Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey is our guest today and shares the great news about FREE pet adoptions at their Animal Services, thanks to the generosity of some local sponsors. He also talks about the many ways his team supports and protects not only the community, but its animals, as well, and how this has led to a significant decrease in crime. Get your Forever Friend at www.brevardsheriff.com or call (321) 633-2024.

AJ Semenick, who’s the Senior Animal Ambassador Keeper at the Central Florida Zoo, first explains what that job title entails, before showing the Zoo’s pair of Black-breasted Leaf Turtles. Found in South East Asia, they are some of the smallest turtles in the world, and their shells closely resemble the leaf clutter they live in. To see these fascinating animals and more, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or give them a call at (407) 323-4450.

Laura Finn, founder of Fly By Night, Inc. The Bat Specialists, joins us to talk about bat maternity season in Florida (really!) and what that means for residents and their property. Speaking of property, Laura also talks about the need for bat houses and their ideal conditions. To learn more about this fascinating species, or to get a bat house, go to www.flybynightinc.org or call (407) 414-2142.

Kim Dinkins is a Senior Conservation Associate with Save the Manatee Club, and she joins us to give an update on the fight to save Florida’s manatees. Due to the continued die-off of sea grass, manatees are still staving. However, Kim does share some good news about the water quality in one local waterway, and she also guides us in what we can do to help as private citizens. To join the fight, go to savethemanatee.org or call (407) 539-0990; toll-free 1-800-432-5646.

Debbie Helsel with the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge shares how busy the refuge is these days, with an increase in wildlife that needs rescuing, like song birds, turtles, and even otters. Debbie also talks about which turtles are safe to approach, and which ones you should avoid. Show your support by taking part in their ‘Wine for Wildlife Virtual Wine Tasting’ on April 1st, and the ‘Hop to it!’ Easter event on April 9th. Go to btnwildlife.org or call (407) 568-5138.

Zoo Teacher Jifu Jennings joins us with Indigo, an Eastern Indigo snake. Jifu shares some fascinating facts about the Eastern Indigo, like how it’s the longest native snake species in North America and shares the same burrow as the Gopher tortoise. She also talks about how to tell the difference between a similar species of snake, the Eastern black racer. To see Indigo and the rest of the Zoo, go to centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Sam Haught is our Animal House guest today and reintroduces us to Wild Florida, the world’s only Airboat Tour, Gator Park and Drive-thru Safari Adventure that’s about 45 minutes from Orlando. Sam also shares the fascinating story of how Wild Florida got its start, including how they obtain their animals, and even how to transport a giraffe. For tickets and more, go to wildfloridairboats.com or call (407) 957-3135.

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us today from the offices of H.J. High Construction, about building their new shelter after a devastating fire last September. Kathy shares what kind of features would make a dream shelter, from AC to sound-proofing, and what other changes are in store. Dogs and cats are still available at their locations in Sanford and Alafaya Trail! Find your fur-ever friend at petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Angie and Chrome, a 2-year-old dog available for adoption, join us from the Humane Society of Lake County to talk about their innovative work with the Hardee Correctional Institution. Dogs from the shelter, including Chrome, are trained by inmates, who take them through a 10-week course in basic obedience, improving their chances of being adopted. In addition, the trainers’ lives are changed in positive ways, as well, essentially saving two lives! To see their adoptable dogs and cats, go to humanelake.com or call (352) 589-7400.

Central Florida Zoo CEO Dino Ferri joins us to talk about, among other things, how the Zoo prepares for cold weather and which animals are most affected. He talks about employment opportunities and even shares some interesting history about both Sanford and the Zoo. Planning a visit? Tickets are now available for Brews Around The Zoo, in April, as well as cool camps for kids during Spring Break. Learn more at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.