ZOOFARI DRIVE-THRU GUIDED AUDIO TOUR
If you purchased a ticket to the Zoofari Drive-Thru fundraiser, turn on this guided audio tour at the start of your adventure!
PODCAST Episodes
Slimy Salamanders Could Be Hiding In Your Backyard
(Episode 10, Released June 15, 2020)
Hellbenders: what are they? We discuss these slimy but cute amphibians with our aquarist, Shanna Gay, and we learn about Heather, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s very own hellbender.
It’s Cuttle, Not Cuddle
(Episode 9, Released November 8, 2019)
If they aren’t for cuddling, and they aren’t fish, then what are cuttlefish? Justine Curley intrigues us with all things cuttlefish, from how they can change colors in the blink of an eye, to how they hunt their food with their tentacles.
You’re a Horti- What?
(Episode 8, Released October 10, 2019)
Emmett Bender explains to us what a Horticulturist is, what they do, and why it’s important to have them in a zoo!
While most people come to the zoo to see the animals, the green leafy things throughout the park are also important. They greatly affect the animals’ lives and the experience of the visitor.
Sugar Rush in Kids Kingdom
(Episode 7, Released June 20, 2019)
Have you ‘herd’ the news? The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has a new herd of alpacas! Robin Chambers, one of our keepers in Kids Kingdom, talks to us about the stylish hairdos, personalities, and candy inspired names of the alpacas.
Cloudy with a Chance of Cats
(Episode 6, Released May 2, 2019)
The birth of our new clouded leopard cub is a significant milestone in the worldwide effort to save this vulnerable species. Karen Vacco, our Assistant Mammal Curator, discusses what what it’s like to raise a cub, the challenges faced when breeding clouded leopards, and our hopes for this incredible species.
Talking to the Animals
(Episode 5, Released April 6, 2019)
Keepers have close bonds with the animals they work with. Kesha Phares, one of our keepers in Kids Kingdom, gives us insight into the creative techniques she uses to build those relationships and enrich the lives of the animals she works with every day.
A Rescue Success
(Episode 4, Released March 19, 2019)
Marine Mammal Keeper, Megan Paluh, discusses Coolio and Ellie May, two rescued northern elephant seals. They are the only northern elephant seals currently on exhibit in North America. Learn about their rescue and how they found their home here at the Pittsburgh Zoo!
Zoey’s Story
(Episode 3, Released March 12, 2019)
When our sea lion, Zoey, was diagnosed with cancer, we attempted a new and innovative cancer treatment – the first of its kind to be done on a sea lion. Our two guests, Henry Kacprzyk and Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, share Zoey’s story with us.
Watch the video from Zoey’s treatment:
Raising Penguin
(Episode 2, Released February 23, 2019)
Aquarist, Jessica Reis, works with gentoo and macaroni penguins, a giant Pacific octopus, and more. Hear what it’s like to train penguins, raise chicks, and handle multiple “penguinalities.”
Life as a Zoo Vet
(Episode 1, Released February 12, 2019)
Head Veterinarian, Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, provides world-class care for frogs, elephants, and everything in between. Learn how animals are trained for exams, what it’s like to do surgery on a fish, and what happens when an anemone accidentally swallows a hamster ball.
