Wild For Life The Toronto Zoo

In this episode of the Wild For Life Podcast, we are going to learn about the Great Canadian Raccoon. We often see raccoons in Toronto in alleys, curiously peering into garbage bins, and crossing streets, yet we never think about how successful they have been in adapting to human development. Zookeeper Kyle Banton-Jones discusses why raccoons are so adaptable and how they like to be challenged with enrichment at the Toronto Zoo. 
Enjoy learning about these amazing creatures and find out about the fun personalities of the raccoons at the Toronto Zoo.

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with The Toronto Zoo’s Snow Leopard Zookeeper, Jenn Martin, to discuss all things about snow leopards. Jenn explains what it’s like to care for the majestic snow leopards at the Zoo; why it’s so much fun to come to see them during the winter; and why they have such long tails! She also reveals why one particular snow leopard is one of the most famous leopards in the world. This particular big cat is so famous, people come from as far away as Japan to visit with her and take photos of her. 
Listen to the episode to find out why.
Snow Leopard Trust: https://www.snowleopard.org/snow-leopard-facts/
Donate To The Zoo To Help Snow Leopards: http://www.torontozoo.com/donate

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/

Naked Mole Rats can freak people out by their looks; however, they are a very interesting species as they build intricate sets of tunnels and rooms that have specific purposes; they have a queen of their colony; and, they may benefit human health in the future. How. You ask? Well, you will have to listen to my interview with Ali Vella-Irving to find out. 
 
Ali tells me all about the naked mole rats at the Toronto Zoo as we watch them move quickly within their clear acrylic tunnels working away like they always do. Come and take a listen with us.