(NECN) – So what about the push to Free Tilly the killer whale?
Many scientists say Tilly could never survive in the wild, but are now suggesting the use of a sea pen
A sea pen is an enclosure in the ocean that would give him more space, while also keeping him away from humans.
But others point to the death of a whale named Keiko, star of the movie Free Willy back in the 1990s.
Millions of dollars were spent on attempts to return Keiko to the wild, including supervised swims in the open ocean.
In the end, Keiko died emaciated and suffering from pneumonia in Norway.
But while Keiko did not survive, many still say Tilly could be released to that sea pen we mentioned.
Dr. Naomi Rose is a marine mammal scientist with the Humane Society of the United States.
Dr Rose believes Tilly would benefit from the move.
Dr. Rose joins us Vicki from Washington DC to talk more.
(NECN) – You may remember seeing video of a circus elephant named Tyke rampaging through the streets of Hawaii or reading about the day Franklin Park’s gorilla Little Joe escaped.
These incidents couldn’t have been more different and yet we in the public may lump them together and misunderstand them equally.
Joining Vicki Croke on the Secret Life of Animals is John Linehan, head of Zoo New England.
He’s a man whose work Vicki really respects and who can thoughtfully give the viewer a little perspective on why zoo animals may attack or run away
John call also talk about what it does or-just as important-doesn’t mean about them and their life in captivity.
(NECN) – Like many viewers, The Secret Life of Animals has been drawn to the story of Tilikum in the last week, the killer whale at SeaWorld who recently killed his trainer.
Did he mean to do harm?
Was he smart and aware enough to understand that trainer Dawn Brancheau was in distress?
Could the incident have been prevented?
Is it possible for a creature like him-or a captive elephant, or a tiger-to be returned to the wild?
Even the experts disagree, it’s hard to know.
With the help of some top specialists from the animal world, The Secret Life of Animal’s is going to analyze this incident at SeaWorld and revisit some similar stories.
On the Secret Life of Animals, Vicki Croke discusses what is known about killer whales in the wild and how much people don’t know about them.
Joining Vicki to discuss them is AJ Cady with the International Fund for Animal Welfare, based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
(NECN) – People in New England are among the top consumers of ice cream in the country.
So of course, we want frozen desserts for our dogs too.
And we’ve got it.
It’s called Yoghund and it’s a totally organic, frozen yogurt for your dog.
Joining Vicki Croke with more is Jody Rodgers, the creator of Yoghund.
(NECN) – On the Secret Life of Animals, we continue our focus on food with the secret to baking up your own delicious dog treats.
Lisa Makrinikolas is the owner of My Dog Ate it Catering, but you can also find her behind the bakery counter at the Especially for Pets store in Newton Massachusetts.
Lisa helps Vicki cook up some treats
(NECN) – So how do you go about reading between the lines of the nutrition label on pet foods?
Dr. Martha Smith of the Animal Rescue League of Boston joins Vicki Croke on the Secret Life of Animals with some tips.
(NECN) – You’re not going to want to miss a word of this next segment.
Just as many of us scrutinize the nutrition labels on our food — a veterinarian and nutritionist here in new england is doing the same for pet food.
Dr. Lisa Freeman of the Cummings School of veterinary medicine at Tufts University is the author of a new study on pet foods labeled “light” or *low-calorie.*
And her findings, may shock you.
There is huge variation in the calorie content of these foods and get this: some would even cause your dog or cat to gain weight if you dished it out according the package’s instructions.
Considering that 50 % of American pets may be overweight, and that extra pounds can cause a cascade of health problems.
Dr. Freeman joins the Secret Life of Animals to tell Vicki more about these findings and how you as consumers can choose a good, low-calorie food for our pets.
(NECN) – So you thought you knew chinchillas?
Guess again.
From their dental dynamics to their Olympic-worthy leaps in the air.
Vicki Croke has got the the full scoop on the secret life of these amazing little rodents.
Planning a family vacation this spring? Check out some of the animals you’ll find at SeaWorld – on The Secret Life of Animals!
To learn more about how you can plan a trip to any of SeaWorld’s three locations, just log on to their Web site:
http://www.seaworld.com/
Take a break from the gossip magazines and check out the latest offering that has tongues wagging among dog owners.
“Doggie Aficiionado” may just be the new “Vanity Fair” for the canine set – featuring dog lovers like Martha Stewart and “Twilight” star Kellan Lutz. It’s also chock full of star suggestions on travel, dog food and much more!
