Weird Animal Facts: Explicit

Yes I might have been editing this Monday night before its release date, but just like that snot in your nose and the allergies that caused it; its here!

It's Springtime! And with it, in addition to your constant sneezing comes two very spring time animals, ever if you don't think so. Me, having been a zookeeper for ten years can safely inform you that both the beaver and orb weaver spiders of the world are in fact very, very spring time animals.

Although we don't spend too much time talking about spring we do talk about stinky beaver butts and make some very obvious jokes. As for the orb weavers, they are without a doubt one of the most amazing and frightening spiders you'll find in you garden (but please don't kill them).

Scientific Names
American Beaver: Castor canadensis
Eurasian Beaver: Castor fiber
Garden spider UK: Araneus diadematus
Yellow garden spider US: Argiope aurantia

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This is without a doubt the shittiest episode to date. POOP!

That's right we are talking about animal poop! But not just any poop; some of the weirdest poop in the animal world. Cubed pooped, covering one's self with your own poop, pooping on your own legs, rolling, eating and being born in poop.  The uses of poop are endless when it comes to the animal world.

Scientific names
Common Wombat: Vombatus ursinus
Northern Hairy-nosed wombat: Lasiorhimus krefftii
Southern Hairy-nosed wombat: Lasiorhinus latifrons
Colorado Potato Beetle: Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Marabou Stork: Leptoptilos crumenifer
Turkey Vulture: Cathartes aura
Dung Beetle: Scarabaeus sacer

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This week we take to the ocean so to live out everyone's childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist. But since to ocean is so big and there are too many animals and planet to learn about in 30 minutes we'll just focus on two fish: once from your nightmares and one from the movies.

Stargazers are in fact a fish. The sneaky ninja ambush predators of the sea. With their large creepy eyes, wide gaping mouths and the ability to poison and/or you. Don't mess with this guy.

Pufferfish, most of us have heard of. They are a fish that can get 3x their size. But why? And more importantly how? Learn about bones, and lack there off, learn about spines, poison and why maybe you should think twice before putting some tasty fugu into your mouth.

Scientific names
Atlantic Stargazer: Uranoscopus scaber
Giant Stargazer: Kathetostoma giganteum
Porcupine Pufferfish: Didodon holocanthus
Tiger Pufferfish: Takifugu rubripes

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I hope you all see the irony that for episode 69 we are talking about two of the weirdest and most promiscuous animals in the animal world: Bonobos and Ducks!

With Spring Break upon us, why would anyone want to work, unless of course its for sex. That's right; we're talking about animal sex. So keep your kids at home as we adults dive on in to the group sex world of bonobos and the beautiful and at time terrifying love life of ducks

As great apes, bonobos are probably the best at sex. If you will think of this troop of primates as a chill hippie commune. In order to solve problem and keep aggression from escalating their answer is sex.

As for ducks there are many ways males try to attract the females so to win their favor. It comes down to three thing: a dance, a song and fancy feathers.  With every duck species with a different head and/or tail dance so to show off their beautiful plumage, as well as some calls; the female decides which one is the most beautiful. But what about the ones who don't get picked? Well let's just say they turn to the dark side and it has to do with their long and twirly penis. Those poor female ducks...well not really as their vaginal tract is just as weird, long and twirly. ALSO bird calls!!

Scientific names
Bonobo: Pan paniscus
Mallard Duck: Anas platyrhynchos
Common Goldeneye: Bucephala clangula
Black-bellied whistling duck: Dendrocygna autumnalis

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Just because you're different and/or weird doesn't mean you should be shunned away. Being different shouldn't be frowned upon; its not a curse or a burden. If anything, being different is what makes you, and the animals we're talking about today, amazing! Yes, they are weird but that's all this show is about!

Vietnamese Mossy Frog: its a frog that looks like moss and is from Vietnam...duh. As weird as it is for a frog to look like moss what's weirder is their sex life. And Yes, they have a very interesting sex life. And more adventurous then most other animals.

Okapi: you probably have never heard of this animal, but if you know what a giraffe is and a zebra... well you probably still don't really know but at least now you're on the right track. Only instead of the African Sahara its the African forest.

Be sure to learn even more about okapis by visiting The Okapi Conservation Project and please consider donating so to help protect the engaged okapi.
https://www.okapiconservation.org/ 

Scientific Names
Vietnamese Mossy Frog: Theloderma corticale
Okapi: Okapi johnstoni

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Happy St. Patrick's Day! And in honor of this day of drinking, we will learn about the animal that the dick Saint Patrick chased out of Ireland: SNAKES!

Snakes are truly amazing and yes, I have talked about a few snake species as well as their tongue but there's plenty of snake facts for everyone. In this episode we learn about why the world is such a dick to snakes. And -spoiler alert- it has to do with certain cultures (looking at you Christianity and Norse mythology). But don't worry there are plenty of other cultures who get it. They get why snakes are important and they too, like me, LOVE snakes!

Also, for you horney devils out there who want to learn all about the sex and love life of snakes...well then, this is the episode for you. And let me just warn you...its very, very, very weird. So don't be too creeped out or astonished when you learn the truth.

Scientific Names
King Cobra: Ophiophagus hannah
Eastern Garter Snake: Thammophis sirtalis
Eastern Diamond-backed rattle snake: Crotalus adamanteus

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The two most dangerous birds on the planet are probably taller then you: Ostrich and cassowary.

Both member of the ratite clan. What's a ratite? Flightless birds (excluding the penguin of course). There are actually five ratite species: ostrich, cassowary, rhea, kiwi, and emu! But what makes them flightless? Why are they flightless? What's the point?

Ostriches, the African giant flightless bird, could kill you easiest (especially compared to the kiwi) as they are the largest bird who have also been known to kill lions with a simple swing of their mighty backwards legs. Ostriches have a lot of danger about them.

Cassowaries, although not as large as an ostrich, have killed a human. But they aren't as tall! They do have terrifying red eyes and a deep call that feels like they are ripping out your soul. But they live in the fun world of Northern Australia, New Guinea and surrounding islands! So I think its safe to say they can be chill...if you respect them.  So don't be a dick to animals.

Scientific names
Ostrich: Struthio camelus
Southern Cassowary: Casuarius casuarius
Northern Cassowary: Casuarius unappendiculatus
Dwarf Cassowary: Casuarius bennetti

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MARDI GRAS!! Fat Tuesday! Its time to be sinful with two Louisiana themed animals: American Alligator and Atlantic Blue Crab. Come join our weird parade of sinful animal seduction. After all Mardi Gras is about letting lose and animals are great at letting their natural instincts wild.

Allow me to set the scene of the sexy swamp for the Louisiana alligator dance of seduction; or a "water dance," as its actually called. The blue crab also does their own type of dance  of love but its a bit more onsided as the male is just waiting for her to get naked and vulnerable.


Scientific Names
American Alligator: Alligator mississippiensis
Atlantic Blue Crab: Callinectes sapidus

Here's how to enjoy your Mardi Gras in a more sustainable way. with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood watch:
https://lake.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/MBA-SeafoodWatch-Southeast-Guide.pdf
https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/understanding-sustainable-seafood

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We finish off the month of February by celebrating Responsible Pet Ownership Month with a look at the weird side of exotic pets. Hedgehogs and Chinese Water Dragon.

In case you don't want to listen to this episode or if you only half listen as you try to get through your twelve hour shift with my voice in the background, then let me give you a simple synopsis: research! Whatever animal you want to bring into your home and add to your family you will need to do RESEACH! Listening to this episode of Weird Animal Facts is a good start but you will definitely need to do more and chat with your household.

If you find that you are interested in brining in a new animal family member to her home and have listened to all the Responsible Pet Ownership Month episodes and still have questions then please feel free to reach out to me through any of our social media.

If you're looking into getting lights or other products for your pet; here's a good resource: especially for lights!
https://zoomed.com/

Scientific names
Africa Pygmy Hedgehog: Ateleric albivensis
Chinese Water Dragon: Physignathus cocincinus

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"Whale-come" to the glorious porpoiseof World Whale Day! On February 20, 2022 we celebrate all whales! And yes, technically dolphins are whales. But World Whale Day was started to help protect and raise awareness for humpback whales; but since then all whales have been included! And incase you'd like like know the whole classification of whales then listen in as I poorly attempt to read a few orders, infraorder and suborders...it does not go well.

Baleen whales VS Toothed whales. Is there a difference? Yes. Their teeth. One has baleen and the other have teeth...but that should be obvious. We focus more on the baleen whales and their huge role they play in saving the planet and phytoplankton. Are you breathing right now? You should thank a whale.

Thank you Whales!!

To find a local aquarium that's accredited by WAZA click here!
https://www.waza.org/members/find-a-waza-zoo-or-aquarium/

To learn about what to ask before scheduling a Whale Tour check out the International Whaling Commission (IWC) click here!
https://wwhandbook.iwc.int/en/preparing-for-a-trip/questions-you-can-ask-when-booking-a-tour

Scientific Names
Right whale: Eubaleana glacialis
Humpback whale: Megaptera novaeangliae
Blue whale:Balaenoptera musculus
Sperm whale:Physeter macrocephalus
Orca:Orcinus orca
Amazon River Dolphin: Inia geoffrensis

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Valentine’s Day! Instead of focusing on the love between a man and a woman (being single myself, I don’t really feel like dealing with that shit), we will be looking at the self-love that some animals are able to give themselves that ultimately results in carrying on their genes! Asexual Reproduction!

No man needed! There are multiple ways to create life and, good news ladies, you don’t need a man or their sperm (Disclaimer: not available for humans or all species).

To inspire your self-pleasing Valentine’s Day, look to the few asexual animals of the world by learning about the multiple ways they create babies without a man.

Fission: I know not really an animal thing. Mostly its bacteria and archaea. But if you google asexual reproduction, you’ll also see this. Don’t want you to get confused....You're welcome.

Budding: Its like a skin tag…only it creates a second you!

Fragmentation: …It's what it sounds like. From that “broken” piece of that animal they can create a copy.

Parthenogenesis: Splitting of the egg without sperm! Reserved for select females!

Scientific Names
Hydra: Hydra vulgaris
Zebra Shark: Stegostoma fasciatum
New Mexican Whiptail Lizard: Cnemidophorus neomexicanus

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Happy Responsible Pet Ownership Month!!

That's right; the entire month of February is when you should be a responsible pet owner....no wait. I mean... the entire month of February is when we should all learn how to be better pet owners (because you should ALWAYS be a good pet owner. I'll tell you how to do it today).

For the first week of February we look at two domestic animals (cats and goats), then for the last week of February we look at two exotic pet species. And don't worry, as there will still be episodes for the two weeks between. For today's episode its all about the weirdness that are cats and goats.

Learn about the 'somewhat' domestication of cat and just what a catio is. Also, we learn the truth about goats: no they don't just eat anything. They have a very, very particular diet.

Scientific Names
Domestic Cat: Felis catus
Domestic Goat: Capra hircus

If you are interested in bringing a new animal into your home but aren't sure what kind of animal is right for you then feel free to reach out to me:

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Time to go down under! Australia! Thanks to a fan request we are taking this episode's journey to the Australia outback! Death Adder and Hawk Moth.

One of Australia's most deadly snake, thanks to their neurotoxic venom. But don't worry as long as you respect this snake, and give it the space it deserves, and not touch it; you'll be fine. Mostly found in coastal regions of Australia this passive hunter isn't chasing you nor its prey down.  Looking similar to the United States viper, this native Australian is NOT  a viper. Nor an adder (you know like the puff adder of Africa). Nope. They're in their own family...they just look like those other snakes. And just because the Death Adder is a venomous snake it doesn't mean they don't positively affect us humans. Because they do. Scientist have been able to use their venom to create medicine!

What's a butterfly and what's a moth? What's the difference? You'll have to listen and find out. But what I can tell you now is HAWK MOTH! Its not a hawk. Its a moth. A big moth! As big as your cell phone. And unlike what you think, moths aren't boring, nor are all drab colored. Some, especially certain species of hawk moths, can be very colorful. Not only are moths much prettier then you may think but they are FANTASTIC pollinators. Do you like papaya? Thank a moth!

Scientific names
Common Death Adder: Acanthophis antarcticus
Desert Death Adder: Acanthophis pyrrhus
Smooth-scaled Death Adder: Acanthophis laevis
Pellucid Hawk Moth: Cephonodes hylas
Vine Snake Hawk Moth: Hippotion celerio
Double Headed Hawk Moth: Coequosa triangularis

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Hey Weirdo family! For those of you who enjoyed the Red Panda episode with Jon Rossi (host of the Rossifari Podcast), and want an exclusive interview with your favorite, impropriate, explicit host (...um... that would be me...Deidre) then check out Jon's interview with me from his podcast: Rossifari Podcast. 

Those that don't know, Rossifari Podcast is a podcast where you get to hear first hand experiences from zookeepers of all kinds. Learn about their journey, their inspiration and just how wild and wonderful the animal world is. In this BONUS episode Jon interviews ME (Deidre)! So, for you die hard Weird Animal Facts: Explicit fans, be sure to check it out to learn about my animal career journey. And if you are someone interested in learning more about what it takes to work with animals from the 'mouths of babes' in the zoo setting then check out more Rossifari episodes (or just click on the links)!

Here's how you can reach or learn more about the Rossifari Podcast
https://rossifari.com/
Instagram @rossifari
Facebook @rossifari

Let me know what you think by reaching out to me (Deidre)!
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Today's episode is a special one! Not only do we learn all the weirdness of the red panda but we have a guest (a real guest, its not just me talking to myself as usual)!  Meet Jon Rossi ; the host of the Rossifari podcast, who guest stars as we do a much less scripted talk about animals (well, really one animal).

From the forests of Asia (the red panda no Jon Rossi), this critter who is NOT related to the stupid panda, still has some 'panda-like' qualities. 1) SUPER, SUPER CUTE; you might just die. 2) pseudo thumb. Yep, just like that useless giant panda, the cuter, better, red panda also has a pseudo thumb. But unlike those overrated giant pandas the red panda isn't just restricted to only eat bamboo. Plus they're way cuter.

They're cute, they're fluffy, you just have to love the red panda!

Scientific names
Red Panda:Ailurus fulgens&Ailurus styani

To help save red panda's then consider donating some of that Christmas money to the Red Panda Network! 
https://redpandanetwork.org/

Also, be sure to check out the Rossifari Podcast to hear fun stories about animals and the zoo life. Jon Rossi visits zoos around North America and interviews zookeepers to hear some wild and educational stories from the direct mouths of zookeepers. This week he interviewed me! So to learn about my zookeeping journey [Deidre] the go check it out wherever you listen to podcasts!
https://rossifari.com/

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The Holiday season is here! And for the last four weeks we have taken some weird looks into some weird Winter wonderland animals of the world. Today is the last of our four week journey into the chilly world of wildlife as we head to the ocean to learn about the cute adorable harp seal and the weirdly nosed elephant seal.

We learn; the differences between true seals, sea lion and walruses, the 3 very useful uses for blubber and just why the heck those giant ass elephant seals have that wacky and weird nose.

Scientific Names:
Harp Seal: Pagophilus groenlandicus
Northern elephant seal:Mirounga angustirostris
Southern elephant seal: Mirounga leonina

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"It’s the most wonderful time of the year,

With the frogs that are freezing, 

The snow buntings leaving. Oh this is so weird!

Its the most wonderful time of the year!"

In our second to last winter week, we take a look at two winter themed animals that appear to be.... normal. But this show is not called Weird Animal Facts for no reason. These two seemingly ordinary bird and frog are anything but. For the cold weathered snow bunting, that beautiful white plumage isn't even their winter plumage. They're white in the summer (which is the opposite of most Europeans)!

Guest appearances by "Julia Child"  for a new segment of "The Bird Chef" teaches us just how to make a snow bunting and Funky-Chill Snow Blunt as he gives us a tour of his "Crib."

Wood Frog...Its a frog. That looks like a frog...and its brown...its small... yep. Its a frog. But as normal as this frog looks its actually a very wintery weirdo. Here's the only hint I'll give you. Wood frog cocktail:  blood + sugar + urine = Not dying when frozen.

Scientific Names
Snow Bunting: Plectrophenax nivalis
Wood Frog: Lithobates sylvaticus

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Baby its cold outside! But it could be colder. Just ask the giant emperor penguin and the tiny snow flea (who isn't a flea!...its called a springtail).

For our second week into our Weird Winter Wonderland Animal Fact episode we learn just how these two animals are able to withstand to cold. For the springtail the answer could have come from their ancestry and their special insides. And the emperor penguin, well, they've got some real fancy feathers that may not help them fly (in the air that is, as they fly through the water), but their feathers are a key element in their winter survival.

Bundle up, pour yourself something warm to drink and let's get weird!

To help protect penguins, their food and all critters of the sea, check out Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch by clicking on the links below.

https://www.seafoodwatch.org/
https://www.seafoodwatch.org/globalassets/sfw/pdf/guides/seafood-watch-national-guide.pdf

Scientific Names
Snow Flea (Springtail): Hypogastrura nivicola
Emperor Penguin: Aptenodytes forsteri

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Sometimes our lives depend upon another. Perhaps not as dramatic as the Canada Lynx and snowshoe hare; as the population of one goes up, so does the other, and vise versa. Obviously from Canada, these two species rely on the other for survival.

Not only are we taking a somewhat close look at the two animals' relationship, but also their adaptations. FEET! LONG LEGS! BIG EARS! FUR! Shall I say more? Also we'll understand the difference between hares and rabbits and the differences between lynx and bobcat.

If you'd like to help support and save the wild cats of the world then click on the links below to learn more and/or donate:
https://www.conservationnw.org/
http://www.felidaefund.org/

Scientific Names
Canada Lynx: Lynx canadensis
Iberian Lynx: Lynx pardinus
Eurasian Lynx:Lynx Lynx
Bobcat: Lynx rufus
Snowshoe hare: Lepus americanus

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Noses and mouths!

Two animals with weird features. A frogmouth: who is not a frog nor an owl. A frogmouth a bird! That looks like a Muppet. And a pig-nosed turtle is a turtle with a pig nose and looks like a sea turtle...but isn't a sea turtle. This turtle requires fresh water! So a fresh water turtle.

If you're confused don't worry, as I help to clarify, and if I don't help them there are always images available to view on our Instagram and Facebook.

If you'd like to donate and learn more about EDGE of Existence, click on their website:
https://www.edgeofexistence.org/

Scientific Names:
Tawny Frogmouth: Podargus strigoides
Sunda Frogmouth: Batrachostomus cornutus
Pig-nosed Turtle: Carettochelys insculpta

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Your confusion is over!

I am sure, many of you have been baffled and confused as to what is the difference between these two long nosed, and long tongued creatures. In this weird animal facts episode we learn that the aardvark is a naked African mammal and the giant anteater is a fluffy American mammal (no relation) as well as many, many, many more facts that may or may not heal your confusing mind.

Scientific Names
Aardvark:Orycteropus afer
Giant Anteater: Myrmecophaga tridactyla

To help save the anteaters, sloths and armadillos who are near extinction consider learning and even donating to this link below.
https://www.xenarthrans.org/

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ELEPHANTS!!

Okay, not really. But both animals are named after elephants! The first is commonly known as the elephant trunk snake (as well as: the wart snake, the Java wart snake, file snake and even doge faced snake). The second is commonly known as the elephant shrew; even though its not an elephant or a shrew. Its a sengis!

Just me, zookeeper Deidre, as I teach you about the weird aquatic world of the fat, and wrinkly Elephant Trunk Snake and the unusual monogamy of the elephant shrew (I mean sengis). Also, feel free to laugh at all of the scientific words I horribly mispronounce (I know I suck at it, but at least you're laughing with me!...you are laugh with me right?).

Scientific Names
Elephant Trunk Snake: Acrochordus javanicus
File Snake: Acrochordus arafurae
Golden Rumped elephant shrew: Rhynchocyon chrysopygus
Black and Rufous elephant shrew: Rhynchocyon petersi

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We all know those traditional Halloween animals, but the animals such as; snakes, spiders, owls, rats, bats and wolves are not the animals you should fear. In today's special Halloween episode we take a very spooky look into two animals who you SHOULD FEAR!! Non-human primates and Geese.

Journey with us to Thailand were we recount the horrors that took place thanks to the stupid and dumb humans you would most likely find in any horror movie. Then live through the horrors of what it was like for many children who grew up on farms and ranches as you get chanced down your own driveway by a demonic goose.

Why are these two animals so terrifying you ask? Its because of us! Humans are to blame. You will see that when humans do not respect wildlife and their habitats, horror follows...

Scientific Names
Bonobo: Pan paniscus
Crab-eating Macaque: Macaca fascicularis
Domestic Swan Goose: Anser Cygnoides
Domestic Greylag Goose:Anser Anser
Canada Goose: Branta canadensis

To learn more about how you can help with conservation and research efforts then check out any or all of the links below!
https://greatapeheartproject.org/

https://gorillafund.org/

https://janegoodall.org/

https://www.duckstamp.com/ 

https://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp.php

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Our busting of spooky Halloween animals continues as we take a not so spooky look at ravens and aye-ayes. We first learn what's the difference between a raven and a crow as well as learn that not all black birds are the same (you ignorance ass).  Ravens are the bigger and better bird species (if I'm allowed to be biased and since this is my weird animal podcast, I am!). We also take a dive in to multiple folklore of the raven; such as Norse mythology of both Odin and Loki, Pacific Northwestern Native tribes tales and were George RR Martin got the inspiration for Bran from.

But of course, most of us, thanks to Edgar Allen Poe and Brandon Lee's The Crow (they used a Raven in that movie, not at crow) are very familiar with the idea of what a raven is; but what about an aye-aye? If you have never heard of an aye aye, you are not alone. Its a primate lemur from Madagascar and one of the creepiest, weirdest looking animals on the planet. Tune in to this episode to find out just how weird this primate is.

**Correction: After listening to this episode I realized I had a brain fart and said that the aye aye's tail is fluffy like an aardvark...um NO!! Its fluffy like a Giant Anteater... Man I'm embarrassed.**

And to learn more or even donate to lemur and aye-aye conservation consider on clicking and donating to anyone of these wonderful conservation efforts:
https://lemur.duke.edu/
https://www.lemurreserve.org/

Scientific Names
Common Raven:Corvus corax
Aye-Aye: Daubentonia madagascariensis
 
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TEETH! Fangs! Dracula! Blood! Ferocious aquatic murderers!

Both piranhas and vampire bats have become innocent victims to the horrible rumors that have been set upon them by old white men of the past. 

For the month of Halloween we look at the traditional Halloween and spooky animals that have been dubbed blood thirsty, flesh eating, viscous monsters! I mean, yes piranhas do eat meat, but not just meat, they're omnivores (mostly)! And as for vampire bats...well....that one is harder as they do only drink blood....that's it....only blood. But by listening to this special Halloween episode you will learn that there really isn't a reason to fear these wonderfully weird animals who are actually very good at sharing. And only found in Central and South America. 

Scientific Names are Hard:
"Vegetarian Piranha:" Tometes camunani
Red-Bellied Piranha: Pygocentrus nattereri
Common Vampire Bat: Desmondus rotundus
White winged Vampire Bat: Diaemus youngi
Hairy legged Vampire Bat: Diphylla ecaudata

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Its October; that means its time to learn about the traditional animals of Halloween! And why you should NOT fear them! This week its all about the owls! These beautiful birds have been innocent victims of the stupid ignorance of man-kind and has gone from being the sidekick of one of the most badass Goddesses of all time to a freaky looking old lady with a beak.

In our season 2 opener we take a weird look in to the folklore of owls and how they went from being known as wise, amazing creatures of good luck to becoming the omen of DEATH via hoots! Hopefully after listening you'll gain a new appreciation for owls and no longer be afraid of them.  And if you are so inclined you can even bring owls to your backyard with a barn owl nest box!

https://www.thespruce.com/barn-owl-boxes-nesting-owls-386640

Here are the scientific names from today!
Little Owl: Athene noctua
Great Grey Owl: Strix nebulos
Barred Owl: Strix varia
Tawny Owl: Strix aluco 

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Season 1 Finale! Thank you all for tuning in over the year! As our last episode for the season we will reward you with two animals that need some help when it comes to trafficking. The Leaf-Tailed Gecko may be a popular pet but many species are at risk of endangerment and extinction because of the illegal pet trade.

We'll take a Bob Ross look into what the Satanic leaf tailed gecko looks like and learn all about those gecko feet! How do they climb on walls?! It's not stickiness and its not suction or hooks...its much more complicated than that. Van der Waals and ions!

As for the pangolin they need our help! They won't help you; they aren't made of magic! Their scales are made of keratin (you know like your fingernails) and for some reason people think that consuming pangolin scales will save them when all those scales are good for is keeping the pangolin safe from the ants and termites they eat. And yes, its a mammal.

Scientific names:
Satanic leaf-tailed Gecko:Uroplatus phantasticus
Southern leaf-tailed Gecko: Phyllurus platurus
Giant Pangolin: Smutsia gigantea
Chinese Pangolin: Manis pentadactyla

Help save a species by donating:
https://www.savepangolins.org/conservation
https://donate.wildnet.org/pangolin-crisis-fund

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I hate pigeons!

I know, as someone who has worked as a zookeeper for over a decade and have been the voice and advocate for preserving wild places and contributing to conservation efforts I should love all animals, but I don't. I'm only human. Pigeons are the real scum of the Earth.

Unlike opossums! For those of you who think that opossums are gross, dirty, or will kill you, let me say without a doubt that opossums are one of the most underrated animals on the planet! From eating ticks, being immune to rattlesnake venom, to never getting rabies, opossums are humans' savors. As for the pigeon; you couldn't find a more stupid and useless animals. Sure other animals eat it but...ugh. I hate them so much I don't even want to talk about them anymore. Just listen to the episode to truly understand their pointlessness.

Scientific Names:
Virginia Opossum: Didelphis virginiana
Rock Pigeon: Columba livia
Mourning Dove: Zenaida macrourai

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'Slow down, you move too fast.
You’ve got to make this podcast last,
Go and look at the Galapagos
Tortoise and sloth, they move real slowly.'

Two of the slowest animals on the planet are the Galapagos Tortoise and 3-toed-sloth. Today we look to the animals to learn how to slow down and relax in this fast paced world. Learn how, the made famous via Charles Darwin, Galapagos Giant Tortoise,  got to the islands, how they survive without food and water when they were stolen and shoved on to boats and how hell do they live so dame long. Like 200 years! Is it their slower pace in life or is it just genetics?

As for the three-toed sloth (not the two-toed sloth), they too are slow, even slower than the Galapagos Tortoise. And although sloth is one of the 7 deadly sins the sloth themselves have found a way to make their life worthy of this world. And it has to do with their poop! And Pyralid moths!

Scientific Names
Galapagos Tortoise: Chelonoidis spp.
Pygmy three-toed sloth: Bradypus pygmaeus
Maned sloth: Bradypus torquatus
Pale-throated sloth: Bradypus tridactylus
Brown-throated sloth: Bradypus variegatus

To help protect wildlife consider supporting and donating here:
https://galapagosconservation.org.uk/
https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/sloth

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SPEED!!! Today we are taking a mental dose of speed to learn about two of the fastest animals on the planet! The cheating peregrine falcon and speed boxing sensation of the peacock mantis shrimp. 

We look at the weird breathing, nostrils and eyes of the peregrine falcon that helps them to be so darn fast. And are they really flapping their wings at over 200 mph? For the mantis shrimp: which isn't a mantis or a shrimp but a stomatopod (if we're going to be scientifically correct), we look at the speed of their punch. Although there are two style of stomatopod fighting (smasher and spears) we focus on the speed of the smashers (or punching).

Scientific Names
Peregrine Falcon: Falco peregrinus
Peacock Mantis Shrimp: Odontodactylus scyllarus
Zebra Mantis Shrimp: Lysiosquillina maculata

Support Wildlife and Birds of Prey:
https://peregrinefund.org/membership

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If there ever was an episode not to let your kids listen to; this would be it. Although the comparison of animals to human genitalia will make that child inside you smile keep your kids away as you educate yourself. In this Weird Animal Facts episode we learn that there is an amphibian that looks like a dong and is commonly called and known as "penis snake" (fun drinking game; take a shot every time you hear the word penis). Also learn that more needs to be learned about this man-aconda of the murky South American waters; but what we do know: no lungs, eyes or limbs...what even is a penis snake?

And with every ding-dong you need a woo-ha; the clam! We love to eat them...well some people like to eat clams... With so many clams in the world you'll wish we had more as they not only make our waters cleaner but they also help to protect the wonderful coral reefs! Thank you clams (Especially the GIANT CLAM!).

Scientific Names:
Penis Snake: Atretochoana eiselti
Littleneck Clam: Leukoma staminea
Giant Clam: Tridacha gigas

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FUR! If last week you thought: "Where the hell are the mammals?! That's what I come here for!" Then wait no longer as we are looking at two different animals that have some very weird fur! Chinchillas and Giant River Otters!

Both these two furry mammals come from South America! The chinchilla, and their super, super (and I do mean super) fluffy fur of the Andes Mountains. We learn just why they are so darn cute and fluffy. And what does Jay-Z have to do with chinchillas? Is he a chinchilla or a lizard-person?  As for the giant river otters of the Amazon River, we learn about how the outer layer of fur is similar to a condom (as well as random condom facts) and why they are ENDANGERED (the giant river otters; not condoms...)! And what does gold have to do with it. Brittany tried to warn us about the toxic threats that comes along with our greed!

Scientific Names:
Short tailed Chinchilla-Chinchilla Chinchilla
Long tailed Chinchilla- Chinchilla langera
Giant River Otter- Pteronura brasiliensis

Help protect the giant river otters by donating and/or learning more:

https://peru.wcs.org/en-us/Wildlife/Giant-River-Otter.aspx
https://www.wildcru.org/research/giant-otter-project/

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MURDERERS!

Hey there serial killer fans; would you like to learn about one of the wackiest, weirdest murders of the sea and one of the most successful murders in the world? Then look no further then right here! Join me, Zookeeper Deidre, as I give you a very weird look into the murdering lives of two invertebrate carnivores: the sea star and dragonfly.

ITS NOT A FISH!! Please stop calling it a star fish....its not a fish. Its a sea star; and even without a brain these sea stars are amazing killers. They move with tube feet and have a removable stomachs...

But the ultimate killer is the dragonfly...technically its their baby stage that's got the higher kill count but as humans we are easily distracted by shinny things; like adult dragonflies! Find out what makes these two animals some of the weirdest murderers of the animal world.

Scientific Names
Sun Flower Star: Pycnopodia helianthoides
Paddle-spinded sea star: Patirella parvivipara
Giant Petaltail Dragonfly: Petalura ingentissima
Scarlet Dwarf Dragonfly: Nannophya pygmaea

Tips on attracting dragonflies and damselflies to your yard and/or garden so that they can murder those pesky mosquitoes:
https://www.bhg.com/gardening/design/nature-lovers/attract-dragonflies/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/attracting-dragonflies.htm

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FAN EPISODE!! Both animals of today were recommended by fans just like you! Shout out the Brittany (Sidewinder) and Jason(Binturong).  And for those of you, like my friend Brittany, who would like to learn about an animal in a family friendly space then listen to the first half as the Sidewinder segment is just Weird Animal Fact (minus the explicit). But for those of you who want my normal adult content, don't worry, the binturong segment is guaranteed explicit.

First we learn (in a kid friendly way), just how the sidewinder and all snakes move. Here's a hint: there are four different snake movement styles! During which I attempt to read lots of big words...It's not that distracting. 

Did you know that the binturong smell like popcorn? But why? And why are they so important to the ecosystem? The answer: strangler fig (probably one of the coolest looking trees in the world).

Scientific Names
Sidewinder: Cortoalus cerastes
Horned Viper: Cerastes cerastes
Binturong: Arctictis binturong

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Yippee ki yay!! In this final episode for our Wild Wild West series we take a look at two tiny murders of the desert. The burrowing owl and scorpions!

We start with the burrowing owl, who every single person who has ever seen one ask; "What a cute baby!" When really the burrowing owl is not a baby. Well, technically it is a baby at one point but the adult burrowing owl is no bigger then a pint of beer. Learn why the burrowing owl is the an outlaws of the owl world. As well as learn what a baby owl is and looks like, and how you, a highly educated adult, can identify the difference. And it all comes down to the types of bird feathers (yes there are multiple types of feathers).

To learn about the scorpions of the deserts of the southwest United States we turn to Mother Nature and God for another episode of "Animal Renovations" to discover where their inspiration came from when creating this arthropod-ic, arachnid that is the bark scorpion. The scorpions of the world get a bad reputation even though they are more romantic then the last few dates I've gone on and are wonderful mothers!

*BONUS: if you stick around to the very end you get a bonus "Bird Calls with Deidre"!

Scientific names-
Burrowing Owl: Athene cunicularia
Desert Hairy Scorpion: Hadrurus arizonensis
Bark Scorpion: Centriroides exilicauda

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We continue journey into the Wild West as we take a look at two ungulates from the American Frontier: the Bison and Pronghorn.

Join me, zookeeper/cowgirl, Deidre, as we learn some of the common mistakes we all have made in our youths regarding the proper names of these two animals (we can blame the old white men of our past). Thanks to that old song, "Home on the Range" the common person will often times call these animals buffalo and antelope; when really...that's WRONG! Learn the truth in the podcast episode of Weird Animal Facts: Explicit.

Scientific names
Bison: Bison bison (so easy!!)
Pronghorn: Antilocapra americanna (not so easy to say)

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YEEHAWW! We continue our Wild West Adventure with a comparative look into the real life roadrunner and coyote to that of the Roadrunner and Coyote of Chuck Jones' Looney Tunes cartoons.

You'll learn the lies that animation has been trying to sell you, as well as the truths of both those two amazingly weird and wacky desert animals (also the new Space Jam movie comes out this week so its kind of the perfect time for this episode).

And to learn more about all birds and hear the calls go to the Cornell Lab's All About Birds!
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/

Scientific Names:
Coyote: Canis latrans
Greater Roadrunner: Geococcyx californianus

BONUS Scientific Names are Hard (The Looney Tunes version)
Roadrunner: Accelleratii incredibus
Coyote: Carnivorous vulgaris

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July is the start of America's month! With the fourth of July taking place in...July, I thought it was only best to take the entire month of July to celebrate some of America's toughest animals. And where did all tough American's go? To the Wild West! That's right all of July we will be looking at the animals of America's wild west!

This first Weird Wild West Animal Facts episode honors two lizards: the chuckwalla and horned toad lizard. The chuckwalla, who is more of an air cushion, is not only a great survivor but when it doesn't survive it has proved to be a great meal! As for the horned toad lizard (who is not a toad, nor amphibian, but in fact a lizard) is a lizard... covered in spikes! And has one of the weirdest survival techniques in the animal world: bloody squirt-gun eye balls.

And don't worry, even though I hate the Scientific Names are Hard segment, I still included it:
Chuckwalla: Sauromalus ater
Texas horned lizard:Phrynosoma cornutum
Desert horned lizard: Phrynosoma platyrhinos

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This episode its all about the power and joy of nudity! As well as the different levels of nakedness. The naked mole rat is as furless as saber-toothed sausage, and the hooded vulture is that under appreciated essential janitor worker cleaning up your child's vomit... oh and the vulture has a naked head.

Also, don't forget that new episodes will be released July 6th (so if you get bored during the month of June, I'm sorry, but at least you have your favorite episodes you can go back and listen to until July 6th).

Here are the scientific names:
Naked Mole Rat: Heterocephalus glaber
Hooded Vulture: Necrosyrtes monachus

To help the endangered vultures of Africa check out and donate to Vulpro:
https://vulpro.com/donate-2/

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Happy Endangered Species Day!

This Friday May 21, 2021 is Endangered Species Day. In honor of that we take at look at two endangered species that call the ocean home. Corals and Hawksbill Sea Turtles.

YES! Corals are animals and they are FREAKING OUT!! Or more like bleaching out. Kind of like humans when our temperature goes up a few degrees and we nearly shut down, except corals are actually shutting down. Coral reefs around the world are having a hard time right now and need our help! Since coral help out literally thousands of species of sea life the least we can do is help them out. Did you know the hawksbill sea turtles helps them. So why not be like a turtle and save the coral.

That's right; Hawksbill Sea turtles help to open up more space for more coral to grow! In the sea turtle segment we take a closer look at their shell and learn why they CAN'T remove their shell (Well they can, but only once as they will die... try not to cry too much this episode).

On a bright note; there's a surprise sea turtle rap at the end of this episode (Its a song I made ten years ago for a college course and I got an A... so if the quality of the song is poor...that's why. Don't judge me too harshly).

Here are the scientific names:
Corals
Staghorn Coral: Acropora cervicornis
Grooved Brain Coral: Diploria labyrinthiformis
Organ Pipe Coral: Tubipora musica
Sea Turtles
Hawksbill Turtle: Eretmochelys imbricata
Green Seat Turtle: Chelonia mydas
Loggerhead Sea Turtle: Caretta caretta
Leatherback Turtle: Dermochelys coriacea

If you don't feel like donating money to the podcast then click on these link to help support conservation efforts that are working hard to save coral and sea turtles:
https://www.reeflifefoundation.org/donate-for-oceans
https://coral.org/donate/
https://www.barrierreef.org/you-can-help/donate
https://www.turtleconservancy.org/donate

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HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

What does it mean to be a good mother? An a, self proclaimed "Mother of Animals", I know that motherhood it hard, no matter who or what your children are. In today's weird animal podcast we look at two weird animal mammas; the koala and the common cuckoo. One is said to be a very good mother, who carries her young in her pocket until old enough to go out there an make babies of their own, while the other (when compared to human mothers) is seen as a vial, forsaken, careless, inattentive, sneaky, deceitful, homewrecking bitch of a mother. To find out the truth and make your own judgement, listen in and experience two very different styles of motherhood.

Here are the spelling of the scientific names:
Koala:Phascolarctos cinerus
Common Cuckoo: Cuculus canorus

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Today may very well be May the Forth, but in this episode we are celebrating Cinco de Mayo by learning about two animals that call Mexico home; White Nosed Coati and Beaded Lizard.

We start with the very raccoon like coati and learn how it got its weird look through another segment of 'Animal Renovations' and why its the ladies who are the smartest, most amazing and most wonderful (yes I am a woman, but that does not change the fact that female coatis are the shit). Then we turn to the reptiles and learn about one of the many venomous lizards of the world; the Mexican Beaded Lizard. With their bone skin...or scales that are modified to help protect them, combined with their venom, the beaded lizard is one of the more uniquely, weird and wonderful animals to call Mexico home.

Here are the scientific names:
White Nosed Coati: Nasua Narica
Mexican Beaded Lizard: Heloderma horridum

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BONUS!!!

For the last 5 weeks we have taken a look at the five senses through animals who have the best of those senses. But did you know that there are some other senses out there that we don't have? Birds can see the magnetic field of the earth so to aid with their migration and sharks don't just have five senses, they don't have six senses they have seven!

With birds we first learn about migration: what is migration and how do birds know when and where to go?

With sharks we understand why they aren't really trying to eat the National Geographic film maker just because they boop in to them. Plus between shark's five senses and the lateral line system and ampullae of lorenzini  "their what" (you better listen and find out, but it has to do with electricity!!).

Here are the scientific names:
Birds-
Artic Tern: Sterna paradisaea
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: Archilochus colubris
European Robin: Erithacus rubecula
Zebra Finch: Taeniopygia guttara
Sharks-
Lemon Shark: Negaprion brevirostris
Blacktip Reef Shark: Carcarhinus melanopterus
Whitetip Reef Shark: Triaenodon obesus

To help out sharks go here and donate!
https://www.sharkconservationfund.org/

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Do you hear what I hear? Well that depends; are a human, a bat or a moth. In comparison, humans really suck as hearing.

In our 30th episode, we finish up our five week journey into the five senses with hearing! And the two animals with the best hearing have been in competition with each other over who has the best hearing for the last 50 million years. The bats and moths! Bats need to eat and the most want to live another day! Who will win this great battle? Will we be around to watch it's end? Will there be an end? And what does hearing have to do with the great Bat/Moth War?

As both animals of this episode not only have excellent hearing, it also allows them to be some of the best echolocators. By practically yelling so to capture their own echo and allowing their ears to process the vibrations, bats and moths can see the word though their own voices and the sounds of the world. And they are very good at it. Listen in to find out how.

Scientific names:
Rhinolophus ferrumequinum:Greater horseshoe bat
Rhinolophus hipposideros:Lesser horseshoe bat
Galleria mellonelila:Greater wax moth
Achroia grisella:Lesser wax moth

To help bats further consider donating to Bat Conservation International!
https://www.batcon.org/
Or build a bat box!

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What's that smell? Whether its a taco truck or a fart you have your nose to thank for that; as well as your olfactory bulb, cilia, and even your mucus. In the fourth week of our five week journey into the five senses we take a weird look at two of the weirdest noses in the animal world. And both have long snoots! Elephants and Kiwis!

Elephants from both Africa and Asia; learn how their nose does and can help humans, and what you can do to save them!  And how do you tell the difference between and African and Asian elephant? With quiet possibly the best nose in the animal kingdom, you can find out why you should care and how you can help protect them by donating to 96 elephants (see link below).

As for the weird kiwi, who unlike any other bird is practically a mammal (even though it is a bird), finds food by using its sense of smell. From New Zealand, this weird little fluff ball has the 2nd best nose of all birds (following the condor) and has some weird smelling and hunting techniques to help them survive. But you too have help them survive by donating to Kiwis for Kiwi (see link below).

Here are all the scientific names from the show today:

African forest elephant: Loxodonta cyclotis
African savanna elephant: Loxodonta africana
Asian elephant: Elephas Maximus
Wooly mammoth: Mammuthus primigenius

Brown Kiwi: Apteryx mantelli
Great spotted kiwi/roroa: Apteryx haastii
Little spotted kiwi: Apteryx owenii
Rowi: Apteryx rowi

If you want to help save the elephant and/or kiwi then please consider donating to these conservation efforts:
https://www.wcs.org/96-elephants 
https://www.kiwisforkiwi.org/donate/

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Taste! Stick out your tongue and read this out loud as you do so! Welcome to week 3 of our 5 week series on the five senses where we tongue the sense of taste like French kissing your high school boyfriend by looking closely at the tongues and tastes of snakes and catfish.

Snakes, or nope-ropes, are known for that long forked tongue. But what's the point? The taste....or smell? Its kind of both, but since this episode is about taste, we talk about that (tune in next week for smell!). Working perfectly with their Jacobson's Organ, snake are able to follow to smells/taste of a mouse in order to get their dinner! (They also can follow the smells of a sexy lady snake). Also, learn why you were lied to as a child about your taste bud zone (ITS A LIE!).

Catfish: The tongues of the sea. Like really, this sounds like I'm just making it up but a catfish is literally a giant tongue! Every time you touch a catfish its licking you...with its skin. Its gross but true.  And with all these weird animal facts about the catfish we play a few round of "Would you Rather?" and we get you to really think about your choices in life.

Scientific Names:
Copperhead snake: Agkistrodon contortirix
Fer de lance snake: Bothrops asper
Channel Catfish:Ictalurus punctatus
Candiru: Vandellia cirrhosa

If you aren't too terrified of snakes and want to help them out you can support snakes by donating to this link:
https://www.snakeconservation.org/

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VISION!! No, not WandaVision; but vision as in the thing that helps us and animals see!

This is week 2 in our 5 week journey into the five senses. For vision we look at two animals that are known to have some of the best vision out there: Hawks and Cats.  Join me, zookeeper Deidre, as we take a deep dive into the eye and find out how it functions. We learn somewhat fancy words like rods, cones, retina, and re-learn the word fovea from last episode.

With the use of rods and cones we find out why hawks hunt in the daytime and cat are much better at night. Also, find out a bit more as to why you thought "the dress" was white and gold. And for those of you who can't get enough of my awful singing there's even a song!!! And what would Weird Animal Facts: Explicit be without 'Scientific Names are Hard' where I do a rapid fire round of multiple hawks and cats! Wish me luck! And in the chance you'd like to fully judge me and mock my reading skills here are the scientific names from the episode (I think Emily likes to listen to me suffer):

Hawks:
Buteo jamaicenses: Red Tailed Hawk
Buteo albonotatus: Zone tailed hawk
Accipiter badius: Shikra
Macheiramphus alcinus: Bat hawk
Accipiter soloensis: Chinese sparrowhawk
Aviceda leuphotes: Black Baza
Geranospiza caerulescens: Crane hawk
Cryptoleucopteryx plumbea:Plumbeous Hawk
Buteogallus aeguinoctialis: Rufous crab hawk

Cats:
Panthera tigris tigris: Bengal tiger
Panthera tigris altacia: Siberian tiger
Felis catus: House cat
Felis nigripes: Black footed cat
Panthera leo: African Lion
Puma concolor: Mountain Lion
Lynx pardinus: Iberian lynx
Leptailurus serval: Serval
Prionailurus viverrinus:Fishing cat 

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Touch!

Today starts week 1 of our 5 week journey into the 5 senses. The Black Fire Beetle and Star-nosed Mole are the perfect amount of weird for us to focus on the sensation of touch. With the ability to feel and sense heat, the fire beetle (a member of the Jewel beetle  family) is able to fly miles in search of a forest fires. Why? Is it to put it out, to mate, lay eggs, worship its savory the Fire God? I guess you'll have to listen to find out. As for the star nosed mole; their nose it what holds the amazing ability to touch way better than us.

**BONUS song at the end of the episode**

Scientific Names:
Black Fire Beetle: Melanophila acuminata
Star nosed Mole: Condylura cristata

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Before you just slide on past this episode because the word tapeworm makes you cringe, I'd like to also let you know that once you listen to the tapeworm segment and its entirely you will be rewarded with cuteness! FENNEC FOX! Also these are two separate segments. I'm not talking about tapeworms foxes get, nor do all foxes have tapeworms, we're just learning about both independently of the other.

With over 5,000 tapeworm species in the world (and multiple intestines) its no wonder they can grow to all sorts of sizes. And yes, the tapeworm that dogs and cats can get is different then those beautiful ones found in the ocean. The tapeworms we are talking about in this episode are cestodes. With their lovely hooked mouths the hold on to your gut wall and get to work. And due to that and their baby making ability it makes it very important for everyone to pick up your dog's poop.

Speaking on dogs,  the fennec fox maybe in the canidae family but they are NOTHING like your dog at home. Your dog is domesticated. The fennec fox isn't. And as cute as those big ears make them, the fennec fox should not be a pet. They are built for the desert; the Sahara Desert! And with it so hot we talk about just how those ears and blood work to help to keep the fennec fox so gosh darn cool!

Here are the scientific names:
Tapeworm in cow:
1) Moniezia benedeni
2) Moniezia expansa
Tapeworm in dogs and cats: Dipylidium caninum
Fennec Fox: Vulpes zerda

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Two words you might not have ever heard of frigatebird and gharial. I assure you that these are real words and most importantly, real animals. Both leave near the water. One shouldn't touch it as their feathers aren't waterproof... weird adaptation but okay. And the other can't get its stomach off the ground while on land.

Frigate bird is a bird best known for that red drum that they use to seduce the ladies. However, they spend most of their time in the air... like they spend ALOT of time in the air, nearly 2 months; without landing. Thermals and cumulus clouds are the key.

Gharials are ADORABLE! They are a crocodilian species (you know like crocodiles, alligators and caimans) only they have a weird head that doesn't fit proportionately with the rest of the body. Yet I still love them; even if the males have a growth on the tip of their nose.

Here are the scientific names I attempt to say:
Great Frigatebird: Fregata minor
Magnificent frigatebird: Fregata magnificens
Gharial: Gavialis gangeticus

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The weird animals of today are the guanaco and cicadas.

Don't change that channel as you get a chance to learn about the camel like guanaco; who is much more related to the llama then the alpaca. Nonetheless, all are ruminants with multiple stomach chambers! But as a camel they maybe missing one...This odd looking animals comes from multiple elevations of the Andes Mountain range of South America.

2021 is the year of noise! At least if you're a cicada. As their 17 years of slumber will come to an end this year as billions of the periodical cicadas will emerge from the earth like a 1950's sci-fi monster film. As as usually its the boys we have to blame for all that racket. All they're looking to do it hit the town for a few days, find a lady and leave their offspring for the next generation before they day. Oh, what an odd existence that of the cicada.

Here are the scientific names from today's episode:
Vicuna: Vicugna vicugna
Alpaca: Vicugna pacos
Llama: Lama glama
Guanaco:Lama guanicoe
Periodical Cicada: Magicicada cassinii

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To finish up Responsible Pet Ownership month we take a look at two exotic pet species: parrots and bearded dragon. Just the sound of an annoying parrot squawk should be enough for you to think twice before brining one into your home. Parrots are social birds: macaws, conures, cockatoos, you name it they are gregarious. And when you bring one into your home you can bet that they are going to need some attention...did I say some, I meant LOTS! Think of them like a child...a two year old child but for 50 years!! Sounds fun, right parents. Not only that they're smart and if you bring one into your home it is you job to make sure they are living an enriching life, if not, then maybe consider a house plant.

Bearded Dragons on the other hand, do make pretty good pets but they do require a lot of set up; between the heat, the food, the exercise. The bearded dragon is an Australian lizard (*not a real dragon*) that just like a parrot, dog, rabbit or any animal you decide to bring into your home you need to do your research to make sure you and your family are ready to care for these animals before bringing them into her family.

Here are the scientific names:
Blue and yellow macaw: Ara ararauna
Thick billed parrot:Rhychopsitta pachyrhyncha
African Gray: Psittacus erithacus
Blue crowned conure: Aratinga acuticaudata
Bearded dragon: Pogona vitticeps

Florida's Exotic Pet Amnesty Program: to surrender exotic pets, free of charge and free of penalties.
https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/amnesty-program/

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Happy (belated) Valentines Day!

What is love? I don't know, I've been single for a VERY long time, but I do know how the barnacle and spotted hyena show their love...or urge to mate. Since it (was just) Valentines Day I thought it best to talk about two animals who have some amazing love parts... the penis and pseudo-penis. Also sperm.

Just how long is a barnacle's penis you ask?
What is a penis range? And what does it have to do with spermcasting?
How long is the birth canal of a spotted hyena?
Why does it look like the female hyena has balls? Are they balls? And is that a clitoris?

We also dive into what is it that spotted hyenas have in common with Lance Armstrong, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jose Canseco and Marion Jones. As well has play multiple rounds of "Would you Rather..."

Here are the scientific names from this episode:
Barnacle:Balanus glandul
Acorn Barnacle:Semibalanus balanoides
Aardwolf: Proteles cristatus
Striped hyena: Hyeana hyeana
Brown hyena: Parahyaena brunnea
Spotted hyena: Crocuta crocuta

Follow us on Instagram @wafpodcast and/or leave us a DM to your "Would you Rather..." answers!

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Happy Chinese New Year!

Today we look at 2020's Chinese Zodiac and 2021's and tell the tale of how and why there are 12 animals in the Chinese calendar. We start with 2020, the year of the rat. And even though 2020 sucked, DON'T BLAME THE RAT! If anything they were the perfect animal to tackle such a horrible year. In today's world rats do everything from make great pets, giggle, play basketball and win bomb sniffing awards! Rats are amazing!

2021 is the year of the ox. Yes the cow. Learn the Chinese myth behind the ox like: why doesn't it have front teeth? Why does it eat grass? Why does it help farmers? And Holy Cow is right! Cows are amazing; some cultures view them as sacred (in different ways then me and my love for cheese and other dairy products). And seeing that this is a science podcast we do touch on global warming and the roll the cow's farts and burp plan in it. And is Burger King helping?

Here are the scientific names of the animal mentioned in today's episode:
Fancy Rat: Rattus norvegicus domestica
Gambian Pouched Rat: Cricetomys gambianus
Yellow Cow: ??????????????
Zebu: Bos taurus indicus

To learn more about the amazing sniffing powers of the Gambian Pouched Rat; click on this link (also I'm pretty sure I said they were from Africa when they are really from Cambodia and work in many other South Asian countries...oops. These rats are much more accurate then me):
https://www.apopo.org/en/support-us/APOPO-Visitor-Center

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HAPPY RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP MONTH!! 

February is responsible pet ownership month; that means this week we will be looking at two of our domestic friends (we'll look at exotic pet ownership during the last week of this month)! The domestic dog and domestic rabbit. 

What's the best breed of dog? Well, that's a matter of opinion. My opinion is my dog, Dolly, who just happens to be a mutt (half amazing, half terrific). If you are considering bringing a dog in to her home then consider what breed is best for you, not just activity wise but also finically. Some of those pure-breeds cost a pretty penny. Not to  mention all the DNA manipulation we humans did. Started back in the time when dogs were simply wolves humans have been fine tuning man's best friend into our deep desires. Do you want a dog that wheezes after a flight a stairs? What about a dog that looks like a dirty q-tip? Why would people want that? Who knows. What I know is that my dog is perfect and chances are whatever dog you have at home or are wanting to make part of your family, it too is perfect.

As for domestic rabbits. I'm not sure you'll want one of these cuties as a pet. Although some scientist say that rabbits have been domesticated for as long as dogs, they have not been domesticated for the same purpose. Did you know that some countries eat rabbits? They take the fur off first. If you plan on bringing a rabbit in to the home, don't do it just because its Easter. Rabbits can be more work than dogs. Yes rabbits will eat their own poop, like dogs, but as herbivores rabbits have sensitive stomachs and real tough teeth  like a rodent. BUT THEY ARE NOT A RODENT!! They're lagomorphs (just like all rabbits, hares and pikas). And what is up with rabbit teeth? They aren't orange like rodents, they're white and those upper incisors have  little mini teeth called peg teeth that are hanging out just out of sight. 

Ultimately if you want to bring in any animal into your home do some research first and make sure you have the time, patients, and money to give that animal the best life it could ever imagine. If not, then why even bring an animal into your family. After all that's what that new pet will wind up being: a member of your weird, goofy family.

Here are the scientific names:
Domestic Dog: Canis lupus familiaris
Domestic Rabbit: Oryctolagus cuniculus

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Check out your local human society for loving animals looking for their forever home!

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What's in a name?  Well, based on the history of the raccoon's scientific name we are somewhat accurate by calling the raccoon a trash panda! But raccoons are much cooler then pandas. And they are much better at surviving. We will find out what the hands of the raccoon has to do with their name and learn why the raccoon washes their food (and its not for the reason you think).

The other animal of today's episode is the worm lizard, or Amphisbaenia (if you want to be specific). And we will learn what exactly a worm lizard is. I'll give you a hint; REPTILE! But not a lizard. It kind of looks like one of the cute puppets from the Labyrinth.  And we get a bit explicit when we talk about the worm lizard's sex life and how they reproduce. We also sing the taxonomy song A LOT!!

'Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species!'

Here are the impossible scientific names:
Raccoon: Procyon lotor
Mexican Mole Lizard: Bipes biporus
Florida Worm Lizard: Rhineura floridana
Iberian Worm Lizard: Blanus cinereus

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**New episodes will now be released Tuesdays!**

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If there was a theme for this episode it'd be weird looking animals. One is so ugly God and Mother Nature kept it hidden in the darkness of the deep dark ocean until some dude stumbled into it. The other; looks like its got a male ding-a-ling on its face.  Join me, Zookeeper Deidre, as we look at the 'dating' lifestyle of such an ugly lady...I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about the female anglerfish, whose size is much larger than her male and/or males counterpart. Also: bioluminescence. What is it? What does a science fair have to do with it?  

As for the proboscis monkey from Borneo! Why is that nose so big? What is it for? And what does a proboscis monkey have in common with a deer? I'll give you a hint: microorganisms. Also you can help save this endangered monkey by shopping sustainably. Below ,click on the link to download the Sustainable palm oil app. Its easy! Its free! And we can thank Cheyanne Mountain Zoo for it. And finally, find out why zoos matter. Because they do.

Here are the scientific names:
Deep-sea anglerfish: Melanocetus johnsonii
Proboscis monkey: Nasalis larvatus

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Here are the standards for a "good" zoo:
https://www.aza.org/

Palm Oil App (Download it!):
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.venturedna.palmoil
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/palm-oil-shopping-guide/id671945416?mt=8

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If there ever was an animal more perfect for this show; its the echidna! Also, the Roseate Spoonbill is weird. Try not to get turned off by these animals' weird names...these are real animals and these are their real names.

The pink spoon shaped billed bird that can be found in the wetland marshes of Florida is the Roseate Spoonbill. And is the first animal we'll be talking about today. Its got pink feathers (but is not, nor is related to the flamingo. Its related to the pelican), but like the flamingo their pink is based on their food.  And what's up with their beak? What's the point of the weird pancake shape of the spoonbill's beak? You'll soon find out.

And what is an echidna? Or is it a spiny anteater? Is it a mammal? A reptile? A bird? Is it a marsupial like a kangaroo? It has a pouch. But it lays eggs? But it looks like a hedgehog. What even is the echidna? We will break down the udder weirdness that is the echidna and learn why the echidna and platypus are two weird cousins who are the rebels of the mammal world. Also, echidna's don't have nipples, but they have a four-headed penis (Thanks Alexander for the recommendation). Also, what's a puggle? You'll be happy you asked.

Here are the silly scientific names:
Roseate Spoonbill: Platalea ajaja
Eastern long-beaked echidna: Zaglossus bartoni
Sir David's long-beaked echidna: Zaglossus attenboroughi
Western long-beaked echidna: Zaglossus bruijnii
Short-beaked echidna: Tachyglossus aculeatus

Please rate and review the show! And let us know what weird animal you want to learn about next!
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With 2020 behind us, this episode of Weird Animal Facts: Explicit, we look at two animals that prove that in order to transform into something beautiful or everlasting you're going to have to have a melt down. The Butterfly and Immortal Jellyfish!

Learn about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly and how the beauty of blue, green and all butterflies are like that fancy lady at church you see every Sunday with her pretty bright hat. And if that's a butterfly the moth is a night worker. Also, is milkweed made of milk? Is it a weed?

Also, jellyfish!! They aren't fish. And they aren't jelly. They look like snot and can pack a punch, but we don't talk about that today, we talk about how jellyfish get it on.  And why won't this jellyfish die!! Is it really immortal?

Here are all the scientific names from today's episode:
Monarch butterfly: Danaus plexippus
Magnificent owl butterfly: Caligo atreus
Emerald Swallowtail Butterfly: Papilio palinurus
Immortal Jellyfish: Turritopsis dohrnii

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Weird Animal Facts: Explicit, is dedicated to the weird, odd, unusual, gross and often times disturbing facts about animals. Join zookeeper Deidre as she shares with you the most interesting animal facts in a fun, sarcastic and sometimes sexual way. You will not hear any of these facts at the zoo. It says explicit for a reason.

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In our final episode of our winter animal series, we take a beary close look at the Polar Bear and Giant Panda...pandas...in all my years of studying (I'm a zookeeper FYI) I still don't understand the obsessive fascination with pandas. But regardless of my beliefs towards this boringly black and white bear; they are cute. But why? Why are they cute and why are they black and white? And why don't pandas eat meat?! They are designed to eat meat! What's wrong with them? Does bamboo actually taste good?

As for polar bears we will look at what is threatening their very existence. Sea ice...or lack there of. But thanks to zoos like, the Oregon Zoo, who has helped many other institutions in polar bear research we now know exactly why the Polar Bears are at such risk due to the melting sea ice and having to swim in search for food.

**BOUNUS Panda song at the end of the episode!!**
Weird Animal Facts: Explicit will be back Monday January 4, 2021. Until then; keep it weird!

Here are the scientific names:
Polar Bear: Ursus maritimus
Giant Panda: Ailuropoda melanoleuca

If you want to help out and learn more about ways to help saves animals, check out these links:
US - Polar Bears International
Research at the zoo | Oregon Zoo

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Hey there, Harry Potter and Friends fans; get ready for your favorite episode of Weird Animal Fact so far! 

We look at the ninja like wings of the snowy owl's flight. And find your inner Flo-rida and T-Pain and join me, zookeeper Deidre, in song about snowy owl feet! And learn what my late twenties have in common with the Arctic Tundra. 

We next turn a page into the Torah and I argue why the nine banded armadillo should be the animal mascot for Hanukkah. Also, quadruplets? These nine banded armadillo facts are wild and weird! Also what's the relation between nine-banded armadillo and leprosy?

Here are the scientific name 
Snowy Owl: Bubo scandiacus
Nine-banded armadillo: Dasypus novemcinctus

Let me know what animal you want to hear on an upcoming episode by reaching out on instagram, twitter or email:

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Keep it weird!

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Baby it's cold outside. That means it's time for our winter weathered animals! For all of the month of December we take a look at winter and cold weather animals! And even though I messed up the first recording I was still able to piece together the entire show and still use the original (s#!$$y) recording for the ever stupid, yet soon-to-be popular, "Scientific Names are Hard" segment. 

Today we learn out how the Japanese  macaque rebranded itself to become the Snow Monkey, compare Jigokudani Monkey Park to Yellowstone National Park (as well as listen to me struggle and at times succeed, in pronouncing Japanese words)...I don't think I'd do will in Japan.

 And what is winter without the mythical narwhal! It is a real animal? Yes! Is is a whale? A toothed one. Does that make it a unicorn? Maybe.  See why the narwhal horn is something of a dick-pic (but really it's a tooth...a tusk, horn. Call it what you will). But as cool as that horn...tooth...tusk is why? Why? Why oh why?! And only the males have that long dramatic tooth.

We are most definitely going to get weird.

**Also listen to this Narwhal song by the Irish Rovers called "Narwhal: the Continuing Story of the Unicorn." (You won't be disappointed!) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSJqAjRd7vE

Here are the scientific names:
Snow Monkey: Macaca fuscata
Narwhal: Monodon monoceros

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You can help protect the Narwhal by donating at the link below or by purchasing a membership from your local zoo and/or aquarium!
https://www.giftsofnature.ca/collections/species/products/narwhal

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Get ready for some winter cuteness! Cue your melting heart as we learn about the multiple cute versions of the Arctic Fox! You are sure to "ooo" and "aw" as we learn what makes this adorable little fox the cutest thing on the whole gosh darn planet. Is it the fur? How is changes colors? Why does it change colors? Is it the habitat? The weather? Do scientist even know?

Oh, and also fish! Icefishes to be exact. They have antifreeze and hemoglobin? This helps with their adaptions in Antarctica waters. And we've got the facts to prove it!

Today's episode we go from North Pole to South Pole looking at what helps these weird animal survive. Also, we play some games, sing some songs and make fun of those scientist who insist on using big fancy words in their papers.  Let your inner weirdo shine as you join me, zookeeper Deidre, on a trip around the poles...not a stipper pole.

Here are those scientific names:
Arctic Fox: Vulpes Lagopus (new), Alopex Lagopus (old)
Icefishes: Channicthyidae 

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You can help conservation efforts by donating and/or checking out the following organizations:
support.worldwildlife.org
seafoodwatch.org
Or just visit your local zoo and aquarium!

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What could be more American than Thanksgiving and Freedom? How about Hamilton? In today's episode we compare the strengths and weaknesses between the bald eagle and wild turkey. Maybe after listening to today's show you'll want to jump on the Ben Franklin wagon and sign the petition to switch our national bird to the wild turkey.  I think Matthew McConaughey would like the wild turkey to be our national bird. We also introduce a new segment called: Bird Calls with Deidre. And yes its weird... as are the requirements for animals to be featured in this show. Enjoy your turkey Weirdos! Gobble gobble.

Here are the silly scientific names.
Bald Eagle: Haliaeetus Leucocephalus
Wild Turkey: Meleagris gallopavo

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Sensitive ears turn away, as this episode we talk about some sexy topics! Get a close look into what happens in the bedroom of a porcupine and learn what part of the human male anatomy the Titicaca Frog got its nickname from.

We learn about the quills of the North American porcupine and how and why they get stuck. And, as a more respected scientist would say "we will look at the mating and reproductive strategies of the animal in question." I would say that much weirder...and more adult (as in dirt...)

Travel with me, zookeeper Deidre, to South American to Lake Titicaca and explore the waters this frog calls home. The Titicaca frog may not be the same animal species from Princess and the Frog but it too is covered in mucus. To help it breath!

Help protect amphibians and their habitats by donating to one of the following organizations:
https://www.arc-trust.org/Appeal/donate
https://www.amphibianfoundation.org/index.php/donations

And here are the silly scientific names from today's episode:
North American Porcupine: Erethizon dorsatum
Titicaca Frog: Telmatobius culeus

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Cervidae, rumanets, ungulates, four chamber stomachs! That's right, this episode we look at the hooved and sexy digesting lives of the White-Tailed Deer and Muntjac. What do they eat? We learn why hunting might not be so bad and follow a year in the life of the white tailed deer. It really is a beautiful life cycle. Prince may even agree as they both favor velvet. And finally take a closer look at the mini, herbivorous, vampiric muntjac deer! 

Plus a rapid fire round of 'Scientific Names are Hard'; where I unsuccessfully attempt to read all 12 muntjac species scientific names as fast as I can. What could go wrong?

**BONUS: A sensational song surprise at the end of the episode!

And of course; here are ALL of the scientific names I attempt to say:
White tailed deer: Odocoileus virginianus
Reeve's muntjac: Mutiacus Reevesi
Indian muntjac: Mutiacus muntjak
Harry-fronted muntjac: Mutiacus crinifrons
Fea's muntjac: Mutiacus feae
Bornean Yellow muntjac: Mutiacus atherodes
Roosevelt's muntjac: Mutiacus rooseveltorum
Gongshan muntjac: Mutiacus gongshanensis
Giant muntjac: Mutiacus vuquangensis
Truong Son muntjac: Mutiacus truongsonensis
Leaf muntjac: Mutiacus putaoensis
Sumatran muntjac: Mutiacus montanus
Pu Hoat muntjac: Mutiacus puhoatensis

Instagram: @wafpodcast Go check out to see pictures of the animals from today!

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Let's get weird! The venomous bush viper of Africa. Don't mess with this snake. As many colors as this snake comes in it also has some weird adaptions that help it survive. Join me, Zookeeper Deidre as we look at Bush Viper facts.

Also, Pelicans! That's right, more birds!The brown pelican is a fish eating bird that goes about hunting in a very weird and strange way. With a large wingspan and a pouch on its beak, the pelican has some high flying facts. And for you sports fans, we look at some NBA stats! Go sportsball!...I mean basketball. You don't need to be a Pelican fan to enjoy this episode (as in the sports team; as we should all be fans of pelicans...the bird). Keep it weird!

Here are the scientific names:
African Bush Viper: Atheris squamigera
Brown Pelican: Pelecanus occidentalis

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For decades society has told us what animals to fear; rats, snakes, ravens, owls and spiders. But I am here to tell you that these are not the critters that should send a shiver down your spine. This episode is about two of animals that SHOULD be the mascots for Halloween. Learn about the true horrors that the mosquito and dolphin plague upon the world! (Okay dolphins aren't that bad, this is a comedy/science show, so we're trying to make you laugh and educate) But mosquitos do suck.

Join me, zookeeper Deidre, as we look at the true biting dangers of the mosquito and why and how they hold a risk to reindeer survival (mosquitos could literally ruin Christmas). And Dolphins....what can I say about this devil. They can attack. Dolphins are the worst. Dolphins are smart; too smart! That brain is always turning and could possibly compete against us humans. I just hope they stay in the ocean where they belong.

Here are the "overrated" and bloody scientific names:
Yellow Fever mosquito: Aedes aegypti
African Malaria mosquito: Anopheles gambiae giles
Arctic mosquito: Aedes nigripes
Pacific bottlenose dolphin: Tursipos truncatus

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Halloween is in the air as we continue with our look at the weirdest of weird halloween themed animals. 

Even though we talk about animals this is not kid friendly, only adults please. Animals live very explicit lives. The Fossa of Madagascar is no exception. We will look at the spooky folklore of the Fossa and get into some other details of fossa facts.

And for halloween what's better than the Ghost shark! Is it a fish? is is an shark? Is it even a animal? We find out that and what five horror films make up the mysterious ghost shark.

You'll most likely laugh, you might get scared but most importantly you will learn something...even if its learning that I'm no good at reading.

Here are the scientific names:
Fossa: Cryptoprocta ferox
Ghost Shark: Callorhinchus milii

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Its October!  And with Halloween right around the spooky corner that means one animal from today's episodes will be a traditional halloween critter. 

Join me, zookeeper Deidre, as we learn why the Fire Salamander is the original Mother of Dragons....(I mean salamanders).  Or is it the fire salamander from Frozen 2? Both animals are super cute! And what's that stuff covering its body? Oh yeah, its an amphibian so the Fire salamander is covered in mucus...gross. As weird and strange as the fire salamander is they are a special type of amphibian from the United Kingdom with BRIGHT colors to tell you to "back the f@*% up."

SPIDERS! But the cool tarantulas, New World Tarantulas (they are the "nicer" spiders) and FLUFFY...kind of. Tarantula hair is weird and comes in just as many variations as mammal fur. Also, my inner scientist needs to tell you that technically the tarantula hair...isn't hair. Its called setae. And even if tarantulas can kick the hair off their butt you should be fine, just don't be a dick. 

Here are those silly scientific names:
Fire Salamander: Salamandra salamandra
Blue Fanged Tarantula: Ephebopus cyanognathus
Chilean Rose haired Tarantula: Grammostola rosea
Chilean Copper Tarantula: Phrixotrichus scrofa
Pumpkin Patch Tarantula: Hapalopus

New episodes every Monday!

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NO KIDS ALLOWED! It says explicit for a reason. But also in this episode you join me, zookeeper Deidre, as we talk a walk on the sexy side of two animals. This weird animal episode is going to get very kinky and sexy (or as my inner scientist would say; mating and reproduction). The leopard (not a cheetah), but a leopard is very sexy (MEOW!). And technically Black Panther was a leopard; and a sexy cat he was. So dress up in your flyest leopard print outfit and put the kids to bed as you have some alone time.

Also BIRDS!! The satin bowerbird. You know the ones from those David Attenborough shows. They are very flashy, beautiful, bright , bird feathers so to put the ladies in the mood (better known as bowerbird mating). Oh and they have a fancy nest; but its really all about those feathers.

**BONUS: Song at the end of this episode! 

Here are the scientific names:
Leopard: Panthera pardus
Satin Bowerbird: Ptilonorhynchus violaceus

Instagram: @wafpodcast

You can help out leopards and their habitat by following this link!
https://secure.awf.org/fy21summer?utm_source=2008summerfundspeciesblock&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=fy21summer&ms=B21A02E04W&_ga=2.182243623.1610538613.1605267524-1885590925.1605267524

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Bird Nerds unit! As he look at a banana faced bird from Malaysia. The Rhinoceros hornbill has a beak, bill? Call it what you will but we can all agree that it is weird.  So is locking your baby and wife into a nest cavity with your own poo. You might need to do that with your kids as Weird Animal Facts: Explicit is not for children. 

Speaking of Daddy issues: the seahorse has got some. The dad more so as its the male seahorse giving birth. And seahorses change color! So pretty. And its a fish..like really.... the seahorse is a REAL fish.

Here are the scientific names:
Rhinoceros Hornbill: Buceros rhinoceros
Seahorse: Hippocampus
Lichtenstien seahorse: Hippocampus lichtensteinii
Bullneck seahorse: Hippocampus minotaur
Jayakay's seahorse: Hippocampus jayakri
Pygmy seahorse: Hippocampus bargibanti
Fisher's seahorse: Hippocampus fisheri
Queensland seahorse: Hippocampus Spinosissimus

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Have you been looking for a good laugh? Do you love animals? Are you as weird as I am? Are you an adult? Hopefully all your answers were YES!

In the first episode of Weird Animal Facts: Explicit, you get to join me, zookeeper Deidre, as we take a comedic look at how the American Black Bears go about their love making (or as my inner scientist would say: reproduction and mating). By the way, that then leads to BABIES, sometimes, as you'll learn why  fat and fatty foods are important for black bear babies. 

And did someone say snakes? Not just any snake but the the weird Australian snake: woma python. This hunky chunk snake has a lot going for it...and I mean A LOT. No its not a boa, but a python. And it really is strange as it is missing one organ that helps out other snakes such as the "normal" pythons and boas. 

Here are the scientific names that I CAN easily read aloud... alright maybe not.
American Black Bear: Ursus americanus
Woma python or Ramsay's python or sand python: Aspidites ramsayi

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