About Our Podcast
Joseph Arlotto
Joe is an aquatics engineer (BSME) specializing in Life Support System (LSS) operations and design implementation. He is an LSS operator/manager with decades of hands-on experience at multiple facilities including the Brookfield Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium and the San Diego Zoo. After 20 years of operations, Joe moved to the design side as an LSS engineer, managing projects worldwide. Most recently, Joe spent 3 years on site at Sea World Abu Dhabi, managing the installation, testing, startup and commissioning of over 50 LSS, including seawater intake, makeup and discharge systems, water features, wetlands, waterfalls and holding/quarantine systems.
His consulting company, Aquatic Operations Group, has teamed with owners, design engineers and contractors, providing guidance for pipe installation, LSS drawing and specification implementation, equipment installation, submittal and RFI review, start-up, commissioning, operator training and O&M manuals.
Joe is a founding member of AALSO (Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators) and was directly responsible for creating the original LSS Operator Certification Program. He lives in San Diego.
Dr. Jeff Keaffaber
Dr. Jeffrey (Jeff) Keaffaber has served as SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment’s Director of Environmental and Habitat Design since 2016. In this role, Dr. Keaffaber leads the design of dynamic environmental systems needed to support the Company’s animal habitats and their life support systems. These include the air, water, and lighting systems that extend to habitat and behavioral enrichment.
Dr. Keaffaber works closely with the corporate and park zoological teams to establish goals and opportunities that will continue SeaWorld’s legacy of designing state of the art facilities for the animals in its care.
Starting his professional career in 1989 with the Walt Disney Company, Dr. Keaffaber has over 35 years of combined experience as a corporate scientist, University of Florida professor, restaurateur, and consultant. Dr. Keaffaber received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Florida in 1989 where he continues to be active as an affiliate professor.
Recent Episodes
Featured award-winning podcasts
Ep 28 - Facility Spolight: Minnesota Zoo
In this Facility Spotlight episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats , hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber talk with Wes Schmidt, Senior Life Support Systems Technician at the Minnesota Zoo. Wes takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most diverse and technical...
Ep 27 - Where Architecture Meets Aquatic Life Support: Lessons from EHDD's John Christiansen
In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats , hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber sit down with John Christiansen, Senior Project Architect at EHDD Architecture, to explore how thoughtful design and engineering come together to create world-class aquariums and aq...
Ep 26 - From Valves to Vision: Engineering the Future of Aquarium Life Support at Shedd
In this episode of INFLOW: Aquatic Animal Life Support Systems and Habitats , hosts Joe Arlotto and Dr. Jeff Keaffaber welcome Nick Kaiser, Director of Facilities at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. With over two decades of experience—from operator to engineer to director—Nick shares his unique perspe...
Reviews
What the people say about us
Back to the beginning
Wow Joe that was great hearing you and John linn Brought back a lot of good memories
ALSS |Manager SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
I am proud and humbled to have worked with these three men and look forward to hearing more episodes in the future. A continued focus on researching emerging technologies or best practices could lead to further enhancements in operational efficiency and water quality management.
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