaff and you'll find the historic town of Williams, Arizona, home of a unique zoo called Bearizona. It features a drive through section with dozens of black bears, bison, and other species native to ponderosa pine country. During a recent visit we learned how the animal team uses operant conditioning and their "enrichment truck" to safely manage and monitor groups of big animals living in extra large spaces. Next we talk with Kolmården Wildlife Park's training coordinator, Peter Giljam about his work sharing animal training best practices and innovative behavioral applications across zoo species. His career training animals spans dozens of aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species at facilities in Canada and Europe. He's been in the unique position to unite and inspire keepers and trainers from around the globe regardless of cultural, language, or species experience differences, and he is the creative force behind ZooSpensfull.com, a site dedicated to sharing trainer knowledge and stories. Plus an all new Zoos News and That Sounds Wild. www.Bearizona.com www.zoospensefull.com www.iReinforce.com www.kolmarden.com/sprak/english www.peppermintnarwhal.com

Have wild horses become America's tribble? Guests from the Arizona Department of Game and Fish discuss the contentious subject of US wild horse policy, which is often marked by passions and frustration on all sides. Congress passed the landmark 1971 Wild Free-roaming Horse and Burros Act to preserve those specific "unbranded and unclaimed" animals on public lands from steep declines in the preceding decades. Unlike native wildlife species, these feral horses have had a unique legal standing and separate multiple federal agency oversight, which has contributed to the confusion, frustration, disagreement, and anger over their management in recent decades. It might surprise many to know there are 3 times as many formerly designated wild horses living, cared for, and fed in fenced federal facilities than the current management level set for public lands. And, the current estimate of wild horses roaming on public lands is slightly greater than 3 times the management level set at 27000 animals. The history of the wild horse over the past 50 years points to the need for us to consider how we deal with a conservation success story! While their recovery is still the conservation exception rather than the rule, the story of the wild horse challenges us today to consider what legal, oversight, and management adjustments we need to make once species do recover in order to maintain stability for all native plant and animal species. Our guests this week from the State of Arizona Department of Game and Fish talk about the (over) population success of the nearly 50-year old law and the challenges these large bodied herbivores place on a western habitat that no longer resembles the one experienced by their long extinct and distant North American ancestors of 10-12 thousand years ago. The US is not alone in struggling with the issues raised by wild horses. Countries like Australia face similar public debates about the impacts on native species and habitats by these animals with no natural predators and with as much as a 20% population increase per year. It's an important conversation about the often competing needs of native versus feral animals and the courageous decisions needed to restore and maintain sustainable habitats for all native plant and animal species, as well as, America's iconic wild horses and burros. http://wildlife.org/tws-offers-recommendations-for-wild-horse-management/ https://www.wafwa.org/Documents%20and%20Settings/37/Site%20Documents/Committees/Resolutions%20Committee/BLM%20Wild%20Horse%20and%20Burro%20Management.pdf http://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/PS_FeralHorsesandBurros.pdf www.peppermintnarwhal.com www.iReinforce.com

Not all wildlife warriors use rakes, shovels or whistles as their tools for preserving a part of Nature. Some like Brian Masuga, one half of the husband and wife creative team at Peppermint Narwhal, use their art to tell "fun, whimsical" and always informative conservation stories about animals, from the every day kind to the endangered. Brian believes that through art we can breakdown the language barriers that sometimes exist across the globe to become better conservation storytellers in a way that connects species and people. He and his wife Becky have a goal to spread positive messages, especially through the power of social media, to inspire others about the need to preserve wildlife and wild places. Perhaps that's why their infographics have been featured in many zoos and aquariums, in print, and online for years. Plus, the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild. www.PeppermintNarwhal.com www.iReinforce.com www.polarbearsinternational.org

Conversations with animal training and research experts from our recent travels to Portugal and Japan. Guests Mandy Rodriguez, co-founder of the Dolphin Research Center, DRC's Director of Research and Zoo Logic contributor, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, and professor Satoru Yamamoto pay homage, each in their own unique way to our animal training and care past, the growing focus on conducting research in the present, and the future potential for greater understanding, and improved training and welfare across the globe. Each stresses the importance of not just the science of animal training but also the need to build strong relationships with animals through positive reinforcement steeped in love, a sense of humor, and fun for the animals as well as the people that care for and study them. Plus, a judge in NY has issued the first ever writ of Habeas Corpus for an elephant named Happy living at the Bronx zoo. Blogger Rachel Garner shares an update on this troubling precedent-setting case brought by those seeking to give human rights to animals, in an all new Zoos News. www.dolphins.org www.iReinforce.com www.whyanimalsdothething.com

Using positive reinforcement-based skills she learned while training marine animals, and on a chance visit to a VA hospital with her own dog named "bear," Clarissa Black witnessed the full potential that the human-animal bond might provide service men and women returning from war and suffering from PTSD. So she formed an organization called Pets for Vets to identify, match, and train dogs in need of forever homes with vets in need of companion animals that fit their individual lifestyle and needs. Today, PetsforVets.com has grown to 30 thirty chapters across the US. Always ready for the next personal and physical challenge, Clarissa and her friend Leigh Swansborough recently completed a 1200-mile hiking and paddling trek across the Yukon territory to the Arctic Ocean. They are the first women to walk to Tuktoyaktuk via the new completed Dempster highway. Hear about their harrowing and healing journey and the kindness of strangers they met along the way. Plus, a Zoos News update by Rachel Garner on LA zoo's Billy the elephant and efforts by those in power that want to take him from his home of 30 years. www.whyanimalsdothething.com www.PetsforVets.com www.iReinforce.com

Executive Director of the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association, Billy Hurley joins Dr. Grey Stafford, former president of www.IMATA.org following their three-day training seminar held at Osaka ECO college for students and zoo professionals. Billy discusses cultural differences and similarities, as well as, training challenges and improved welfare opportunities for zoo and training professionals from his work in Japan and other regions of Asia. Beyond its original, near 50-year old core mission to promote modern methods of animal training using positive reinforcement for all species, especially marine mammals, what does he think the future role of IMATA looks like across the globe? From sharing animal care best practices to using technology to inform and mobilize its members to improve public education and to lobby policy leaders about the important contributions of zoos and aquariums, IMATA is adapting to 21st century conservation, wildlife research, animal welfare, and political realities. Plus, hear how one commercial seafood company made peace with Greenpeace! www.parlevliet-vanderplas.nl www.iReinforce.com

Terry Ryan has been training dogs and their owners from all over the world for 50 years. A self-described "crossover" trainer, Terry has witnessed and helped lead the ongoing transformation of companion animal training from the old days of relying heavily on behavior corrections using aversive methods to today's focus on animal behavior success using positive reinforcement. In addition to operating her own training facility, Legacy Canine, in the Pacific Northwest, she is an instructor for the Karen Pryor Academy, an author of several books and other training materials, and she is particularly fond of her chicken training workshops because they allow participants to set aside any baggage they may have acquired by training dogs! www.legacycanine.com https://karenpryoracademy.com www.iReinforce.com

On location at the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association annual conference hosted by Zoomarine in Algarve, Portugal, Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Jo Fava, marine mammal ophthalmologist, about the importance of certain supplements in zoological diets. Specifically, she describes her interest in what is known and yet to be discovered about the role of carotenoids like lutein on pinniped and cetacean vision. Also featured is Élio Vicente, Director of External Affairs sharing his thoughts on the decades of contributions to marine mammal husbandry, veterinary medicine, public education, and display by his mentor and Zoomarine founder, Mr. Pedro Lavia. Plus, he discusses the challenges facing the diverse zoological community in the EU, and our collective failure to effectively communicate with the public about the important conservation work zoos and aquariums are doing. In particular, he stresses the need for zoos to find better ways to connect with millennials and generation Z. www.animalnecessity.com www.zoomarine.pt/en/ www.iReinforce.com www.IMATA.org

Zoo Logic is in Algarve, Portugal for the International Marine Animal Trainers' Association annual conference. Our guests are Dolphin Research Center's Dr Kelly Jaakkola, Karen Pryor's Ken Ramirez, and Loro Parque's Dr. Javier Almunia. Kelly and Ken talk about the importance and current state of research and training in zoos and aquariums, and their impact on wild populations. Plus, Dr. Almunia describes his organization's research, conservation projects and success stories for rare birds and cetaceans at risk. And he updates us on the status of the world's most well known and deaf killer whale, Morgan, and her newborn calf. www.IMATA.org www.Dolphins.org www.iReinforce.com www.LoroParque.com www.ClickerTraining.com

Should zoos partner with animal rights groups in those rare instances where there's a common interest, even if the larger, long term mission of these groups is to close all zoos and aquariums? Zoo Logic's guest is Will Coggin from Berman & Co, the driving force behind the watchdog website www.HumaneWatch.org. 18:00. Has there been any indication of a shift in anti zoo groups' thinking about zoos? 20:00. Ending the chimps in research exemption under the ESA: a notable example of zoos partnering with anti-zoo groups. While an important issue, was it a credibility giveaway by zoos? Plus a legal update by Rachel Garner from www.whyanimalsdothething.com on two recent court filings with scary implications for all animal facilities. www.iReinforce.com www.AZA.org www.IMATA.org

For more than 30 years, Florida's Dolphin Research Center has connected people and animals through trust-based relationships and fun. The DRC's Training Institute prepares post high school students to work with and train marine mammal, zoo, and domestic animals with positive reinforcement. Plus, in a new installment of Science Fact or Science Fiction, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola asks, is a small variety of fish self aware? https://dolphins.org http://www.ireinforce.com

Few have had as long and impactful an animal career as Brad Andrews. Best known for his many years as Chief Zoological Officer for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, he shares how lessons learned playing college rugby helped him oversee the display and care of the largest terrestrial and aquatic animal collection in the world. The same lessons may just help us save more species from extinction. Today, he directs the American Humane Association's (http://www.americanhumane.org) Humane Conservation certification program for zoological facilities. Plus an update by Rachel Garner (https://www.whyanimalsdothething.com) with information from NOAA's public meetings following the news of ailing SRKW J50's likely demise.

Zoo Logic features a wife and husband animal care and training team that has successfully worked in the same field and at the same facilities for more than 20 years. Jess and Dave Peranteau are part of the senior team that built the OdySea Aquarium located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Phoenix-- it's the largest aquarium in the desert southwest. From competing for the same full-time trainer job when they first met at SeaWorld of Ohio to building a life, a family, and most recently, a major AZA accredited aquarium, you'll enjoy their full circle journey from Shamu, to terrestrials, to fish and back to marine mammals. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo veterinarian Dr. Lara Croft discusses the conflict that arises when new animal laws and regulations crafted by anti-zoo interests place veterinarians at odds with their professional ethics to "do no harm." In the most notable case to date, when CA Governor Jerry Brown signed the ironically named Orca Protection and Safety Act in 2016, he placed zoo veterinarians at legal odds with their professional ethics. Specifically, this law and increasingly, others like it require veterinarians violate their ethical standards by forcing them to medically treat and manage these animals in such a way as to permanently prevent breeding for years or even decades, regardless of the known and unknown long term risks to animal health and well-being. The legal implications for veterinarians responsible for other charismatic species, like elephants, primates, and big cats in human care set by this precedent, which essentially circumvents at the state level those federal processes overseeing the care, treatment, and display of wild and endangered species via landmark legislation like the AWA, ESA and MMPA, is unmistakable.

Santa Barbara Zoo's Dr. Julie Barnes joins Zoo Logic's Dr. Grey Stafford to discuss the zoo team's evacuation response to 2017's record-breaking Thomas fire. From evacuating every creature to mobilizing a defensive position within a zoo to protect large, dangerous and not easily relocated animals like elephants and predators, every wildfire is different. Increasingly, zoos and aquariums must adapt and prepare for a variety of crisis situations including having little to no warning of unfolding disasters. Even as zoos become more involved with researching and preserving local threatened and endangered species and habitat, the impact of these intense fires and their aftermath on isolated populations can be devastating and possibly result in local extinctions. Plus a new Ms. Mallory Minute with animal adventurer and spokesperson, Mallory Lindsay, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Dr. Marty Haulena, a veterinarian with the Vancouver Aquarium provides Zoo Logic with a breaking Zoos News update about first of its kind medical efforts to help the malnourished wild and endangered southern resident killer whale known as J50. In a related story, with nearly 70% of all humans depending on the world ocean as their source of protein, Michelle Garis, with McRoberts Sales discusses their efforts to promote sustainable use of fisheries and to provide zoos and aquariums with information to help them better conserve commercial fish stocks commonly used to feed animals living in human care. With the collapse of a number of commercial fisheries in recent years, it is more important than ever for zoological professionals to use a wide range of fish types to ensure a steady supply of food for their animals. Plus an all new That Sounds Wild.

What is good animal welfare and how do we measure it? Sabrina Brando, Animal Welfare Coordinator for the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums, talks with Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford about WAZA's work to increase collaboration among animal facilities and professionals to improve the lives of all animals across the globe. Also, a breaking Zoos News extended update with Marine Mammal veterinarian, Dr. Lydia Staggs on the Red Tide crisis along SW Florida's coastline harming thousands of animals including endangered turtles, manatees, and dolphins and what marine mammal professionals at SeaWorld and elsewhere are doing to help. Plus an all new That Sounds Wild.

How did an old part from a VW bus and a rock chewing German Shepherd dog named Fritz lead to the most recognizable pet toy on earth? Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford asks Kong Company cofounder, Joe Markham and lead behavior and training specialist, Mark Hines about the history of the classic dog toy that's still made in the USA, and how it has helped solve problems for animals and people for more than 40 years. Hear how Kong's unique design and quality construction continues to find new behavior training and enrichment applications with police and military canines, zoo species from primates to pumas, and farm animals as big as horses. Plus the latest Zoos News, a Ms. Mallory Minute with wildlife adventurer Mallory Lindsay, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Long time Moorpark College professor Gary Wilson joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to discuss the Exotic Animal Training and Management program, America's oldest professional zookeeping academic curriculum. Gary describes the early history of EATM at Moorpark first as a student and now as a long serving professor. Students develop advanced skills and gain practical experience learning and working at a functioning public zoo with about 130 animals. Gary and Grey discuss the evolution of zookeeping as a multidisciplinary and science-based career that is increasingly reliant on applied animal training principles. Plus the latest Zoos News, an all new Ms. Mallory Minute with national spokesperson and wildlife adventurer, Mallory Lindsay, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Animal Law attorney Michelle Pardo joins host Dr. Grey Stafford to discuss legal challenges by animal rights groups using landmark laws such as the ESA, MMPA, and AWA to attack, not just zoos, but all domestic, pet, and wild animal activities, agriculture, and stakeholders. She describes important court rulings like PeTA's defeat in the "monkey selfie" case, the multimillion dollar settlement activist groups had to pay Ringling's parent company, and the evolving litigation strategies of zoo opponents using consumer protection statutes. The implications for animal professionals and zoo fans are scary! Plus the latest Zoos News, a new feature called Science Fact or Science Fiction, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Dr. Jason Bruck joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to talk about the increasingly important collaborative role between scientists and zoological facilities in order to preserve wild species. Jason describes his research on how complex social systems in cetaceans, primates and other vertebrates drive the evolution of complex learning and memory skills. They also discuss the role of a researcher and that of a paid lobbyist to answer whether a scientist can or should publish scientific papers at the same time he or she is lobbying on behalf of a client or issue. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

NOAA Fisheries scientist, Dr. Barbara Taylor, joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to discuss the progress of women in science, her field work to help endangered marine mammals like the Bowhead whale rebound in numbers, and the recent efforts through vaquitaCPR.org to save the nearly extinct vaquita porpoise. While the fate of the vaquita may be sealed, the cooperative model and painful lessons learned over the past few years by scientists, marine mammal veterinarians, animal trainers and zoological professionals, governments, animal activists, and related conservation organizations to act early and boldly may just save other wild marine species from extinction.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Doug Cress, Chief Executive Officer of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. With nearly 400 facilities and regional associations, WAZA members wield great influence with 700M visitors per year. As the new CEO, Doug describes changes to WAZA leadership, direction, and plans for growth in membership as a more balanced and representative global organization. We also get WAZA's bold take on recent news that mega food producer, Nestle, has been expelled from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for failing to meet membership requirements designed to preserve rainforest habitat and help consumers make sustainable choices at the supermarket. Plus the latest Zoos News, a special legislative update separating real tiger numbers from fiction with whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Animal training consultant, Barbara Heidenreich, talks with Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford. Barbara specializes in avian, exotics and zoo animal training. She lectures and consults worldwide working with zoos, universities, veterinary professionals, pet owners and conservation projects. She has worked with over 80 facilities in over 20 countries. She is an adjunct clinical instructor at Texas A & M University. Much of her work focuses on training animals with positive reinforcement to cooperate in medical care, solving complex behavior problems, making day to day care easier and developing animal caregivers' training skills. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Trainer, media personality, and author of the book, Wear a Wetsuit to Work, Kyle Kittleson talks with Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford about his journey from growing up in the desert to successfully becoming a marine mammal trainer. Kyle's journey prompted him to write a helpful how-to guide for those aspiring to become marine mammal trainers in a highly competitive field. Plus the latest Zoos News, a legislative update from whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Wildlife Heroes author, media personality, and retired SeaWorld and Busch Gardens animal ambassador, Julie Scardina and her continued work with several conservation groups around the world. Seemingly busier than before retirement, in addition to live audience and media appearances, Julie is a member of several boards including the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, which means evaluating hundreds of worthy funding proposals each year. At a critical time when habitats and animal populations are shrinking, she describes her work with zoos and wildlife organizations to help mentor young zoological professionals through the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program (wildlifeleaders.org). Julie's best advice to young zoological professionals and students is to get involved in wildlife policy by making their voices heard to protect existing landmark laws and efforts to preserve what's left of the wild. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.