From the ecological importance of owls to fish training, listeners have gained incredible insights about everything they need to know about their wildlife, conservation, and animal-focused careers, and everything from industry experts. The Animal Talk Podcast reboot welcomes more specialized collaborations with hosts Ryne Ferguson (Margate, KZN) and Ayrton King (Cape Town, Western Cape) releasing captivating new episodes each week.
Meet dynamic co-hosts
His passion for animals ignited early, so Ryne Ferguson began volunteering with Joburg Zoo as a teenager and later took part-time position as an assistant keeper. After completing the course in Avicture and Animal Behavior, he achieved a more pervasive position at Montecasino Bird Garden as Bird Show Manager. Reserve and Conservation Project Manager for KZN Crane Foundation. He has since volunteered at the Australian Zoo (started by famous alligator hunter Steve Irwin). Bird curator at Crocworld Conservation Center. And now he is a real estate manager at Serenity Hills.
“I started a podcast during the 2020 lockdown, trying to connect everyone in the animal industry and share industry insights and knowledge. After the first 10 episodes, the lockdown was eased and work started, but I think it's right when the animal story reboots with a whole new look and feel.”
The reboot introduces co-host Ayrton King, the aquarium of two marine aquariums in Cape Town. Like Ryne, Ayrton began volunteering at high school before joining the aquarium full-time after Matric, spending eight years as a keeper looking after penguins, freshwater fish and amphibians.
Ayrton currently manages the second largest exhibit at the aquarium, home to Stingrays, marine fish and sea turtles, helping to care for corals and breed jellyfish. Passionate about animal behavior, he leads a training program to enhance welfare and visitor engagement, and also serves as a lead-com diver at the aquarium.
Ayrton and Ryne are both committees of the South African Animal Control Association (SAAKA) to provide access to the best access in the animal care industry. Additionally, past Ryne has been representing the African continent and has been representing the committee on the American Association of International Bird Trainers and Educators (IAATE) subcommittee.
Exceptional insights into animal stories
This unique South African podcast focuses on animal care, training and behavior. Veteran experts and newcomers will work together to share their experiences in wildlife, zoos, aquariums and conservation environments.
Complemented by the Animal Talk podcast social media group, Ryne-led Animal Talk podcast, the podcast gives listeners insight into the wide range of animal occupations, from zookeeping and veterinary care to wildlife conservation. For individuals looking to learn more about these careers and ways to participate in conservation activities, we support a network of animal care professionals in South Africa and beyond.
“The podcast also helps to provide truly practical advice and practical tips on building a career for animal care professionals,” explains Ryne. “This includes tips on preventing burnout, behavioral training and welfare best practices.”
The latest animal talk episodes include:
– “Something looks suspicious” (Episode 11). This explores fish training with a qualified aquarium.
– “Keeper Burnout” (Episode 12) is an open and useful discussion for coping with stress in the animal care profession.
– The latest “entering the industry” (episode 13) is divided into various ways that people can infiltrate the conservation industry.
The reboot includes an exciting new format, but listeners also benefit from insightful insight into previous animal stories, including career journeys, collaboration with African wildlife, training birds in the global environment (from Australia to America and between), and care and awareness of reptiles.
Listeners can also participate in upcoming episodes featuring world-renowned animal trainer and behaviorist guest Gabby Harris, and guest Gabby Harris, author of two books, Touching Animal Souls and Animal Grace. Members of the Saaka Committee will lead the way in the Animal Welfare Workshop at Joburg Zoo and will feature in the coming weeks.
Please match the story of animals
New episodes of Animal Talk Podcast Drop every Sunday!
All 14 episodes of Animal Talk are available on streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Cast, and YouTube (AnimalTalkPodcast_Za). Animal Talk podcasts are also available on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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