Join us for a chat with Paul Maguire, Taronga's Director of Education, and Danielle Fryday, Community Conservation and Engagement Officer at Taronga, to learn more about the HATCH Program and the challenges and silver linings of running the inaugural program during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also chat with HATCH 2020 winners Good-Edi about their journey and HATCH experience, and what's next for them and their edible coffee cups!

When Senior Marine Keeper Jo Walker started at Taronga Zoo, she was instantly spellbound by penguins. She fell in love with the look and inquisitive nature of this unusual bird, and was fascinated by their need to survive on both the land and sea. Her passion for penguins was ignited in Antarctica, beginning her life's quest to see every single species of penguin in the wild.

In our first Taronga Talks episode for 2020, Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO Cameron Kerr reflects on the enormous change affecting us all during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 5,000 animals to still care for, ongoing conservation work to help save endangered species and two beautiful Zoos to maintain, there's no such thing as 'hibernation' during lockdown at Taronga!

We were honoured to welcome respected Brewarrina Elder and Australian country music legend Col Hardy OAM to the Taronga Talks studio for a very special conversation. Col's incredible journey to Taronga is carried by his love of music and sacred connection to the land and wildlife. As Education Officer for Taronga's 'Animals of the Dreaming' Zoomobile program, Col now travels all around NSW to bring Dreamtime stories and native animals to life for the next generation - using his musical talent to engage and inspire.

With an interest in anatomy, the weird and wonderful, and a lifelong affinity with animals - the writing was on the wall for Dr. Lydia Tong to devote her career to science. As Veterinary Pathologist at Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Lydia acts as the 'Zoo's Coroner' - investigating the lives and deaths of animals. She gathers information that helps to improve the welfare of animals in Taronga's care, and even help fight the illegal trade of animals in the wild. Her passion for science and inquiry makes a difference - from providing understanding and closure following mysterious animal deaths, to making discoveries like the elusive gender traits of echidnas.

Staying positive and solutions-focused keeps Belinda Fairbrother tackling huge global challenges like climate change, every day. Spending her formative years at play in the Aussie bush, Belinda acquired a love and curiosity of nature and animals that led to her studying Environmental Science - and travelling as far as Antarctica - to learn how to protect them. As Community Conservation and Engagement Manager at Taronga Zoo, Belinda works tirelessly to create magic moments that connect Taronga's guests with animals, and to inspire people to Act for the Wild.

Every second weekend during his teens, Anthony Dorrian would help his father with Taronga Zoo's food and manure runs. He jumped at every opportunity to learn and grow as a keeper - first at Taronga Zoo Sydney, then at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, before working abroad in England and Ireland. With over 35 years' experience, Anthony shares his love of ungulates (hooved animals) as Senior Keeper at Taronga Western Plains Zoo - pioneering techniques in Hippopotamus dentistry that continue to amaze guests.

From caring for stray dogs to rehabilitating native wildlife at WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.), Jimmy Sanders was born with an innate love of nature. Taronga Zoo's Chimpanzee Talk inspired him to pursue a career as a Zoo Keeper - unlocking his passion for ungulates (hooved animals) and his life's calling to protect the iconic Giraffe. As Senior Ungulate Keeper at Taronga Zoo Sydney, Jimmy has high hopes for a shared future for Giraffe and people - inspiring individuals to support community-centred conservation projects in Africa.

Bruce Murdock's earliest memory of connecting with animals occurred when he was very young, during a pony ride. He knew he wanted to live his life around animals. Starting small with a 'free-range' pet rabbit, Bruce sought out learning experiences that brought him closer to wildlife. Despite advice to the contrary, Bruce was determined to make a career from zoo-keeping. Fast forward 29 years, today Bruce proudly manages a team of passionate keepers and volunteers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. With between 600-800 animals under his portfolio as Precinct Manager, Bruce shares insights on his diverse role and the complexities of pride life for Lions.

We were honoured to welcome the incredible Dr. Jane Goodall to Taronga this month for an intimate conversation at Taronga's wonderful Institute of Science and Learning. With almost 60 years of chimpanzee research at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, coupled with first-hand knowledge of global issues facing our future generations, Dr. Jane shines a light on the choices we can all make to secure the future that our planet desperately needs. Her message is one of hope, unity and inspiration - that together we will secure a shared future for wildlife and people.