Wild For Life

Paul Gellatly is back on the show to talk about how to take care of orchids. Orchids are a popular plant in many households, but people often don't know how to take care of them, including me. Paul takes us through the care process step by step from purchase to watering. After this episode, you will have a greater understanding of the care needed for a happy, beautiful and long-living orchid.

Paul also talks about the number of orchids species in the world and where they are located. He also gives you reasons why dense soil in a potted orchid plant is not the right way to take care of an orchid (spoiler: it has to do with where they grow).

The river otters at the Toronto Zoo are always a highlight for me to visit because they are so cute and playful. It seems like they are always up to something, whether it is enjoying a treat, swimming alongside the viewing glass as people interact with them, or sliding on their bellies in the snow! I'm always curious about this species and its conservation story.

Courtney Coons, Zookeeper, sat down with me to record our conversation on the river otters at the Toronto Zoo. We discussed behavioural husbandry and conservation, as well as how the two river otters at the Zoo behave when presented with different opportunities.

Do you like to look at cute and interesting animals on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook? Or do you like to watch videos of animals on YouTube and maybe even listen about conservation initiatives linked to these important animals on podcasts like Wild For Life? Then you have probably come across the wonderful work of the two women I interviewed for today's episode, Olivia Weaver and Cassandra Thompson.

In our interview, we discussed the strategy and logistics behind creating such wonderful, funny, and educational content for the Toronto Zoo's audience. Olivia and Cassandra talk about how they leverage the passion of the Zoo staff to help them capture amazing videos and pictures of each animal to bring them to the audience.

Take a look at some of the Social Media Platforms from the Toronto Zoo:

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/TheTorontoZoo/

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/thetorontozoo

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/thetorontozoo/

Transferring animals from one zoo to another can be very important to the conservation of a particular species. Individual species are matched within accredited zoos to fulfill the Species Survival Plans (SSP) of specific animals. SSPs are designed to preserve the diversity of species by matching the desired genes of one individual with specific genes of another. Zoos need to have processes in place to ensure the transfer of animals for the SSPs is done properly, which is why the Toronto Zoo has an Animal Logistics Coordinator. I sit down with Vicki Hardstaff to discuss how animals are transferred from the Toronto Zoo using the example of a white rhino that was transferred the same day we recorded this interview!

I had the chance to sit down with Toronto Zoo Zookeepers Aly Pidgen and Lindsay Vasseur to discuss the Caribou herd at the Zoo. They discussed what it's like to care for the herd and go into detail on the behavioural husbandry.

Don't miss the chance to get up close to these wonderful animals at the Zoo during their wildlife encounter: http://www.torontozoo.com/wildencounters/

Have you checked out Terra Lumina yet? It's phenomenal. I highly recommend it: http://www.torontozoo.com/terralumina

Lauren Ogle, Manager of Guest Operations, joins me on the podcast today to discuss how hard the Zoo works to ensure your visit is the best experience every time you come to the Zoo. Lauren discusses the creative ideas that are implemented at the Zoo that augment your visit and make learning about Wildlife Conservation entertaining.

Lauren also introduces Terra Lumina (http://www.torontozoo.com/terralumina), which opens on Friday, December 13, 2019. Terra Lumina is the eleventh unique experience created in Moment Factory's Lumina night walk series. Let yourself be transported by vibrant lighting, multimedia effects, breathtaking video projections and an original score to an enchanted world filled with possibility. And explore this bright and hopeful future to reveal the powerful secrets of tomorrow. Listen to the episode to find out more. Tickets on sale now at torontozoo.com/terralumina

You haven't seen a horse until you have seen the Przewalski's Horses (P. Horses) at the Toronto Zoo. These rugged wild horses may be shorter than the horses that you are used to seeing in a parade or on the farm, but they are tougher than you would think. Their harsh wild environment demands it. I sit down with Toronto Zookeeper, Jenn Martin, to discuss just how tough P. Horses are in order to survive their harsh environment.

Jenn talks about the P. Horse's diet, how they change their appearance, and survive in the Mongolian deserts. You won't want to miss hearing about these wonderful animals.

Gorillas may be one of the most iconic species at the Toronto Zoo and they are the subject of today's episode. I sit down with Zookeepers Ali Vella-Irving and Heidi Manicki-Claffey to discuss the unique personalities of the gorillas at the Zoo and how Zookeepers take care of such a large and strong animal.

I also ask them questions about the conservation of this critically endangered species, to which they offer some excellent advice on how everyone can help protect them.

The Polar Bears at the Toronto Zoo are always a sight to see when you visit. The massive bears are playful, active, and massive in size and personality. Aly Pidgen is a Zookeeper at the Zoo who takes care of the polar bears and sits down with me to give us a great behind-the-scenes look at these majestic animals. She talks about each of the bear's own distinct personality, the conservation of polar bears, and what you and I can do to protect these iconic Arctic species.