Voices for Conservation

In this episode, Stacey sits down with our with three of our 2025 Volunteer Award Winners:2025 Unsung Hero Award: Chris F.2025 Rookie of the Year: Aquaria A.2025 Brightman Achievement Award Winner: Kristina D.

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey chats with ZEED Director Alan V. about what it's like to run not one, but two, Zoological parks and the path that brought him here. 

We were excited to chat with Doctor Karen about her journey toward becoming a vet and her experiences caring for the endangered American Red Wolf. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina sit down with Facilities Lead Sam M. and Visitor Services Supervisor Justin C . to chat about their roles and their favorite things about Zoolights. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey sits down with Cameron T. and Jackie K. from the Eye to Eye Shark Dive Team to chat about their roles within the aquarium and some of their favorite shark dive stories. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chatted with Staff Biologist Mark M and Dive Safety Officer Heidi about PDZA's involvement in kelp conservation. We learned about PDZA's work in kelp cultivation and our efforts to monitor kelp beds in the Puget Sound. For more information, check out the organizations and projects mentioned in this episode!Puget Sound Restoration Fund: https://restorationfund.org/Reef Check: https://www.reefcheck.org/WADNR Kelp Monitoring: https://dnr.wa.gov/aquatics/aquatic-science/nearshore-habitat-program/kelp-monitoringPDZA Help Bull Kelp: https://www.pdza.org/help-bull-kelp/ 

In this episode, Stacey sits down with three senior members of our Youth Leadership Development team and chats about their experiences as volunteers and their goals for beyond PDZA. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chat about the Shark and Ray SAFE, Sharks and Rays Awareness Day, and how we can support oceanic sharks. Stacey also chats with Aquarist Cindy K. about how PDZA cares for our sharks and contributes to Zebra shark conservation efforts. ResourcesArticle for AZA Connect 2020 https://www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/zebra-shark-conservation ReShark  https://www.reshark.org/star-project Raja Ampat Research & Conservation Centre  https://stichting-rarcc.org/star-project/ Mongabay (journal organization) – article about Zebra sharks and the StAR project:  https://news.mongabay.com/2024/04/rewilding-program-ships-eggs-around-the-world-to-restore-raja-ampat-zebra-sharks/The Shark Trust: https://www.sharktrust.org/Take the Big Shark Pledge! https://www.sharktrust.org/bigsharkpledge

In this staff chat, Stacey sits down with two members of our Animal Health Care team, Vet Tech Bianca M. and Dr. Cassidy S. 

In this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chat about burnout, fatigue, and how Zoo professionals get a double dose of both from both climate change and zoo work. Burnout and Fatigue Resources and Further ReadingBemister, K. & Tawfik, M. (2023). Record, Recall, Reflect: A Qualitative Examination of Compassion Fatigue in Toronto Zoo Staff. Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens 4(2):413-426. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370671267_Record_Recall_Reflect_A_Qualitative_Examination_of_Compassion_Fatigue_in_Toronto_Zoo_Staff. Burned Out on a Burning Planet: https://commonhome.georgetown.edu/topics/climateenergy/burned-out-on-a-burning-planet/ Climate Activism Without Burnout: Evidence-Based Practices to Improve Well-Being: https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/news-events/climate-activism-without-burnout-evidence-based-practices-to-improve-well-being/Climate Burnout Report: https://www.climatecritical.earth/reportClimate Change ‘Burnout’ is Taking Its Toll: https://insideclimatenews.org/news/23112024/climate-change-burnout-taking-its-toll/Climate Mental Health Network: https://www.climatementalhealth.net/. Currin-McCulloch J., Nageotte N., Walker A., McDonald SE., Kogan LR. (2024). Experiences of Animal Loss and Grief among Zoo Professionals and Volunteers: A Qualitative Study. Animals. 14(20). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384838691_Experiences_of_Animal_Loss_and_Grief_among_Zoo_Professionals_and_Volunteers_A_Qualitative_StudyCurrin-McCulloch J., Nageotte N., Walker A., McDonald SE., Kogan LR. (2025). Animal loss and grief in zoos: Qualitative insights to inform organizational support for zoo professionals and volunteers. Human-Animal Interactions 13(1). https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2025.0004#:~:text=Research%20specific%20to%20US%20zoos,et%20al.%2C%202024).Marino, J. (2023). Measuring Burnout in Zoo and Aquarium Professionals: A Case for Equity and Justice. Animal Keepers’ Forum, 50(4), 103 – 108. https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/136748/preprint_pdf/268944da4d93e57ebcdaf30f82aee97d.pdfSteentjes K. & Roberts E. (2024). Raising alarm bells for a struggling sector: taking a new approach to improve the wellbeing of climate change professionals. Front Psychol. 2024 Jul 19;15:1404252. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1404252. PMID: 39100553; PMCID: PMC11295274. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11295274/ 

In this episode, Stacey sits down with our six 2024 Volunteer Award Winners.2024 Rising Star Award: Shelby R. and Walt B.2024 Unsung Hero Award: Tony C. and Jackie C.C.2024 Rookie of the Year: Bob Y. 2024 Brightman Achievement Award Winner: Tom R. 

In this special Staff Chat, Stacey chats with 2024 Supervisors of the Year Suzanne Akerman and Laura Rynberg. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, Philina talks about corals, why we care about corals, and chats with Amy H. and Mette H. about designing the Coral Up Close exhibit in Tropical Reef Aquarium. Supplemental materialsCoral polyp up close: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/media/supp_coral01a.htmlSymmetry: https://evolution.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/symmetrydiagram.gifSupplemental Readinghttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-021-04319-8https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-marine-122414-033857https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7176417/https://www.coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcrcp/news/featuredstories/may20/welcome.html

On this Staff Chat, Stacey chats with Aquarist Cindy K. and Volunteer Bruce J. about their experiences in the newly remodeled Tropical Reef Aquarium. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, Stacey is joined by Lead Horticulturist Bryon J.

On this staff chat, Stacey talks with Front Gate Leads Christie and Diamond about their journey to PDZA and some of the unique stories from the Front Gate. 

On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey chats with Curator Natalie D. and Aquarist Mark M. about their involvement in the Red Wolf SSP and the Sunflower Star SAFE program. 

In this staff chat, we talk with staff biologist Jamie O. and her experiences in the Red Wolf Program. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, we dive back into empathy with a focus on how zoos & aquariums can support conservation action by stimulating motivational empathy in our guests. Special guest Interpretive Programs Specialist Nicole M. ResourcesConsorte-McCrea, Adriana & Bainbridge, Alan & Fernandez, Ana & Nigbur, Dennis & Mcdonnell, Siri & Morin, Aïssa & Grente, Oksana. (2017). Understanding Attitudes Towards Native Wildlife and Biodiversity in the UK: The Role of Zoos. 10.1007/978-3-319-47883-8_17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312070381_Understanding_Attitudes_Towards_Native_Wildlife_and_Biodiversity_in_the_UK_The_Role_of_Zoos. Salazar, Gabby & Satheesh, Nitya & Ramakrishna, Ishika & Monroe, Martha & Mills, Morena & Karanth, Krithi. (2024). Using environmental education to nurture positive human–wildlife interactions in India. Conservation Science and Practice. 6. 10.1111/csp2.13096. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378664004_Using_environmental_education_to_nurture_positive_human-wildlife_interactions_in_India. Wilson, Jennifer & Nageotte, Nichole & Pletcher, Nette. (2022). Evoking empathy—An overlooked role of animal statues in zoos. Zoo Biology. 41. 10.1002/zoo.21691. https://digital.lib.washington.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/a665d580-31e6-4eb3-a093-570af5b190b9/content. Clayton, Susan & Fraser, John & Burgess, Claire. (2011). The Role of Zoos in Fostering Environmental Identity. Ecopsychology. 3. 87-96. 10.1089/eco.2010.0079. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275269313_The_Role_of_Zoos_in_Fostering_Environmental_Identity. Clayton, S., Luebke, J., Saunders, C., Matiasek, J., & Grajal, A. (2013). Connecting to nature at the zoo: implications for responding to climate change. Environmental Education Research, 20(4), 460–475. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2013.816267. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264090313_Connecting_to_nature_at_the_zoo_Implications_for_responding_to_climate_change.  

In this special anniversary episode, we sit down with PDZA Deputy Director Sarah and chat about one year of Voices for Conservation. 

Hear how Jasmine Williams, Community Collaboration Manager at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium made her way into the zoo and aquarium field. We will also dive into what equity and equity in conservation looks like in the zoo and aquarium industry.  

On this episode of Staff Chats, Stacey talks with Abbi Robocker, Guest Engagement Interpretive Specialist, at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. We learn about how her love of PNW marine life, her interest in conservation, and about her work as chair of PDZA's Equity Team. 

On this episode of Breaks for Conservation listen to Liz Hines, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Suzanne Ackerman, Staff Biologist @ Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater, from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium talk about empathy, what is empathy for wildlife, and its role at the zoo and aquarium. This is the first part to a mini series on empathy and empathy for wildlife.

On this episode of Staff Chats, Stacey talks with Liz Hines, Community Engagement Coordinator, at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.  We learn how she went from part interpreter to Wildlife Champions instructor and now Community Engagement coordinator and how her previous jobs and interests have helped her in her current job. 

In this episode, we chat with Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium's 2023 Volunteer Rookies of the Year Alfredo Miranda, Shelby Rohzen, and Rick Dow.  We learn why they volunteer, what they love about PDZA and their successes in their first year of volunteering at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Further ReadingOur Changing Climate: https://www.pdza.org/care/climate-change/ The Debunking Handbook (https://skepticalscience.com/debunking-handbook-2020-downloads-translations.html): Written by scientists, this document helps combat climate skepticism by debunking the most frequent climate change myths.  The Talking Climate Handbook https://climateoutreach.org/reports/how-to-have-a-climate-change-conversation-talking-climate/ PBI’s tips for having climate conversations: https://polarbearsinternational.org/act-now/take-action/talk-about-it Active Listening: https://www.usip.org/public-education-new/what-active-listening  Using Active Listening to Coach Others: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/coaching-others-use-active-listening-skills PBI’s top conservation highlights: https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/top-10-conservation-highlights-2023 Why People with Disabilities Want Bands on Plastic Straws To Be More Flexible: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/07/11/627773979/why-people-with-disabilities-want-bans-on-plastic-straws-to-be-more-flexible Better Bus Systems Could Slow Climate Change (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/better-bus-systems-could-slow-climate-change/): A very good and accessible summary of the relationship between climate change and transportation.  

References and Further ReadingMcClain CR (2017) Practices and promises of Facebook for science outreach: Becoming a “Nerd of Trust”. PLoS Biol 15(6): e2002020. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2002020Museums and Trust 2021: https://www.aam-us.org/2021/09/30/museums-and-trust-2021/#:~:text=This%20high%20level%20of%20trust,%2C%20and%20are%20research%2DorientedPolar Bears International: How to talk about climate change: https://polarbearsinternational.org/act-now/take-action/talk-about-it/Effectively Communicating Climate Science beyond Academia: Harnessing the Heterogeneity of Climate Knowledge: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590332220301524How do young people engage with climate change? The role of knowledge, values, message framing, and trusted communicators: https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/wcc.353Understanding Organizational Trust of Zoos and Aquariums: https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/2a21eaf3-0122-4e80-a5b7-1cc7692c11aa/contentWhy Some Americans Do Not See Urgency on Climate Change: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/08/09/why-some-americans-do-not-see-urgency-on-climate-change/Americans’ Trust in Scientists, Other Groups Declines: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-trust-in-scientists-other-groups-declines/The Information Deficit Model and Climate Change Communication (paywall): https://oxfordre.com/climatescience/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228620.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228620-e-301Gaining Trust as well as respect in communicating to motivated audiences about science topics: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1317505111Our Changing Climate | Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: https://www.pdza.org/care/climate-change/  

Thank you for listening to this month’s Breaks for Conservation! A huge thank you to Sheriden and Zach for taking the time to chat with us. Below you’ll find some additional resources and information to further your own learning and to expand upon some points touched upon in our interview. Enjoy! Polar Bears International (PBI)https://polarbearsinternational.org/PBI is located in a town on Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada. It has a population of approximately 870 people. Thousands of tourists flock to the town every year to observe polar bears, belugas, and birds.  Additional information from PDZA about polar bear conservationhttps://www.pdza.org/tracking-polar-bears/https://www.pdza.org/partnering-for-polar-bears/https://www.pdza.org/dyed-hair-polar-bear/  

Check out the following resources for additional information on the topics discussed in this episode!Pet Ownership Not a Pet: https://www.notapet.net/ Wildlife Trafficking Alliance: https://www.aza.org/wildlife-trafficking-alliance?locale=en U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s page on Injurious Wildlife regulations: https://www.fws.gov/story/understanding-injurious-wildlife-regulations Florida Museum’s page on responsible snake ownership (the page is specifically about snakes, but this information applies to any pet): https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/responsible-snake-ownership/   Feral Cats It’s good to keep in mind that there are very different cultural norms around keeping indoor cats in North America versus the rest of the world. Outdoor cats are far more common outside of the United States and Canada and attitudes toward them are very different in other parts of the world. However, that does not change the fact that feral and outdoor cats are a danger to our wildlife, even in North America. We have included information from both the United States Department of Agriculture and the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to help demonstrate the negative impact outdoor cats can have on wildlife.  US Department of Agriculture info on free-ranging and feral cats: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/reports/Wildlife%20Damage%20Management%20Technical%20Series/free-ranging-and-feral-cats.pdf Feral cat control in Australia: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/invasive-species/feral-animals-australia/feral-cats  Reptiles Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy: https://arcprotects.org/ Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation: https://parcplace.org/ Glaw F, Köhler J, Townsend TM, Vences M. Rivaling the world's smallest reptiles: discovery of miniaturized and microendemic new species of leaf chameleons (Brookesia) from northern Madagascar. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e31314. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031314. Epub 2012 Feb 14. PMID: 22348069; PMCID: PMC3279364. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279364/  Palm Oil Breaks for Conservation: Palm Oil https://www.buzzsprout.com/2224824/13339323 PDZA’s Protect the Rainforest page: https://www.pdza.org/care/rainforest/ Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil: https://rspo.org/