Ellen Vossekuil
Ellen works as a zoo keeper and swim lesson instructor trainer. She has a unique perspective on animal care, using zoo techniques to inspire better lives for domestic animals and family pets. She is also an expert on swim lessons for children and adults, and runs a blog for instructors and parents on a variety of aquatic topics. As a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, she also writes for Yahoo! Sports.
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- Page Views
- 306,278
- Content
- 174
- Fans
- 68
- Contributor since
- 2/2/2011
Education/Experience
BA Biology, minors in Chemistry and Psycology. Red Cross WSI, LGI and WSIT certification.Interests
Swimming, swim lessons, lifeguarding, zoos, animals, animal training, books, NFL, Green Bay PackersAffiliations
SLCSwimmers
Featured Content (1 of 1)
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Displaying Results 1 - 174 (of 174) for All Content
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Keeping Track of Your Pet's Medications: Tips from a ZookeeperUse zookeeper tips for keeping track of your pet's medications -
10 Charities Started by AthletesTen famous athletes use their money and influence to start charitable foundationsAlso published on: -
Oregon Zoo's Elephant Calf: Understanding Zoo Breeding AgreementsZoo breeding agreements play a key role in where the new calf will live out her life.Also published on:
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Moving to a Small Apartment with a Big DogIf you've got to move your large dog into a smaller space, follow these pointers. -
Teaching an Old Dog New TricksConsiderations for training adult and elderly dogs -
Pet Enrichment with Pumpkins: Tips from a ZookeeperIdeas for pumpkin enrichment for your pets! -
Making a Relationship Work Between a Cat-Person and a Dog-PersonCan a dog person and a cat person live together in harmony? -
How to Keep Your Dog's Routine During TravelHelp keep your dog on a routine during vacation, no matter how you travel. -
Keeping Zoo Animals Cool: Tips for Your Own PetsUse zookeeper tips for keeping your own pets cool this summer. -
Hot Weather Hydration for Cats: Get Your Cat to Drink More WaterIncrease your cat's water intake during the hot months of summer -
Fan’s Guide to the 2012 Olympics Aquatics CentreA fan's guide to the brand new London Aquatics Centre.
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Fan’s Guide to Hyde Park: Olympic Venue for 2012 Marathon Swim and TriathlonA swim fan's guide to Hyde Park in London. -
DIY Swimming Lessons: Teach Your Child to Do a Back FloatTips and techniques for teaching your child to float on their back. -
Five Milestones Your Puppy Should Reach by Age TwoMilestones your puppy will pass on the way to becoming an adult dog -
Top Three Dog Food Ingredients to AvoidAvoid these three dog food ingredients for a healthy dog! -
Five Ways to Energize Your Senior DogSimple steps to add some pep in your senior dog's step. -
Four Superfoods for DogsEasily add these simple superfoods to your dog's diet for optimal health! -
Five Holistic Lifestyle Tips for Families with PetsFive tips for both humans and pets for living a holistic lifestyle.
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Keep Your Snake CoolTips for keeping your pet snake cool during the hot summer months
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Why Vitality is Important For Your DogA definition of "vitality" as it relates to your dog's health, well-being and quality of life.
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Keep Your Dog from Stealing FoodStrategies for preventing your dog from stealing food.
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Does Your Dog Need a Tartar Control Diet?Does your dog need a tartar-control diet for good dental health?
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How We Treated Our Dog's Grass AllergyOur Newfie was allergic to grass. This is how we managed his allergy.
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Cure Dog Diarrhea NaturallyIf your dog has infrequent bouts of diarrhea, you can use some natural cures to help him feel better.
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Don't Ignore Your Dog's Broken ToothThere can be dire consequences for ignoring your dog's broken tooth.
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Dog Food Ingredients for a Healthy CoatWhat ingredients in dog food give your dog's coat that lustrous sheen?
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Carrots for Dogs: The Benefits of Beta Carotene and Vitamin ABeta-carotene and vitamin A are essential for a healthy dog.
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Fate of Remaining Zanesville Animals Shows Gaps in New Exotics LawThe state must legally return the surviving Zanesville animals to Thompson's widow. Why is there no system in place for checking on her facilities before turning over the animals?
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Bring Your Dog to the PartyWant to be a good dog owner and a great guest? These tips will help you merge your social life with your doggie life.
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Scent Enrichment for Your Dog: Tips from a ZookeeperOptions for scent enrichment for your dog.
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Train Your Dog for Veterinary Visits: Nine Behaviors to Teach Your DogNine behaviors to teach your dog that will make a vet visit much less stressful!
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Enrichment for Goats: Ideas from the Petting ZooIdeas for goat enrichment inspired by petting-zoo keepers
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Is it Ever OK to Get Your Child a Pet Rabbit for Easter?It might be a great time for a new pet, but you must be ready to be a responsible pet owner.
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Pregnancy and Pet ReptilesThe risks of reptiles to pregnant women and precautions to protect yourself.
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Save the Dates: Who Needs Them?Do you need to send your guests a Save The Date card?
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Pit Bull Spay/neuter Proposal in Ventura, CA is a Good Start, Needs to Go FurtherNew law is a good start to curb pit bull populations, but enforcement could be an issue
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Medicating Your Pet: Tips from a ZookeeperTips for getting medication into your pet.
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How to Include Your Pets in Your WeddingEven if your pets can't be at your wedding, you can still include them in your big day.
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Five Ways to Keep Your Cat Active While You're AwayKeep your cat occupied while you are at work or school.
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Why You and Your Significant Other Should Both Take Your Puppy to Training ClassesAll humans in the household need to be on the same page when it comes to training your new puppy.
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Positive Training Techniques for Zoo Animals and PetsHow zoo animal training can be used with your dog.
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Nutritional Tips for Senior DogsWhy do senior dogs have different nutritional needs?
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How to Brush Your Dog's TeethThe proper way to brush your dog's teeth
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How I Use Pinterest to Plan My WeddingSome tips for using Pinterest as a wedding-planning tool.
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Valentine's Day Activities for You and Your DogThings to do with the furry love of your life on Valentine's Day
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How to Deal With a Bossy BridesmaidThe types of bossy bridesmaids and how to get them to back off.
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Crate Train Your KittenWant to avoid the hassle of a cat who hates to get in the carrier? Crate train your kitten!
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Get Your New Puppy to EatHow to tell if your puppy likes her new food, or if you need to make a switch.
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Importance of Fiber in Your Dog's DietWhy fiber is important to you dog's diet, how to judge if your dog needs more fiber, and ways to add fiber to your dog's diet.
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Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Raw ChickenRaw chicken is a great food source for your dog.
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Healthy Teeth for Dogs: Minerals and VitaminsMinerals and vitamins essential for your dog's oral health
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How to Make a PVC Puzzle Feeder for Your DogEasy instructions for making a PVC puzzle feeder for your pet.
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Recession-Proof Your Love Life: Budget Dating Ideas for 2012Budget dating ideas for the new year.
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A House Divided by Football: Fan’s PerspectiveYou and your spouse religiously follow two different NFL teams. How to survive the season.Also published on:
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When to Leave Your Dog at HomeYour dog doesn't need to run errands with you. Leave your dog at home!
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Exercising Your Pet Reptile: SwimmingExercise your pet reptile by taking them swimming
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A dog's first day at homeTips for settling in with your new shelter dog.
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Finding the Perfect Plus Size Wedding DressA plus sized girl finds a solution to the wedding-dress drama
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The Real Cost of the Christmas PuppyA breakdown of the costs associated with owning a puppy for the first year.
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Wedding Invitation Trends for Spring 2012Unique ideas for wedding invitations for spring weddings in 2012
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Green Bay Packers Release Stock Sale Information: A Fan's PerspectiveGreen Bay Packers release information on their stock sale.
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5 Things NOT to Say to a Bride-to-BeDon't utter these five phrases when talking to a bride-to-be.
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A Thanksgiving Meal for Your DogWant Fido to be included in the family meal? What you can feed your dog for Thanksgiving.
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The Best Substrate for Your Pet SnakeThe best bedding choices for your pet snake
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Why Tranquilizers Would Not Have Worked in Zanesville: A Zookeeper's PerspectiveThere are several reasons why tranquilizers were not the answer in the Zanesville, Ohio animal escapes.
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Tips for Picking Organic Dog FoodHow to pick a good quality organic dog food
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Packers Beat Chargers in a Nail-Biting Finish: Fan PerspectivePackers beat Chargers in Week 9
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Ingredients to Avoid in Conventional Dog FoodSome ingredients to watch out for when choosing a pet food.
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Proper Nutrition Vital for Healthy DogsA proper diet for your dog will lead to fewer vet bills and a longer, happier life.
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Cold Weather Care for Indoor PetsCaring for reptiles, birds, and small mammals during the winter months.
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Keeping Records on Pets and Zoo AnimalsZoos keep detailed records on all their animals. How can pet owners follow their lead to take the best care of their own animals?
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Top Five Green Bay Packers Jerseys to WearCurrent pick for your favorite Green Bay Packers jerseys.
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14 Ways to Get Your Old Dog to EatWhen your senior dog's appetite starts to wane, use these techniques to get them chowing down again.
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Best Packers Gear for Your Dog: Fan's PickDog gear for Packers fans.
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Setting Expectations for Your BridesmaidsSetting expectations for your bridesmaids can keep you from having wedding drama.
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Ohio Sheriff's Department Reacted Appropriately to Exotic Animal EscapesThe blame for the high animal death count does not lie with the law enforcement officials.
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Packers as a Whole Don't Look like a 6-0 Team: Fan's PerspectiveGreen Bay Packers still need to improve even with a 6-0 record.
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Natural Versus Conventional Dog Food: What's the Difference?What makes a dog food "natural" and how is it different than regular dog food?
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When and Why to Switch to Senior Dog FoodWhen should you start feeding your dog a senior dog food?
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Five Reasons to Feed a Natural Dog FoodWhy should you feed your dog a natural dog food?
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NFL approves potential Packers' stock sale: Fan perspectivePackers' fans are excited about potential stock sale
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Natural Dog Food Ingredients: Why Does My Dog Need That?A look at some of the nutritional components in natural dog food ingredients.
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Six Questions to Ask when Purchasing a Pet SnakeAsking these questions will help you find a snake that is easiest to care for.
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Packers head coach unhappy with sack numbers: A fan's perspectiveFan's perspective on high sack numbers and why it's going to get better this season
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Enrichment Options for Pet RodentsWays to entertain your pet rodent.
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Why Pets and Zoo Animals Need Regular WeighingWhether an orangutan or a guinea pig, tracking an animal's weight can help us manage their health for the better.
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Bird Body Condition: Feeling the KeelFeeling your bird's keel is a great way to determine the proper body condition and healthy weight of your feathered friend.
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Zookeeper: A Career of Many SciencesA zookeeper is a scientist, but we don't stick to just one field!
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5 Creative Couples Costumes for HalloweenCouples costumes offer partners the chance to get creative together, but can easily wander into the cheesy category. If you and your significant other would like to dress up together, here are five creative ideas for couples costumes.
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Cardboard Box Halloween CostumesMake your own costume from cardboard boxes.
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Pet Feeding Times: Variable Feeding Schedules in Pets and Zoo AnimalsConsider implementing a variable feeding schedule for your pet's meals.
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No More Homeless Pets in Utah: Pet Adoption Leads to One Spoiled CatFirst Person pet adoption story.
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Animal Hoarding Implicated in Death of 14-Year-OldAnimal hoarding may have caused the death of teenager in a Chicago suburb.
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Water Workouts: My Weekly Fitness RoutineA schedule for weekly workout sessions centered around water.
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Packers beat Saints 42-34. Fan perspectivePackers need to work on defense to defend Superbowl title
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When Should I Feed My Dog?Comparisons of free-feeding vs scheduled meals, and suggestions for when to feed your dog.
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Dog Nutrition: Calculate the Protein in Your Dog FoodDogs need high quality protein to thrive. How do you calculate how much protein is in your dog's food?
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Antioxidants for DogsDoes my dog need antioxidants?
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Snake EnrichmentSnakes kept in captivity need novelty in order to live full lives. Here are some ideas for keeping your snake entertained.
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Dog Training: Teach Your Dog to ReadYes, your dog can learn to read! Five steps to teach your dog to read.
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Visiting Yellowstone for the First TimeDon't pass by some of the lesser-known Yellowstone gems.
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Packers launch new fan site, complete with bar finder for out-of-state fansPackers Everywhere allows fans to find "Packer Bars" all over the country and connect with other fans.
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Packer's RB James Stark goes gluten-free, joins other pro-athletes: Fan's takePacker's RB James Stark goes gluten-free.
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Tiger Attacks BarrelTiger at the Cheyenne Moutain Zoo in Colorado Springs, CO shows off his hunting prowess
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Fan's perspective: Packers head to White House, fulfill Woodson's promisePackers will visit the White House on their way to Cleveland for preseason opener.
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Packers re-sign FB John Kuhn, using their salary money wisely: Fan's takeKuhn re-signs with Green Bay Packers.
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Fan perspective: Lambeau Field improvement plans unveiled at shareholder's meetingPackers' fans don't want too many updates to Lambeau Field.
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Fan reaction: How football could help heal WisconsinThe NFL lockout is over. What this could mean for Packers' fans and the state of Wisconsin.
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Does My Dog Need a Life Jacket?Don't forget your furry friend when outfitting your family for safe water fun.
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Dog Training: Stress-Free Nail ClippingUse positive reinforcement techniques to take the hassle out of trimming your dog's nails.
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What Do Lions and Tigers Eat in the Zoo?Zoo questions answered by a zookeeper.
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Fennec Foxes: Do They Make Good Pets?Is this new exotic pet craze good for your family?
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Cost of Raw Food Diet for CatsA raw food diet for your cat may not be as expensive as you think, and can save hundreds on vet bills.
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Beginner Bondage: What to Do when Your Partner Wants to Tie You UpYour lover wants to tie you up. Where do you start?
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Keep Your Dog from Jumping Using an Incompatible BehaviorTraining techniques used on Victoria Stillwells TV show "It's Me Or The Dog" helped curb a bad jumping problem in my friend's pit bull.
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Keep Pets Safe from WildlifeCougars and coyotes and bears, oh my! Follow these safety tips to keep your pet safe from wildlife this summer.
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Zoo Animals and Fireworks: Keeping the Menagerie CalmHow do keepers keep zoo animals calm and safe during Fourth of July fireworks?
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Three Dog-Friendly Independence Day CelebrationsThree alternate Independence Day celebrations for dog owners who want to avoid fireworks displays and stressed-out dogs.
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DIY Swim Lessons for Kids: A Guide for ParentsA guide for parents who would like to teach their kids how to swim, from babies to school-age children.
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Safety Tips for Pool PartiesA pool party is a great way to celebrate in the heat of summer, but it comes with a unique set of safety considerations.
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Six Things Zookeepers Wish You KnewDon't risk being the type of zoo visitor that zookeepers love to hate!
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5 Ways to Add More Exercise to Your Dog's Daily RoutineHealthy dogs need daily exercise, which can sometimes be hard for a tired, busy dog owner. This article covers tips for adding more physical and mental activity into your dog's daily life.
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Heartworm Prevention for Dogs: Drugs Vs. Herbal TreatmentsPreventing heartworm in dogs is one of the most important responsibilities of a good dog owner. Research the pros and cons of various treatment methods.
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Lethargy in Older DogsHow do you tell if your older dog is slowing down due to illness or simple old age?
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5 Reasons Being a Zookeeper Will Make Me a Better ParentA humorous look the parenting skills I've picked up being a zoo keeper.
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Visiting National Parks: My Summer HobbyIn the four years I've lived in the "mountain west", I've tried to take advantage of being within driving distance of some of the best National Parks in our country.
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Summer in Salt Lake City: Utah Arts FestivalUtah Arts Festival is a Salt Lake City tradition that highlights the best of what summer in SLC is all about!
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Swimming Lessons: Passing to the Next LevelParents may be tempted to place their child in a higher swimming lesson level before they pass the current level. That may not be the best decision for your child, and can set them up for failure.
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Bowling for Rhinos in Salt Lake CityBowling for Rhinos is a fundraising event hosted by Utah's Hogle Zoo and the Utah Chapter AAZK. Money raised is sent to Africa and Indonesia for wildlife conservation.
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Mothering a Baby Orangutan: A Reintroduction Success StorySix years ago, a baby orangutan was rejected by her mother. Keepers worked hard to reintroduce mother and baby. This Mother's Day, one keeper reflects on the why the mother-child bond is so important, and how mom and child are doing today.
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Still Unemployed? Train to Be a LifeguardLife guarding isn't just for teenagers and college kids. It also offers many advantages for out-of-work adults. And if you should get lucky and manage to get a "real" job, you can always pick up extra hours lifeguarding!
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3 Surprisingly Great Animal MomsAnimal moms go the distance to raise their young
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The Most Delightful WayA woman wakes up to some strange sensations and events.
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Should You Stay in Your Long-Distance Relationship?Here are four questions to ask when deciding to stick with a long-distance relationship.
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Entertain Your Pets: Think like a ZookeeperEnrichment strategies used to keep zoo animals happy and healthy can be used at home to entertain your pets.
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Easter Basket Ideas for Your PetSafe, cheap Easter basket ideas for the animals in your home.
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Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies: BirdsWhat will you do with your pet bird in the event of a natural disaster? Tips, suggestions and considerations.
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10 Reasons Your Kids Need a PetPet ownership helps children develop skills such as compassion, nurturing, responsibility and physical fitness.
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5 Tips for Managing TeenagersTeenagers in the workplace pose several challenges for managers. This article covers some tips and considerations for managing teen employees.
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Party Center Pieces: Go Green!Centerpieces can be beautiful and good for the environment.
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Swim Lessons: Private Vs. Group LessonsHow to choose between private swim lessons and group swim lessons for your child.
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When to Quit Your JobQuitting your job may seem like a dumb move in this current market, but there are several situations in which it might be the best decision.
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In-Depth Interview QuestionsSituational interview questions will give employers a better understanding of a potential candidate's strengths and weaknesses.
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Effective Management: The 5 C'sThe Five C's of great managment are good starting points for effectively managing employees.
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Swim Lessons Reduce the Risk of Drowning in ChildrenStudy shows that formal swim lessons play an important role in drowning prevention.
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Green Birthday PartyTips and tricks for hosting a green birthday party.
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Before You Fire SomeoneFiring an employee will be much less stressful if you lay a foundation for good work performace. Doing the prepwork makes the actual termination go much more smoothly with as little drama as possible, and can protect the company at the same time.
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Does Your Local Zoo Have AZA Accreditation?An overview of AZA accreditation for zoos, and why it is important for zoo visitors to know.
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Emergency Preparedness for PetsWhat will you do with your pet in the event of a natural disaster? Tips, suggestions and considerations.
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Utah MicrobreweriesDespite it's weird liquor laws, Utah has a great selection of locally-brewed beer and beer pubs
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Swim Lessons for PreschoolersWhy your preschooler should take swim lessons, and what they will learn.
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Zoo Keepers: What Do They Do All Day?An overview of all the different tasks a zoo keeper, like myself, has to do.
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Keep Yourself Out of Trouble on FacebookFacebook can be dangerous for your job. Tips for keeping it safe.
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WAZA Organizes Donations for Japan's ZoosThe World Association of Zoos and Aquariums sets up donation site for the Japanese zoos and aquariums effected by the earthquake and tsunami.
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Summer Camps and Classes at Utah's Hogle ZooA list of summer camps and classes at Utah's Hogle Zoo, with guidelines for registration.
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How the Boobs Hijacked My Senior PromA story about a high school breakup, fantastic friends, and a too-tight dress.
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HB 210 'Feral Cat' Bill Dies in Utah SenateThe "feral cat" bill is replaced in the Senate by a new, more humane alternative.
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Becoming a Zookeeper: Hands-On ExperienceThis article is an overview of places to get hand-on experience necessary for a zookeeping job.
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Red Cross Swim Lessons: Level OneAn overview of the swimming skills taught in Red Cross Learn To Swim program Level One
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Becoming a Zoo Keeper: EducationWhat kind of education is required to become a zoo keeper?
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Goggles: Essential Sports Equipment for Swimming LessonsGoogles are essential when learning to swim properly. A guide to choosing good goggles and how to use them effectively.
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A Photo Tour Of Eastern State Penitentiary in PhiladelphiaPictures from our tour of Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. America's first penitentiary.
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Recycle Cell Phones, Help Gorillas!Cell phone recycling programs help highlight the connection between cell phones and gorilla conservation.
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College Graduation Gifts: Transition from Student to "Real Adult"Ten unique graduation gifts that will help launch student into the adult world.
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My Earth-Day Promise: Conservation Field Work, Here I ComeMy Earth Day promise to make our planet a better place
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Guest Connections at Utah's Hogle ZooHere is an explanation of the Guest Connection program at Utah's Hogle Zoo, with tips on how to increase the chance of participating.
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My Mt. Dew AddictionA seemingly harmless affinity for soft drinks could have dire consequences
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Utah "Feral Cat" Bill Torn Apart in Committe, Passes the HouseA proposed bill allowing the killing of feral cats is completely torn apart in a hearing on February 9th, but passes the house
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The Biggest Loser: Tips for Starting Your Own CompetitionA few points for starting a Biggest Loser competition of your own.
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Getting Ready for Swimming LessonsParents can help reduce anxiety of the first day of swimming lessons by following some basic steps for preparation.
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10 Free Ways to Reduce Your Carbon FootprintYou don't have to spend money to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
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Want to Be a Zookeeper? Five Places to Search for JobsThe five best places to search for a job in animal care at a zoo or wildlife park.
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Battle of the Dueling Piano Bars in Salt Lake City, UTSalt Lake City hosts two great dueling piano bars. A quick comparison will help patrons decide which one they would like to try.
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Fossil Hunter for a Day in Delta, UtahU-Dig Fossils offers some of the best trilobite collecting in Utah. Go on a fossil-hunt only 3 hours from Salt Lake City.