Ep 37 - Inside the AZFA: Design, Environment and Aquatic Exhibit Care

What happens when the worlds of facility management and life support systems (LSS) collide? In this special episode of Inflow, hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber take the show on the road to the Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association (AZFA) conference to explore the critical infrastructure that keeps aquatic habitats thriving.

While LSS operators often focus on water chemistry and filtration, the AZFA community handles the "bricks and mortar", from roofing and HVAC to the structural integrity of massive exhibits. Joe and Jeff sit down with a panel of experts to discuss the unique challenges of maintaining animal environments, the importance of inter-organizational collaboration, and the evolving science of exhibit aesthetics.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Role of the AZFA: Understanding how the Aquarium and Zoo Facilities Association supports the professionals who build and maintain the physical world of zoos and aquariums.

• Collaboration Across Disciplines: Why facility managers, curators, and LSS operators must speak the same language to ensure animal welfare and operational efficiency.

• The "Healthy Water" Aesthetic: A deep dive into the debate over surface algae vs. crystal-clear water, and how to educate guests on what a natural, healthy aquatic environment actually looks like.

• Exhibit Maintenance Challenges: Real-world stories from the field, including managing polar bear and sea lion habitats, and the impact of light and shade on exhibit growth.

• Continuing Education: Insights from the AZFA symposium on how professional development and networking drive innovation in the industry.

Featured Guests: A special thanks to our guests from the AZFA community: Holly Dempsey, John Kanzia, Robert Satchell, John Hale, and Shannon Cunningham.

(1:39) - What Is AZFA

(4:58) - Why Attend AZFA

(10:59) - Design Assist and Four Pillars

(14:06) - End Users in Design

(17:57) - A Day in the Lab

(24:00) - Controls and Sustainability

(33:18) - Hogle Zoo LSS Tour

(39:21) - Thanks and Wrap Up

Connect with Inflow:

• Website: inflowlsspodcast.com

• Sponsors: This episode is proudly sponsored by Aquatic Equipment and Design (AED) and Dryden Aqua.

• Subscribe: Catch every episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.