Chronicles of a Zookeeper

Ask A Biologist Podcast

In this episode, we begin to explore the wild and fascinating world of zoos. Our guest is none other than Bert Castro, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation. Bert's storied career, beginning as a volunteer zookeeper at the Tulsa Zoo in 1985 to CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, has given him a wealth of knowledge and experiences which he shares with Dr. Biology. We explore the importance of zoos, and the vital role they play in research and conservation, and discuss the intricacies of running a modern zoo. Can you guess how much AZA zoos and aquariums contribute every year toward conservation efforts? Tune in to find out.
And... this is one of three episodes we recorded at the Zoo. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast so you do not miss our next fun and interesting guests.
Learn more: Keeping Your Cool - Thermoregulation
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Chapters

1. The World of Zoos and Conservation (00:00:00)

2. How big is the Phoenix Zoo? (00:02:06)

3. What should a good zoo be doing? (00:04:43)

4. Zoos and the role of species survival (00:07:07)

5. How are the animals handling the heat? (00:10:12)

6. Zoo Career Path (00:12:42)

7. What is the best career path for working at the zoo? (00:16:00)

8. Dr. Biology gets a present from Indu the Asian elephant (00:19:03)

9. Do you have a favorite animal? (00:20:15)

10. Jaguar (00:21:00)

11. Three questions (00:25:38)

12. When did you first know you wanted to be a biologist and work at a zoo? (00:25:49)

13. Learning and Careers in Zoos (00:27:00)

14. If you were not working in a zoo what would you do or be? (00:28:58)

15. Advice for new zookeepers (00:29:41)

16. Bert Castro Discusses the Phoenix Zoo (00:31:49)

17. Sign-off - Learn more (00:31:58)