Journey with us in a captivating episode of the Conservationists Assemble podcast, where we explore the role of good zoos within modern conservation as the podcast is joined by Douglas Richardson to share his insight and experience of a near half century working in and with zoos around the world. The episode covers many aspects of the role of ex situ conservation and those involved in it. From the beginnings of how zoos as we know them came to exist through to what zoos of the future may look like. Doug shares his knowledge and thoughts on aspects and key figures within conservation shaped how ex situ organisations operate today.  In acknowledging the fact that conservation work will never be done, listen as Doug and I chat about notions of transparency with visitors to zoos and the wider public to further educate on how zoos operate and how talking to visitors to zoos about lesser discussed elements of conservation methods could change perceptions and garner support. This episode is must-listen for anyone who seeks to understand the realm of ex-situ conservation in greater detail and certainly opens up future conversations with Doug on the podcast.