You’ve definitely seen their photo — big round eyes, a chubby-cheeked smile, and an almost cartoonishly cute face. But did you know the name of this camera-loving marsupial? Meet the quokka, famously dubbed “The Happiest Animal in the World.”

In this wildly fun episode of Fur Real, host Mark Kyle is joined by Dr. Matthew Hayward, a leading quokka expert, author of Saving Biodiversity, and professor at The University of Newcastle. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of these adorable Australian icons.

From their ancient roots and unique behaviors to the viral sensation of the “quokka selfie,” Dr. Hayward shares incredible insights about these creatures — including why they have so little fear of humans, and what myths we’ve all gotten wrong.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or just in it for the cute factor, this episode delivers laughs, learning, and plenty of "aww" moments. You can hear the joy as Mark and Matt geek out over these little legends.

Get ready to fall in love with the quokka — and maybe even start planning your own selfie!

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Saving Biodiversity link https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003587644/saving-biodiversity-matt-hayward

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Coyotes: The Secret Neighbors You Never Knew You Had

Coyotes are everywhere—from the open deserts to the heart of major cities—but how much do you really know about them? Are they dangerous? Do they hunt in packs? And why do they have such a legendary reputation, from Native American trickster tales to the relentless Wile E. Coyote?

This week on The Fur Real Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Stanley Gehrt, renowned wildlife ecologist and author of Coyotes Among Us. As the lead researcher of the Cook County Coyote Project, he has spent nearly 25 years studying how these animals thrive in urban environments—including Chicago, where over 6,000 coyotes are quietly living among people… mostly unnoticed.

We bust some of the biggest coyote myths, uncover how these adaptable predators navigate city life, and answer the big question: should we fear them or admire them? Dr. Gehrt brings both science and storytelling to the conversation, making this episode as entertaining as it is eye-opening.

🐾 Hit play and discover the truth about one of North America’s most misunderstood creatures!

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https://urbancoyoteresearch.com/

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The Cutting Edge of Exotic Animal Medicine

If you love diving deep into the world of veterinary medicine—or even if you don’t think you do—this episode will absolutely blow your mind! Dr. Stephen Divers, a world-renowned specialist in endosurgery, joins The Fur Real Podcast to reveal the incredible advancements happening in minimally invasive surgery for animals.

Endoscopic surgery is revolutionizing the way we treat everything from common ailments to life-threatening conditions in animals, offering a less invasive, faster-healing approach. But wait until you hear just how many species Dr. Divers has worked on—from reptiles and amphibians to some of the most unexpected exotic creatures. You won’t believe the groundbreaking procedures being performed, the technology behind them, and the jaw-dropping stories Dr. Divers shares from the operating room.

This episode is packed with fascinating insights, wild animal cases, and a glimpse into the future of veterinary medicine. Trust us—you’ll never look at surgery the same way again. And, of course, we couldn’t resist one pun: wait until you hear the full scope of what Dr. Divers is doing!

Tune in now for an unforgettable journey into the cutting-edge world of animal healthcare!

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You’ve heard of the Big Bad Wolf, Call of the Wild, and countless other wolf tales… but have you ever heard of Sea Wolves? These extraordinary wolves are unlike any others on Earth.

Joining us today is Dr. Chris Darimont—a professor at the University of Victoria, the Director of Science at the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, and one of the world’s leading experts on Sea Wolves. He’s here to share their fascinating story.

These wild canines roam the remote coastline of British Columbia, living in one of the most stunning and untamed environments on the planet. But here’s what makes them truly unique: over 80% of their diet comes from the ocean! They feast on fish, crabs, seals, and even barnacles, adapting to a marine lifestyle in ways no other wolf species has.

And get this—they don’t just wade in the water; they’re incredible long-distance swimmers, sometimes covering up to 7 miles between islands! Imagine spotting a wolf slicing through the waves like an apex predator of both land and sea.

If you haven’t seen the award-winning documentary Takaya: Lone Wolf, put it on your must-watch list. It tells the unbelievable true story of a lone Sea Wolf who captivated the world with his journey.

Scientists, conservationists, and Indigenous Nations are working together to better understand and protect these wolves. The First Nations have long believed Sea Wolves bring good fortune and prosperity—so by the time you finish this episode, maybe a little luck will come your way too!

Let’s dive into the world of Sea Wolves with Chris Darimont.

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🎶 Singing for the Animals: The Plumes Officiel Story 🎶

What happens when you bring a guitar, a chair, and a song to a field of cows? If you’re Plumes Officiel, you end up with a herd of new fans—literally! It all started when he heard that cows love music, so he decided to test it out on his grandmother’s farm. The moment he started strumming, the cows ran over, snuggled up, and listened intently. That magical moment was just the beginning.

Since then, Plumes Officiel has taken his music on the road, serenading animals in zoos, sanctuaries, and beyond. From lions to lemurs, each creature has its own unique reaction, and the heartwarming stories he shares will leave you in awe. His journey is nothing short of incredible, and by the end of this episode, you’ll be just as enchanted as the animals he sings to.

🐄🎵 Get ready for a musical adventure like no other on Fur Real!

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Tiny but Mighty: The Fascinating World of Chihuahuas 

If you've ever had the pleasure of owning a Chihuahua, you already know they’re intelligent, loving, and fiercely loyal—despite their tiny size! But did you know these so-called "rat dogs" have a history that dates back to the Aztecs? Or that royalty once used them as foot warmers?

This week on Fur Real, I’m joined by Linda Hempler, founder of Chi’s Chi’s and Me, to dive into everything Chihuahua. We’ll uncover the origins of the world's smallest dog breed, the meaning behind their name, and why these pint-sized pups are often misunderstood. Linda’s personal journey with Chihuahuas offers eye-opening insights into their care, behavior, and unique charm.

So, whether you’re a proud Chihuahua parent or just curious about these feisty little companions, get ready to learn why the best things truly come in small packages!

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Taking your pet to the veterinarian can sometimes feel like a guessing game. You describe the symptoms, and your vet does their best to diagnose the issue—but without your furry friend being able to say, "Hey, this is exactly what's wrong," getting the right answer isn’t always easy.

But what if there were a test that could pinpoint the problem with incredible accuracy and even identify the best medication for treatment? Enter Dr. Jyl Rubin, an innovative veterinarian with an impressive toolbox of cutting-edge solutions. In this episode, Dr. Jyl introduces us to a groundbreaking new diagnostic protocol that takes the guesswork out of pet care. But that’s not all—she’s also bringing the power of ozone therapy to pets with a revolutionary new company!

From advanced diagnostics to alternative healing techniques, Dr. Jyl shares options most pet owners don’t even know exist. So get ready to dive into her veterinary toolkit—you just might discover a game-changing solution for your own four-legged family member!

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From Two Donkeys to a Lifesaving Mission: The Story of Longhopes Donkey Shelter

What started as a simple search for two donkeys turned into a 25-year journey of rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy. Kathy Dean, founder of Longhopes Donkey Shelter, didn’t just open the first accredited donkey shelter in the U.S.—she created a safe haven for donkeys in need, from those at risk of slaughter to elderly donkeys looking for a peaceful retirement.

In this heartwarming episode, Kathy shares her incredible journey, the challenges donkeys face, and the deep intelligence, kindness, and loyalty of these often-overlooked animals. Did you know a female donkey is sometimes called a "she-ass" and a male a "jackass"? Or that donkeys weren’t even called "donkeys" until the late 1700s? With over 40 million donkeys worldwide, their history is rich, and their role in human life is profound—especially for gold miners, who once relied on them as steadfast companions.

Just like the old Hee Haw show, this episode will bring a smile to your face and leave you with a newfound appreciation for these remarkable “beasts of burden.”

🐴✨ Tune in for a mix of fun facts, heartfelt rescue stories, and a deep dive into the world of donkeys.

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Did you know that the most trafficked animal in the world isn’t elephants, rhinos, or tigers—but the humble pangolin? These elusive, armor-clad creatures, often called "scaly anteaters," are so rare that many people have never even heard of them. And yet, they are being pushed to the brink of extinction due to illegal wildlife trade.

In this eye-opening episode of Fur Real, I sit down with Dr. Matthew Shirley of the Pangolin Specialist Group, who works closely with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) to protect these incredible mammals. We uncover jaw-dropping facts about pangolins—like how their 16-inch-long, ultra-sticky tongue helps them feast on insects, even though they don’t have teeth! Plus, they are the only mammals covered in scales, which they use as a built-in defense system, rolling into an impenetrable ball when threatened.

But here's the dark truth: pangolins are being hunted at alarming rates for their meat and scales, making them a prime target for black market trade. Dr. Shirley breaks down what’s being done to combat this crisis—from dismantling illegal trafficking networks to implementing innovative conservation strategies that protect both pangolins and the rural communities affected by the trade.

This episode is packed with mind-blowing facts, conservation efforts, and ways YOU can help save one of the world's most unique and endangered creatures. Don’t miss it!

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At just six years old, Ethan Branscum had a big dream—to make rescue pets the official symbolic pet of Kentucky. With the unwavering support of his mom, Miche, he is making it  happen! But he's not stopping there. His next goal? Making rescue pets the national symbolic pet of the United States.

It almost happened, but then COVID-19 put the brakes on his progress. Fast forward to today—Ethan is now 12 years old, and he’s more determined than ever. He and his mom are on their sixth attempt, and this time, they truly believe they can make it happen.

But that’s just the beginning of Ethan’s incredible journey. This young advocate has:
🐾 A city ordinance named after him
📚 A growing series of books about animals
🏡 His own rescue organization, Ethan’s Rescue Pet Project
💡 A passion for helping animals that has already changed countless lives

Ethan and Miche may just seem like a mom and her son, but trust me—you’ll be blown away when you hear their story. Their dedication, persistence, and love for rescue animals are nothing short of inspiring.

I can’t wait for you to meet them in this episode of Fur Real!

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