zookeeper stories

Zookeeper Sierra: Pygmy Hippos, Okapis, & Rhinos!

What is it like to be a zookeeper? Could you imagine caring for rhinos, pygmy hippos, and okapi? In this episode of the Animals to the Max Podcast, I chat with Zookeeper Sierra. Sierra works at the Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas. We discuss Sierra’s zookeeper journey, tips for anyone wanting to break into the field, and fun behind-the-scenes stories working with rhinos, hippos, and okapi!

Follow Sierra on TikTok

Listen to the After-Show!

Book Corbin Maxey on Cameo!

Follow Corbin Maxey

Website: https://corbinmaxey.com
YouTube: https://goo.gl/ZbuBnR
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdr5n2Hh/
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NDYWFF 
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ZsE1SP
Twitter: https://goo.gl/F4zVfN

Outdoor Explorer, Animal Lover, & Author Julie Henry

In this episode of the Animals To The Max Podcast, I chat with Author and former zoo and aquarium senior leader, Julie Henry. Julie’s new book, Wisdom from the Wild: The Nine Unbreakable Laws of Leadership from the Animal Kingdom, comes out THIS January! Julie discusses her career working at various zoos and aquariums across the country and advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in the animal care field. She also explains how we can learn from Naked Mole-rats, giraffes, and even termites!

Listen to the after-show!

Follow Julie on Instagram

Visit Julie’s website

Follow Corbin Maxey

Website: https://corbinmaxey.com
YouTube: https://goo.gl/ZbuBnR
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdr5n2Hh/
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NDYWFF 
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ZsE1SP
Twitter: https://goo.gl/F4zVfN

Zookeeper Jason!

IMG_7213.JPG

In this episode, I sit-down with senior zookeeper Jason Castro. Jason is currently a senior keeper at the Bronx Zoo in New York City. Jason talks about his journey becoming a keeper and some of the amazing animals he has been able to work with. Other topics include being a keeper during the pandemic, tips on how to become a zookeeper, and his work with an emu named “Kevin”!

Follow Jason on Instagram

Learn more about the Bronx Zoo

Join us for the after-show!

Follow Corbin Maxey

Website: https://corbinmaxey.com
YouTube: https://goo.gl/ZbuBnR
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/prvYxR/
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NDYWFF 
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ZsE1SP
Twitter: https://goo.gl/F4zVfN

Compassion Fatigue In Animal Care And How To Deal With It

In this episode, I talk with animal care professional, Tiffany, AKA Hunt For A Keeper. She discusses compassion fatigue in the animal care world and how it needs to be addressed. She talks about symptoms and how you can deal with compassion fatigue. We also talk about what it’s like being a zookeeper and some of the harsh realities like the low pay and struggle to find personal and work life balance. This is a MUST-LISTEN!

Join us for the after-show!

Follow Tiffany on Instagram

Follow Tiffany on TikTok

Self assessment:

http://transitionalsupport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ProQOL_5_English_Self-Score_3-2012.pdf

How to prevent:

https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/the-cost-of-caring-10-ways-to-prevent-compassion-fatigue-0209167?fbclid=IwAR2mTVqY7smYRgu2PTnRabhlcOs17yxMwTgQ-lEOjtgqAX7K2A7T9Oa2_1w

https://thewellnesssociety.org/how-to-deal-with-compassion-fatigue-3-mindset-shifts-to-help-you-feel-better/?fbclid=IwAR25-Eb6HukmHKmmejji-Lat94njM29PlA0BwdT09FFRy7fQO_u12ouskBc

More general info on what it is:

https://youtu.be/v-4m35Gixno

Zookeeper Mental Health Support:

https://zoomentalhealthsupport.com

Facebook support group for Animal Care Professionals (offers a lot of workshops, podcasts, books…etc): https://www.facebook.com/groups/CompassionAwareness/?ref=share

Follow Corbin Maxey

Website: https://corbinmaxey.com
YouTube: https://goo.gl/ZbuBnR
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/prvYxR/
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NDYWFF 
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ZsE1SP
Twitter: https://goo.gl/F4zVfN

Polar Bear Killed By Another Bear At Detroit Zoo: What Went Wrong?

IMG_9263.JPG

In this episode, I sit-down with my friend and zookeeper, Matt Price. Matt has been working in the zoological field for 20 years, 7 of which has been with polar bears. We discuss the incident at the Detroit Zoo where 20 year old female polar bear, Anana, was killed by Nuka, a male polar bear. Topics include the aggressive nature of polar bear breeding, what preventive measures are in place to prevent accidents like this, and what it’s like to care for polar bears in human care.

Follow Matt on Twitter

Zookeeper Stories Podcast

Get Access to the BONUS AFTER SHOW INTERVIEW

Support the show! https://www.patreon.com/animalstothemax

Follow Corbin Maxey

Website: https://corbinmaxey.com
YouTube: https://goo.gl/ZbuBnR
Instagram: https://goo.gl/NDYWFF 
Twitter: https://goo.gl/F4zVfN
Facebook: https://goo.gl/ZsE1SP
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/prvYxR/