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Artwork for ZOOKEEPING 101

ZOOKEEPING 101

James Dennis
Conservation
Zoo Design
ABMA
Zoos
Mental Health
Animal Behavior Management Alliance
Education
Tomaskas
Zookeeping
Animal Welfare
Chester Zoo
Osteopathy
Lions
Public Engagement
Lighting
Nutrition In Zoos
Californian Sea Lion
Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park
Share Savvy
Zoo Conservation

This is Zookeeping 101, a zoo keeper podcast with aim to inspire and educate the community by getting the inner voice out there of what we actually do and what it truly takes to be a zoo keeper.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes195Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NatureScience

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for ZOOKEEPING 101

Latest Episodes

What A true honour to continue this year long journey into the world of the Tomaskas and the world of animal husbandry, Lighting consultancy and education.

ZOOKEEPING 101 shares many goals and values that Tomaskas stand for so we are very proud to d... more

The One Hundred and Seventieth episode incoming!!!

We dive into the world of animals which are 100% "not a bear" which live throughout our collections across the globe.

For this episode Samantha Peeke from Longleat takes us into the world of the Re... more

What A true honour to carry on this year long journey into the world of the ABMA and the world of the animal trainer. Welcome to episode 7.

ZOOKEEPING 101 shares many goals and values that the ABMA stand for so very proud to dive in head first to th... more

The One Hundred and Sixty Ninth episode incoming!!!

We dive into the world of the callitrichids and the amazing small primates which live throughout our collections across the globe.

For this episode Lizzie Humphries from Battersea Park Childrens Z... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Sam Peeke
Senior zookeeper at Longleat Safari Park, red panda specialist
Longleat Safari Park
Episode: Episode 170: Samantha Peeke from Longleat: Not Bears: The Red Panda.
Julie Grove
Zoological manager of ambassador animals at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Episode: ABMA Partnership Edition: Episode 7: Julie Grove: The ABMA committees, member benefits and when it comes to training Asking for help?
Abbi Wheeler
Senior Keeper at Longleat Safari Park, passion for cotton-top tamarins
Longleat Safari Park
Episode: Episode 168: Abbi Wheeler from Longleat: Callitrichids: Cotton Top Tamarin
Alice Hudson
Senior mammal keeper, Jersey Zoo (calatricids specialist)
Jersey Zoo / Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Episode: Episode 167: Alice Hudson from Jersey Zoo: Callitrichids: Black Lion Tamarin’s and pied tamarin.
Anna Cowen Hubbard
Education and Experience Keeper at Shaldon Wildlife Trust
Shaldon Wildlife Trust
Episode: Episode 166: Anna Cowen - Hubbard from Shaldon Wildlife Trust: Callitrichids: The Golden Lion Headed Tamarin.
Alan Woodward
Veteran zookeeper with 50+ years in the industry
Former Chester Zoo staff; instructor at Rees Heath College
Episode: Episode 165: Alan Woodward: Legends within the Industry.
Jackie Squires
Zoo nutritionist at Marwell Zoo, part of the animal science team
Marwell Zoo
Episode: Episode 164: Jackie Squires from Marwell Wildlife : Nutrition is a big deal.
Niamh Randall
Animal nutritionist, Chester Zoo (transitioning to lead keeper at Hogshore Farm and Wildlife Park)
Chester Zoo; Hogshore Farm and Wildlife Park
Episode: Episode 162: Niamh Randall formerly of Chester zoo : Nutrition is a big deal.
Kerry Hunt
Nutritional lead for Sea Life
Sea Life
Episode: Episode 161: Kerry Hunt from Sealife UK: Nutrition is a big deal.

Host

James Dennis
Host and presenter of the show (consistent across episodes)

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 45 ratings
  • Fascinating

    A great listen even for us non-zookeepers! Fascinating and full of great insights and fun behind-the-scenes stories from some of the best in the business. Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Shooternickw
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Incredible podcast

    Just wanted to say thank you so much for this podcast, James. This podcast has played a major role in inspiring me to go back to school, and start volunteering at a wildlife rehab, in the hopes to be a zookeeper one day. I love every episode and all the valuable information it brings. Thank you so much!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Meeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrr
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great insight into the industry!

    Great podcast for anybody interested in the workings of the zoo & aquarium industry. Full of diverse guests of all ranks and roles with interesting stories.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    danielclark96
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the mix of field stories and professional development discussions, with a strong emphasis on community and mentorship.
Guests consistently deliver practical, hands-on insights that are immediately useful for daily zookeeping.
The show is valuable for people looking to break into the industry or deepen CPD and networking knowledge.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#98
United Kingdom/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#110
Italy/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#220
Australia/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#58
Hong Kong/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#71
Denmark/Science/Nature
Apple Podcasts
#113
Taiwan/Science/Nature

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 170: Samantha Peeke from Longleat: Not Bears: The Red Panda.
Q: Can you describe the mentors and course leaders who shape the training path you followed and how they influenced your approach to red pandas?
The mentors and guest speakers are described as the creme de la creme of animal trainers, whose insights broaden understanding of training techniques, animal welfare, and practical field applications. Their guidance helped me refine my approach to crate training, target training, and veterinary examinations, making me a better advocate for the animals and for staff collaboration.
Episode 170: Samantha Peeke from Longleat: Not Bears: The Red Panda.
Q: Would you encourage others to pursue formal training and education in zookeeping, and what are the key benefits?
Yes, pursuing formal training is highly valuable because it provides structured learning, access to industry experts, and a framework for best practices in training, enrichment, and welfare. It also offers networking opportunities and ongoing professional support that can elevate a keeper's capabilities throughout their career.
Tomaskas Partnership Edition: Episode 4: A look behind what makes the team what it is: Lilian Edition with Tomaskas.
Q: Is there something you tell yourself every single day, a mantra that guides you?
Lilian describes a fluctuating daily mindset but emphasizes pausing to appreciate what's around you and recalling gratitude for what you've accomplished. She notes that reminding oneself why they do this work helps navigate difficult days, and staying grounded in purpose keeps motivation alive.
Tomaskas Partnership Edition: Episode 4: A look behind what makes the team what it is: Lilian Edition with Tomaskas.
Q: What are the benefits and differences between big zoos and small zoos, and how has that shaped your work at Tomaskas?
She explains that big zoos offer abundant learning and rapid exposure to knowledgeable colleagues, with more compartmentalization between departments, while smaller zoos provide a more personal, hands-on environment with closer interactions with visitors. Both contexts contribute complementary skills, from broad collaboration to direct, one-on-one engagement, and she stresses the value of adapting workshops and communications to fit different scales.
Tomaskas Partnership Edition: Episode 4: A look behind what makes the team what it is: Lilian Edition with Tomaskas.
Q: Do you have a top tip for our listeners on the mental health and well-being side?
Lilian emphasizes simple, practical practices like spending time with plants, outdoor activity, and humor as means to uplift mood. She highlights the importance of taking opportunities to smile or share a joke, even if it seems silly, as a daily mental health boost.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About ZOOKEEPING 101

What is ZOOKEEPING 101 about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, practitioner-focused show that centers on zookeeping as a hands-on profession. Across recent episodes, guests explore CPD and professional development, conference culture, networking, and practical husbandry—from venomous reptiles and beaded lizards to lighting for animal welfare and immersive zoo design. Episodes frequently highlight real-world challenges, career pathways, collaboration across zoos and colleges, and the human side of working in the field, including mental health, community building, and public engagement. The format often blends field reports, case studies, and lessons learned, making it valuable for current staff and aspiring keepers seeking actionable insights and industry context.

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Which podcasts are similar to ZOOKEEPING 101?

These podcasts share a similar audience with ZOOKEEPING 101:

1. Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation
2. Desert Island Discs
3. Evil Genius with Russell Kane
4. The Zoology Ramblings Podcast
5. Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

How many episodes of ZOOKEEPING 101 are there?

ZOOKEEPING 101 launched 3 years ago and published 195 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on ZOOKEEPING 101?

Recent guests on ZOOKEEPING 101 include:

1. Sam Peeke
2. Julie Grove
3. Abbi Wheeler
4. Alice Hudson
5. Anna Cowen Hubbard
6. Alan Woodward
7. Jackie Squires
8. Niamh Randall

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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