Kathy Burns and Katie Seay from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando introduce us to Zelda, a beautiful 1-year-old pup up for adoption. We also talk about how the economy is affecting the number of animals being surrendered, and the latest update on their recovery plans after a devastating fire in September 2021. To give Zelda a fur-ever home, or to see the other pets available, go to www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

James Brooks, with Spaceport Integration, talks about his role in helping keep a balance between the wildlife that lives in and around the Kennedy Space Center, and the science of NASA. He also shares the multitude of animals that are part of his workday, and the fascinating work it takes to care for them and the environment. To get your tickets and more, go to www.kennedyspacecenter.com or call (855) 433-4210.

Daisy Fiore from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey introduces us to their newest Bird Ambassador, Maverick, a baby Red-shouldered Hawk that was rescued this year. Daisy, who’s part of the Education team at the Center, teaches us a lot about Maverick, including how he imprinted on his human rescuers and now can’t be released. To meet Maverick and the other birds of prey, go to chop.Audubon.org or call (407) 644-0190.

AJ Semenick, a Senior Animal Ambassador Keeper, and Amber Mayhew, the Group Sales & Outreach Coordinator for the Central Florida Zoo, introduce us to Reptar, a Blue-tongued Skink. AJ shares the interesting self-defense tactics of the Blue-tongued Skink, including opening their mouths wide to show off that blue tongue, to being able to literally ‘drop’ their tails when threatened. Amber invites everyone to Family Sunset At The Zoo, now through September, and also reminds parents what a great choice Zoo Summer Camps are for their kids. To sign up, get tickets and more, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Marty Fischer is a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, and he joins us with his latest pup-in-training, Russo, a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever. Marty shares what it’s like to raise a puppy for 20 months, only to have to let them go so they can receive more advanced training. Most importantly, he shares the immense difference these dogs provide the children and adults they serve. To learn more, go to www.canine.org or call (407) 522-3300.

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us along with Luna, a 7-year-old Lab mix who’s available for adoption. Kathy also talks about parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that is currently being found in shelters and vet offices around the country. She shares why puppies are more at risk, and why you may want to skip the dog park. Finally, Kathy reminds us that parvovirus vaccines are available at their shelter veterinary clinics. To make your appointment or to learn more, go to www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Savannah Boan from Gatorland and Monsters in the Morning joins us along with Pork Chop, a Black-Throated Monitor lizard, which are native to Tanzania. Savannah shares that despite his large size, this particular breed of reptile has a mild temperament. She also invites everyone to help celebrate Gatorland’s 74th birthday at ‘GatorPalooza,’ Saturday, May 14th, and Sunday, May 15th, with fun for the whole family. To get your tickets or more information, go to www.gatorland.com or call (407) 855-5496.

Christina O’Donnell is an Animal Ambassador Keeper at the Central Florida Zoo and she introduces us to “Pippen,” a Lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec, a small, nocturnal animal covered in spines. Among the many interesting facts about tenrecs she shares is that “Pippen” is more closely related to an elephant, than to a hedgehog! To see him and the Zoo’s other nocturnal animals, check out ‘Family Sunset at the Zoo,’ on the fourth Friday of every month. For tickets and more, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Katie Gill Warner is the Center Director for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida, and she joins us today along with an Eastern Screech Owl named…Billy Owlish. Katie shares some fascinating facts about this small owl and what to do if you find a baby owl outside of their nest, since now is baby season. To help cover the costs of caring for so many young birds, the Center invites you to their Baby Owl Shower on Saturday, May 7th, 2022. To see their Wish List, or to get tickets and more, go to www.cbop.audubon.org or call (407) 644-0190.

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us to talk about how it’s ‘Cat Month’ this April, and that means kittens, kittens, and more kittens! To help them find their forever homes, the Pet Alliance will feature a “Cat of the Week” adoptable cat during Cat Month, among many other programs. To adopt, foster, or learn more, visit www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.