In this episode of The Urban Zoo, Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick explore the evolving world of animal care and welfare. The conversation covers the rise of veterinary telemedicine through Vetwise, the ethical concerns surrounding roadside zoos, and the global advocacy work of World Animal Protection. The episode closes with standard reflections on where animal welfare policy is heading and what meaningful reform could look like in practice.
May 26
53 min
On The Urban Zoo, Bill McBain and Dr. Tiffany Rennick share a heartwarming “happy story” about Monty finding a forever home, highlighting positive outcomes in animal rescue and adoption. The discussion continues with Sarah Herring, Government Relations Officer with the BC SPCA. She joins the conversation to explore housing for pets, challenges faced by pet owners, exotic pet ownership, and the transportation of animals across jurisdictions. The episode closes with standard remarks and reflections from the hosts.
May 5
50 min
On The Urban Zoo, Bill McBain speaks with Dr. Emily Pena for an introduction to veterinary medicine, discussing foundational concepts, career insights, and evolving practices in animal care. The episode also features Penelope Mathison, who talks about her new program BoomerXchange on Sauga 960 AM, highlighting conversations around aging, community, and media engagement. The episode closes with standard remarks from the host.
Apr 21
57 min
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.
Oct 29, 2025
39 min
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.
Jul 29, 2025
55 min
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.
Jul 29, 2025
52 min
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.
Jun 17, 2025
53 min
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.
Jun 11, 2025
53 min
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!
Jun 11, 2025
44 min
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.
Jun 10, 2025
54 min
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