In this episode Ryne and Ayrton catch up with two renowned voices in animal welfare , Dave Morgan and Margret Whittaker, for an insightful conversation about Wild Welfare and their important work improving animal care standards around the world.
The discussion dives into the mission and impact of Wild Welfare, the challenges facing captive wild animals globally, and the power of education and collaboration in driving better welfare outcomes. The team also looks ahead to the upcoming workshop at Joburg Zoo, exploring what participants can expect, why it matters, and how this initiative is helping to shape the future of animal care in the region.
Whether you're a zookeeper, welfare advocate, or just passionate about animals, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiring stories from the field.
🐾 Tune in and get involved in the conversation about making a real difference for wild animals in human care.
👇Wild Welfare
https://www.wildwelfare-us.org
👇Dave Morgan
📧: dave@wildwelfare.org
👇Margret Whittaker
📧: margaret@wildwelfare.org
👇To chat to us at Animal Talk Podcast
📧: animal.talk201@gmail.com
👇Get all our social media and YouTube
In this episode, Ryne and Ayrton dive into the fascinating world of exhibit design. A field where creativity meets science to improve the lives of animals in human care.
They explore how thoughtful, intentional design isn't just about aesthetics or visitor experience. It's a crucial tool for supporting animal welfare, encouraging natural behaviors, and providing enrichment that keeps animals mentally and physically stimulated.
From recreating complex habitats to introducing hidden challenges that mimic the wild, Ryne and Ayrton share insights, examples, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of animal care.
Whether you're a zoo enthusiast or just curious about what goes into making a great animal space, this episode offers a deep look at how good design can lead to better lives for both animals and the people who care for them.
Chat to us 👇
Email 📧 animal.talk201@gmail.com
👇For more about this podcast
https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to subscribe, Like, comment and share so that our podcast can’t reach more people
In this episode Ryne chats with Tammy Caine from FreeMe Wildlife, to talk about their groundbreaking new project: the Aerodrome, a massive, purpose-built flight tunnel designed to prepare raptors and other birds for release back into the wild.
Tammy shares the challenges of rehabilitating injured and the importance of flight conditioning, and how the Aerodrome is transforming the way FreeMe Wildlife prepares birds of prey for life on the wing. From running vultures to heartwarming success stories, this episode dives into the passion and purpose driving one of South Africa’s most innovative wildlife rehabilitation facility.
Whether you're a bird lover, conservationist, or just curious about what it takes to get an eagle flying again, this episode is not to be missed.
👇FreeMe Wildlife website
FreeMe Wildlife socials
https://www.instagram.com/freemewildlife
Animal Talk Podcast
Email 📧: animal.talk201@gmail.com
https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
In this heartfelt episode, Ryne and Ayrton open up with a deeply personal story that sets the tone for an honest and compassionate conversation about loss. From the grief of losing a beloved pet to the quiet moments of reflection that follow, the duo explores how animals shape our lives, and how we cope when they’re gone. Whether you've experienced loss firsthand or want to better support someone who has, this episode offers comfort, connection, and a reminder that healing often begins with simply sharing the story.
Chat to us 👇
Email 📧 animal.talk201@gmail.com
👇For more about this podcast
https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
Thanks for listening and don’t forget to subscribe, Like, comment and share so that our podcast can’t reach more people
In this episode Ryne and Ayrton dive deep into the mysterious world of one of the ocean's most intelligent creatures, the octopus. They're joined by Taygan, an Aquarist with hands-on experience raising and caring for these fascinating cephalopods. From tank setup and feeding habits to enrichment and behavior, Taygan shares what it really takes to keep an octopus healthy and stimulated in human care. Whether you're a marine biology enthusiast or just curious about these elusive escape artists, this episode is packed with fun facts, practical tips, and a few stories.🐙
👇To sign up for the JHB Zoo workshop
https://www.joburgzoofriends.org/workshop
👇To become a member of SAAKA
https://saaka.org.za/membership/
👇To chat to us at Animal Talk Podcast
📧: animal.talk201@gmail.com
👇Get all our social media and YouTube
Episode 18 “Teamwork”
In this episode, Ryne and Ayrton explore the essential role of teamwork in the animal care industry. Caring for animals is never a one-person job, it takes a group of dedicated individuals working together toward a common goal. They discuss how collaboration leads to better outcomes, smoother operations, and a more supportive work environment.
The conversation also focuses on the importance of clear and effective communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page, especially during high-pressure situations. Ryne and Ayrton share practical tips and personal experiences that highlight how good communication builds trust, prevents mistakes, and strengthens team dynamics.
Whether you work in a zoo, an aquarium, or any other animal care setting, this episode offers valuable insights into becoming a stronger, more connected member of your team.
Become a member of SAAKA👇
https://saaka.org.za/membership/
SAAKA links👇
For more about Animal Talk Podcast👇
https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
Email us 📧👇
animal.talk201@gmail.com
🎙️ Episode 17 – Joburg Zoo Animal Welfare Workshop (with Candice Gray)
In this episode, we chat with Candice Gray, Enrichment Officer at Johannesburg Zoo, about her journey into the field of animal care and enrichment, and how her passion led her to where she is today. Candice also gives us an exciting preview of the upcoming Joburg Zoo Animal Welfare Workshop—what to expect, who should attend, and why it’s such a valuable opportunity.
We also touch on what SAAKA members can look forward to and how involvement in workshops like this helps strengthen our professional community.
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned keeper, this episode is full of inspiration and practical insight!
🎧 Tune in, you won’t want to miss it.
Send your abstract to
https://bbolleurs@jhbcityparks.com
by 2 September 2025
Register for the workshop
Become a SAAKA member today!
https://saaka.org.za/membership/
For more on SAAKA👇
All Animal Talk Podcast socials 👇
https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
In this episode, Ryne and Ayrton dive deep into one of the most essential yet often overlooked elements in animal training: trust. From building foundational bonds with new animals to repairing broken relationships, they explore how trust influences behaviour, learning, and long-term success. With personal stories from the field and real-world examples, Ryne and Ayrton highlight why trust isn’t just a “nice-to-have” it’s a critical tool in every trainer’s toolkit. Whether you’re working with dogs, birds, marine mammals, and of course fish, this conversation will reshape how you think about connection, communication, and collaboration in training.
Check out NEI TEC Talk Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/NEI TEC Talk
Don’t for to subscribe and follow us:https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
🎙 Episode 15 – Let’s Talk SAAKA with Peter Baloi
In this episode of Animal Talk Podcast, co-hosts Ryne Ferguson and Ayrton King chat with Peter Baloi, one of the committee members of the newly established South African Animal Keepers Association (SAAKA).
We explore the purpose behind SAAKA, its role for the animal care industry, and how it aims to empower and connect keepers across the country. Peter gives us an inside look at the association’s exciting road ahead.
If you're in the field of animal care or simply passionate about professional animal welfare in South Africa, this one’s not to be missed!
🐾 Let’s talk about the future of animal keeping.
SAAKA : https://linktr.ee/saaka_org
Olivia Jones Communications: https://www.oliviajones.co.za
🎙️ Episode 14: Control & Choice — with Gabby Harris
In this thought-provoking episode of Animal Talk Podcast, we sit down with renowned animal behaviourist and Author Gabby Harris to explore the powerful concepts of control and choice in animal care and training.
Gabby shares her insights on why offering animals a sense of agency isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for their well-being. From facility enclosures to home environments, we discuss practical ways to implement choice-based handling, the science behind it, and how it can transform the human-animal relationship.
Whether you're a trainer, caregiver, or animal enthusiast, this episode will challenge the way you think about behaviour, cooperation, and respect.
🔊 Tune in to learn:
🐾 Empower your animals. Empower your practice.
🔗 Follow now: https://linktr.ee/animaltalkpodcast
🔗For more information about SAAKA
👉Click here: https://linktr.ee/saaka_org
In this episode of Animal Talk Podcast, Ryne Ferguson and Ayrton King dive into their personal journeys of breaking into the animal care and conservation industry. From humble beginnings to career-changing opportunities, they share the highs and the challenges.
Whether you're dreaming of working with wildlife, zoos, aquariums, or in animal welfare, this episode is packed with honest advice on how to set yourself up for success, build the right connections, and find your path in a competitive but incredibly rewarding field.
In this episode of Animal Talk Podcast, Ryne Ferguson and co-host Ayrton King dive into an important and often overlooked topic in the animal care world — Keeper Burnout. From long hours and emotional strain to the deep passion that keeps us going, we unpack the realities faced by animal care professionals and discuss ways to recognize, manage, and support each other through it.
Whether you're a zookeeper, aquarist, wildlife carer, or just passionate about animal welfare, this conversation is one you don’t want to miss.
Animal Talk Podcast is back with a fresh reboot! In this fascinating episode, host Ryne Ferguson sits down with seasoned aquarist Ayrton King to explore the surprisingly complex world of training fish. From enrichment to behaviour shaping, Ayrton shares incredible insights into how aquarists work with fish in ways most people never imagine.
But that’s not all — stay tuned until the end for a big announcement you won’t want to miss!
🐟🎧 Dive in, learn something new, and join us for this exciting new chapter of Animal Talk Podcast.
💬 We'd love to hear from you!
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➡️ Facebook Page: Animal Talk Podcast
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