Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation

Dateline: August 14, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a big announcement about the podcast and its future (which is bright, my friends)! Then we get to what's going on with my life, which is crazy as can be right now.In Zoo News, we have a headline story that I just find so fascinating. Plumes is coming to the Philadelphia Zoo, and I have thoughts and feelings about it that are complex to say the least. Then we get to stories from Smithsonian's National Zoo, Zoo Montana, Espace Zoologique Saint Martin la Plaine, ZooAtlanta, Riverbanks Zoo, Oakland Zoo, The Wilds, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, Capron Park Zoo, Nashville Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, and more! Conservation News features stories about sloths, box turtles, and a piranha. All that plus Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari finally returns to the Greensboro Science Center after way too long of an absence. We talk to Kelsey Hughes about volunteers and the incredible impact they have on zoological facilities. We also talk about the fact that she won't give me a dang hoodie, but that's a different story.EPISODE LINKS: greensboroscience.org @greensborosciencecenter on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Dateline: August 7, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on my life, which is currently taking place in California. I talk a lot about my experience of appearing on the podcast Science VS to talk about my experience with weight cycling. In Zoo News, we have stories from Welsh Mountain Zoo, Chester Zoo, Toronto Zoo, Santa Barbara Zoo, Lincoln Children's Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Nashville Zoo, the ZAA, Zoo Zurich, Tama Zoo, and Zoo Knoxville. Conservation News features stories about beavers, box turtles, tree kangaroos, and a new conservation initiative! All that plus Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari heads back to the Virginia Zoo to sit down with new director (and friend of the podcast) Chris Jenkins. We talk about taking on this incredible role, what his years of growth at Natural Encounters, Inc. gave him in terms of preparedness for this gig, and so much more. It was a privilege to share the start of Chris' next chapter as the start of my next season! EPISODE LINKS: @virginiazoovirginiazoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Dateline: July 31, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on my life, which is currently taking place in California.Then we dive into an interview with Dani Larson! We talk about what loss at a facility is like from the perspective of the teams that aren't directly involved, then share two really exciting bits of news about Dani and our friend Emily! All that plus Animal Holidays! EPISODE LINKS: @southwickszooofficial southwickszoo.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari heads back to Wilmington, DE, to the only accredited zoo in the state, Brandywine Zoo. I sit down with returning guest Brint Spencer, the director of the zoo, to talk about the new animal encounters the zoo is offering, the new habitat that just opened, the incredible conservation work being done at the facility, the unique relationship Brint has with his keepers, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @brandywinezoo brandywinezoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Dateline: July 24, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on my life, which is currently taking place in California.Then we dive into an interview with Dr. Heather Schwartz of the Nashville Zoo. We discuss the current data center fight taking place in Nashville, and how what started as a local battle to protect the zoo's animals has turned into an international conservation conversation.Then we dive into the rest of our zoo news from facilities like Potawatomi Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Cincinnati Zoo, Santa Barbara Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, Cape May County Zoo, Tanganyika Wildlife Park, The Greenville Zoo, and more! All that plus Conservation News, Other News, and Animal Holidays! EPISODE LINKS: nashvillezoo.org @nashvillezoo SIGN THE PETITION! https://www.change.org/p/nashville-zoo-says-no-to-proposed-data-centerROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari heads down to Texas to sit down with my good friend Elizabeth Johnson! We talk about her position at Longneck Manor and catch up on the work she's been doing for The Mothering Wildlife Podcast! This interview took place during the AZA Midyear Meeting, so we talk a lot about the collaboration and work that takes place there as well! EPISODE LINKS: longneckmanor.com @longneckmanor @motheringwildlife ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support Join the new Rossifari Discord at: https://discord.gg/AHFjXZHEU

Dateline: July 17, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on my life, including swimming with four dogs.Then we dive into an interview with LynnLee Schmidt of Tanganyika Wildlife Park, sharing the incredible story taking place right now with their baby giraffe. Then I drop a full headline story about the changes made to the Endangered Species Act recently and the negative conservation effects they are going to have. We also discuss Shifting Baseline Syndrome as part of this, so lucky you! Then we dive into a BUNCH of red panda births! Then regular births, deaths, and the rest of Zoo News from places like Santa Barbara Zoo, Longleat, Vogelpark Avifauna, Hamura Zoo, Hertfordshire Zoo, Pairi Daiza, Cincinnati Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Little Rock Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Southwick's Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, and more. All that plus Conservation News, Other News, and Animal Holidays! EPISODE LINKS: @tanganyikawildlifepark twpark.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari returns to Cincinnati for one of the funniest and most fascinating guests that's ever been on the podcast! Dr. VanSandt has one of the craziest origin stories and is one of the best storytellers I've ever encountered. Add to that a brilliant mind doing incredible work for animals, and you've got one of my favorite episodes ever. EPISODE LINKS: @cincinnatizoo cincinnatizoo.orgROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support Join the new Rossifari Discord at: https://discord.gg/AHFjXZHEU

Dateline: July 10, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!  This is just what is normally the introduction part of the podcast. You'll learn why when you listen. ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari heads to Pittsburgh to sit down with two of my favorite colleagues of all time: Jenn and Shafkat! These are two fellow members of the Executive Committee of SAFE Red Panda, and we have spent the last few years working together to build the program into something we are all super proud of. We dive into that, talk about the conservation and education work they do at the zoo, and of course sneak in a chat about a binturong! EPISODE LINKS: @saferedpanda @pittsburghzoo pittsburghzoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Dateline: July 3, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick catch up on my life, including saying goodbye to a beloved dog and almost getting killed by a turtle. Then we dive into an interview with Tom Schmid, the President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who tells us ALL about the new aquarium that will be coming to the zoo in 2029! Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Zoo Knoxville, Calgary Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Maryland Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and more! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari heads back to the Louisville Zoo to talk all things black-footed ferret conservation with Jamie Huber! We share the entire story of the BFF, including what the zoo is doing to help these amazing animals. This one will make you heart warm for sure! EPISODE LINKS: @louisvillezoo on socials louisvillezoo.orgROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Dateline: June 26, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with an interview with Miles Rossi talking about some cool animal experiences we've had this week at the Aquarium of Niagara and Buffalo Zoo.Then it's time for Zoo News stories from The San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld Yas Island, Cape May County Zoo, Hattiesburg Zoo, Virginia Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Maritime Aquarium, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, and more! Conservation News has three positive stories in it!Other News is a deeper dive into the Central Park horse carriage debate.All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Today, the Safari heads back to Zoo Atlanta for a visit with a longtime friend and first time guest, Dr. Sam Rivera. We talk about the new hospital, what it takes to become a vet, a unique path to becoming boarded, the new hospital at the zoo, and more! EPISODE LINKS: @zooatl on socials zooatlanta.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj

Dateline: June 19, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with some discussion of my recent visits to the Maryland Zoo and Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, along with a quick but vague bit of excitement about SAFE Red Panda!We have two headline stories this week. We start with a surprising update to the Natural Bridge Zoo situation taking place in Virginia...and it's as good as it is unexpected! We then do an update about the data center battle being waged by the Nashville Zoo...and it's also a good update! Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Binder Park Zoo, Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Garden, Whipsnade Zoo, Rockhampton Zoo, Chattanooga Zoo, Central Florida Zoo, Toledo Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Johnson Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, Paradise Country Wildlife Park, and more! Conservation News has a discussion about an orangutan population suffering because of humans. Shocker, I know.Other News has a story about a recently deceased Central Park carriage horse and also about an albino red panda! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord at https://discord.gg/N3ux4tzp

Today, the Safari heads down to Baltimore, Maryland, to celebrate the brand new red panda habitat that is less than a week old as you listen! Learn about the two girls that call the zoo home, what went into creating the habitat, what the behind the scenes area looks like, and more! Then we spend some time diving into Margaret's career and current favorites at the zoo. We also talk imposter syndrome, leadership, online trolls, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: marylandzoo.org @marylandzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord at https://discord.gg/N3ux4tzp

Dateline: June 12, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a bunch of random updates from the world of Rossifari.We then get into a mini-deep dives episode featuring:1. Saying goodbye to Arie, a beloved sea lion at Aquarium of Niagara2. A look at advocacy and what we can do and have done as a community3. An update on the proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo 4. A look at a new movie about Flaco the owl 5. A quick update on the social media account of PlumesPlus quick hits from the Cincinnati Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, ZooAmerica, an update on the swatting zoos have been experiencing, and more.All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/BYjfq9gPRpatreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to the Columbus Zoo after FAR too long of a break. I sit down with Joy Kotheimer to discuss the penguins, flamingos, and tortoises she takes care of! We also talk about the importance of AAZK to her, and cover so much more in the process! EPISODE LINKS: columbuszoo.org @columbuszoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord at https://discord.gg/N3ux4tzp

Dateline: June 5, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off talking about the Ecuador trip and the chance to build our community in a new way.Our headline story is about a data center that may open right next to the Nashville Zoo. This is NOT ok, but you can help. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Louisville Zoo, Rolling Hills Zoo, Hammerton Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo, Sea World San Diego, ZooMontana, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, Praha Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Paradise Country, Akron Zoo, Mississippi Aquarium, Birmingham Zoo, and more! Conservation News has two stories, one about Spix macaws that is kind of crazy. Other News has a dog that shot a human!All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads down to the Virginia Living Museum for a big announcement...even though it wasn't official until after recording all of this. So we start with the announcement and then bring you three amazing humans from there.  Lyn talks us through her amazing career and the work she is now doing at the VLM, introducing us to a lot of the animals along the way. Lindsay talks to us about some fish. And Carter? They are here to talk about water bugs and water scorpions and the propagation of those species! Three very different tales from three wonderful people. EPISODE LINKS: @valivingmuseum on socials thevlm.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/Rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: May 29, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off catching you up on my world, including some good news about the Ecuador trip and discussing the show I'm opening tonight. Our headline story is a sequel to the Sloth World story. No seriously. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Smithsonian's National Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Burgers Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, San Diego Zoo,  Bronx Zoo, Chattanooga Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Hogle Zoo, Denver Zoo, Virginia Zoo, Wildlife World Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Taipei Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, and more! Conservation News has two quick stories from the states, both of which are positive and hopeful! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Providence to catch up with three friends who were all on the pod last year. We sit down with Emily, Diana, and Kate in order to catch up on what's been going on since their episodes last year. These three women never cease to amaze and inspire me, and I'm so genuinely happy to have them back on the pod where they belong! EPISODE LINKS: @rwpzoo on socials rwpzoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: May 22, 2026 - Rossifari Zoo News is back with a special edition! We've had a secret for a few weeks, and we spill it now! ROSSIFARI LINKS: https://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/tree-kangaroo-fundraiserhttps://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/binturong-fundraiser@rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari 

Today, the Safari heads to Louisville, KY, to sit down with General Curator Ron Evans of the Louisville Zoo. We talk red pandas, binturongs, koalas, exhibit design, accessibility, and a whole slew of other topics. Also, your intrepid host takes some good-natured ribbing for what is apparently a loud voice. Who knew? EPISODE LINKS: @louisvillezooofficial on socials louisvillezoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.comPatreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline May 15, 2026: Rossifari Zoo News is back featuring another few deep dives into the animal news of the world. This week I start off with a deep look at the swatting incidents that have been plaguing zoos and aquariums across the United States. Then we talk about the guy who threw a rock at a monk seal and practically became public enemy number one because of it. Then we do the latest on the Sloth World situation. EPISODE LINKS: @treekangaroosafe to watch the Crunchathonhttps://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/tree-kangaroo-fundraiser ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari 

Today, the Safari sits down with my good friend Yosanni Torres to talk all things tree kangaroo in advance of World Tree Kangaroo Day! The SAFE Tree Kangaroo Crunch-A-Thon is currently running on social media, making this feel like a great time to focus on tree kangaroos! We talk about Yosanni's work at Zoo Miami, her transition into leadership, her work with the SSP and SAFE programs, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @zoomiami@treekangaroosafe https://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/tree-kangaroo-fundraiser ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: May 8, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with exciting news about a potential trip to Ecuador we could all take together to help save sea turtles! We have two deep dives this week: One is an interview with Sam Trull from The Sloth Institute, and one is a deep look at the labor situation that played out at Brookfield Zoo this week.All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Southwick's Zoo to bring you another interview with fan favorite Emily Begue Masinda! We talk about how her pregnancy is changing her life and work, we laugh a lot, and she has the audacity to tell someone else's Rossifari Poop Story! EPISODE LINKS: Southwickszoo.com @southwickszooofficial on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: May 1, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with exciting news about a potential trip to Ecuador we could all take together to help save sea turtles! Our headline story is a follow up to last week's Sloth World story.Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Central Florida Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Akron Zoo, Henry Vilas Zoo, The Calgary Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, Wildlife World Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, and more! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., to talk to a keeper of some of my favorite animals there, the binturongs Hank and Lola. Oh, and also tigers, lions, bears, and a bunch of other animals! We talk about how a good leader can make all the difference in a career in the zoo world, the individual personalities of many of the animals at the zoo, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @smithsonianzoo nationalzoo.si.edu ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/Rossifari @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: April 24, 2026. Today, the Safari does a deep dive into Sloth World, a roadside zoo possibly opening soon in Orlando. 31 sloths (at a minimum) have died so far for this tourist trap, and it's not going to get better unless it is gone. We talk about how you can help make that happen. EPISODE LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari 

Today, the Safari visits Mystic Aquarium to talk to the chair and vice-chair of the AZA Accreditation Committee. What does accreditation mean? What does it look like? What happens when an AZA-accredited facility is accused of not living up to the gold-standard that AZA accreditation represents? Can accreditation be revoked? Can special circumstances be accounted for from facility to facility? We ask all this and more! EPISODE LINKS: mysticaquarium.org @mysticaquarium @bronxzoo bronxzoo.com @zoos_aquariums aza.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: April 17, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off with a quick life update, including sending love to our buddy Taylor as he gets married this weekend! Our headline story is an Other News interview with Dani Larson about the submarine bird!Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Cincinnati Zoo, Chester Zoo, Dallas Zoo, San Diego Zoo, John Ball Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Denver Zoo, New Zoo, and a look at the aquariums vying for top billing in this year's Top Ten Aquarium poll from USA Today.Conservation News stories include bad news for mountain lions and good news for rhinos and Amur tigers.All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari sits down with Grayson Ponti of ZANE and Kari Hart of the AZA to discuss accessibility. This episode is dropping during Autism Acceptance Month, and is a great way to look at the neurodiversity that is so common in the zoo and aquarium fields. EPISODE LINKS: zanezoo.com @zane_zoosandaquariums on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: April 10, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off discussing the current crazy trip I'm on, including a visit to Emily the elephant! Our headline story comes at the end, and is an attempt at a balanced look at the Plumes Official account. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Cincinnati Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, the Jacksonville Zoo, SeaLife Sydney, Greater Vancouver Zoo, Virginia Zoo, National Zoo, Reid Park Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, ZooAmerica, and more. Conservation News stories include good pangolin news, a crazy story about stopped smugglers, and the uplisting of two beloved species. Other News has a look at Plumes Official and playing music for animals. All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari takes you to Cincinnati to hang out with us as we attend the joint ABMA/IAATE Conference! We talk about our zoo visits, goof around in a hotel room, make dumb jokes, and also dive into a lot of the training discussions that spoke to us all. EPISODE LINKS: @theabma theabma.org@_iaate_ iaate.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: April 3, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off discussing the crazy trip I've been on.Our headline story is a deep look at how governments can affect zoos and aquariums featuring a lot of information about Capron Park Zoo.Then it's time for Zoo News stories from the Philadelphia Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo, EAZA, and more. Conservation News stories include a a look at how governments can affect conservation work in a variety of ways good and bad, and some exciting news for a few different bird species! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Wildlife World Zoo to catch up with our dear friend Delaney. We discuss her new role as the face of the zoo's social media, what she has learned in the role, and so much more. Of course, we also talk about the amazing animals she takes care of, catch up on what's going on with the crew at Shipwreck Cove, and get into a fight or two. EPISODE LINKS: @wildlifeworldzoo on socials wildlifeworld.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari reports on all we experienced at the AZA Midyear meeting. From presenting for SAFE Red Panda and SAFE Tree Kangaroo to discussing some of the panels we attended to being shocked about live karaoke at the ice breaker, there's a lot to cover! ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari engages in a PODSWAP! This is my episode with Rick Schwartz, formerly of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and now an independent wildlife educator and podcaster! Catch up with Rick to find out what led to this career change, what the future may hold, and so much more! Truly an inspiring guest! EPISODE LINKS:@zoologyrick @animalsnatureandyouzoologyrick.comROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: March 20, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off discussing the trip I'm currently on, what it means for the next few weeks of the pod, the movie Hoppers, and more! Then we do a deep dive into the Top Ten Zoos in the Country, according to USA Today.  We look at additional topics of interest including Top Ten Zoo Memberships, Top Ten Zoo Exhibits, and Top Ten Wildlife Safari Parks. We also discuss some new tactics that are out there to confuse people about zoos and aquariums or to just flat-out make them look bad. Finally, we discuss my concern about the penguins and rocks from last week, and hit some animal holidays!ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads to Topeka for a fun chat with Shanna Simpson, curator and safety aficionado! We talk about a large range of topics pertaining to her career, from orca and dolphin training to inspiring her daughter to follow in her footsteps, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @topekazoo on socials topekazoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: March 13, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness!   We start off discussing the trip I'll be heading out on this evening. LOTS of exciting content coming your way from it! Then it's time for Zoo News stories from the Wild Discovery Park, Saint Louis Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom, The Wilds, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, Como Park Zoo, The Living Desert, Woodland Park Zoo, Dublin Zoo, and Edinburgh Zoo.Conservation News stories include a new conservation initiative in Pennsylvania, Avian Influenza's latest journey, another invasive herp visiting Florida, an awesome story from SANCCOB, and a look at an ambitious rewilding project in Saudi Arabia. Other News features three completely ridiculous and over the top stories. ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to the Millbrook School to visit the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo! This episode contains three mini-interviews (minterviews)...one with Max, one of the head student curators at the zoo...one with Lucy, Selina, and Evelyn, three students who traveled half way around the world to attend a boarding school with a zoo...and one with Dr. Alan Tousignant, the Director of the zoo, in which he walks us through the Master Plan for the next phase of awesomeness at the zoo! EPISODE LINKS: @trevorzoo on socials https://www.millbrook.org/trevor-lovejoy-zoo-homeROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok 

It's time for another special episode of Rossifari Zoo News. This week, I'm joined again by Dr. Natalia Reagan to discuss the bonobo situation at the Memphis Zoo, and I also talk about the Protecting Local Zoos Act. EPISODE LINKS: @natalia13reagan on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Lehigh Valley Zoo to chat with educator Cassidy and hoofstock keeper Shawn! We talk training, favorite animals, and all kinds of good stuff.  EPISODE LINKS: lvzoo.org @lvzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

It's time for a Rossifari Zoo News Special Edition all about Punch the monkey! What kind of animal is he? What should we think about what we've seen from his home zoo? How are primatologists and conservationists looking at this story? We dive in deep with Dr. Natalia Reagan, a primatologist and comedian! EPISODE LINKS: @natalia13reagan on socials ROSSIFARI LINKS: rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari @rossifari on socials@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari returns to Escondido, CA, for an incredible visit with Hillary Hankey! She's taken Avian Behavior International and changed it into a non-profit organization, Avian Behavior Conservancy...and we discuss what that change looks like and so many more incredible topics related to training, free-flight bird experiences, and so much more. Zoë jumps on to ask some deep questions as well! EPISODE LINKS: @avianbehavior on socials avian-behavior.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod