Zoo Logic

Santa Barbara Zoo's Dr. Julie Barnes discusses evacuation plans for 2017's record-breaking Thomas fire. From evacuating every creature to mobilizing a defensive position to protect large, dangerous and not easily relocated animals like elephants, every wildfire is different. Zoos and aquariums must prepare for a variety of crisis situations including having little to no warning of unfolding disasters. The impact of these intense fires on local wild species can be devastating and even result in extinctions.

Dr. Marty Haulena, a veterinarian with Vancouver Aquarium provides Zoo Logic with a breaking Zoos News update about medical efforts to help the malnourished wild and endangered southern resident killer whale known as J50.  Nearly 70% of humans depend on the ocean as their source of protein. Michelle Garis, with McRoberts Sales discusses efforts to promote sustainable use of fisheries and to help zoos and aquariums better conserve commercial fish stocks commonly used to feed animals living in human care.

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 focus on collaboration among facilities to improve the lives of all animals.  Also, breaking Zoos News with Lydia Staggs, DVM on the Red Tide crisis in Florida harming thousands of animals including sea turtles and manatees. Hear what marine mammal professionals like those at SeaWorld are doing to help.

How did an old VW bus part and rock chewing German Shepherd 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 toy made in the USA and how it has helped solve problems for animals and people for over 40 years. Kong's unique shape and quality still finds new training applications with police & military canines, zoo species, and farm animals like horses.

Moorpark College professor Gary Wilson joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford discussing the Exotic Animal Training and Management program, the oldest professional zookeeping curriculum in the US. Gary describes EATM's history first as a student and now as a long serving professor. Students develop skills and gain practical experience working at a functioning public zoo with about 130 animals. Gary underscores the evolution of zookeeping as a multidisciplinary career reliant on animal training principles.

Animal Law attorney Michelle Pardo and host Dr. Grey Stafford discuss litigation by animal rights groups using laws such as the ESA and MMPA to attack zoos and other domestic, farm and wild animal activities, agriculture, and stakeholders. She describes important rulings like PeTA's defeat in the "monkey selfie" case, a $25M dollar settlement in favor of Ringling's parent company, and new strategies using consumer protection laws. Plus, an all new Zoo Logic feature called Science Fact or Science Fiction

Dr. Jason Bruck joins host Dr. Grey Stafford to talk about the important collaboration between scientists and zoological facilities to preserve wild species. Jason investigates how complex social systems in cetaceans, primates and other species may drive the evolution of complex learning and memory. Also discussed is whether scientists can or should publish scientific papers and simultaneously get paid to lobby 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 discussing the progress of women in science, her field work helping endangered species like Bowhead whale, and efforts through vaquitaCPR.org to save the timid vaquita porpoise. The vaquita's legacy may just be that scientists, veterinarians, marine animal trainers, zoological professionals, governments, activists, and conservation organizations will unite to act early and boldly to save other wild species from extinction.

Doug Cress, CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums talks with Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford. With nearly 400 facilities and associations, WAZA members wield great influence with 700M visitors per year. Plans for growth are discussed as well as recent news that mega food producer, Nestle, has been expelled from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) for failing to meet requirements designed to preserve rainforest habitat and help consumers make sustainable choices at the supermarket.

Animal training consultant, Barbara Heidenreich, talks with Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford. Barbara specializes in avian and zoo animal training. She has lectured and consulted with zoos, universities, veterinary professionals, pet owners and conservation projects at more than 80 facilities in over 20 countries. Much of her work focuses on training animals with positive reinforcement to cooperate in medical care, solving complex behavior problems, and developing animal caregivers' skills. 

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.

Dr. Grey Stafford talks with retired SeaWorld and Busch Gardens animal ambassador, Julie Scardina about the importance of making our voices heard to protect landmark wildlife legislation. Busier than ever, Julie serves on several boards including the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund. With animal populations shrinking, she describes her work with zoos and wildlife organizations to mentor young zoological professionals through the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program (wildlifeleaders.org).

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Mark Simmons, author of Killing Keiko, the true story of Free Willy's return to the wild. Tasked with preparing Keiko for possible release, Mark describes why this gentle orca was never a good candidate for return and how those behind the project sealed his fate by ignoring the law and best animal welfare interests of Keiko in favor of media attention. Abandoned by the only family he knew, humans, Keiko's tragic end provides important lessons now more than ever.

Jungle Jack Hanna, Emmy Award winning television star of "Into the Wild" joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to talk about his love for animals and the important role of zoos and aquariums as "arks" to save wildlife and wild places. Jack describes his 40-year zoo career, some of his experiences as a regular on late night TV, and his focus on "filming with respect."  

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director of the International Rhino Foundation (Rhinos.org) about the status of rhinos in Indonesia and Africa. Susie shares some of the challenges the IRF team faces to prevent rhino extinction due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and record levels of poaching.