Animal House w/Deborah Roberts

Handler R.A. “Bear” Berman introduces us to his Therapy Dog, Macy T. Dawg, who helped launch the Therapy Dog Program at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and, as part of the Crisis Response Canines team, responded to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Macy, a beautiful 6-year-old Golden Retriever, serves everyone from children to senior citizens. Go to therapydogs.com for more information. Se...

Amber Mayhew and Jifu Jennings return from the Central Florida Zoo, and this time, their armadillo, ‘Dillo,’ is the animal in the spotlight. Among the many fascinating facts about armadillos is their ability to jump nearly 4-feet in the air, and how not all species are able to roll into a ball when threatened. To learn more about ‘Dillo,’ or to get tickets to the Zoo, go to www.centralfloridazoo.o...

Kathy Burns and Sally Edmonds from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando stop by, along with two beautiful 2-month-old mixed-breed puppies that just made the journey from Grand Cayman Island. Kathy explains how their partnership with various Caribbean islands began, and how it continues to this day. And since we’re in the midst of hurricane season, she also reminds everyone of the importance of havi...

Hannah Medd is the Lead Scientist for the American Shark Conservancy in Palm Beach Gardens, and she joins us to talk about ‘Shark Awareness Day’ on July 14, 2022. Hannah shares how many different species of sharks live in the waters around Florida, and when it might be best to skip that swim. Connect to them and their important work at www. Americansharkconservancy.org See omnystudio.com/listener...

Zoo Teachers Jifu Jennings and Amber Mayhew introduce us to “Juice,” an Everglades Rat Snake who resides at the Central Florida Zoo’s Herpetarium, along with some of the most venomous snakes from around the world. They also talk about “Choo-Choo To The Zoo,” where visitors can take a free trolley from the Sanford Sunrail Station, and also get a discount on your ticket to the Zoo. To get your ticke...

Debbie Helsel, Executive Director of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, joins us with a “Dwarf” Opossum named Nicky, who was brought to the refuge very sick in April. Debbie explains how Nicky will be monitored to determine if he can be released back into the wild. If not, he may become their next educational ambassador! To meet Nicky and more, go to www.btnwildlife.org or call (407) 568-5138. Se...

Kathy Burns and Katie Seay from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando introduce us to Zelda, a beautiful 1-year-old pup up for adoption. We also talk about how the economy is affecting the number of animals being surrendered, and the latest update on their recovery plans after a devastating fire in September 2021. To give Zelda a fur-ever home, or to see the other pets available, go to www.petallian...

James Brooks, with Spaceport Integration, talks about his role in helping keep a balance between the wildlife that lives in and around the Kennedy Space Center, and the science of NASA. He also shares the multitude of animals that are part of his workday, and the fascinating work it takes to care for them and the environment. To get your tickets and more, go to www.kennedyspacecenter.com or call (...

Daisy Fiore from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey introduces us to their newest Bird Ambassador, Maverick, a baby Red-shouldered Hawk that was rescued this year. Daisy, who’s part of the Education team at the Center, teaches us a lot about Maverick, including how he imprinted on his human rescuers and now can’t be released. To meet Maverick and the other birds of prey, go to chop. Audubon.org...

AJ Semenick, a Senior Animal Ambassador Keeper, and Amber Mayhew, the Group Sales & Outreach Coordinator for the Central Florida Zoo, introduce us to Reptar, a Blue-tongued Skink. AJ shares the interesting self-defense tactics of the Blue-tongued Skink, including opening their mouths wide to show off that blue tongue, to being able to literally ‘drop’ their tails when threatened. Amber invites eve...

Marty Fischer is a volunteer puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, and he joins us with his latest pup-in-training, Russo, a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever. Marty shares what it’s like to raise a puppy for 20 months, only to have to let them go so they can receive more advanced training. Most importantly, he shares the immense difference these dogs provide the children and adults th...

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us along with Luna, a 7-year-old Lab mix who’s available for adoption. Kathy also talks about parvovirus, a highly contagious virus that is currently being found in shelters and vet offices around the country. She shares why puppies are more at risk, and why you may want to skip the dog park. Finally, Kathy reminds us that parvovirus vacci...

Savannah Boan from Gatorland and Monsters in the Morning joins us along with Pork Chop, a Black-Throated Monitor lizard, which are native to Tanzania. Savannah shares that despite his large size, this particular breed of reptile has a mild temperament. She also invites everyone to help celebrate Gatorland’s 74th birthday at ‘GatorPalooza,’ Saturday, May 14th, and Sunday, May 15th, with fun for the...

Christina O’Donnell is an Animal Ambassador Keeper at the Central Florida Zoo and she introduces us to “Pippen,” a Lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec, a small, nocturnal animal covered in spines. Among the many interesting facts about tenrecs she shares is that “Pippen” is more closely related to an elephant, than to a hedgehog! To see him and the Zoo’s other nocturnal animals, check out ‘Family Su...

Katie Gill Warner is the Center Director for the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida, and she joins us today along with an Eastern Screech Owl named…Billy Owlish. Katie shares some fascinating facts about this small owl and what to do if you find a baby owl outside of their nest, since now is baby season. To help cover the costs of caring for so many young birds, the Center invit...

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us to talk about how it’s ‘Cat Month’ this April, and that means kittens, kittens, and more kittens! To help them find their forever homes, the Pet Alliance will feature a “Cat of the Week” adoptable cat during Cat Month, among many other programs. To adopt, foster, or learn more, visit www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722. Se...

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey is our guest today and shares the great news about FREE pet adoptions at their Animal Services, thanks to the generosity of some local sponsors. He also talks about the many ways his team supports and protects not only the community, but its animals, as well, and how this has led to a significant decrease in crime. Get your Forever Friend at www.brevardsheriff.com...

AJ Semenick, who’s the Senior Animal Ambassador Keeper at the Central Florida Zoo, first explains what that job title entails, before showing the Zoo’s pair of Black-breasted Leaf Turtles. Found in South East Asia, they are some of the smallest turtles in the world, and their shells closely resemble the leaf clutter they live in. To see these fascinating animals and more, go to www.centralfloridaz...

Laura Finn, founder of Fly By Night, Inc. The Bat Specialists, joins us to talk about bat maternity season in Florida (really!) and what that means for residents and their property. Speaking of property, Laura also talks about the need for bat houses and their ideal conditions. To learn more about this fascinating species, or to get a bat house, go to www.flybynightinc.org or call (407) 414-2142....

Kim Dinkins is a Senior Conservation Associate with Save the Manatee Club, and she joins us to give an update on the fight to save Florida’s manatees. Due to the continued die-off of sea grass, manatees are still staving. However, Kim does share some good news about the water quality in one local waterway, and she also guides us in what we can do to help as private citizens. To join the fight, go...

Debbie Helsel with the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge shares how busy the refuge is these days, with an increase in wildlife that needs rescuing, like song birds, turtles, and even otters. Debbie also talks about which turtles are safe to approach, and which ones you should avoid. Show your support by taking part in their ‘Wine for Wildlife Virtual Wine Tasting’ on April 1st, and the ‘Hop to it!’...

Zoo Teacher Jifu Jennings joins us with Indigo, an Eastern Indigo snake. Jifu shares some fascinating facts about the Eastern Indigo, like how it’s the longest native snake species in North America and shares the same burrow as the Gopher tortoise. She also talks about how to tell the difference between a similar species of snake, the Eastern black racer. To see Indigo and the rest of the Zoo, go...

Sam Haught is our Animal House guest today and reintroduces us to Wild Florida, the world’s only Airboat Tour, Gator Park and Drive-thru Safari Adventure that’s about 45 minutes from Orlando. Sam also shares the fascinating story of how Wild Florida got its start, including how they obtain their animals, and even how to transport a giraffe. For tickets and more, go to wildfloridairboats.com or cal...

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us today from the offices of H.J. High Construction, about building their new shelter after a devastating fire last September. Kathy shares what kind of features would make a dream shelter, from AC to sound-proofing, and what other changes are in store. Dogs and cats are still available at their locations in Sanford and Alafaya Trail! Find...

Angie and Chrome, a 2-year-old dog available for adoption, join us from the Humane Society of Lake County to talk about their innovative work with the Hardee Correctional Institution. Dogs from the shelter, including Chrome, are trained by inmates, who take them through a 10-week course in basic obedience, improving their chances of being adopted. In addition, the trainers’ lives are changed in po...