show episodes
 
Working at Taronga Zoo is more than just a job – for us Taronga means family. From Sydney to Dubbo to beyond, Taronga’s people all have amazing untold Zoo stories that will touch your heart and open your eyes.
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Discover gardening inspiration and advice from your favourite gardening experts with the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team. Join Monty Don, Alan Titchmarsh, Adam Frost, Frances Tophill, Arit Anderson and others to garden for wildlife and wellness, sow and grow flourishing flowers, immerse in the benefits of nature, get the most from your vegetable plot, successfully use colour in the garden, enjoy the beauty of house plants and much, much more. With Sowalongs and Tea Break Tutorials too, we ...
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The Fast and the Curious, your summer of cricket sorted in one podcast. Featuring Australia great Mitch Johnson and cricket journalist Bonnie Raynor. Analysis, news, interviews and plenty of swing, subscribe for weekly episodes and have your questions featured on the show.
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show series
 
Hedgerows may be human-made, but there are few better habitats for wildlife – and they could play a major role in helping to reverse worrying biodiversity declines. Find out more about the amazing world of the hedgerow as we meet expert and author Christopher Hart. Do you have a gardening question you'd like Alan Titchmarsh's help with? Submit your…
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For years, gardeners have been told to provide supplementary food for garden birds. Reasons for this include helping to compensate for a lack of food during a hard winter, increase competition for food at fledging time, and help to get adults into good breeding condition in spring. But is feeding birds all it's cracked up to be? And if not, how els…
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The anticipation builds as you approach Oedo Botanica – a botanical garden island. It’s like stepping into a different world—seriously, it’s that beautiful. Oedo Botanica feels like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale and the story behind it is just as enchanting. Oedo Island is a popular tourist destination, requiring a boat ride, over 1…
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The death of someone we love can be devastating. Leaving us grieving and feeling that life will never be the same again. When she was 7 months pregnant, Victoria Bennet lost her sister, suddenly. For her, building and tending a garden, was an act of hope that helped her during some of the darkest times of her bereavement. She talks about how garden…
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Why do gardens need compost? What exactly is compost and what are the benefits compost brings to our gardening spaces? Charles Dowdling, gardener, author and champion of the modern 'no dig' gardening method, brings ways you can transfer your garden through the use of compost. Do you have a gardening question you'd like Alan Titchmarsh's help with? …
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Kew Gardens, officially known as the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, is a sprawling 326 acre paradise located in southwest London, home to one of the largest and most diverse plant collections in the world. Whether you're marvelling at the glasshouses or enjoying a leisurely picnic with friends, there's always something magical to discover. Learn more a…
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There’s so much more to growing tulips than planting a few bulbs in autumn and hoping for a bright display next spring. Expert grower, Polly Nicholson, shares her appreciation for the beauty and diversity of tulips and how to help them deliver vibrant flowers over several years in tune with nature. As a National Collection holder, Polly outlines ho…
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Monty Don explains how he puts Long Meadow to bed for winter and how his winter preparations have changed over the years due to the climate. From coping with wet soil, protecting plants, mulching late winter and early spring, greenhouse heating - or not. There are gardening changes we need to adapt to and embrace. Learn more about your ad choices. …
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Welcome to the Winter series of the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine podcast – packed with friendly and informative conversations with some of the UK’s favourite gardening experts. You'll find advice on how to care for your garden over winter, support wildlife, boost wellbeing, and improve soil health. We’ll also unearth the fascinating world of fungi…
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Brisbane City’s Botanic Gardens cover around 20 hectares of lush greenery. It’s a place where the urban bustle fades away and nature takes centre stage. Against the backdrop of the stunning natural landscape, the gardens are a popular spot for leisurely picnics and social events, all within a beautiful setting. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…
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A witch’s garden has been portrayed as an intimidating, scary and other-worldly place, full of folklore fascination and superstition. Plants grown and used by witches and their herbal remedies have been much maligned. Practicing witch Rebecca Beattie discusses the plants that have been used for herbalism and healing over time and what would be in a…
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Psychoactive plants have hallucinogenic properties. They have been used by mankind for thousands of years and still play important roles in culture and religion today. In this episode of Dangerous Plants, Frances Tophill talks to Tom Pattinson from the Alnwick Poison Garden to discover some of the common toxic, intoxicating and narcotic plants that…
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Gardens by the Bay is more than just a garden. It's a futuristic, innovative space where technology and nature seamlessly blend together, creating an awe inspiring experience for visitors. One of the highlights is the changing floral displays in the flower field. Each season brings a new theme, from tulip mania to daily dreams, it's always exciting…
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Deadly potions, poison, murder and intrigue – dangerous plants were used in many of Agatha Christie’s novels. In this episode of Dangerous Plants, Frances Tophill discusses the plants that Christie exploited to great effect in her fictitious murder mysteries and why poisoning is a more feminine method of committing a crime with Ali Marshall, Head G…
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Toxic plants, deadly fungi and mistaken identity in the hedgerows can all lead to unpleasant consequences. In this episode of Dangerous Plants, horticulturist Frances Tophill talks to UK forager James Wood to discuss how to enjoy nature’s bounty throughout the year, tips for how to clarify what is edible and what’s not and encourage us to forage wi…
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Tucked away in the heart of the Scottish Highlands is a gardening masterpiece: the Gordon Castle Walled Garden. This eight-acre walled garden is one of the largest in Britain and a stunning example of modern horticulture blended with historic charm. The garden is divided into various sections, each with its own unique character. Be captivated by th…
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How has cotton, a soft staple fibre, been dangerous for centuries - and continues to be so? Threatening human life, natural resources and biodiversity, the cotton plant has wreaked havoc over the years in the slave trade, farming and industry. Joining Frances are Dr Cassandra Gooptar, Lecturer in Legacies of Slavery at the University of Hull, and E…
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The Alhambra is a magnificent fortress-palace complex perched on a hilltop, celebrated for its awe-inspiring architecture and exquisite gardens. If you’re a garden enthusiast or someone who appreciates natural beauty, the Alhambra is a must-see. Originally a fortress before becoming a royal palace, the gardens are prime examples of Islamic design, …
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The healing power of plants has been used by humans for thousands of years, and many dangerous plants can also help us. In this episode of Dangerous Plants, Frances Tophill is joined by Dr Sarah Edwards, Plant Records Officer at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum and Ethnobotanist to reveal the mystifying properties of plants tha…
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How can plants be used to identify and interpret evidence to help solve crimes and what techniques can be used to do so? Discover how important forensic botany is in criminal cases and if there are plants that can ‘hold’ more evidence than others with Forensic Botanist Mark Spencer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic…
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Send us a text With up to 600 animals attending Taronga Western Plains Zoo Wildlife Hospital in any given year, no two days are the same for Senior Veterinarian Dr. Benn Bryant. From annual health checks of Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s mega-vertebrates like Giraffe, to saving local injured wildlife, Benn works tirelessly to achieve the optimal welf…
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Send us a text Signed up and ready to join the Royal Australian Air Force, Maz Boz never thought a ‘Keeper for the Day’ experience at Taronga Zoo would change his life forever. He was so blown away by the people and magic of Taronga that he immediately changed his career, joining Taronga as a volunteer keeper. Today, Maz continues to pursue a fulfi…
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Send us a text Bruce Murdock’s earliest memory of connecting with animals occurred when he was very young, during a pony ride. He knew he wanted to live his life around animals. Starting small with a ‘free-range’ pet rabbit, Bruce sought out learning experiences that brought him closer to wildlife. Despite advice to the contrary, Bruce was determin…
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Send us a text We were honoured to welcome the incredible Dr. Jane Goodall to Taronga this month for an intimate conversation at Taronga’s wonderful Institute of Science & Learning. With almost 60 years of chimpanzee research at Gombe National Park in Tanzania, coupled with first-hand knowledge of global issues facing our future generations, Dr. Ja…
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Send us a text Growing up in Sydney’s pristine Northern Beaches, Wendy Gleen used to wake up to blue-tongued lizards, diamond pythons, koalas and a brilliant dawn chorus. Then one day she realised – houses had replaced animals and the birds had stopped singing… and nobody else seemed to notice. As Senior Keeper in Taronga Zoo’s Australian Fauna div…
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Send us a text Hundreds of metres of fencing forms a sanctuary for some of Australia’s most vulnerable and critically endangered species. Yet how can we save Australia’s Greater Bilby, Regent Honeyeater and Plains-Wanderer from behind a fence? Andrew Elphinstone sheds light on ‘re-wilding’ and his most important conservation project yet as Taronga’…
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Send us a text The strong bond between a Keeper and their animal is hard-won, yet the most valuable tool available for animal training and enrichment. Danielle Fox knows that, like all good relationships, trust and rapport is earnt over time. From the diligent Californian Sea Lion to the cruisy New Zealand Fur Seal, Danielle adjusts her training ap…
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Send us a text As far back as he can remember, Paul Davies always wanted to be a Zoo Keeper. His childhood visits to Whipsnade Zoo in England cemented both his love of animals and awe of the zoo keeping profession. When life took an unexpected turn during his teens, Paul sought travel – first moving to Scotland before his big move to Australia. Thi…
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Send us a text Looking after the world’s fastest mammal, one of the world’s slowest animals and Africa’s most efficient predator is all in a day’s work for Taronga Western Plains Zoo Keeper Jordie Michelmore. Having joined Taronga Zoo’s ‘Youth at the Zoo’ program (YATZ) at 14 years-old, Jordie’s passion for animals keeps her chasing every opportuni…
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Send us a text Though scaly and scary to some, Michael McFadden has always loved reptiles. His Honours degree first led him to Taronga Zoo, where he seized an opportunity to work in the Reptile House. Now Unit Supervisor for Herpetofauna, Michael is living out his childhood dream of not only working with reptiles and amphibians – but saving many cr…
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Send us a text The ocean was her first love… the salt, the spray, the waves. When her cat dragged a tiny naked bird into her home one day, Libby Hall fell in love again. Protecting and caring for injured wildlife, watching them grow stronger and releasing them back into their habitats became her life’s calling. As Manager of Taronga’s Wildlife Hosp…
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Send us a text From early morning bird-watching with his father in country Victoria, to watching tadpoles turn into turtles as a boy, Matt Kettle was always fascinated with wildlife. An unexpected friendship with a Zimbabwean falconer stirred his great love of birds early in his career. He spread his wings with a 12-month opportunity to create Taro…
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Send us a text From caring for stray dogs to rehabilitating native wildlife at WIRES, Jimmy Sanders was born with an innate love of nature. Taronga Zoo’s Chimpanzee Talk inspired him to pursue a career as a Zoo Keeper – unlocking his passion for ungulates (hooved animals) and his life’s calling to protect the iconic Giraffe. As Senior Ungulate Keep…
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Send us a text Every second weekend during his teens, Anthony Dorrian would help his father with Taronga Zoo’s food and manure runs. He jumped at every opportunity to learn and grow as a keeper – first at Taronga Zoo Sydney, then at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, before working abroad in England and Ireland. With over 35 years’ experience, An…
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Send us a text Staying positive and solutions-focused keeps Belinda Fairbrother tackling huge global challenges like climate change, every day. Spending her formative years at play in the Aussie bush, Belinda acquired a love and curiosity of nature and animals that led to her studying Environmental Science – and travelling as far as Antarctica – to…
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Send us a text With an interest in anatomy, the weird and wonderful, and a lifelong affinity with animals – the writing was on the wall for Dr. Lydia Tong to devote her career to science. As Veterinary Pathologist at Taronga Wildlife Hospital, Lydia acts as the ‘Zoo’s Coroner’ – investigating the lives and deaths of animals. She gathers information…
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Send us a text We were honoured to welcome respected Brewarrina Elder and Australian country music legend Col Hardy OAM to the Taronga Talks studio, for a very special conversation. Col’s incredible journey to Taronga is carried by his love of music and sacred connection to the land and wildlife. As Education Officer for Taronga’s ‘Animals of the D…
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Send us a text In the first Taronga Talks episode for season 2, Taronga Conservation Society Australia CEO Cameron Kerr reflects on the enormous change affecting us all during the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 5,000 animals to still care for, ongoing conservation work to help save endangered species and two beautiful Zoos to maintain, there's no suc…
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Send us a text When Senior Marine Keeper Jo Walker started at Taronga Zoo, she was instantly spellbound by penguins. She fell in love with the look and inquisitive nature of this unusual bird, and was fascinated by their need to survive on both the land and sea. Her passion for penguins was ignited in Antarctica, beginning her life’s quest to see e…
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Send us a text It’s been an exciting time for Taronga Zoo’s chimpanzee group, and for chimpanzee research being conducted around the world. Taronga celebrated the 60th birthday of matriarch chimpanzee ‘Spitter’ this month, along with the 60th anniversary of Dr Jane Goodall’s ground-breaking chimpanzee research project in Gombe, Tanzania on World Ch…
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Send us a text In early 2020 Taronga launched its new program to support environmental innovation – the HATCH: Taronga Accelerator Program. Taronga believes that innovation is a key part of securing a shared future for wildlife and people, and recognises that we need to look beyond the usual approaches to tackle environmental challenges. Over the l…
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Send us a text Had she not called up to confirm her post, Louise Ginman may have never worked at Taronga Zoo. Just ten days after starting as a Carnivore Keeper, Louise first experienced the joy of welcoming Sumatran Tiger cubs to the world. Twenty-five years later as Carnivore Unit Supervisor, she is raising cubs again – this time Red Panda and Su…
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A visit to Suizenji Jojuen Garden is all about the way the garden captures the heart and soul of Japan. It's a place where history, culture and nature come together. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who loves beautiful places, it has something to offer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c…
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Murder mysteries… poisonous potions… mind altering… wily witchcraft… crime-solving… hedgerow pleasures… perilous industries… plant pursuing. Plants have the capacity to hold secrets, kill, enchant, thrill, heal, harm, entice and nourish. Join British horticulturist, conservationist, author and television presenter Frances Tophill to discover the di…
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Visit some of the most beautiful gardens around the world with the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast. In our new series, Travel Tales: Gardens of the World, we’ll transport you to tropical paradises, spectacular botanic gardens, scenic nature parks, traditional landscape gardens, historical walled estates and hidden city gems. Join travel prese…
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Monty talks about the nation's favourite flower, roses, and his love of these beautiful plants. His cottage garden at Longmeadow is dominated by roses and he offers advice on how to look after roses from the wide varieties, how to plant and rose care throughout the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…
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