Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation

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 

It's time for a Rossifari Zoo News Special Edition all about Punch the monkey! What kind of animal is he? What should we think about what we've seen from his home zoo? How are primatologists and conservationists looking at this story? We dive in deep with Dr. Natalia Reagan, a primatologist and comedian! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@natalia13reagan on socials 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari 

@rossifari on socials

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari returns to Escondido, CA, for an incredible visit with Hillary Hankey! She's taken Avian Behavior International and changed it into a non-profit organization, Avian Behavior Conservancy...and we discuss what that change looks like and so many more incredible topics related to training, free-flight bird experiences, and so much more. Zoë jumps on to ask some deep questions as well! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@avianbehavior on socials 

avian-behavior.org 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

rossifari.com 

Patreon.com/rossifari to suppor...

Dateline: February 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 our Project for Awesome submission for the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program and talking about the upcoming week in my life.

Our headline story is a loving and rambling farewell to Morobe the tree kangaroo.

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from the Louisville Zoo, Tanganyika Wildlife Park, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Chattanooga Zoo, Oakland Zoo, the Toronto Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Sedgwick County Zo...

Hello lovers! Today, the Safari heads to the Aquarium of Niagara to discuss penguin love and breeding with Abby Pietrow! We discuss what happens when the Humboldt penguin SSP sent a new penguin to the aquarium in the hopes of it finding love, and how the animal care staff can help that situation out. We also discuss a very special relationship in Abby's life. Enjoy our Valentine's Day special! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

aquariumofniagara.org 

@aqniagara on socials 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 
patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 
rossifari.com 
@rossifari on soci...

VOTE FOR THE TKCP: https://projectforawesome.com/videos/tree-kangaroo-conservation-program-p4-a-2026

DONATIONS HERE: https://gofund.me/68db48f65

Dateline: February 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 our Project for Awesome submission for the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program, and how you can help by voting! 

We have TWO headline stories this week. First we discuss the environmental impact of these trendy AI "drawings" going around the web right now. Then we talk abou...

Today, I have the distinct honor of bringing you my interview with one of my biggest heroes, Dr. Lisa Dabek, a true pioneer in tree kangaroo conservation. We talk about her illustrious career, dive into the work the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program is doing, talk about plush tree kangaroos, and share a lot of laughs along the way. The best part is, this episode shares a few ways that YOU can help the TKCP! 

EPISODE LINKS:

@treekangaroosafe 

@woodlandparkzoo 

@treekangarooconservation 

treekangaroo.org

zoo.org

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

...

Dateline: February 6, 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 my life and a really cool project I got to work on that could hopefully help with tree kangaroo conservation.

Then we head to our headline story, discussing the recent story from China where a woman tried to take a selfie with a snow leopard and ended up getting attacked. Dr. Imogen Cancellare, the best name I've ever had on the podcast, joins us to discuss th...

Today, the Safari heads across the pond to the UK to share an incredible story about a zookeeper hand-rearing two gorillas at the Bristol Zoo! Alan Toyne shares some of the amazing stories from this incredible time, and what it was like turning that story into his engaging book, "Gorillas In Our Midst." 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 
patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 
rossifari.com 
@rossifari on socials 
@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Dateline: January 30, 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 do a deep dive on the controversial facility Sloth World, opening soon in Orlando, Florida. Our expert guide for this topic is Sam Trull, the director of The Sloth Institute, who is passionate and very, very well educated on the topic of sloths. 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 
patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod 
rossifari.com 
@rossifari on socials 
@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Today, the Safari visits Australia (virtually, anyway) for our second full episode featuring Ren Howell...except she's got a new name, a new kid, a new job, and the same ability to get goofy with me!  I'd say more, but I don't have to...it's Ren, so you're listening! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@reneehowell18 on Insta 

@sealifesydney on Insta 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

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

Dateline: January 23, 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 my life and a new partnership with The Faunary! 

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Smithsonian's National Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Kansas City Zoo, Audubon Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo, Bronx Zoo, Mesker Park Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo, Topeka Zoo, Manor Wildlife Park, Erie Zoo, The Sacramento Zoo, and more.

Conservation News stories include me complaining about AI again, plus a cool genome discovery, gre...

Today, the Safari heads down to East Carolina University to chat with Dr. Jeffrey Skibins about how the study of conservation psychology can apply to zoos and aquariums! Some of the topics we address include: 

- Is it better to see animals in the wild or at a zoo when hoping to inspire conservation action? 

- A surprising story about messaging around palm oil. 

- What traits determine whether an animal is charismatic, as the word is used in the field? 

- Why do people visit zoos only to feel bad abou...

Dateline: January 16, 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 my life and upcoming shows and such.

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Dallas World Aquarium, Oklahoma City Zoo, Memphis Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Little Rock Zoo, Chester Zoo, Altina Wildlife Park, Australia Zoo, Cape May County Zoo, North Carolina Zoo, Columbus Zoo, the ABMA, and so much more! 

Conservation News stories include a new Fahlo bracelet, a h...

Today, the Safari sits down with Cassandra Ray to discuss what ethical conservation travel looks like. We talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of an industry that can do a lot of good when it's done right, and a lot of bad when it isn't. 

EPISODE LINKS: 

@cassanimaladventures on socials 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

@rossifari on socials 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod

Dateline: January 9, 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 my life for the past month including visits to the San Diego Zoo, SDZ Safari Park, Avian Behavior Conservancy, and more! 

Then it's time for Zoo News stories from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Phoenix Zoo, ZooAtlanta, Nashville Zoo, Paignton Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Zoo Knoxville, the North Carolina Zoo, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Tanganyika Wilfdlife Park, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, and more! 

Cons...

Today the Safari heads back to Elmwood Park Zoo to catch up with some of the ambassador department...and the animals that serve as ambassadors at the zoo! You get to hear me meet a skunk, opossum, and one of the bald eagles that is an official live mascot of the Philadelphia Eagles! Learn what goes into training these animals and so much more in a series of three minterviews! 

EPISODE LINKS: 

elmwoodparkzoo.org 

@elmwoodparkzoo 

ROSSIFARI LINKS: 

rossifari.com 

@rossifari 

@rossifaripod on TikTok 

Patreon...