Trainer Talks and Tails Daisy Barrett & Tess McKelliget

To finish off this season of the podcast, we were joined by Rory Keenan from Zoos Victoria! Rory has a lot of experience in the industry with his passion primarily driven towards different reptile species. Rory chats about some vital conservation work he is participating in with earless dragons and frogs, as well as juggling being the species coordinator for Fijian Iguanas. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

Sophie initially worked in zoos before moving across to field work where she spent a lot of time at a rhino orphanage in Africa. Sophie shares the day to day, feeding baby rhinos around the clock and the harsh realities of the job. Like many of us, Sophie struggled with the idea of being a zookeeper and conservationist encompassing her personality, we chat through balance and things to remember when working in a compassion role. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

Blake joins us this week to touch on his career working across numerous facilities primarily specializing in raptors and mammals! Blake has a huge passion for enrichment and shares why quality enrichment is so important and how we can better provide it. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

We had an absolute blast chatting with Jimmy and Renae, two giraffe specialists from Taronga Zoo! They chat all about reinforcers, challenges and of course, the training program they help maintain with the herd of giraffe. Jimmy and Renae are also extremely passionate about giraffe conservation, and they touch on what is being done to help conserve this unique species in the wild and the incredible fundraising they have contributed. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

For this week's episode, we were lucky enough to be joined by Erin Oakley, from Seaworld on the Gold Coast! Erin has had the opportunity to work with a variety of marine animals and has an incredible understanding of training from her years of experience. With this, Erin helps explain some basic training terminology, with examples, that we might use daily within our facilities. She also is interested in concept training and shares what that might look like and how this type of teaching can positively effect animals in human care. If you have any questions for Erin you can reach out on socials @erinjoakley. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

We're so excited to be joined by Village Road Shows Head of Entertainment and communication coach, Michael Croaker this week! With over 30 years of experience, Michael generously shares his tips and tricks for gaining confidence with public speaking and developing your skillset. We chat all about maintaining guest engagement and what to remember when writing scripts. You can reach out to Michael via his website Stand & Deliver Public Speaking Bootcamp (standanddelivercoach.com). You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or for feedback and queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.