Abstract

One of the most common laments in animal and environment related fields is the dichotomy of an exponentially growing workload coupled with the persistent shortage of support, resources, and funds. To circumvent that restriction, Veterinary Services at New England Aquarium has tapped into many ceaseless sources of external assistance stemming from public and industrial curiosity about our work. The potential gain is tremendous because interest is always generated by unusual animals. Further, the more that interest is addressed, the more the opportunities are generated. Good writing, concise selling points, and picking contacts wisely will lead to formalized relationships with outside parties. Delegating, formalizing, preparedness, rerouting interest, collaborating with your institution's Public Relations department, and showcasing your work will propagate those relationships. Adopt philosophies that work: outreach, optimism, honesty and modesty. Gains can be made in free equipment, free outside services, and technical research and development. Other more far-reaching gains include new research partners, new co-op volunteer programs, published videos and children's books, custom software development, and the like. Benefits from investing in public and industry curiosity are felt on three different levels. First, on the practical side, more equipment allows quicker problem assessment and can facilitate research. At the planning level, helping to confirm public interest in your work (widely done through conservation stories) can promote expansion of your team. Finally, on the ideological level, engaging the public while we work helps satisfy our personal needs to teach appreciation for aquatic animals.