4. Pets, plastic and the planet

Creature Tales is wrapping up for Season One! Thank you so much to everyone who supported our first foray into the world of podcasting. We have learnt so much and have loved sharing some truly wonderful stories with you along the way. Our show will be on pause for the moment. Please feel free to contact us on social media if you would like us to bring out another season, or if you have some topics you'd like us to cover. Thank you to all who tuned in! 

While we may not like to think about it, the fact is, we are surrounded by parasites. Someone who has fully embraced these critters is Dr Susan De Burgh. Dr De Burgh currently works with pharmaceutical company, Elanco, which has been influential in helping prevent dogs from catching the deadly, tick-borne disease, Ehrlichiosis, in the northern parts of Australia. In this episode, Dr De Burgh discusses how her work is helping a wide range of animals stay safe and healthy in a world full of parasites.  Elanco is a corporate sponsor for RSPCA Victoria and supplies an uncapped amount of parasiticide products to prevent parasite infections in dogs and cats. Follow the link to buy a Seresto collar for your pet: https://shop.rspcavic.org/products/seresto-collar-cat-kitten

Koalas are sadly one of the most seriously affected animals in the case of a bushfire. Zoos Victoria cared for more than 20 injured koalas during the 2020 bushfires. Now, the Zoo will be building a purpose-built koala hospital at Werribee Open range Zoo. This will be a facility dedicated to helping koalas and other animals recover from injuries related to bushfires. The hospital is being built using funds from the RSPCA's bushfire appeal fund, with additional funding from Zoos Victoria. This proud partnership will help countless animals recover and return to the wild. Hosted by Alexandra Keefe. 

In early 2020, the eyes of the world turned to Australia as bushfires ravaged the country. This episode of Creature Tales (part one of two) is all about fires and the impact on wildlife. Hear from RSPCA Victoria’s Dr Rupert Baker as he reflects on Black Saturday, the 2020 bushfires, nursing koalas back to health, and how climate change is shaping our future. Hosted by Alexandra Keefe. 

It's all about the eyes in this episode. Featuring Dr Melissa Meehan, we discuss pet eye health, why it's so important and how to look out for warning signs of eye disease in animals. We also hear about some of the most exotic eyes on the planet. Hosted by Alexandra  Keefe.

Did you know ducks can be carnivorous? Or that they put on wacky mating displays? Or that some shed their feathers and become almost flightless until they grow back? Australia has 17 species of native duck. Sadly, these species are in decline and their wetlands are also in danger. In this episode, Birdlife Australia's Chris Purnell talks us through the fascinating and complex lives of ducks, and how we can help protect these precious birds. Hosted  by Alexandra Keefe

RSPCA Inspectors are on the front line when it comes to preventing animal cruelty. Responding to various reports of animal cruelty across the state each day, they are the ones that frequently rescue animals from horrendous situations and bring them to safety. But, there's more to the job than just seizing animals. Senior Inspector Steve Cook takes us through a day on the job, what the challenges are, and what keeps him coming back each day.  Hosted by Alexandra Keefe. 

Separation anxiety in pets is no joke. And for many pet owners who have headed back to the office post-lockdown, it's a real concern. In this bonus episode, vet behaviourist, Dr Gabrielle Carter, tells us how to identify and treat separation anxiety in pets.  Hosted by Alexandra Keefe.  Music: Miles by Lane - King Hit the Road - Vezsha 

Did you know that nearly all leashes and collars are made from plastic? When vet and entrepreneur, Dr Stephanie Stubbe, realised just how much the pet industry was contributing to Australia's huge amount of plastic waste, she knew she had to act. In this episode, she discusses how a childhood spent by Albury's Wonga Wetlands motivated her to start her own business directly addressing the problem.  Hosted by Alexandra Keefe.  Music: Hold On by Taxi Home and Takeaway Oval Window by Yehezkel Raz Hit the Road by Veshza

Hundreds of rabbits and guinea pigs come through RSPCA Victoria's doors each year. While these little ones can make incredible pets, many people don't know what a responsibility they can be. Animal attendant, Jess Collins, talks us through everything potential owners need to know. Hosted by Alexandra Keefe. Music: I think I'm in love - Charles Di Raimondo Hit the road - Veshza