Animal House w/Deborah Roberts

Central Florida Zoo Teacher, Emma Aagaard, and Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina O'Donnell, bring along a Ball Python named 'Molar' to talk about the three weekends of their Halloween celebration, Zoo Boo Bash, coming up. Emma and Christina also talk about the return of the Asian Lantern Festival, with tickets going on sale to the general public today. Get more information at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenny Tallier, from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, brings along Chase, a 7-year-old dog available for adoption, while also announcing that today starts their new adoption hours. Kenny also talks about their need for dog leash donations before wrapping it up by inviting folks to get merch at their online store. Get more info at https://petallianceorlando.org/ or call (407) 351-7722.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darryl Payne of Pawfection Dog Training answers listeners' questions regarding their dogs behavior, including food aggression, constant barking, apparent depression after losing a companion, and more. Learn more at https://www.pawfectiondogtraining.com/ or call (407) 456-1066.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angie and Ciji, from the Humane Society of Lake County, bring along Cypress, a 2-year-old dog, and Leon, a 9-year-old cat, that are available for adoption, and talk about how they are solely funded through community support. Angie and Ciji also share how our upcoming Suds, Pups and Pints event help them meet their resident animals' needs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina O'Donnell, and Zoo Teacher, Emma Aagaard, visit us from the Central Florida Zoo and bring along Squirtle, a black breasted leaf turtle. Along with sharing some fascinating facts about Squirtle, Christina and Emma share some exciting events at the Zoo, including PJ the rhino's farewell party on September 20th, three weekends of Zoo Boo Bash this year, and the return of Asian Lantern Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenny Tallier from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando joins us for Animal House and introduces us to King, an 11-year-old spry senior dog available for adoption. Kenny also shares the latest update on the construction of their new shelter and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christin Burford, Director of the C.A.R.E. Foundation (Creating Animal Respect Education), introduces us to one of their resident animals, a kinkajou named Yoda. Christin shares some fascinating facts about this tropical rainforest mammal, including that they're nocturnal, they're related to raccoons, and more. Get more information at (407) 247-8948 or www.thecarefoundation.org.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jifu Jennings, Education Specialist, and Ambassador Animal Keeper, Katy Kuffle, from the Central Florida Zoo, introduce us to Percy, their bearded dragon, in honor of World Lizard Day. Katy shares some fascinating facts about Percy, while Jifu announces a special deal in August where kids 12 and under visit for free with a paid adult ticket. Get more information at: https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/kidsfreepromo/. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jifu Jennings, Education Specialist, and Ambassador Animal Keeper, Katy Kuffle, from the Central Florida Zoo, introduce us to Percy, their bearded dragon, in honor of World Lizard Day. Katy shares some fascinating facts about Percy, while Jifu announces a special deal in August where kids 12 and under visit for free with a paid adult ticket. Get more information at: https://www.centralfloridazoo.org/kidsfreepromo/.

Daisy Fiore, PhD, with the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, talks about how wild birds can experience heat stroke and what to do if you encounter one, before delving into her side project: Cryptozoology, which focuses on legendary creatures like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster.

Cora Berchem, with Save the Manatee Club, talks about their upcoming 5k in November and also gives us an update on the state of the manatee, the Indian River Lagoon, and more. Get more details at savethemanatee.org or call 407-539-0990.

Kenny Tallier, from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, and Candyce Hatch, Sanford Clinic Manager, join us for Animal House to talk about their low-cost veterinary care, including spay and neuter appointments being available.

Debbie Helsel, Executive Director of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, brings along Hang Ten, an injured gopher tortoise, and Luna, an Eastern Screech owl, to celebrate construction finally being complete on their new animal rehabilitation facility. The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge will host a Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring food trucks, vendors, a new Visitor Center and Gift Shop, and guest wildlife. For more information, (407) 568-5138.

Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina McDonnell, and Team Lead Zoo Teacher, Emily Geist, stop by from the Central Florida Zoo and bring along their Children's python named Nellie in honor of World Snake Day on July 16th. Along with continuing summer day camps, Christina and Emily invite the community to celebrate the Zoo's 50 years at their current location, where they will be debuting a brand-new, limited-time historical gallery inside the Wayne Densch Discovery Center building. Get more information at https://www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Darryl Payne with Pawfection Dog Training once again answers listeners' questions, including offering up some solutions for a dog that won't drink water, what to do for an older dog that seems confused, and what you can do for a dog that appears to be in mourning.

We talk to Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House, a nonprofit sanctuary that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. Lee will make an appearance at Hard Rock Live in Orlando on October 15th, 2025, and we ask him questions ranging from how Lee got started in animal rescue, to how many dogs he sleeps with at night. The number will amaze you!

Kenny Tallier with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando brings along kittens Fran and Dan to talk about how June is National Adopt A Shelter Cat. Kenny also shares the exciting news about the roof getting installed on the new shelter next week, and how their website is a good resource for Hurricane Tips for your pets.

Zoo Teacher, Emma Aagaard, and Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina O'Donnell, joins us from the Central Florida Zoo, along with Spot, their spotted turtle, in honor of World Ocean Day. Despite not being living in the ocean, Emma and Christina talk about how clean waterways are important to ALL animal species. They also share the many events taking place at the Zoo, including Night Hike at the Zoo, Sunset at the Zoo, Cub Club, and more. Learn more at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Darryl Payne with Pawfection Dog Training joins us for Animal House to answer listeners' questions regarding their dog's behavior, and to also share some important personal news.

Kenny Tallier and Brandy Bennett from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando bring along Georgina, Kenny's Golden Retriever 'foster fail' to give an update on the construction of their new shelter. Kenny and Brandy also talk about the influx of kittens they've received during the annual 'kitten season,' what's on their Shelter Wish List, and where you can find all the animals they have available for adoption. Get more information at www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.