Responsibility for Professional Development

It might seem obvious, but it's difficult for us as humans to perceive the entirety of our surroundings the same way the animals do. A challenge for animal care professionals, we have to consider many aspects of the experience to determine the best ways to care for our animals. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple  

There is a combination of factors at play when we evaluate how to deal with conflict. We each have a natural tendency, a role to play, and a current objective in the conflict. It may not be comfortable, but we all need to find a way to navigate it. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

People like to surround themselves with people that they like. Every once in a while, we make a particularly strong bond with one special person. Animals do the same! They have preferences and people with whom they'd prefer to spend their time. Who knew? www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It might sound like and odd pairing, but it's interesting to see how much overlap there can be in the skills that make a good leader and those that make a good animal trainer. It's more similar than you might realize! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple  

How do animal care professionals know how to train animals? We put a lot of work into properly preparing ourselves and our coworkers to train animals, and it can be rather challenging to do properly. Today we discuss how to train animal trainers! www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple  

If you're interested in increasing your knowledge and experience within your craft, whose responsibility might it be to get you there? Is it yours? Your employer? Today we discuss the many facets of professional development and how it might be accomplished. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

So your favorite aquarium or zoo has an exhibit to renovate to make improvements... but where do the animals go? Today we discuss the challenges our institutions face when we have to make necessary changes that might pose a danger to the animals that live there. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Perhaps one of the most frustrating things that we all deal with in life is the sheer amount of things about ourselves or the situation around us that we can't change. Is it hopeless? Should we give up? No way! Today we discuss the circle of concern. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

It can be a big challenge for aquariums and zoos to determine how to use public relations to their advantage. When things aren't going quite right, public statements become even more important. Today we discuss some interesting examples of PR and news in the zoo and aquarium world. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple

Beyond the circle of control lies the circle of influence. There are methods to build your influence and make a bigger impact on those around you. Today we discuss the importance of building relationships with others and how it can benefit everyone. www.patreon.com/aquatizoo [email protected] www.magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/lori-semple