Urban Zoo

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.

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.

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.

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.