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Mothering WildlifeAuthor: Elizabeth Johnson
Telling the stories of moms who work in zoo, wildlife, vet, and conservation organizations. Working with wildlife brings a unique set of challenges for working mothers. Join me every other week as I interview moms working primarily in the zoo field as we discuss their journey as moms, navigating the mental, emotional, and often physical challenges that come with caring for wildlife and caring for kids. Language: en-us Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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How Pregnancy and Motherhood Impacts Your Team with Charley Shepherd from the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Episode 67
Wednesday, 29 April, 2026
Click here to send me a text! Have a story to share or just want to chat? Let's connect - because moms need moms!My guest this week is Charley Shepherd, a Senior Mammal Care Specialist at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in Jacksonville, FL. At the time of this interview, Charley was pregnant! She and I talk about the differences between her first and second pregnancy. With both, she had to learn how to navigate restrictions and the guilt that came with knowing she had physical limitations that impacted her team. Sometimes it feels like coworkers, especially those who don't have children or don't want children, have a hard time understanding or are less enthusiastic about accepting the fact that, as a pregnant person, you will be less able to contribute to certain tasks. It's hard to feel like your personal decisions are impacting everyone on your team at work. We also talk about getting ready to go from one child to two, and what she is nervous and concerned about. Postpartum depression was part of her journey with her first child, and that is something she is worried will come back with the second. With her first, she was dismissed by the first doctor she saw, but was able to advocate for herself to see another doctor who really listened to what she was saying and was able to help her - something which she says she is so thankful for and tells that doctor all the time! Advocating can be hard, especially when you're already in a fragile mental or emotional state!Finally, we talk about trying to find that elusive work/life balance and Charley shares what has been helpful for her. However, she does admit that being the senior-most person on her team has her struggling sometimes with maintaining that balance!Mothering Wildlife links:Facebook MotheringWildlifePodcastInstagram @motheringwildlifeEmail: motheringwildlife@gmail.com
