Urban Zoo

Each week Urban Zoo host Bill McBain welcomes vets, care-givers, researchers, spiritual leaders, suppliers, enforcement officers, pet-lovers and companions, etc., who share their stories and expertise.<br /><br />There is cuteness, joy, practical advice, expert insight and probing into some uncomfortable and challenging corners of our relationship with animal life.<br /><br />Biped-quadruped, carnivore-herbivore-omnivore-insectivore, invertebrate-vertebrate, pet-working or livestock, tame-feral, on wings-foot-hoof or fin: Peel is as bio-diverse as its’ people. We are a region where river valleys, woodland and farms bump up against ever expanding urban neighbourhoods. <br /><br />Some animals thrive, others are threatened but together they comprise the rich bio heritage of Peel. The Urban Zoo examines and celebrates the depth and power of the animal-human bond and the many facets of our interrelationship with the creatures we share our lives with. <br /><br />We want to hear your stories: are you a caregiver, owner, parent, supplier, veterinary health professional, or do you work or volunteer with a rescue group, shelter or rehabilitation centre? Or are you simply a lover of animals? The Urban Zoo would love to hear from you: your thoughts and your stories.

Urban Zoo - Episode 99 - Caledon’s Cultural Landscape, & Animal Welfare in Crisis

In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain explores the intersection of art, environment, and animal welfare. Bill speaks with Terry Lim, Artistic Director of the Caledon Music Festival, about how the festival blends classical music with Caledon’s pastoral charm, a region under environmental threat from the proposed Hwy 413. Bill later talks with Greg Madely, Supervisor at Mississauga Animal Services, about rising pressures on the shelter system, the emotional toll on pet families, and the vital work being done for animals in crisis.

07-29
55:23

Urban Zoo - Episode 98 - Pet Insurance, & Invasive Plant Species

In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain speaks with Scott Taylor, President of Spot Pet Insurance and together they discuss pet insurance. Bill later discusses invasive plant species with Allie Abram of the City of Mississauga's Forestry Department.

07-29
52:26

Urban Zoo - Episode 97 - Protecting your Pets and Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitos with Dr. Alice Sinia

In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain speaks with Dr. Alice Sinia. Dr. Sinia is responsible for the management of the Orkin Canada Quality Assurance Laboratory located in the GTA. She shares some tips on how you can protect your pets, and yourself, from ticks and mosquitos.

06-17
53:28

Urban Zoo - Episode 94 - Author Brit Griffin, plus Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain speaks with Brit Griffin, author of The Winterman Trilogy, as well as an upcoming novel, The Haunting of Modesto O'Brien. Plus, he speaks with Mike Schreiner, Ontario Green Party leader.

06-11
53:34

Urban Zoo - Episode 93 - Nicole Arruda from the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, plus a Story about Hats in the Wild

In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain interviews Nicole Arruda of the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Plus, a story about hats in the wild!

06-11
44:01

Urban Zoo - Episode 96 - Animal Welfare Through the Ages + Bill 21 and Ontario’s Food Future

In this episode of The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain explores the history of animal welfare — from early domestication to modern advocacy — tracing how society's relationship with animals has evolved over time. Then, Bill dives into the significance of Bill 21, a proposal aimed at creating a protected Food Belt in Ontario, safeguarding farmland, and ensuring long-term food security for the province.

06-10
54:20

Urban Zoo - Episode 95 - Keeping you Dog Safe and Healthy during Spring and Summer 2025

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss ways to keep your dog safe and healthy during Spring and Summer 2025.

05-23
45:24

Urban Zoo - Episode 92 - Two More Mississauga Mayoral Candidates - Stephen Dasko and Dipika Damerla

Host Bill McBain welcomes on two more contenders for Mayor of Mississauga: Steven Dasko and Dipika Demerla.

06-04
54:48

Urban Zoo - Episode 91 - Mississauga Mayoral Candidates Alvin Tedjo and Brian Crombie

Host Bill McBain interviews two contenders for Mayor of Mississauga: Alvin Tedjo and Brian Crombie.

06-04
46:41

Urban Zoo - Episode 90 - Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and Pit Ponies

Host Bill McBain speaks about Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), and Pit Ponies

06-04
47:36

Urban Zoo - Episode 89 - The Bello Project, and the Red Tail Hawk's Nest at Queen's Park

Host Bill McBain talks about The Bello Project, and the Red Tail Hawk's Nest at Queen's Park

06-04
47:08

Urban Zoo - Episode 88 - Bio Dynamic Farming at Southbrook Organic Vineyards

Host Bill McBain chats with Bill Redelmeier, Owner of Southbrook Organic Vineyards. It's a fascinating discussion about the art, beauty, science, and culture of wine in the Niagara Region.

04-08
46:58

Urban Zoo - Episode 87 - The Four-Legged Fieldhands of Featherstone Estate Winery

Host Bill McBain chats with Louise Engel, co-owner of Featherstone Estate Winery. Plus, another science news roundup.

04-08
47:03

Urban Zoo - Episode 86 - Indigo Pet Photography, & Catching Up with Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner

Host Bill McBain discusses, Indigo Pet Photography, and speaks with Green Party of Ontario Leader, Mike Schreiner.

03-18
47:23

Urban Zoo - Episode 85 - Hospice and End-of-Life Care for Pets

Host Bill McBain discusses a variety of topics, including hospice and end-of-life care for pets; healthy together, pets and people.

02-07
54:04

Urban Zoo - Episode 84 - The Mystery of the Walking Whale, & Enhancing Quality of Life for Our Senior Pets

Host Bill McBain welcomes on Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, co-host of The Nature of Things, to discuss the Mystery of the Walking Whale. Plus enhancing quality of life for our senior pets.

01-16
54:32

Urban Zoo - Episode 83 - Kukur Tihar - Festival of Dogs, & Carolyn Davies of the Nature Conservancy of Canada

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Kukur Tihar the Festival of Dogs. And they welcome on Carolyn Davies of the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

01-16
46:27

Urban Zoo - Episode 82 - Vet Stress, & Animal Abuse Rulings

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick speak about vet stress, and touch on some recent animal abuse rulings.

01-16
47:46

Urban Zoo - Episide 81 - Dr. Rennick Returns!, Prairie Dogs, & Science News Roundup

Host Bill McBain welcomes back Dr. Tiffany Rennick! The animal of the week is the prairie dog. Plus, another science news roundup

01-16
44:36

Urban Zoo - Episode 80 - Animal Justice Canada, Abbey Cats Rescue Update, & Science Roundup

Host Bill McBain discusses Animal Justice Canada, provides an update on Abbey Cats Rescue, & brings you this week's Science Roundup.

01-16
42:00

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