Zoo Logic

Animal welfare science is a relatively new discipline that has generated some debate among scientists, policymakers, animal professionals, animal rights activists, and the public. Even the term Animal Welfare has been debated because it often includes qualities such as emotions associated with humans being assigned to animals. Dr. Isabella Clegg shares her work assessing the welfare of dolphins living in human care and explains why a simple experiment can show if an animal can be considered an optimist.

In addition to declines in charismatic species, recent data points to a potential extinction event for insects. Mongabay.com's Jeremy Hance discusses his 4-part series on the decrease in insects and root causes such as overuse of pesticides, climate change, and human over-population based on interviews with entomologists from around the globe. What does earth look like with significantly lower insect biodiversity and abundance? What happens to the species that are dependent upon insects, including humans?

Threatened fresh water marine mammals like Amazon River Dolphins face a myriad of challenges including habitat loss, pollution, dams, and poaching. Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation director Suzanne Smith describes regulated interactions with wild dolphins using platforms where free ranging animals get a few kilos of supplemental fish from operators while visitors learn about conservation. If animals aren't habituating to humans, could this be one region's way to prevent river dolphin extinction?

In 2014 the training community lost a well-known veterinarian and behavioral consultant, lecturer, and author to suicide. Many were surprised by the loss of someone so successful and popular to learn about the high rate among veterinary professionals. Jenifer Chatfield, DVM and Christine Royal, DVM discuss the veterinary community and companies such as Merck Animal Health's endeavors to assess the mental wellness of veterinary professionals, as well as, to provide online support tools to those in need.

An all star panel of Zoo Logic alumni discusses current wildlife news stories including why the unscientific cetacean ban recently passed by Canada's parliament will have a chilling effect on conservation research. Dr. Kelly Jaakkola and Dr. Jason Bruck join Killing Keiko author, Mark Simmons to describe the negative implications for wildlife conservation, education, field research, and policymaking everywhere. Plus, hear the panel's views on counteracting one-sided media, Russian orcas, and "spy whale."

For 50 years, the American Association of Zoo Keepers has been pursuing excellence in animal care, sharing best practices, providing professional development workshops, and raising serious dollars supporting conservation of endangered species like rhinos and cheetahs. AAZK's members cover the range of zoological expertise from keepers to aquarists, trainers to vet techs, as well as, students. Contributions by 100+ local chapters across north America have raised over $7M from its popular Bowling for Rhinos.

Bear products are traded and consumed illegally throughout Asia. Rampant use of bear parts like bile for medicine severely impacts bear populations. And, while many bear farms have been prohibited it remains legal to possess bears. Thus, farming for bile continues. San Diego Zoo Global's Institute for Conservation Research scientist, Dr. Elizabeth Davis uses social science methods to uncover the motivation behind bear use to develop strategies designed to conserve populations by changing consumer behavior

Shrouded in secrecy until declassified in the 90's, the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program continues its mission to protect service personnel. Dr Mark Xitco, Director of the NMMP discusses the rich history, focus on animal training and welfare, the hundreds of available peer-reviewed research papers on marine mammal behavior and physiology, and the important recovery and security missions that teams of sea lions, dolphins, and their human trainers are ready to assist with 24 hours day anywhere in the world.

American Humane is the oldest organization dedicated to "promoting the welfare & safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people." Dr. Robin Ganzert describes its history of helping wherever animals are in need including the battlefields of WWI. Today, AH reunites military dogs wth their human handlers and achieves its mission through programs like “No Animals Were Harmed®” in Hollywood to broad-based farm and conservation animal welfare certifications, to rapid response rescue.

According to USFWS, illegal trade in wildlife and plants is a multibillion dollar industry that is having a devastating impact on thousands of species. Former Scottish police detective and law enforcement expert, author, and lecturer John Sellar spent 14 years working for CITES and became Chief of Enforcement conducting hundreds of missions to over 60 countries to assess and develop strategies to combat wildlife crime. In 2013 he was appointed by the Queen as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Animal law attorney Michelle Pardo describes recent legislative bills animal rights organizations are pushing at local, state, and federal levels. What can we learn about how the legislative process is being used to promote extreme agendas not shared by most people? Why is it important for professionals, zoo and aquarium fans and taxpayers to pay attention to bills with reasonable sounding titles, when those same stakeholders are purposefully left out of the process by those seeking to pass such bills?

Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center, Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, discusses a new peer-reviewed study she coauthored 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 three wild populations. Current median life expectancy of bottlenose dolphins in human care in the U.S. is 29.2 years, indicating dolphins live at least as long or longer than wild populations studied.

According to the book Dark Horse, society has systems that require us "to be the same as everyone else, only better." These are a zero-sum game with only limited opportunities for a few, leaving most of us feeling frustrated for something more personal and authentic. Coauthor and Harvard researcher Dr. Ogi Ogas describes attaining fulfillment and professional success by tapping into our micro-motives and making decisions in the moment. We also celebrate World Penguin Day, with an expert from SeaWorld.

Best selling author, advocate, and Vice Chair of the Clinton Foundation, Dr. Chelsea Clinton discusses her new picture book, Don't Let Them Disappear, as well as, memories of her early encounters with animals and reliving those experiences by visiting zoos and aquariums with her own children today. She shares an appreciation for the important and necessary conservation and educational work of aquariums and zoos. Plus, she has some personal advice for animal professionals when confronted by unfair criticism.

Species most impacted by climate change are those that need sea ice for survival. As ice changes and time between thaw and formation increases, polar bears struggle to find adequate prey. Assiniboine Park Zoo's Dr. Stephen Petersen discusses bear physiology, life cycle, public education and policy, and resulting conflicts against the backdrop of a changing Arctic. One size does not fit all when it comes to population management as bears react differently depending on their latitude and proximity to humans.