Trainer Talks and Tails

by Daisy Barrett & Tess McKelliget

Join co-hosts Tess & Daisy on Trainer, Talks and Tails podcast where, with the help of fellow keepers, trainers, and industry experts we’ll discuss topics within the zoological and aquarium industry including animal training and conservation!

Podcast episodes

  • Season 3

  • Improving Welfare Through Behavioral Husbandry and Effective Enrichment with Kyle Banton-Jones

    Improving Welfare Through Behavioral Husbandry and Effective Enrichment with Kyle Banton-Jones

    To kick off season three, we were lucky enough to be joined by Kyle from Wild Enrichment. Kyle shares his tips of how to set up effective enrichment, time management and the use of behavioral husbandry to better animal welfare. You can find the podcast on socials @trainertalksandtails or reach out for any feedback or queries on trainertalksandtails@outlook.com.

  • Season 2

  • Reptile Conservation in Zoos with Rory Keenan

    Reptile Conservation in Zoos with Rory Keenan

    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.

  • Working in a Rhino Orphanage and Maintaining your Identity as a Zookeeper with Sophie Bland

    Working in a Rhino Orphanage and Maintaining your Identity as a Zookeeper with Sophie Bland

    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.

  • Raptors, Buffalos and Enrichment Programs with Blake Hutchinson

    Raptors, Buffalos and Enrichment Programs with Blake Hutchinson

    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.

  • Giraffe Training and Conservation with Jimmy Sanders & Renae Moss

    Giraffe Training and Conservation with Jimmy Sanders & Renae Moss

    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.