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December 8, 2009 The Great Chimp Migration: An Interview with Save The Chimps’ Jen Feuerstein 
Join us on this week’s Animal Voices as we speak with Save The Chimps’ Jen Feuerstein. As Shelter Director, Jen is responsible for overseeing the operations of the STC shelters in Alamogordo, New Mexico and Fort Pierce, Florida, and for the “Great Chimp Migration,” which seeks to move the chimps currently housed at Alamogordo to the much bigger and custom built Florida facility. In a conversation ranging from the politics and economics of vivisection to the way that chimpanzees form familial bonds, Jen demonstrates her vast knowledge of chimps as individuals, and the ins and outs of running a shelter. We also discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Carole Noon, founder of Save The Chimps, whose life serves as a guiding light for those looking to make a difference in any social justice struggle. Tune in to hear Jen’s tribute to STC’s founder and her dear friend, an indomitable woman who single-handedly established a lifelong home for chimps who had otherwise led lives as test subjects, entertainment props, and ill-advised pets. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Sanctuaries
November 10, 2009 When The Fight Is Over: Cockfighter Rehabilitation With Miriam Jones 
Photo from Eastern Shore Sanctuary website Cockfighting is major news in the United States these days, with almost weekly reports of police raids on the illegal fighting and gambling operations. What happens after the raids, rescue and relocation? On this week’s program, we catch up with Miriam Jones from the Eastern Shore Bird Sanctuary who tells us about the politics and practice of fighting rooster rehab. Though the process can be long and difficult, Jones gives us a clear picture about why it is vital that we don’t give up on animals who have been trained to fight. From the Website: “Founded in a rural region dominated by the poultry industry, the Eastern Shore Sanctuary and Education Center provides a haven for hens, roosters and ducks who have escaped or been rescued from the meat and egg industries or other abusive circumstances, such as cockfighting. We work within an ecofeminist understanding of the interconnection of all life and the intersection of all forms of oppression. Thus we welcome and work to facilitate alliances among animal, environmental, and social justice activists.” The Eastern Shore Statement on Backyard Birds: News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: October 13, 2009 Peace and Primates: Behind The Scenes at the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary 
This week, Animal Voices takes the show on the road to bring you a behind-the-scenes audio journey into the Peace Day celebrations at the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, sponsored by the Jane Goodall Institute. We get a rare listen into the sounds of the sanctuary (which is normally not open to the public), as Founder Sherri Delaney takes us through the sanctuary’s various rooms and tells us about the day-to-day operation. We also hear from other volunteers who give us specific details about the primates that live there, including their likes, dislikes, and particularities. Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary provide a safe and permanent home for primates retiring from biomedical research, zoos, universities & private residences, or wherever there is a primate in need of a permanent home. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Sanctuaries
January 27, 2009 Taking the Leap: Panacea and the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary 
Ken Bontius recently did an amazing thing: He quit his job as an engineer, and poured his savings into opening Panacea, a bright and airy vegan store in Toronto. Motivated by a desire to offer animal-free, eco-friendly, and socially-conscious products, Bontius draws on years of grassroots activism and a passion for research, the picky kind required to keep shelves stocked with items that meet the store's rigorous criteria. While some are flocking to the vegan marshmallow treats or sampling from the truffle case (featuring gorgeous fair trade and organic chocolates), others browse for household staples, such as pasta and laundry soap, and a dizzying array of other items. Stepping away from the shelves, people quickly discover local artists' work, sharp clothing and accessories, and animal rights info, all offered in a truly welcoming setting. Join us for a conversation with one of Toronto's most inspiring proprietors. Then, we have the honour of connecting with Sherri Delaney, founder of the Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary. Moved by the plight of animals in labs and the Canadian exotic animal trade, Delaney created a safe place for exploited and unwanted nonhuman primates and other animals. In this poignant interview, she describes some of the personalities at Story Book Farm and the efforts to enrich the lives of these varied and emotionally-complex individuals. We learn about the significance of a purple purse, how a paper bag can make meals more exciting, and the grief of a Japanese macaque, among other stories. We also hear a day in the life of a busy sanctuary, and the underlying issues that make this remarkable sanctuary so necessary.
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Sanctuaries | Veg Businesses
July 15, 2008 Animals Asia Foundation: Sanctuary and the Struggle to End Bear Bile Farming 
Photos from animalsasia.org Jill Robinson, founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation, joins us from Chengdu, China. Tune in to hear Robinson describe her work with Chinese and Vietnamese animal activists to provide sanctuary for moon bears (Asiatic black bears), and their efforts to stop bear bile farming. Robinson provides detailed first-hand accounts of bear rescues, painting vivid pictures of the farms and the conditions that the bears endure. From mutilations and physical pain, to emotional and psychological damage, rescued bears face significant challenges in their recovery. Some do not make it. Others manage to thrive at the two Moon Bear Rescue Centers, one in Tam Dao, Vietnam, and the other in Chengdu, China. Listen in for some of the bears' stories. Also in this interview, Robinson outlines the economics of bear bile farming, traditional medicines (TM), successful lobbying techniques, and the stumbling blocks the Foundation works to overcome.
One of our favourite interviews to date!
Download mp3s of the interview: September 11, 2007 Rescue, Shelter, and Education: The Ferret Aid Society Speaks 
When people think of vivisection, ferrets aren't usually the first animals who spring to mind. Or, similarly, mention animal cruelty investigations, and people tend to imagine cats and dogs. While ferrets are plagued by cultural stereotypes that they stink and love to bite, The Ferret Aid Society offers a very different interpretation of these inquisitive animals. Started in 1994, president and founder of the organization, Randy Belair, tells a heart-wrenching story of the first ferret who inspired her and her mother to launch the FAS. Thirteen years later, Randy has rescued many ferrets, nursed them to health, turned her home into a shelter, educated the public, and side-stepped imminent burn-out. (Needless to say, it's been a lot work!) Tune in as Randy shares personal stories about the ferrets she and the FAS volunteers have known and loved. Hear about Randy's experiences doing investigations, and find out what ferrets need to thrive. Keep the dial locked to find out more about ferrets not only in Ontario, but also around the world. Additionally, we'll talk about the economic connections among backyard breeders, farmers, and hunters. Still under the radar of many animal advocates, this show promises to pay homage to the struggles and joys of these underrated animals. News links:
Download mp3s of the interview: August 21, 2007 The Secret Lives of Sloths - Part II 
Source: sloths.org We're delighted that Judy Avey-Arroyo, co-founder of the Aviarios del Caribe Wildlife Centre and the Buttercup Centre Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica, will join us again to talk about sloths. We'll hear more about sloths' habitat and history, the sloth pet trade, the Sanctuary's "Adopt A Sloth" program, additional stories about the individual animals at the sanctuary, and so much more... After struggling with a poor phone connection last week, eventually we could hear Judy clearly, but we lost about fifteen minutes of our potential interview time. (Did we mention it's live radio?) We wanted to have her back on the program soon. Over the past week, so much positive listener feedback has just confirmed this! We also hope you enjoy Part II. For folks who missed Part I, the show is now archived here. During the program, Judy talks about banana plantations and wildlife reserves, sloth injuries, the Sanctuary's education efforts, "sloth moss", and how sloth poop helps make the world go round. In the midst of all that, Judy reminds us that sloths aren't slothful at all... they're slowthful.
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Animal Rescues | Sanctuaries
August 14, 2007 
Source: sloths.org Definition of "Sloth": "Apathy and inactivity in the practice of virtue (personified as one of the deadly sins)", and, "Any of several slow-moving arboreal mammals of South America and Central America; they hang from branches back downward and feed on leaves and fruits." Sloths are one of those maligned animals whose very existence is associated with negative traits. These amazing and complex beings have really gotten a bad rap. Yet, for many people who take the time to get to know them, and their worlds, sloths don't seem lazy or apathetic at all. Their slow movements are revealed as highly adaptive behaviour and their unique, individual personalities quickly become apparent. Unfortunately, sloths are threatened with more than just disparaging stereotypes. In Central America, deforestation, expanding land development, and the black market pet trade regularly endanger their lives. Luckily, sloths in Costa Rica are not alone in their struggle against such human-made hazards. We connect with Luis Arroyo and Judy Avey-Arroyo, founders of the Aviarios del Caribe Wildlife Centre and the Buttercup Centre Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica. Beginning their work with sloths in 1991, Aviarios del Caribe and the Buttercup Centre are committed to the rescue and rehabilitation of sloths who have been endangered or hurt by human activity. Join us to find out more about sloths, their Costa Rican sanctuary, and how you can help!
Download mp3s of the interview: Tags: Animal Rescues | Sanctuaries
January 30, 2007 The Struggle for Animal Protection in Turkey 
Rescued puppies Ping and Pong First up, we speak with Gamze Erkök Neer, Vice President of The Animal Protection Society of Turkey. In this program, Gamze details the treatment of animals Turkey, and what advocates are doing to address these concerns. She also describes the HAYKOD Sanctuary, a rehabilitation and no-kill shelter that currently houses 600 animals. She then shares some stories about the animals who have been brought to HAYKOD, and how they've persevered. Lastly, Gamze reflects on the challenges currently facing the shelter, and what she believes should be done to improve the plight of Turkish animals. Next, we bid a fond farewell to Lamia Gibson, our wonderful tech and sometimes co-host, who is off to pursue a shiatsu practice. During this segment, we reminisce over her tenure with the show, and listen to a clip from one of her favourite interviews. Tune in for an intimate conversation about activism, health, and the technical side of radio production. Download mp3s of the interview: part 1 (3.93 MB) and part 2 (1.79 MB) Tags: Sanctuaries
January 16, 2007 International Aid for Korean Animals: Cats and Dogs in Korea 
In this interview we speak with Yoon Kerr, the UK Director for the International Aid for Korean Animals (IAKA)/ Korean Animal Protection Society (KAPS). Founded in 1997 by Kyenan Kum, IAKA is a non-profit organization that promotes animal protection and humane education in Korea. Tune in to hear Kerr describe Korean markets where cats and dogs are sold for meat and goyangi soju (cat tonic), which can involve boiling (sometimes still alive) cats in pressure cookers and other forms of torture. Providing an historical and economic perspective, she refutes arguments that claim dog consumption is culturally justifiable. "It is a gross ignorance of Korean culture to regard the consumption of dogs as a part of Korean culture. It deliberately ignores many Koreans who find such a practice horrifying and something to be rid of," writes Kerr. "It also doesn't acknowledge the fact that eating dogs is a threat to Korean culture and violation of its essence. There is one underlying element which is very crucial to various aspects of Korean culture. That is reciprocity" ("Eating Dogs: Korean Culture?"). How did the cat and dog trade shift from a being "fringe activity"? How is the trade bound up in International politics, capitalism, and poverty? In what ways can the International community address the Korean cat and dog trade, while also challenging the Western racist stereotypes associated with these practices? Listen into to hear Yoon Kerr's responses and more about this impassioned organization, which currently has branches in Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands. Download an mp3 of the interview (7.75 MB) Tags: Companion Animals | Sanctuaries
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