Episode Details

More than 13,000 residents live at the Tennessee Aquarium, and because of the dedicated work of our caretaking and veterinary teams, many of them have far exceeded their species’ median life expectancy in human care.

Just like with people, advanced age brings on a host of changes to how animals experience the world around them, and this necessitates adjusting how we care for them.

In this episode, we’ll chat about how we adjust our approach to tending to our older residents.

Episode cast

• Casey Phillips, certified "old," host and senior communications specialist
• Thom Demas, vice president and chief husbandry and exhibits officer
• Dr. Christian Keller, director of animal health
• Rachel Thayer, assistant curator of fishes

The Podcast Aquatic is made possible by support from The Tennessee Conservationist, the official magazine of Tennessee State Parks.

Printed sustainably on 100% post-consumer recycled paper with UV ink, each issue is filled with fascinating stories about Tennessee’s native species, rich history, and unique culture. It’s also your guide to exploring state parks and planning your next outdoor adventure.

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