Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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 da...

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 

Patr...

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 loo...

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/N3ux4t

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 Cit...

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 t...

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...

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 

Rossifa...

Dateline: May 22, 2026 - Rossifari Zoo News is back with a special edition! We've had a secret for a few weeks, and we spill it now! 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

https://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/tree-kangaroo-fundraiser

https://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/binturong-fundraiser

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari 

Today, the Safari heads to Louisville, KY, to sit down with General Curator Ron Evans of the Louisville Zoo. We talk red pandas, binturongs, koalas, exhibit design, accessibility, and a whole slew of other topics. Also, your intrepid host takes some good-natured ribbing for what is apparently a loud voice. Who knew? 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@louisvillezooofficial on socials 

louisvillezoo.org 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

@rossifari 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

rossifari.com

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline May 15, 2026: Rossifari Zoo News is back featuring another few deep dives into the animal news of the world. 

This week I start off with a deep look at the swatting incidents that have been plaguing zoos and aquariums across the United States. 

Then we talk about the guy who threw a rock at a monk seal and practically became public enemy number one because of it. 

Then we do the latest on the Sloth World situation. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@treekangaroosafe to watch the Crunchathon

https://animalsanonymousapparel.com/colle...

Today, the Safari sits down with my good friend Yosanni Torres to talk all things tree kangaroo in advance of World Tree Kangaroo Day! The SAFE Tree Kangaroo Crunch-A-Thon is currently running on social media, making this feel like a great time to focus on tree kangaroos! We talk about Yosanni's work at Zoo Miami, her transition into leadership, her work with the SSP and SAFE programs, and so much more! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@zoomiami

@treekangaroosafe 

https://animalsanonymousapparel.com/collections/tree-kangaroo-fundraiser 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossif...

Dateline: May 8, 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 exciting news about a potential trip to Ecuador we could all take together to help save sea turtles! 

We have two deep dives this week: One is an interview with Sam Trull from The Sloth Institute, and one is a deep look at the labor situation that played out at Brookfield Zoo this week.

All that and Animal Holidays! 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 
patre...

Today, the Safari heads back to Southwick's Zoo to bring you another interview with fan favorite Emily Begue Masinda! We talk about how her pregnancy is changing her life and work, we laugh a lot, and she has the audacity to tell someone else's Rossifari Poop Story! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

Southwickszoo.com 

@southwickszooofficial on socials 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: May 1, 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 exciting news about a potential trip to Ecuador we could all take together to help save sea turtles! 

Our headline story is a follow up to last week's Sloth World story.

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Central Florida Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Lehigh Valley Zoo, Akron Zoo, Henry Vilas Zoo, The Calgary Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, Wildlife Wor...

Today, the Safari heads back to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., to talk to a keeper of some of my favorite animals there, the binturongs Hank and Lola. Oh, and also tigers, lions, bears, and a bunch of other animals! We talk about how a good leader can make all the difference in a career in the zoo world, the individual personalities of many of the animals at the zoo, and so much more! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@smithsonianzoo 

nationalzoo.si.edu 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

Rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/Ro...

Dateline: April 24, 2026. Today, the Safari does a deep dive into Sloth World, a roadside zoo possibly opening soon in Orlando. 31 sloths (at a minimum) have died so far for this tourist trap, and it's not going to get better unless it is gone. We talk about how you can help make that happen. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

Rossifari.com 

@rossifari 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Patreon.com/rossifari 

Today, the Safari visits Mystic Aquarium to talk to the chair and vice-chair of the AZA Accreditation Committee. What does accreditation mean? What does it look like? What happens when an AZA-accredited facility is accused of not living up to the gold-standard that AZA accreditation represents? Can accreditation be revoked? Can special circumstances be accounted for from facility to facility? We ask all this and more! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

mysticaquarium.org 

@mysticaquarium 

@bronxzoo 

bronxzoo.com 

@zoos_aquariums 

aza.org 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

Rossifari.com 

Dateline: April 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 life update, including sending love to our buddy Taylor as he gets married this weekend! 

Our headline story is an Other News interview with Dani Larson about the submarine bird!

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Cincinnati Zoo, Chester Zoo, Dallas Zoo, San Diego Zoo, John Ball Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Denver Zoo, New Zoo, and a loo...

Today, the Safari sits down with Grayson Ponti of ZANE and Kari Hart of the AZA to discuss accessibility. This episode is dropping during Autism Acceptance Month, and is a great way to look at the neurodiversity that is so common in the zoo and aquarium fields. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

zanezoo.com 

@zane_zoosandaquariums on socials 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

@rossifari 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: April 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!  
 
We start off discussing the current crazy trip I'm on, including a visit to Emily the elephant! 

Our headline story comes at the end, and is an attempt at a balanced look at the Plumes Official account. 

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Cincinnati Zoo, St. Louis Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, the Jacksonville Zoo, SeaLife Sydney, Greater Vancouver Zoo, Virginia Zoo, National Zoo, Reid...

Today, the Safari takes you to Cincinnati to hang out with us as we attend the joint ABMA/IAATE Conference! We talk about our zoo visits, goof around in a hotel room, make dumb jokes, and also dive into a lot of the training discussions that spoke to us all. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@theabma 

theabma.org

@_iaate_ 

iaate.org 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

@rossifari 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari 

Dateline: April 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 discussing the crazy trip I've been on.

Our headline story is a deep look at how governments can affect zoos and aquariums featuring a lot of information about Capron Park Zoo.

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from the Philadelphia Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo, EAZA, and more. 

Conservation News stories include a a look at how governments can affect conservation work in a v...

Today, the Safari heads back to Wildlife World Zoo to catch up with our dear friend Delaney. We discuss her new role as the face of the zoo's social media, what she has learned in the role, and so much more. Of course, we also talk about the amazing animals she takes care of, catch up on what's going on with the crew at Shipwreck Cove, and get into a fight or two. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@wildlifeworldzoo on socials 

wildlifeworld.com 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

Rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari to sup...

Today, the Safari reports on all we experienced at the AZA Midyear meeting. From presenting for SAFE Red Panda and SAFE Tree Kangaroo to discussing some of the panels we attended to being shocked about live karaoke at the ice breaker, there's a lot to cover! 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari engages in a PODSWAP! This is my episode with Rick Schwartz, formerly of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and now an independent wildlife educator and podcaster! Catch up with Rick to find out what led to this career change, what the future may hold, and so much more! Truly an inspiring guest! 

EPISODE LINKS:

@zoologyrick 

@animalsnatureandyou

zoologyrick.com

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

@rossifari 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: March 20, 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 discussing the trip I'm currently on, what it means for the next few weeks of the pod, the movie Hoppers, and more! 

Then we do a deep dive into the Top Ten Zoos in the Country, according to USA Today.  We look at additional topics of interest including Top Ten Zoo Memberships, Top Ten Zoo Exhibits, and Top Ten Wildlife Safari Parks. 

We also discuss some...

Today, the Safari heads to Topeka for a fun chat with Shanna Simpson, curator and safety aficionado! We talk about a large range of topics pertaining to her career, from orca and dolphin training to inspiring her daughter to follow in her footsteps, and so much more! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@topekazoo on socials 

topekazoo.org 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 

Dateline: March 13, 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 discussing the trip I'll be heading out on this evening. LOTS of exciting content coming your way from it! 

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from the Wild Discovery Park, Saint Louis Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom, The Wilds, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Columbus Zoo, Turtle Back Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, Como Park Zoo, The Living Desert, Woodland Par...

Today, the Safari heads back to the Millbrook School to visit the Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo! This episode contains three mini-interviews (minterviews)...one with Max, one of the head student curators at the zoo...one with Lucy, Selina, and Evelyn, three students who traveled half way around the world to attend a boarding school with a zoo...and one with Dr. Alan Tousignant, the Director of the zoo, in which he walks us through the Master Plan for the next phase of awesomeness at the zoo! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@trevorzoo on socials 

https://www.millbrook.org/tre...

It's time for another special episode of Rossifari Zoo News. This week, I'm joined again by Dr. Natalia Reagan to discuss the bonobo situation at the Memphis Zoo, and I also talk about the Protecting Local Zoos Act. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@natalia13reagan on socials 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari 

@rossifari on socials

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari heads back to Lehigh Valley Zoo to chat with educator Cassidy and hoofstock keeper Shawn! We talk training, favorite animals, and all kinds of good stuff.  

EPISODE LINKS: 

lvzoo.org 

@lvzoo 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod