Urban Zoo

This week on The Urban Zoo, host Bill McBain welcomes Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, co-host of CBC's The Nature of Things. Together, they discuss the fascinating world of beavers from above, exploring how these remarkable engineers shape ecosystems and why their work is vital to biodiversity and climate resilience. This episode also includes a heartfelt tribute to Jane Goodall, reflecting on her extraordinary legacy in conservation, animal behaviour, and inspiring generations to protect the natural world. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

Host Bill McBain catches up with Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner

Host Bill McBain and his panel discuss saving the Greenbelt.

Host Bill McBain speaks with Acting District Chief of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services Mike McQuinn and about their Facility Dog Ajax.Animal and Nature Science Roundup.

Host Bill McBain talks with Maria Galindo of the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides about their Walk for Dog Guides. Then, he speaks with Kathleen and Ayla from Mississauga Animal Services about summer priorities for your pets. And finally, World Turtle Day.

Host Bill McBain speaks to Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner.Animal of the Week: The American Robin

Host Bill McBain speaks to Brandy Jordan, owner of Doggy Steps, a dog walking service in Mississauga.Bill then speaks to producer Alison Bambery, about memories with her first pet.

Host Bill McBain speaks to the Leader of Ontario's NDP Marit Stiles.Animal of the week: Wombats

Leadnow: Preserving the Greenbelt; Ontario Mounted Special Service Unit

Remembering Jenni Le Forestier and Stop the 413; Activist Julia Kole, Conservation Authorities, local democracy and horses.

Aggressive Dogs enforcement orders with lawyer Jennifer Friedman; Talking Turkey

Host Bill McBain is in conversation with longtime Mississauga News columnist John Stewart.

Author Britt Griffin on Nature and the Limits of Empathy, The growing demand on Food Banks and our pets.

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick speak with two member of the Mississauga Animal Services.They then discuss new Government of Canada animal import restrictions to keep rabies importation at bay.

The library: introducing children to a world of knowledge about animals, pets and nature. Animal of the Week: the Schipperke

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss the Spix's Macaw, once declared extinct, returning to the wild!Animal of the Week: the Thorny Devil lizard.

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease, which is newly detected in Ontario. Animal of the Week: The Hedgehog!

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss fireworks' effect on your pets and 3D printing in Veterinary Medicine.Animal of the week: Turkey Vultures

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses should you breed your pet. Animal of the week: Fennec Fox

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Protecting Pets from Parasites.

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses why Stopping Hwy. 413 is vital to the GTA.

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Vaccines and Seasonal Health!Animal of the week: Andalusian Horses

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Ukraine Animal Refugees and disaster preparedness. Animal of the week: Bunnies

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Ethics of Horse Training and Animal of the WeekAnimal of the week: The Gecko

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses COVID with our pets!Animal of the week: Leonburger Dog Breed

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Spain recognizes animal sentience. Animal of the week: Parrots with Dr. Elisha Smith

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discusses Science Alliance for Forestry Transformation. Animal of the week: The Goshawk

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Betty White's legacy of advocacy for animal welfare. Breed of the week: Musk Oxen

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss the Cardinal

Hosts Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick discuss Animal Charities and the Snow Marten.