Animal Talk Podcast

Episode 18 “Teamwork”

In this episode, Ryne and Ayrton explore the essential role of teamwork in the animal care industry. Caring for animals is never a one-person job, it takes a group of dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal. They discuss how collaboration leads to better outcomes, smoother operations, and a more supportive work environment.

The conversation also focuses on the importance of clear and effective communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, especially during high-pressure situations. Ryne and Ayrton share practical tips and personal experiences that highlight how good communication builds trust, prevents mistakes, and strengthens team dynamics.

Whether you work in a zoo, an aquarium, or any other animal care setting, this episode offers valuable insights into becoming a stronger, more connected member of your team.

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🎙️ Episode 17 – Joburg Zoo Animal Welfare Workshop (with Candice Gray)

In this episode, we chat with Candice Gray, Enrichment Officer at Johannesburg Zoo, about her journey into the field of animal care and enrichment, and how her passion led her to where she is today. Candice also gives us an exciting preview of the upcoming Joburg Zoo Animal Welfare Workshop—what to expect, who should attend, and why it’s such a valuable opportunity.

We also touch on what SAAKA members can look forward to and how involvement in workshops like this helps strengthen our professional community.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned keeper, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight!

🎧 Tune in, you won’t want to miss it.

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by 2 September 2025

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In this episode, Ryne and Ayrton dive deep into one of the most essential yet often overlooked elements in animal training: trust. From building foundational bonds with new animals to repairing broken relationships, they explore how trust influences behaviour, learning, and long-term success. With personal stories from the field and real-world examples, Ryne and Ayrton highlight why trust isn’t just a “nice-to-have” it’s a critical tool in every trainer’s toolkit. Whether you’re working with dogs, birds, marine mammals, and of course fish, this conversation will reshape how you think about connection, communication, and collaboration in training.

Check out NEI TEC Talk Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/NEI TEC Talk

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🎙 Episode 15 – Let’s Talk SAAKA with Peter Baloi

In this episode of Animal Talk Podcast, co-hosts Ryne Ferguson and Ayrton King chat with Peter Baloi, one of the committee members of the newly established South African Animal Keepers Association (SAAKA).

We explore the purpose behind SAAKA, its role for the animal care industry, and how it aims to empower and connect keepers across the country. Peter gives us an inside look at the association’s exciting road ahead.

If you're in the field of animal care or simply passionate about professional animal welfare in South Africa, this one’s not to be missed!

🐾 Let’s talk about the future of animal keeping.

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🎙️ Episode 14: Control & Choice — with Gabby Harris

In this thought-provoking episode of Animal Talk Podcast, we sit down with renowned animal behaviourist and Author Gabby Harris to explore the powerful concepts of control and choice in animal care and training.

Gabby shares her insights on why offering animals a sense of agency isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for their well-being. From facility enclosures to home environments, we discuss practical ways to implement choice-based handling, the science behind it, and how it can transform the human-animal relationship.

Whether you're a trainer, caregiver, or animal enthusiast, this episode will challenge the way you think about behaviour, cooperation, and respect.

🔊 Tune in to learn:

• ​Why control matters to animals
• ​How choice can reduce stress and improve welfare
• ​Real-world examples from Gabby’s extensive work in animal behaviour

🐾 Empower your animals. Empower your practice.

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In this episode of Animal Talk Podcast, Ryne Ferguson and Ayrton King dive into their personal journeys of breaking into the animal care and conservation industry. From humble beginnings to career-changing opportunities, they share the highs and the challenges.

Whether you're dreaming of working with wildlife, zoos, aquariums, or in animal welfare, this episode is packed with honest advice on how to set yourself up for success, build the right connections, and find your path in a competitive but incredibly rewarding field.

In this episode of Animal Talk Podcast, Ryne Ferguson and co-host Ayrton King dive into an important and often overlooked topic in the animal care world — Keeper Burnout. From long hours and emotional strain to the deep passion that keeps us going, we unpack the realities faced by animal care professionals and discuss ways to recognize, manage, and support each other through it.

Whether you're a zookeeper, aquarist, wildlife carer, or just passionate about animal welfare, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.

Animal Talk Podcast is back with a fresh reboot! In this fascinating episode, host Ryne Ferguson sits down with seasoned aquarist Ayrton King to explore the surprisingly complex world of training fish. From enrichment to behaviour shaping, Ayrton shares incredible insights into how aquarists work with fish in ways most people never imagine.

But that’s not all — stay tuned until the end for a big announcement you won’t want to miss!

🐟🎧 Dive in, learn something new, and join us for this exciting new chapter of Animal Talk Podcast.

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