Join legendary wildlife expert Ron Magill, along with Alejandro Mendieta, for a fascinating dive into conservation, from his foundation's efforts to protect endangered species to his surprising role in selecting Panama's national bird. Get Ron's take on hot topics like the Waterpark controversy, Tiger King's impact on conservation, and the delicate balance of captivity versus wilderness.Discover behind-the-scenes stories of Zoo Miami's evolution, Ron's close calls with crocodiles, and how a wildlife bite led to meeting his wife. Plus, hear his candid thoughts on climate change, shark attacks, and whether he'd ever consider running for public office in this wide-ranging conversation with one of Miami's most beloved conservation voices.Manny Alfonso:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mannyalfonso8/Kiko Suarez:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/querikoconkiko/Eduardo Moya:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_moya/Follow Us! - A Day in Miami:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adayinmiami/Listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/20WEys6jxiliBCLoo9iSID________________________Produced by: Ben SchwedeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/benthecreatorrr/0:00 Intro0:40 2025 Inaugural Coastal Cleanup2:56 Ron’s Foundation to Preserve Wildlife6:49 Role in Panama's National Bird Selection11:09 What Makes Animals Endangered?12:25 Is Hunting a Problem? 15:56 Climate Change17:42 Waterpark Controversy24:32 Ron Magill Running for Public Office?27:58 Steve Irwin28:58 Thoughts on Tiger King and Conservatories31:31 AI and Social Media33:54 Metro Zoo to Zoo Miami35:17 $41 Million to Run the Zoo Miami35:46 Which Animal Eats the Most?37:00 What Drove Ron to Preserve Wildlife?43:20 Ron’s Height is Intimidating 45:48 Mark the Shark and Shark Attacks 49:27 Sold-Out Lecture 54:51 Moving the Zoo from Crandon Park56:22 Flamingos in the Bathroom57:23 Seaquarium59:57 Captivity vs Living in the Wilderness 1:01:45 Connection with Animals1:02:53 From Crocodile Bite to Finding His Wife1:04:48 Beach Cleanup