Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation
Published by Rossifari
Science
Nature
Life Sciences
The Rossifari Podcast brings my love of zoos, aquariums, rescues, and rehab facilities to you! Each episode features an interview with someone who works at one of these facilities. We talk about different species, individual animals, conservation efforts, nutrition...all kinds of stuff. This is a podcast suitable for all ages, but we will discuss topics like mating behaviors and euthanasia. If you're a fan of zoos, or have ever wondered what exactly a zookeeper does, how aquariums manage to keep all that water so clean, or just want to hear a bunch of amazing stories about incredible animals, and the people that take care of them, this is the podcast for you! Check us out online at www.rossifari.com and on all social media platforms @rossifari. Support the show at patreon.com/rossifari. Check out the merch at rossifari.redbubble.com.
Rossifari Zoo News 7.31.26 - The Season 6 Finale Episode featuring Dani Larson of Southwick's Zoo!
Dateline: July 31, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on my life, which is currently taking place in California. Then we dive into an interview with Dani Larson! We talk about what loss at a facility is like from the perspective of the teams that aren't directly involved, then share two really exciting bits of news about Dani and our friend Emily! All that plus Animal Holidays! EPISODE LINKS: @southwickszooofficial southwickszoo.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
The Brintywine Zoo with Brint Spencer, Director of Brandywine Zoo
Today, the Safari heads back to Wilmington, DE, to the only accredited zoo in the state, Brandywine Zoo. I sit down with returning guest Brint Spencer, the director of the zoo, to talk about the new animal encounters the zoo is offering, the new habitat that just opened, the incredible conservation work being done at the facility, the unique relationship Brint has with his keepers, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: @brandywinezoo brandywinezoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
Rossifari Zoo News 7.24.26 - The Nashville Data Center Edition featuring Dr. Heather Schwartz of the Nashville Zoo
Dateline: July 24, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on my life, which is currently taking place in California. Then we dive into an interview with Dr. Heather Schwartz of the Nashville Zoo. We discuss the current data center fight taking place in Nashville, and how what started as a local battle to protect the zoo's animals has turned into an international conservation conversation. Then we dive into the rest of our zoo news from facilities like Potawatomi Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Cincinnati Zoo, Santa Barbara Zoo, Henry Doorly Zoo, Cape May County Zoo, Tanganyika Wildlife Park, The Greenville Zoo, and more! All that plus Conservation News, Other News, and Animal Holidays! EPISODE LINKS: nashvillezoo.org @nashvillezoo SIGN THE PETITION! https://www.change.org/p/nashville-zoo-says-no-to-proposed-data-center ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
Wilding Motherlife with Elizabeth Johnson of Longneck Manor and The Mothering Wildlife Podcast!
Today, the Safari heads down to Texas to sit down with my good friend Elizabeth Johnson! We talk about her position at Longneck Manor and catch up on the work she's been doing for The Mothering Wildlife Podcast! This interview took place during the AZA Midyear Meeting, so we talk a lot about the collaboration and work that takes place there as well! EPISODE LINKS: longneckmanor.com @longneckmanor @motheringwildlife ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support Join the new Rossifari Discord at: https://discord.gg/AHFjXZHEU
Rossifari Zoo News 7.17.26 - The All Confidence, No Coordination Edition featuring LynnLee Schmidt of Tanganyika Wildlife Park
Dateline: July 17, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on my life, including swimming with four dogs. Then we dive into an interview with LynnLee Schmidt of Tanganyika Wildlife Park, sharing the incredible story taking place right now with their baby giraffe. Then I drop a full headline story about the changes made to the Endangered Species Act recently and the negative conservation effects they are going to have. We also discuss Shifting Baseline Syndrome as part of this, so lucky you! Then we dive into a BUNCH of red panda births! Then regular births, deaths, and the rest of Zoo News from places like Santa Barbara Zoo, Longleat, Vogelpark Avifauna, Hamura Zoo, Hertfordshire Zoo, Pairi Daiza, Cincinnati Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Detroit Zoo, Little Rock Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Southwick's Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, and more. All that plus Conservation News, Other News, and Animal Holidays! EPISODE LINKS: @tanganyikawildlifepark twpark.com ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
No Cortisol Left to Give with Dr. Lindsey VanSandt of CREW at the Cincinnati Zoo
Today, the Safari returns to Cincinnati for one of the funniest and most fascinating guests that's ever been on the podcast! Dr. VanSandt has one of the craziest origin stories and is one of the best storytellers I've ever encountered. Add to that a brilliant mind doing incredible work for animals, and you've got one of my favorite episodes ever. EPISODE LINKS: @cincinnatizoo cincinnatizoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Patreon.com/rossifari to support Join the new Rossifari Discord at: https://discord.gg/AHFjXZHEU
Rossifari Zoo News 7.10.26 - The Part 1 of MAYBE 2 Edition
Dateline: July 10, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! This is just what is normally the introduction part of the podcast. You'll learn why when you listen. ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
Just Three Drs. (Two Doctors and a Drummer) Talking with Dr. Jenn Torpie and Dr. Shafkat Khan of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium and SAFE Red Panda
Today, the Safari heads to Pittsburgh to sit down with two of my favorite colleagues of all time: Jenn and Shafkat! These are two fellow members of the Executive Committee of SAFE Red Panda, and we have spent the last few years working together to build the program into something we are all super proud of. We dive into that, talk about the conservation and education work they do at the zoo, and of course sneak in a chat about a binturong! EPISODE LINKS: @saferedpanda @pittsburghzoo pittsburghzoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
Rossifari Zoo News 7.3.26 - The Goodbye, River Edition featuring Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Dateline: July 3, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on my life, including saying goodbye to a beloved dog and almost getting killed by a turtle. Then we dive into an interview with Tom Schmid, the President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, who tells us ALL about the new aquarium that will be coming to the zoo in 2029! Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Zoo Knoxville, Calgary Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, Maryland Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Nashville Zoo, and more! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
My BFFs are BFFs with Jamie Huber of Louisville Zoo
Today, the Safari heads back to the Louisville Zoo to talk all things black-footed ferret conservation with Jamie Huber! We share the entire story of the BFF, including what the zoo is doing to help these amazing animals. This one will make you heart warm for sure! EPISODE LINKS: @louisvillezoo on socials louisvillezoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
Rossifari Zoo News 6.26.26 - The Goodbye, Tasik, Edition featuring Miles Rossi
Dateline: June 26, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with an interview with Miles Rossi talking about some cool animal experiences we've had this week at the Aquarium of Niagara and Buffalo Zoo. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from The San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld Yas Island, Cape May County Zoo, Hattiesburg Zoo, Virginia Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Maritime Aquarium, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, and more! Conservation News has three positive stories in it! Other News is a deeper dive into the Central Park horse carriage debate. All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
This One's For The Veterinarians! with Dr. Sam Rivera of Zoo Atlanta
Today, the Safari heads back to Zoo Atlanta for a visit with a longtime friend and first time guest, Dr. Sam Rivera. We talk about the new hospital, what it takes to become a vet, a unique path to becoming boarded, the new hospital at the zoo, and more! EPISODE LINKS: @zooatl on socials zooatlanta.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord: https://discord.gg/rQSwMuetj
Rossifari Zoo News 6.19.26 - The Sea Turtles Save Relationships Edition
Dateline: June 19, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with some discussion of my recent visits to the Maryland Zoo and Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, along with a quick but vague bit of excitement about SAFE Red Panda! We have two headline stories this week. We start with a surprising update to the Natural Bridge Zoo situation taking place in Virginia...and it's as good as it is unexpected! We then do an update about the data center battle being waged by the Nashville Zoo...and it's also a good update! Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Binder Park Zoo, Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Garden, Whipsnade Zoo, Rockhampton Zoo, Chattanooga Zoo, Central Florida Zoo, Toledo Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Johnson Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, Paradise Country Wildlife Park, and more! Conservation News has a discussion about an orangutan population suffering because of humans. Shocker, I know. Other News has a story about a recently deceased Central Park carriage horse and also about an albino red panda! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord at https://discord.gg/N3ux4tzp
The Ginger Takeover with Margaret Innes of The Maryland Zoo
Today, the Safari heads down to Baltimore, Maryland, to celebrate the brand new red panda habitat that is less than a week old as you listen! Learn about the two girls that call the zoo home, what went into creating the habitat, what the behind the scenes area looks like, and more! Then we spend some time diving into Margaret's career and current favorites at the zoo. We also talk imposter syndrome, leadership, online trolls, and so much more! EPISODE LINKS: marylandzoo.org @marylandzoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord at https://discord.gg/N3ux4tzp
Rossifari Zoo News 6.12.26 - The Goodbye, Arie edition featuring Strix and Miles Rossi
Dateline: June 12, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a bunch of random updates from the world of Rossifari. We then get into a mini-deep dives episode featuring: 1. Saying goodbye to Arie, a beloved sea lion at Aquarium of Niagara 2. A look at advocacy and what we can do and have done as a community 3. An update on the proposed data center near the Nashville Zoo 4. A look at a new movie about Flaco the owl 5. A quick update on the social media account of Plumes Plus quick hits from the Cincinnati Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, ZooAmerica, an update on the swatting zoos have been experiencing, and more. All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/BYjfq9gPR patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok
Hellbenders On Fire with Joy Kotheimer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Today, the Safari heads back to the Columbus Zoo after FAR too long of a break. I sit down with Joy Kotheimer to discuss the penguins, flamingos, and tortoises she takes care of! We also talk about the importance of AAZK to her, and cover so much more in the process! EPISODE LINKS: columbuszoo.org @columbuszoo ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Join the new Rossifari Discord at https://discord.gg/N3ux4tzp
Rossifari Zoo News 6.5.26 - The Data Center Habitat? Edition
Dateline: June 5, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off talking about the Ecuador trip and the chance to build our community in a new way. Our headline story is about a data center that may open right next to the Nashville Zoo. This is NOT ok, but you can help. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Louisville Zoo, Rolling Hills Zoo, Hammerton Park Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo, Sea World San Diego, ZooMontana, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, Praha Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Paradise Country, Akron Zoo, Mississippi Aquarium, Birmingham Zoo, and more! Conservation News has two stories, one about Spix macaws that is kind of crazy. Other News has a dog that shot a human! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok
A Big Announcement with Lyn, Lindsay, and Carter of the Virginia Living Museum
Today, the Safari heads down to the Virginia Living Museum for a big announcement...even though it wasn't official until after recording all of this. So we start with the announcement and then bring you three amazing humans from there. Lyn talks us through her amazing career and the work she is now doing at the VLM, introducing us to a lot of the animals along the way. Lindsay talks to us about some fish. And Carter? They are here to talk about water bugs and water scorpions and the propagation of those species! Three very different tales from three wonderful people. EPISODE LINKS: @valivingmuseum on socials thevlm.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: Rossifari.com Patreon.com/Rossifari to support the pod @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok
Rossifari Zoo News 5.29.26 - The Goodbye, Shine Edition
Dateline: May 29, 2026. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off catching you up on my world, including some good news about the Ecuador trip and discussing the show I'm opening tonight. Our headline story is a sequel to the Sloth World story. No seriously. Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Smithsonian's National Zoo, Edmonton Valley Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Burgers Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Chattanooga Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Hogle Zoo, Denver Zoo, Virginia Zoo, Wildlife World Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Taipei Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, and more! Conservation News has two quick stories from the states, both of which are positive and hopeful! All that and Animal Holidays! ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok
How Much Is That Binturong In The Window? - with Kate Palaski, Diana Waterman, and Emily MacDonald of Roger Williams Park Zoo!
Today, the Safari heads back to Providence to catch up with three friends who were all on the pod last year. We sit down with Emily, Diana, and Kate in order to catch up on what's been going on since their episodes last year. These three women never cease to amaze and inspire me, and I'm so genuinely happy to have them back on the pod where they belong! EPISODE LINKS: @rwpzoo on socials rwpzoo.org ROSSIFARI LINKS: @rossifari on the socials @rossifaripod on TikTok Rossifari.com Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod
