My guest this week is Melissa Farr Dacumos, Associate Director of Animal Care at Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Her and I spent a fair amount of time talking about pregnancy while working in animal care, her postpartum period during Covid, and returning to work as a breastfeeding mama (cue the pumping challenges and stories!) She shares a few stories that I’m sure others can relate to!
Melissa’s professional journey also includes a break! Although it was induced by Covid, Melissa is a great example of how once you’ve left the zoo field, it is possible to return. This is such a topic of conversation amongst working zoo moms; the nervousness to step away or branch into something new for fear that you’ll never be able to return to animal care once you’ve left. However, Melissa, along with other moms this podcast has interviewed, proves that it is possible!
Finally, we also talk about that controversial topic - work/life balance. Is it possible? Melissa’s perspective is that it is seasonal and inevitably you will flow back and forth between priorities. However, everything in motherhood is seasonal right? You’re always in one “season” or another!
Thank you so much to Melissa for sharing her journey and her stories!
Mothering Wildlife links:
Facebook MotheringWildlifePodcast
Instagram @motheringwildlife
Email: motheringwildlife@gmail.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.