Happy National Zookeeper Week, to all animal care professionals. I admit, I still consider myself a zookeeper, always and forever. This week I celebrate my fifteen years as a dedicated animal trainer and caretaker. I also celebrate how with ZooFit, I incorporate all the principles of zookeeping to help others achieve success in whatever their goals may be.
Passive Conservation
A couple weeks ago while working on my YouTube series “Healthy You, Healthy Earth”, I started discussing a topic which I realize I haven’t covered too much before. We all focus on the tangible concrete actions to take when protecting the environment, not many realize how important the EMOTIONAL side of conservation is. Read More “Passive Conservation”
Zookeeper’s Holiday- Indianapolis Zoo
Every year during the American Association of Zookeepers’ national conference, the host city has a Zoo Day. This year’s conference was in Indianapolis, so I was able to enjoy the Indianapolis Zoo from a zookeeper’s perspective. Read More “Zookeeper’s Holiday- Indianapolis Zoo”
ZooFit Hits Dallas
It’s taken me a few days to decompress, but I’m back to normal and proud of ZooFit. I just have to toot my horn a little. After I got a little shut-eye and power naps. Read More “ZooFit Hits Dallas”
20 Days of Eco-Wellness, Day 17: A Day at the Zoo
I am obviously a huge supporter of zoos. I’m even a huge supporter of people going to the zoo strictly for entertainment reasons. I honestly don’t care if you visit the zoo to gawk at animals and conservation is the last thought in your head. Know why? Because it doesn’t matter why you came to the zoo. Your visit helps conservation efforts. And it’s good for your health as well.
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30 Days of Experiencing Nature: Our Disconnection with the Wild
Because of this 30 Days of Experiencing Nature, I’m re-listening to a favorite book of mine, The Nature Principle by Richard Louv. I appreciate how much we NEED nature in our lives. It’s astounding when I think about how disconnected we are from the wild. Read More “30 Days of Experiencing Nature: Our Disconnection with the Wild”
30 Days of ZooFit: The Creation of ZooFit
How did ZooFit become ZooFit? Why do I call it ZooFit? It’s story time, folks. Who doesn’t love a good origin story? Read More “30 Days of ZooFit: The Creation of ZooFit”
New Sights at Old Stomping Grounds
Chris and I ventured over for our monthly reminder why we live on Whidbey Island. Chris attended his live drawing at Gage Academy. I decided to see what was new at my old job. I hadn’t been to the zoo since I left in April of 2015, so I felt a visit was definitely in order, and gave me a chance to see my friends “in their natural habitat”.
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Special Series- Why Zoos Matter: A Slippery Slope
In 2013, a movie masquerading as a documentary premiered that would change many people’s lives. The film “Blackfish” changed the way many folks saw SeaWorld and the keeping of orcas in captivity. After fighting organizations with millions of donated dollars at their disposal (you didn’t actually think the money donated to these “animal welfare” organizations actually went to the ANIMALS, did you?) for three years, SeaWorld has finally waved the white flag and cried “Uncle”. Read More “Special Series- Why Zoos Matter: A Slippery Slope”
100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 45: EarthFit at the Zoo
I have personal feelings about the Oregon Zoo, I’m a little jilted if I can be honest. But putting personal frustrations aside, I love the zoo. I think a great amount of conservation and education happens at the zoo, and it’s where I was inspired to create EarthFit, so this being my last week in Oregon, I decided to have one last trip to the Oregon Zoo and check out all the aspects that correlate well with EarthFit. Read More “100 Ways of EarthFit- Day 45: EarthFit at the Zoo”