Mothering Wildlife

Author: 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.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting

Contact email: Get it

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Finding Your Flippers as a Leader and Mom with Hallie Torre from the Aquarium of Niagara
Episode 58
Wednesday, 26 November, 2025

Click here to send me a text! Have a story to share or just want to chat? Let's connect - because moms need moms!This week, I talk to Hallie Torre, Curator of Marine Mammals and Birds at the Aquarium of Niagara. Hallie chats about life as a marine mammal trainer turned manager and mom of two—everything from working with seals and sea lions while pregnant to figuring out daycare, maternity leave, and finding herself again at work. Hallie opens up about both of her pregnancies, how she adapted her role while working with seals, sea lions, and penguins, and what it was like returning after maternity leave. Knowing that she had a job to return to that she was passionate about helped her to return to work after her maternity leave. She reflects on learning to balance her passion for her career with the mental load of motherhood, daycare, and the unpredictable demands of this field.As a manager, Hallie shares how becoming a mother reshaped her leadership style, making her more patient and empathetic. She discusses supporting her staff’s work–life boundaries and normalizing the fact that people have personal lives that are important. Mothering Wildlife links:Facebook MotheringWildlifePodcastInstagram @motheringwildlifeEmail: motheringwildlife@gmail.com