Vet Vibes

In this third episode, I review and analyse the controversial arguments at the core of the conflict that drove the Marineland situation into an 18-month status quo. I stripped back the corporate greenwashing to look at the clinical reality of captivity (from emotional trauma to debilitating dental pathology), before examining the operational costs, logistics, and future of transitioning cetaceans into sea sanctuaries

Episode Timestamps

Introduction & Background

• 00:20 – Introduction
• 01:15 – Update on the Marineland animals
• 02:00 – Personal research process
• 06:10 – PART 1: WELFARE
• 06:30 – Characteristics of wild orcas
• 10:40 – The dystopian experience of captivity
• 12:50 – Neuroscience of orcas: The paralimbic lobe
• 14:30 – Social groups in captivity
• 16:00 – Conspecific aggression
• 18:55 – Aggressions towards humans
• 21:30 – Life expectancy of captive orcas
• 23:20 – Physical diseases
• 25:37 – Dental disease of killer whales
• 28:25 – Anatomy of orcas’ teeth
• 30:45 – Looking at the vet logs and post-mortems of the Marineland orcas
• 34:50 – Welfare of captive orcas under European standards
• 37:10 – PART 2: CONSERVATION
• 37:55 – What is conservation?
• 38:25 – Captive breeding programmes vs. captive orca population
• 39:10 – Research and its limited application to wild killer whale management
• 41:30 – The argument of public education
• 43:45 – The ethics of captivity
• 44:25 – The ecological impact of keeping cetaceans in tanks
• 47:20 – PART 3: SEA SANCTUARIES
• 48:10 – Welfare considerations when transitioning out of captivity
• 48:30 – The story of KEIKO
• 50:05 – The 2 belugas: Little White and Little Gray
• 52:00 – Reality versus ideology
• 55:00 – Operational costs and funding
• 56:05 – The power and responsibility of public opinion

further resources:

https://vetontheplanet.com/captive-orcas-conservation/

https://vetontheplanet.com/captive-orcas-welfare/

https://vetontheplanet.com/sea-sanctuaries-for-orcas/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this second episode, Muriel Arnal, director of One Voice France, speaks with both emotion and unwavering determination about the Marineland case. She takes us behind the administrative and legal curtain where the real complexities of this situation lie, from the health challenges of long-term captive animals to the financial incentives that continue to drive institutional decision-making. 

Timestamps

00:30 One Voice's side of the story 

03:00 Update on sea sanctuaries 

07:00 The administrative delay and its impact on the animals' chances of transition 

14:30 Current concerns for Wikie and Keijo and contingency plans to mitigate stress 

22:00 Financial incentives and conflicts of interest 

24:00 The future of the tank-free movement 

27:00 Is there still hope for a new solution? 

29:40 The realities of a multidisciplinary approach 

36:30 Update on the dolphins at Marineland 

40:05 Situation update: June 2026 

41:35 Questions debated in episode 3

More information and sources below:

- story of Wikie and Keijo

- sea sanctuaries for orcas

- welfare of captive orcas

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

This episode has two parts, first an introduction of the complex situation at Marineland Antibes that have led to 18 months of limbos for 2 orcas and 12 dolphins since the park closure in January 2025. The second part is the interview of Martin Boye, at the time director of the EAAM, recorded in June 2025. 

timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Marineland series 

01:10 Background: the story of Marineland Antibes 

10:45 Interview with Martin Boye 

12:00 The EAAM and the industry's perspective 

15:15 Inside the park: the current situation 

17:30 Sea sanctuaries: the project and the hypothetical translocation 

20:30 The beluga case study: Little White and Little Grey 

24:15 Immune system challenges in sanctuary transitions 

25:05 Life expectancy in captivity 

30:00 Autopsy reports and chronic dental disease 

33:30 The failed transfer to Spain in 2025 39:06 Exit

More information and sources below:

- story of Wikie and Keijo

- sea sanctuaries for orcas

- welfare of captive orcas

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

Marineland Antibes closed its doors, leaving 12 dolphins and two orcas, Wikie and Keijo, languishing as France has banned the captivity of cetaceans for entertainment. What was perceived at the time as an ideological victory turned out to be a political mess. This series attempted to examine both sides of this polarised argument and to look at the science and beyond the PR messages of this high-profile case.

- episode 1 with Martin Boye, former director of the EAAM.

- episode 2 with Muriel Arnal, director of One Voice France

- episode 3 with me, Laura Mairesse, looking at the scientific evidence

For more information about the orcas and the situation that unfolded at the Marineland:

www.vetontheplanet.com/Wikie-and-Keijo 

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

This conversation has lived quietly in my archives for some time, and returning to it recently reminded me why I started this podcast in the first place: to create space for honest, thoughtful dialogue that stays with you long after the recording ends.

My guest for this final episode is Theeb. What you’re about to hear is not only one of the conversations I’m most proud of, but also one that holds deep personal meaning for me. It’s a reflection on experience, perspective, and the quieter truths that shape how we see the world and one another.

As this marks the closing chapter of the podcast for the foreseeable future, I’m especially grateful that this is the conversation we end on.

Thank you for listening, for being here, and for being part of this journey

Timestamps

* 1'00 My personal story

* 3'05" Guest introduction

* 5'20" Theeb's story and his why

* 8'55"  Recognition vs Success

* 10'25"Diversity doesn't exist on its own

* 16'25" Why is Diversity important

* 19'55" Microaggressions: what they are and their impact

* 24'20" Interactions reduce biases

* 27'25" Focus on mental health in minorities

* 32'25" How to bring those conversations in practice: leadership and psychological safety

* 37'25" Theeb's work with the new generations

*41'25" Representation doesn't cancel systemic discrimination

* 44'55" Equality isn't equity

* 46'55" Privileges, victimhood and allyship

* 48'35" Adapting the vet profession to a now feminised workforce

* 53'55" The contrast of the Swedish model

* 55'35" Different ways to improve access and rrepresentation for minorities

* 1.02'25" Summary for concrete and actionable steps

Link:

https://navaratnampartheeban.substack.com/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this episode, we’re joined by veterinarian and wildlife welfare specialist Justine Shotton for a wide-ranging conversation about what it really means to protect animals in the modern world.

Speaking on behalf of the RSPCA, Justine explores the evolving field of wildlife welfare, and how it intersects with traditional animal welfare, conservation, and human activity. We discuss the ethical and practical challenges of protecting wild animals, the growing concerns around animal welfare in sport and recreation, and the critical role veterinarians play at the interface between animals, the public, and policy.

From responding to injured wildlife to shaping public understanding and welfare standards, this episode highlights how veterinary professionals are increasingly becoming advocates, educators, and frontline guardians for both domestic and wild animals.

useful links:

Vet/Vet nurse only link: wildlife toolkit site: https://science.rspca.org.uk/vets 

RSPCA's wildlife advice pages for the public:

https://www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18503619493&gbraid=0AAAAADvvO2sOW8v0G8ARm0lXXYDH6Diq2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw64jDBhDXARIsABkk8J5d8oSkwE5rX2PaIVjZcXlEJpBISFnY4WQhCPFudvlv0HpU5a--EGUaAiKbEALw_wcB

 and 

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife

and 

https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injured

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this conversation with Sacha Dench, I gained a deeper understanding of how winning a freediving world championship shaped her bold, media-savvy approach to conservation. Sacha is unstoppable — no challenge, no condition, no physical demand is too much. She pushes limits in the sky, on land, and underwater. But beyond her daring is a woman who leads with compassion, breaks convention, and brings people together. This was a rich, humbling exchange I’ll always cherish — full of insight, resilience, and quiet strength.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – Introducing Sacha Dench – Conservationist and Expedition Leader

2:45 – From Marine Biology to Flight – How Becoming a Freediving World Champion Amplified her a Voice

5:30 – Overcoming Turbulence Phobia Through Flying

10:00 – The Genesis of “Flight of the Swans” Expedition

14:00 – The Power of Storytelling in Environmental Conservation

18:00 – How Sacha Engages Diverse Audiences with Her Mission

25:00 – Flying Around the UK to Raise Climate Change Awareness

30:00 – Collective Action Over Politics in Conservation Efforts

33:00 – Introducing the New “Sea to Summit” Expedition

35:00 – Why Multidisciplinary Teams Matter in Environmental Work

38:00 – Conservation Challenges Facing Bewick’s Swans

42:00 – Threats to Ospreys and What’s Being Done

47:00 – 9 Years On: Outcomes of the Swan Expedition

49:00 – Understanding Powerline Hazards from a Swan’s Perspective

53:30 – Where Sacha Finds Optimism in Her Conservation Work

56:00 – What’s Next: The “Flight of the Vulture” Expedition

1:02:00 – How to Support Sacha Dench’s Projects and Campaigns

For more information about Conservation Without Borders:

-Website: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/

Sea to Summit webpage: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/expeditions/sea-to-summit

Fundraising link: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/make-a-donation

Flight of the Vultures: https://www.conservation-without-borders.org/flight-of-the-vulture

Vulture fundraising link: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-save-worlds-most-threatened-animals

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/conservation.without.borders

Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/conservation_without_borders/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

What happens when a bold idea turns into rewilding success? Vet and conservationist Sean McCormack joins me to share the story of the Ealing Beaver Project: urban nature, community empowerment and the return of one of Britain's most important ecosystem engineer. 

2:15 – Breaking Into A Conservation Career

Challenges and hurdles Sean faced in his clinical work and breaking into wildlife conservation.

9:33 – The Water Vole Spark: How Ealing’s Beaver Project Began

How a small mammal set off a rewilding initiative in West London.

17:03 – Red Tape and Restoration: Launching a Beaver Reintroduction Project

The planning, permissions, and bureaucracy in urban wildlife projects.

22:03 – Community & Conservation: How Ealing Welcomed Its Beavers

Local support, reactions, and how public engagement shaped the project’s success.

32:03 – Beavers as Nature-Based Solutions to Urban Flooding

How beavers overdelivered.

35:15 – Biodiversity Boom: Wildlife Returns to Ealing

From a biodiversity "dead zone" to a newly thriving ecosystem.

40:05 – Where Did the Beavers Come From?

The origins of the UK’s new beaver populations and their rewilding journey.

43:22 – The Work of the Beaver Trust

The national charity helping restore beavers to British landscapes.

46:03 – Meet the Ealing Beaver Family

The original family of 5 and their quirks.

48:00 – Population Control & Human Management

How beavers regulate themselves—and future horizons for the kits.

52:00 – Why the UK Needs Wild Beavers

Sean’s passionate plea for nationwide beaver reintroduction.

55:48 – The Peregrine Falcons of West London

More thriving urban wildlife.

1:03:33 – The G.O.A.T: Meeting Sir David Attenborough

Sean shares the unforgettable moment of meeting Britain’s natural history legend.

All the links where you can find Sean and his multiple endeavours: 

https://ealingwildlifegroup.com/
https://theealingbeaverproject.com/
https://drseanmccormack.com/
https://shows.acast.com/seanswildlife
https://www.youtube.com/c/EalingWildlifeGroup/videos
https://www.instagram.com/thatvetsean
https://www.facebook.com/thatvetsean

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Ford, vet, coach, speaker, podcaster and unapologetic truth-teller. With Katie's gentle approach, we lift the veil on what coaching truly offers — beyond the buzzwords and Instagram quotes. With her vet background and deep commitment to compassionate transformation, Katie brings clarity to a space that can often feel vague or overwhelming. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, craving more meaning, or just wondering what’s next, this conversation is an open door into what coaching can be — supportive, structured, and deeply personal.

TIMESTAMPS:

- 2'55"- Qualities Katie brings to her coaching

- 7'10"- What is coaching, and is it for everyone?

- 10'40"- Can you get coached without a clear end goal?

- 14'- How to find the right coach?

- 16'30"- Does it always deliver results?

- 19'05"- Let's talk budget

- 21'45" What hardship can you expect during the coaching process?

- 25'20"- What does a somatic and trauma-informed coach bring to the table?

- 28'30"- What resources can we use daily?

- 32'- What are the best soft skills to develop in the vet profession?

- 34'45"- Reframing perfectionism

- 41'15"- What does the recent popularity of coaching say about the vet profession?

RESOURCES:

https://www.vetempowered.com/

https://howwefeel.org/

https://self-compassion.org/

For more content and interactive discussions on the topic, follow the channel on Instagram page: https://instagram.com/vetvibes_podcast?igshid=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==