Spirits of the Sky: Making a Difference One Bird At a Time at Healesville Sanctuary

Feel the enchantment of Australia's wild birds in our new podcast episode! Zookeepers Jessica Ratcliff and Megan Whittard help us soar with their feathered friends as we learn about the work of Healesville Sanctuary and its awe-inspiring Spirits of the Sky. Jessica and Meg share personal stories about favorite childhood animals (not necessarily the birds they work with now) and how their love of animals led to  careers in zoology. Interested in working with animals? Discover the STEM connections with zoology and other animal-oriented career paths.Interested in ways animal training and human education are similar? Meg and Jessica share similarities as they unravel the techniques behind the Spirits of the Sky demonstrations. I've seen first hand how the wonder of the Australian birds is matched by the respect and care they receive from their human counterparts. We delve into the trust-building and training processes, talking about how positive reinforcement for our feathered friends is not just about performance, but about creating a harmonious space for animals to thrive. Do they have favorite birds? You'll have to listen to find out, but Jessica and Meg leave us in awe of the birds they work with. Their survival adaptations and unique behaviors remind us of our shared planet and the simple steps we can take to protect it. Empower your own conservation efforts by listening to this episode, and join Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary in their work to fight extinction. There are a number of educator resources available too! Also, you can follow along with Dr. Diane's ongoing Adventures in Learning at drdianeadventures.com.Support the showShare this episodeIf this conversation sparked wonder, gave you a helpful strategy, or offered a needed reminder of hope, please share it with a friend or colleague.Subscribe • Download • Review • Tell a friendStay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! *Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.