Voices for Conservation
Voices for Conservation is a podcast series highlighting the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium community members and the conservation issues that matter to them. We focus on learning about our team members to build understanding and belonging. Voices for Conservation is hosted by the Volunteer Engagement team at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Episodes
40 episodes
Getting to know Senior Guides Cassidy, Quill, and Ren
In this episode, Stacey sits down with three senior members of our Youth Leadership Development team and chats about their experiences as volunteers and their goals for beyond PDZA.
Kelp Conservation with Mark and Heidi
On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chatted with Staff Biologist Mark M and Dive Safety Officer Heidi about PDZA's involvement in kelp conservation. We learned about PDZA's work in kelp cultivation and our efforts to ...
Chatting with the Eye to Eye Shark Dive Team
On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey sits down with Cameron T. and Jackie K. from the Eye to Eye Shark Dive Team to chat about their roles within the aquarium and some of their favorite shark dive stories.
Celebrating Zoolights with Justin and Sam
On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina sit down with Facilities Lead Sam M. and Visitor Services Supervisor Justin C . to chat about their roles and their favorite things about Zoolights.
Animal Health Care with Dr. Karen Wolf, Head Veterinarian
We were excited to chat with Doctor Karen about her journey toward becoming a vet and her experiences caring for the endangered American Red Wolf.
Chatting with ZEED Director Alan V.
On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey chats with ZEED Director Alan V. about what it's like to run not one, but two, Zoological parks and the path that brought him here.
2025 Volunteer Award Winners
In this episode, Stacey sits down with our with three of our 2025 Volunteer Award Winners:2025 Unsung Hero Award: Chris F.2025 Rookie of the Year: Aquaria A.2025 Brightman Achievement Award Winner: Kristina D.
All About Bugs with Jessie S.
In this episode, we chatted with Jessie S. from the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theater about her journey to the zoo world, her passion for bugs, and why bug conservation is so important. Additional ResourcesTerres...
Filtration and Life Support with Katie and Sabrina
In this episode, we chatted with Katie M. and Sabrina B. from our Life Support Systems team about how our Life Support Team keeps the water flowing to two aquariums and numerous animal habitats around zoo grounds. .
Motivational empathy with guest Nicole M.
On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, we dive back into empathy with a focus on how zoos & aquariums can support conservation action by stimulating motivational empathy in our guests. Special guest Interpretive Programs Specialist Nic...
Red Wolf Staff Biologist Jamie O.
In this staff chat, we talk with staff biologist Jamie O. and her experiences in the Red Wolf Program.
Species Survival Plans (SSP) and Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE)
On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey chats with Curator Natalie D. and Aquarist Mark M. about their involvement in the Red Wolf SSP and the Sunflower Star SAFE program.
Unique stories from Front Gate team members Christie W. and Diamond G.
On this staff chat, Stacey talks with Front Gate Leads Christie and Diamond about their journey to PDZA and some of the unique stories from the Front Gate.
Plant Conservation with Lead Horticulturist Bryon J.
On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, Stacey is joined by Lead Horticulturist Bryon J.
Evolution of the TRA with Aquarium Cindy K. and Bruce J.
On this Staff Chat, Stacey chats with Aquarist Cindy K. and Volunteer Bruce J. about their experiences in the newly remodeled Tropical Reef Aquarium.
Corals around the world
On this episode of Breaks for Conservation, Philina talks about corals, why we care about corals, and chats with Amy H. and Mette H. about designing the Coral Up Close exhibit in Tropical Reef Aquarium. Supplemental ma...
2024 Volunteer Supervisors of the Year
In this special Staff Chat, Stacey chats with 2024 Supervisors of the Year Suzanne Akerman and Laura Rynberg.
2024 Volunteer Award Winners
In this episode, Stacey sits down with our six 2024 Volunteer Award Winners.2024 Rising Star Award: Shelby R. and Walt B.2024 Unsung Hero Award: Tony C. and Jackie C.C.2024 Rookie of the Year: Bob Y. 2024 Bright...
Climate Fatigue and Burnout
In this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chat about burnout, fatigue, and how Zoo professionals get a double dose of both from both climate change and zoo work. Burnout and Fatigue Resources and F...
Animal Health Care with Bianca and Dr. Cassidy
In this staff chat, Stacey sits down with two members of our Animal Health Care team, Vet Tech Bianca M. and Dr. Cassidy S.
Learning about Shark Conservation with Cindy K.
On this episode of Voices for Conservation, Stacey and Philina chat about the Shark and Ray SAFE, Sharks and Rays Awareness Day, and how we can support oceanic sharks. Stacey also chats with Aquarist Cindy K. about how PDZA cares for our sharks...
