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Some animals present a special challenge to even the most seasoned of trainers. It's not impossible to train invertebrates, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. More consideration needs to be placed on their welfare and perception capabilities, but if you know how to go about it, training can be beneficial for both the animals and their caretakers. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It might be the overt acts that are against an organization's policies, it could be behavior that is much more subtle and difficult to identify. While we can't always determine intent, we can make note of changes in relationships and talk it out to avoid a snowballing effect and resentment. Let's discuss the more difficult to label behaviors of subtle retaliation. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

The wildest animal in any zoo or aquarium is not necessarily a big cat or a bear or a shark! Today we discuss the wildest entity of them all, how we deal with them, and why it's a necessity that we keep them around. We spend a lot of time and resources planning for whatever they might do, and even then, we're still surprised! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Most of us have had interactions with others that didn't quite go as intended. It can take a fair amount of practice and time to think back on those instances and identify exactly what went wrong. If you consider it carefully, however, there may be a chance to salvage that relationship and make it stronger than ever. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Animal welfare is a concern for all, whether you're employed by an animal care institution or not. If you see something questionable in your visit to or work in an aquarium or zoo, there are ways to bring it to the staff's attention and they are obligated to investigate. We take these reports seriously, and we, too want to be sure the animals have the best welfare! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It may be intentional, or it may not be. Regardless of the reasoning, dealing with someone who is hoarding information or gatekeeping in the workplace can be very frustrating. Today we discuss the challenges and opportunities involved with gatekeeping. Yay? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

The question we hear most often is whether animals should be in human care. Is it ethical? Are there circumstances where it is or is not? Today we wade into the thorny topic of how and why zoos and aquariums exist, as well as how they've changed over time. Is it enough that we've learned a lot and continue to perfect our techniques in the hopes that we're making a difference for animals in their natural habitat? Let's talk it out. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Now that we have discussed so many different behaviors that might be problematic, it's time to talk about what might be a better option. Whether you have actual authority or not, you have the power to do the right thing, adjust your behavior, and influence others to do the same. Be the change you want to see! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Aquariums and zoos may not always have the expertise on staff needed to accomplish all of the work that needs to be done. We hire companies and partners to help us out an our visitors may never know the difference! Today we discuss how vendors and suppliers are a necessary and sometimes seamless addition to our operations. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Another challenging type of behavior seen in leaders and peers can be someone who takes credit for the work of others. Today, we discuss how this behavior may come to be, how to recognize it, and options of what to do in response. It's challenging, but can be handled with grace, maturity, and still have good outcomes. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

There's a group of well-dressed professionals dreaming big and mapping the road to success in any aquarium or zoo, and guests may not even realize it. Today we discuss the unique talents of the administrative team and how their work is crucial to the success of the organization. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

There is a time and place to use the authoritarian leadership style. When it is used as the default leadership style, however, it can cause problems in the workplace. Today we discuss the necessity, navigation, benefits, and drawbacks of authoritarian leadership. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

The often unnoticed group that keeps zoos and aquariums running in top shape are the facilities teams. Covering a wide array of skills, knowledge of experience, these talented team members are the ones that are sometimes overlooked but provide the safe, fun, engaging environment that we all know and love! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It seems so harmless to have a leader that doesn't seem to want to upset anyone, but this sort of stand-offish behavior can be a problem for everyone in the long run. How nice is too nice? Today we discuss! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Why would an aquarium or zoo invite guests to see behind-the-scenes areas? What might the reasoning for positioning a camera crew to record keeper, aquarist, and veterinary work? Today we discuss why many of our institutions opt to show off what we do when it comes to animal care. Transparency is important! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple