Zoo Logic

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Mark Simmons, author of Killing Keiko, the true story of Free Willy's return to the wild. As the behaviorist tasked with preparing Keiko mentally, physically, and behaviorally for possible release to the waters off Iceland, Mark describes firsthand why this gentle orca was never a good candidate for return and how those behind the project sealed his fate by ignoring the law and the best welfare interests of Keiko in favor of media attention and marketing. Abandoned by the only family he knew, humans, Keiko's sad and tragic end provides important lessons now more than ever for zoos, policy makers, and all those concerned about preserving species in human care and the wild. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Jungle Jack Hanna, Emmy Award winning host of Into the Wild joins Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford to talk about his love for animals and the important role of zoos and aquariums as "arks" to save wildlife and wild places. From his humble beginnings cleaning cages as a kid, Jack describes his 40-year zoo career and the tremendous growth of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the adventures of filming all over the globe, and his focus on "filming with respect." Plus the latest Zoos News, a new Ms Mallory Minute with national spokesperson Mallory Lindsay of MsMalloryAdventures.com, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director of the International Rhino Foundation (Rhinos.org) about the status of rhinos in Indonesia and Africa. For 25-years the IRF has been supporting research, education, and on the ground protection for the world's remaining species of rhinos. Susie describes some of the challenges the IRF team faces to prevent rhino extinction due to habitat loss, human encroachment, and record levels of poaching. Plus the latest Zoos News, a legislative update on Animal Rights Groups growing use of the ESA to further their anti-zoo agenda from whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with elephant trainer, international consultant and animal welfare advocate, Erin Ivory about her work since leading the effort to bring Mila, New Zealand's lone elephant to the U.S. to live out her days with other elephants at the San Diego Zoo. Erin discusses her work with SE Asia zoos and elephant camps to improve positive reinforcement-based training and expand the use of enrichment. According to Erin, sometimes the biggest impediment to achieving better animal welfare is convincing zoo directors of the critical need for using enrichment and reward-based training to improve the lives of animals. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with long time marine mammal, pet, and wild animal training expert, Ken Ramirez, about the growing importance of science-based behavioral management for preserving wild populations of animals. Ken recalls his efforts to encourage primates through operant conditioning to use their natural distress call to alert nearby park rangers to the presence of poachers. He also describes his successful efforts to mitigate human - polar bear conflicts in the arctic. And, after an attack by poachers that left he and some of his team critically injured last year, Ken tells of his renewed determination to help teach wild elephants a new migratory route away from human conflicts and deadly poachers. Plus the latest Zoos News, a new conservation feature with the Curious Conservationist and national spokesperson Mallory Lindsay from MsMalloryAdventures.com, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, the Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center on dolphin cognition and how scientists describe animal intelligence. Kelly and Grey discuss how the public narrative and widespread misperceptions about dolphins and orcas affect public attitudes of these animals living in the wild and those living in human care. Plus the latest Zoos News and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Emmy Award winning actor, best selling author, and zoo animal advocate, Carolyn Hennesy on the difference between advocacy and activism, and why the difference matters. Fans of Carolyn from her work on General Hospital, True Blood, Jesse and more will enjoy her candor describing her own personal journey from activist to vocal zoo advocate. Plus the latest Zoos News, a legislative update on the progress of the Big Cat Public Safety Act by whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner, and an all new That Sounds Wild.

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Dr. Kelly Jaakkola, the Director of Research for the Dolphin Research Center on the importance of science in the debate over whether animals like dolphins should be kept in human care. Kelly and Grey discuss how the public narrative and widespread misperceptions about dolphins and orcas affect public attitudes of these animals living in the wild versus those living in human care. Plus the latest Zoos News, an all new That Sounds Wild, and a legislative update by whyanimalsdothething.com's Rachel Garner explaining why it is illegal for carnivores to breed in Michigan!

Zoo Logic host Dr. Grey Stafford talks with Emmy Award winning actor, best selling author, and zoo animal advocate, Carolyn Hennesy on her experiences with elephants in SE Asia. Fans of Carolyn from her work on General Hospital, True Blood, Jesse and more will enjoy her candor describing her own personal journey from activist to vocal zoo advocate. Plus the latest Zoos News, an update on efforts to remove Los Angeles Zoo's Billy the elephant to a sanctuary, and an all new That Sounds Wild.