Animals, Nature, and You

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Part 2 of 2

Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew.

In this episode, discover how her journey from studying Latin and working in wildlife rehab to shaping global keeper exchange initiatives and connection people to conservation is as amazing as it sounds. You'll hear her insights on the power of humor and accessibility in wildlife education, why investing in zookeepers is vital for our planet’s future, and how her innovative programs benefit people and wildlife alike.

This episode is perfect for aspiring zoo professionals, conservation advocates, and animal lovers eager to make a difference. Alice’s heartfelt message reminds us that as the world continues to change, our approach to wildlife education and conservation should continue to evolve and grow as well.

Animals, Nature, and You on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou

Links mentioned in this episode:
Asshole Animals with Alice on Instagram
Keeper Exchange
American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
Clouded Leopard Working Group
Pardalis Talent

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky




Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

Part 1 of 2

Alice Vassallo started her career in animal care by volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center. And from there, her journey into zoo keeping, wildlife education, international travel and conservation grew.

In this episode, discover how her journey from studying Latin and working in wildlife rehab to shaping global keeper exchange initiatives and connection people to conservation is as amazing as it sounds. You'll hear her insights on the power of humor and accessibility in wildlife education, why investing in zookeepers is vital for our planet’s future, and how her innovative programs benefit people and wildlife alike.

This episode is perfect for aspiring zoo professionals, conservation advocates, and animal lovers eager to make a difference. Alice’s heartfelt message reminds us that as the world continues to change, our approach to wildlife education and conservation should continue to evolve and grow as well.

Animals, Nature, and You on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/animalsnatureandyou

Links mentioned in this episode:
Asshole Animals with Alice on Instagram
Keeper Exchange
American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK)
Clouded Leopard Working Group
Pardalis Talent

Find Rick here:
ZoologyRick.com

Rick's social media stuff...
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Threads
BlueSky




Podcast Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop
Artist: Burgberg
Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

In this episode, host, Rick Schwartz dives into the fascinating world of otters, focusing on the differences between North American river otters and sea otters. From their adaptations and behaviors, to the importance of conservation efforts for otters - Rick covers many of the otter facts you otter know!

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Go see sea otters at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Giant river otters at the LA Zoo

River otters at the Columbus Zoo

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

In this episode, Jungle Jordan shares stories of combining his love for wildlife with community work through outdoor education. Discover his program impacts underserved communities and inspires the next generation of conservationists, nature lovers and so much more.

Rick and Jordan wrap up the conversation addressing the age old question, which is better, small zoo or big zoo? The discussion covers the experiences you might have as a zookeeper in one of these zoos, and the guest experience as well.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Find Jordan and Information on Nature Walks and Virtual Mentorship Program here: 

JungleJordan.com

Jordan's social media:

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

YouTube

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

In this installment of 10 Minute Tuesday, host Rick Schwartz explores the fascinating world of the peregrine falcon, its history, adaptations, and the importance of conservation efforts. Learn how scientific studies and environmental policies have helped bring this incredible bird back from the brink of extinction.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Websites mentioned in this episode: 

The Peregrine Fund

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

In this episode, Rick interviews Tina Brower Kraska, the founder of Red Oaks Forest School, who shares her journey from a wildlife enthusiast to an educator dedicated to reconnecting children with nature. Tina emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in children and how her daughter taught her valuable lessons about slowing down and appreciating the natural world.

Tina discusses the founding of Red Oaks Forest School, which began as a simple monthly meetup to explore nature with others. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving educational program that emphasizes child-led exploration and the benefits of outdoor learning. She highlights the positive impacts of nature on children's mental health, including improvements in attention, cooperation, and overall well-being. The conversation culminates in Tina's encouragement for adults to reconnect with their innate curiosity and the importance of slowing down to truly experience the world around them.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Red Oaks Forest School:
ReadOaksForestSchool.org
IG: @RedOaks_Explorers
FB: @RedOaksForestSchool

Tina Brouwer Kraska on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-brouwer-kraska-52bb42167

Other links mentioned in this episode:

Natural Start Alliance: NaturalStart.org

North American Association for Environmental Education: NAAEE.org

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

In this episode, host Rick Schwartz shares his passion and love of the fascinating binturong, also known as the bearcat. Discover why they smell like popcorn, (or is it corn chips?) and their unique adaptations - like their prehensile tail. He also discusses their habitat, and conservation status, along with intriguing animals facts.

Rick's love for binturongs comes from hands on care and work with the species when he was a zookeeper at the San Diego Zoo, and his desire to keep learning more about them.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

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Websites mentioned in this episode: 

AB Conservation

Zoo Atlanta's Page about Binturong's Popcorn Odor

Science of Nature: "...why bearcats smell like popcorn"

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

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In this episode Rick interviews musician, actor, music director and podcaster, Jon Rossi. Earlier in the week Rick was a guest on Jon's podcast, Rossifari - but today Rick had Jon in the hot seat!

In a world where music and wildlife conservation rarely intersect, curiosity grew into passion and circumstances created opportunity. Through his podcast, Rossifari, Jon showcases the conservation mission behind all good zoos and aquariums, and connects his listeners to the many wonderful animals of the world.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Jon:

Rossifari.com

IG: @Rossifari

FB: @Rossifari

TikTok: @RossifariPod

Other links mentioned in this episode:

SAFE Red Panda on Facebook and Instagram

SAFE Tree Kangaroo on Instagram

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

As recent headlines celebrate a 64% increase in monarch butterfly populations, many may wonder: is this the turning point for these vital pollinators? In this episode, host Rick Schwartz explores what this increase means, the ongoing challenges monarchs face, and how you can take action to support their conservation.

While the increase in monarch populations is encouraging, it is critical to remain vigilant in conservation efforts. Monarchs are still at risk, and their recovery requires ongoing support and action from all of us. It’s not time to celebrate and move on but rather to continue our efforts to protect these vital pollinators.

Animals Nature & You on Instagram: @AnimalsNatureandYou

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick

In this episode Rick speaks with Griff Griffith about forest restoration, the power of curiosity and why having native plants in your yard (or on your patio) is so important to local ecosystems. Griff is a powerhouse of knowledge and experience when it comes to ecology, wildlife conservation and empowering others to participate.
 
During their conversation, Griff also shares the importance of many different groups of people coming together to make a difference for the planet. He even shares how you can help too – Get curious, get to know your local flora & fauna and maybe even volunteer to help with habitat restoration. After all, supporting your local ecosystems supports pollinators, birds, and insects, especially caterpillars that feed our songbirds.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about the planet—whether you're a seasoned conservationist or just starting to glimpse the power of native plants and habitat restoration. Griff’s hopeful message: the more curious you are, the more you'll want to learn, do, and share, igniting a movement to heal our earth—one native seed at a time.

Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram

Connect wth Griff:

Website: GriffGriffith.info

Instagram: @TheNatureNut

TikTok: @GriffWild

Other sites mentioned:

Jumpstart Nature

Redwoods Rising

Home Gown National Park

Redwood Parks Conservancy

Connect with Rick:

ZoologyRick.com

Social media:

Instagram

Threads

Facebook

YouTube

Music: Positive Carefree Folk Pop

Artist: Burgberg

Used with Full Music Standard Lic.