Aquarium of the Podcific – Details, episodes & analysis

We know we've been gone for so long, but it's for a good reason! Catch up on all of the amazing conservation the Aquarium has done this year with Johanna Hultberg, Conservation Manager of Fish & Invertebrates.

Episode resources:

• Transcript
• Follow @podcific on Instagram!
• Email us at podcific@lbaop.org
• Tidewater gobies news story
• Learn more about the Aquarium's conservation efforts on our website

Today's episode features Robin Riggs, a charter volunteer and photographer at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Robin, who has been volunteering since before the Aquarium opened, captures stunning images of our animals. She discusses her transition from film to digital photography, the challenges of photographing animals in various exhibits, and the importance of animal welfare. 

Episode resources:

• Follow @podcific on Instagram!
• Transcript
• 25th Anniversary Staff Photo Contest Winners
• Photographers Night (join us every October!)

Enrichment is the word of the week! We are joined by two animal enrichment experts, Alex Lasser-Gold and Alex Bohardt, aka Mammal Alex and Fish Alex. Lasser-Gold (Mammal Alex) is a Mammalogist II and Enrichment Coordinator, and Bohardt (Fish Alex) is our Manager of Aquatic Sustainability. Both have extensive knowledge of enrichment for animals that live above water, below water, and those that spend time in between.

Episode Transcript

Everyone is talking about axolotls, but what exactly are these fascinating animals, and how do we care for them? We are joined by Animal Care Specialist America Sahagun who cares for our axolotl squad at the Aquarium to discuss these "water dogs"

We also discuss our newest exhibit, FROGS: Facing a Changing World, which is open now!

Episode Transcript

Are they animals? Are they plants? What exactly are corals and why are they important? Aquarist Jay takes us to coral school and discusses his role in coral conservation.

Episode Transcript 

Relevant links:

Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities

Helping to Restore a Coral Reef in Saipan

Today's episode is all about the Aquarium's Ambassador Birds! These animals live behind the scenes and come out for presentations like Birds Shorts, which happen daily in our Honda Pacific Visions Theater. We are joined by Aviculturist Heather who teaches us about the different types of birds she cares for, their stories, and helps us interview our first non-human guest.

Episode Transcript

On today's episode, we are joined by Environmental Services Supervisor Keisha Leonard to learn all about how her and her team keep the Aquarium squeaky clean. Keisha has been a part of our Aquarium for almost 20 years and shares some of her favorite memories along the way.

Episode Transcript

Welcome back to Aquarium of the Podcific! We are off to a ray-ly good start this season with Aquarist Sarah Nevarez. Sarah talks about her experience caring for the aquarium's rays, their behaviors, feeding, enrichment activities, and personalities. 

Episode Transcript

We're *almost* back for another season of Aquarium of the Podcific! Our ten-episode season begins rolling out on April 30, 2024. This season covers animals like stingrays, axolotls, birds, and more! Plus, you'll get an in-depth look into Aquarium operations, veterinary care, and conservation programs. Sea you April 30th!

Click here for transcript

This week we talk to Podcific's own Erin Lundy all about the mountain yellow-legged frog! Leaping into conservation efforts to aid in the recovery of this species, the Aquarium of the Pacific built a lab space to care for these critically endangered amphibians native to California’s mountain regions.

Episode Transcript

Learn more about the Aquarium's mountain yellow-legged frog conservation efforts on our website.