Welcome Back, ANIMALS! With Biologist Vanessa Pirotta
The animals of the world, especially the urban world, seem quite happy that all the humans are suddenly staying inside! Outside, it's a party and they're livin' it up... all the way down the food chain!
Dr. Vanessa Pirotta joins us from Sydney, Australia (via Botswana!) and helps us see today's world under human quarantine... through the eyes and ears and furry paws and flappy fins of our animal neighbors.
Dr. Pirotta is a wildlife scientist and science communicator. Her zoological background has taken her around the world for wildlife research. Vanessa is also a passionate and experienced science communicator who loves making science accessible. Her keen interests cover topics of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, also known as STEAM. Vanessa has represented Australia internationally as the national winner of a world-renowned science communication competition known as FameLab, placing second in the world. Vanessa’s efforts to communicate science has also seen her become a TEDx speaker, speak at the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization and recognized as one of the top 100 Women of Influence judged by the Australian Financial Review.
Learn more about Dr. Pirotta!
MORE ON THE IF THIS WEEK:
1. Coronavirus and Cruise Ships
At the attack of the coronavirus, cruise ships quickly became major sites of infection early on in the pandemic. Learn about how these debacles happened and are dealt with in this article.
2. Covid-19 and wildlife
As we are stuck inside, what is happening with the wildlife and zoo animals? Here are 5 ways in which the coronavirus is affecting animals around the world. Even the more densely populated cities are starting to see animals roam more freely, and you can find out more about the goats in Wales or the rats in NYC here.
3. Pets in Quarantine
While wild animals may be enjoying the decrease in human activities, many people have reported some anxiety from their pets in the quarantine period. Here are some reasons why your pets might be acting weird and what you can do as an owner to help them cope with the situation.
4. Lessons from the pandemic
This pandemic has drastically changed life as we know it, and one of these major changes is our relationship to the nature. Difficult as the current situation is, what has the coronavirus pandemic taught us about the natural world?
Special thanks to Kyle Crichton, Howard Zheng and Illia Zheng for their help with the show.
Like the show? Share your love for the IF by dropping a review on Apple Podcasts!
Have you subscribed? Grab one on our home page and never miss an episode!
Keep On IFFin',
Philip & Matt