Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation

Today, the Safari sits down with Averee Luhrs, who is really just here to try to convince you to hire her, which is something I completely endorse! Averee has spent the last years studying the intersection of zoos and conservation, in particular through the AZA's SAFE programs. She's also a field primatologist, an anthropologist, and an all around snazzy human!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/Zn522A9v2

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Dateline: October 30, 2026

Rossifari Zoo News is back with an update on all things zoos, aquariums, conservation, and general animal weirdness.

This is a Deep Dive episode, looking into two stories: one dealing with the tragedies that have happened at European zoos in the past few months, and one looking at how the AZA and ZAA are both approaching AI in different ways. We also talk a little bit about the horse carriage ban in New York City.

All that plus Animal Holidays!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/Zn522A9v2

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Today, the Safari heads back to the AZA Annual Conference to sit down with Sara Walker of the AZA and Danielle Kessler from IFAW to discuss #notapet and the Wildlife Confiscation Network. We dive deep into what is happening in the illegal wildlife trade right now, how messaging can help make social media posts better, and more.

Episode Links:

ifaw.org
aza.org

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/Zn522A9v2

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Today, the Safari heads to Seattle for a non-workshop? What is that? Tune in to find out.

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/Zn522A9v2

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Today, the Safari heads to Chattanooga by way of Zoom to talk to Dr. Tony, Dom, and Jake of the Chattanooga Zoo. We are discussing Masala, the new spicy red panda cub at the zoo. It turns out her story is a bit of a miracle, and you're going to love hearing every aspect of it.

EPISODE LINKS:
chattzoo.org
@chattanoogazoo

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/Zn522A9v2

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Dateline: October 16, 2026

Rossifari Zoo News is back with an update on all things zoos, aquariums, conservation, and general animal weirdness.

We start off with me sharing an absolutely crazy story of friendship and a puppy!

Our Headline Story this week is about the man mauled to death by a tiger at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

Then we have Zoo News stories starting with a look at the facilities that earned accreditation from the AZA at the recent conference, and then additional stories from Chattanooga Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Nashville Zoo, Denver Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, Virginia Aquarium, and still another controversy around Vantara.

In Conservation News we talk about two new species discovered in different ways, killing owls to save owls, and do a deep dive into what population numbers mean, and why the definition of what a species is can matter so much, all in light of research shared at the first ever Red Panda Symposium hosted by Red Panda Network in partnership with SAFE Red Panda!

In Other News we share a reason you need to get to IKEA ASAP!

All that plus Animal Holidays!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/Zn522A9v2

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Today, the Safari brings you the first of many interview episodes from the AZA Annual Conference in Portland Oregon! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan Ashe and Sarah Milberg of the AZA to talk about some recently conducted public perception polling. We discuss what the polling found, what it means, and where accredited zoos and aquariums go from here.

SHOW LINKS:
rossifari.com
Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari
Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4
Find us on social media @rossifari and @rossifaripod on TikTok
Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Today, the Safari heads to Portland, Oregon, for the 2026 AZA Annual Conference! I chat with Caitlin Doggett, my boss at the Virginia Living Museum, about her time at the conference and how our facility benefitted from sending multiple people. Then I recap my conference day by day.

ROSSIFARI LINKS:
rossifari.com
Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari
Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4
Find us on social media @rossifari and @rossifaripod on TikTok
Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Today, the Safari heads to Portland, Oregon, for the 2026 AZA Annual Conference! I chat with multiple guests about their experiences at the conference! Guests include:
Dr. Lisa Dabek of Woodland Park Zoo and the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program
Dr. Jenn Torpie of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium and SAFE Red Panda
Schaneé Anderson of Sedgwick County Zoo
Kaylee Doughty, Andrew Evans, Heidi Schultz, Sean DePaola, and Jaiden Landsdowne-Vaughn of Friends University
Elaina Jones, a former student at the start of her career

ROSSIFARI LINKS:
rossifari.com
Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari
Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4
Find us on social media @rossifari and @rossifaripod on TikTok
Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

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Dateline: October 2, 2026 - Rossifari Zoo News is back with a deep dive into some surprising breaking news this week: The Indianapolis Zoo has lost the gold standard accreditation that can only be obtained through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We talk through what we know, what we don't yet know, and what might be next for this zoo.

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com
@rossifari on socials
@rossifaripod on TikTok
Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

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Today, the Safari heads down to Brazil (via Zoom), to talk to Suzanne Smith, the founder of the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation. Suzanne gives a fascinating look into these incredible animals, then shares her story of falling in love with them and starting the work to save them. We talk about connecting with the local populations, how eco-tourism can drive conservation, and so much more!

EPISODE LINKS:

www.ardcf.org
@ardcfoundation on socials

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com
@rossifari on socials
@rossifaripod on TikTok
Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

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Dateline September 25, 2026: Today's episode is a deep dive into the legislation that stopped allowing cetaceans in human care, and the absolute failures of the Canadian government and the "empty the tanks" movement to help the animals further than passing that law. We look into the animals that have moved to SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, The Georgia Aquarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Oceanografica Valencia, and the health issues and deaths that have occurred since those animals were moved. Why did this happen? What could have been done better? We dig deep to find the answers.

Episode Links:
Rossifari.com
Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod
@rossifari on socials
@rossifaripod on TikTok
Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4

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Today, the Safari heads back to Baltimore to visit the Maryland Zoo. We head to the enrichment lab to discuss how modern technology is really helping us understand how to enrich the lives of animals in incredible ways in zoos, and how inspiration from the past is leading the charge today. Truly one of the most exciting episodes we've had.

EPISODE LINKS:

@marylandzoo
marylandzoo.org

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com
Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari
Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4
Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dateline: September 18, 2026

Rossifari Zoo News is back with an update on all things zoos, aquariums, conservation, and general animal weirdness.

We start off with me talking about my new job at Virginia Living Museum, sharing more about the SAFE Red Panda initiatives for International Red Panda Day, and more!

Then we have Zoo News stories from Ross Park Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, Buffalo Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Chester Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Pueblo Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Denver Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Ouwehands Animal Park, and another controversy around Vantara.

In Conservation News we talk about what an annual memorial of the September 11th attacks is teaching us about bird migration, talk about why September 14th was a terrible day in the United States, and discuss two new discoveries in the world of cat conservation!

All that plus Animal Holidays!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, the Safari heads back to the Cincinnati Zoo for a chat with our good friend Meredith Hughes! We talk all things ambassadors, how the Cincinnati Zoo manages to be a big zoo with a small zoo vibe, share some incredible experiences, and then get into the core topic...this Saturday is International Red Panda Day, so we discuss Meredith's involvement with SAFE Red Panda, including heading up our current trading cards initiative!

EPISODE LINKS:

@cincinnatizoo
cincinnatizoo.org

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com
Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari
Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4
Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dateline: September 11, 2026

Rossifari Zoo News is back with an update on all things zoos, aquariums, conservation, and general animal weirdness.

We start off with a very exciting update about my life, as well as cool stuff about SAFE Red Panda, and also what tree kangaroos and the NFL have to do with each other.

There's a Headline Story about AI and technology that goes beyond the normal scope of this podcast, but it had to be said.

Then we have Zoo News stories from Whipsnade Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium, Akron Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Rolling Hills Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Zoo Boise, the San Diego Zoo, and more.

In Conservation News we talk about a potential new weapon in the fight against an invasive species in the United States.

In Other News, we talk about an MMA fighter suggesting something that seems really dumb, even for a guy who gets punched in the head professionally.

All that plus Animal Holidays!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, the Safari heads back to Buttonwood Park Zoo to talk to returning guest Sarah Henry and newcomer Kristy Kaeterle...and also a cat who almost caused this entire episode to never see the light of day! We talk about the ways Buttonwood Park Zoo is supporting various AZA SAFE Programs including SAFE Red Panda and SAFE North American Songbird, and also discuss some really cool ambassador animals including some adorable foxes! All that plus TWO Rossifari Poop Stories!

EPISODE LINKS:

@buttonwoodparkzoo on socials

bpzoo.org

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

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Dateline: September 4, 2026

Rossifari Zoo News is back with an update on all things zoos, aquariums, conservation, and general animal weirdness.

I start off discussing the fact that I've finally officially moved to Virginia. Then we get into a long chat about the upcoming SAFE Red Panda trading cards!

There's a Headline Story about the most ridiculous investigation into Smithsonian's National Zoo ever.

Then we have Zoo News stories from Columbus Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo, Virginia Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, Tropical Birdland, Reid Park Zoo, Bristol Aquarium, Elmwood Park Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and Aquarium of the Pacific, along with some huge praise for the AZA's Wildlife Confiscation Network!

In Conservation News we talk about how space flight might destroy our current planet but then share awesome news about P-horses!

In Other News, it's time for another Jimothy story and also a confusing story about lions...or not.

All that plus Animal Holidays!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, the Safari welcomes a new facility to the pod! John Kleoudis is here to welcome us to NOVA Wild! This facility, located in northern Virginia, is both a drive-through safari and a standard walk-through zoo, and features a lot of incredible behind-the-scenes animal encounters designed to encourage a love of animals and conservation!

EPISODE LINKS:

@novawildz00

novawild.org

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

Rossifari.com

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Dateline: August 28, 2026

Rossifari Zoo News is back for a bit of a ramble. I start off talking about the loss of Dolly Parton and what it's like losing an artist that I'm in the middle of playing a tribute show for. Then I talk about the devastating flooding in Nepal before touching on a few other topics of importance this week. All that plus Animal Holidays!

ROSSIFARI LINKS:

rossifari.com

Support the pod at Patreon.com/rossifari

Join the Discord at https://discord.gg/hvWZguvu4

Find us on social media @rossifari , and @rossifaripod on TikTok

Email: rossifaripod@gmail.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.