Explore every episode of the podcast AnimalCentral

Ainsley Hay chats to Heinz Ortman, a tour guide from RockJumper Birding Tours, about bird tours, the technicalities of guiding as well the amazing trips that RockJumper do. www.cliffcentral.com

Specialist Veterinary Surgeon from Fourways Veterinary Hospital, Dr Neels du Plessis, talks to Ainsley Hay about the all too common ailment of arthritis in pets. www.cliffcentral.com

Have you ever petted a lion cub? Have you ever paid to see lions in captivity? As innocent as this may seem, have you ever considered where those cubs and beautiful beasts eventually land up? Pippa Hankinson from Blood Lions discusses the ‘Blood Lions’ documentary that has exposed South Africa’s unethical captive lion industry. www.cliffcentral.com

How is your cat’s kidney health doing? Dr Guy Fyvie tells you all you need to know about your cat’s kidneys and how to ensure your furry friend remains healthy and happy. Then, from Woodrock Dog Rescue, Stella joins Ainsley Hay to talk about their upcoming fundraiser and the incredible work they do. www.cliffcentral.com

Cassandra Barbosa from Animal Lovers Project Swing (ALPS) talks about the upcoming Golf Day fundraiser taking place on 16 March 2016 as well as the vital work that ALPS does for the animals of the Etwatwa Informal Settlement. www.cliffcentral.com

There is some good news for chickens, find out what it is from the Humane Society International’s Tozie Zokufa who is also the Program Manager of the Farm Animals Department. Then sticking with farm animals, Dr Clint Austin also has a few words of wisdom. www.cliffcentral.com

Internationally renowned UK dog trainer Nando Brown joins Ainsley Hay. He’s in SA to run workshops through DogTown SA. Some of his workshops deal with aggression and grumpy dogs, Ainsley gets some advice from him on this and other facets of pet ownership too. www.cliffcentral.com

Stacey Keen from the Bruntville Dog Project, a Community Based Outreach Programme, speaks to Siya Sangweni- Fynn and Jonathan Sinclair about the lessons she gives to kids about how to train and take care of their pets. www.cliffcentral.com

Candice Hobday from Hobday Equestrian Enterprises International Horse Transport talks about the huge amount of Tack Theft that is happening to horse owners. This appears to be a tightly run criminal syndicate that is growing daily! www.cliffcentral.com

With the terrible drought that South Africa is experiencing, Ainsley Hay chats with Dr Anja du Plessis, senior lecturer in the Department of Geography at Unisa and Dr Clint Austin from Bayer Animal health to discuss the far reaching effects of the drought on both people and animals. Then, all the way from America via Skype, Minxy Ann Heizer talks about the fundraising that she is doing to help the survivors of rhino poaching in SA. www.cliffcentral.com

Ainsley Hay presents a fun and light-hearted edition of the show, she also reveals which animal is her favourite. She’s joined by Shaun Piercy and Christo Plekenpol from The Captain’s Beard and James Jimbo Harvey from Rebel Management. The star of the show, however, is none other than 8-week-old rescued French Bulldog, Spud. www.cliffcentral.com

If you're a horse lover, this is one for you! From the SA Lippizaners, Ainsley Hay is joined by Judy Vertue, Bronwyn Taylor and Marina Snyman, to talk about what these amazing horses are all about. Then, with the countrywide drought, Kerry Byerley and Karen Keller from the H20 Hooves initiative tell us about the critical work they do in getting water to drought stricken areas. www.cliffcentral.com

Ever thought about Veterinary Nursing as a career? Well, if you or someone you know has a passion for healing and helping animals, Sr. Dalene Jansen van Vuuren from the Veterinary Nurses Association of South Africa, has some advise on the pros and cons of Veterinary Nursing as a career in South Africa. www.cliffcentral.com

Animal training is more about training the human than the animal, Michelle Moll from Animal Handling speaks about this, she's joined by her dwarf French bulldog. Then Anne, a puppy raiser from the Guide Dogs Association, talks about what it takes to raise dogs that will change people's lives. www.cliffcentral.com

Along with this festive time of year comes the unfortunate reality of "Christmas Cruelty". It can be an especially terrible time for dogs, cats and the organisations that have to care for them. Joining Ainsley Hay to discuss these issues is Tanya Nel from K9 Best Friends and Dr Noline van den Berg from Fairlands Vet. www.cliffcentral.com

Renowned pet behaviourist Scotty Valadao tells you how to keep your pets calm during firework season. Also, actress Stevie French talks about her love of dogs, but in particular, for her Boston Terrier Samantha Martin who join the ladies in studio. www.cliffcentral.com

Ainsley Hay addresses something that is very close to her heart. After seeing the rehabilitation centre that founded her love for rehabilitating wildlife close its doors after 18 years, she chats to Margi Brocklehurst about what has happened at the FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Gauteng. www.cliffcentral.com

Have you ever wanted to meet a famous dog? Well, it's your lucky day. Sue Green from Joy Dogs comes into studio and brings along Jazmine, Oscar and Yola who used to play the role of the "paint" dog but are now therapy dogs. Also joining the show is Andrew Freemantle and Sunelle De Pierres from EPet Store who talk about how people buy their pets gifts for Christmas and what you should be looking for to put under the tree for your dog or cat this year. www.cliffcentral.com

Ainsley Hay talks about birding and what an exciting and fascinating hobby this can be. She is joined by John Kinghorn from Birding Eco Tours and Youth Africa Birding. www.cliffcentral.com

"Polly want a cracker?" Dee Hendrickx from Brainy Birds joins Sharon Dale to educate animal lovers on proper parrot keeping techniques, she brings in a few of her feathery friends too. www.cliffcentral.com

Nicci Wright from the African Pangolin Working Group talks pangolins and wildlife rehabilitation in South Africa. www.cliffcentral.com

Sharon Dale talks to Tozie Zokufa, the Programme Manager for Humane Society International, along with actress and model Anji Woodley about the recently launched Green Monday, a global movement aimed at improving public health, environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Then from TEARS, Tracey Gilpin tells us about the fantastic response from the community who helped evacuate 153 dogs from their shelter due to the riots currently taking place in Cape Town. www.cliffcentral.com

Sharon Dale speaks to Viv Elliot from Saints Animal Charity Shop and Dorette from Pawesome Wacky Whiskers. Dorette works in underprivileged communities to spay and neuter animals. www.cliffcentral.com

Sharon's guest is Dayle Robyn, who will be talking about the upcoming Mutters Waterworks Day. Then Kloofendal field guide, Karin Spottiswoode, is back to talk to us about how to attract insects to your garden and how they help us. www.cliffcentral.com

From Kitty & Puppy Haven, Samantha Berger discusses the sad situation at the Bunny Park in Benoni. Then from Ban Animal Trading, Smaragda Louw returns to talk about keeping exotic animals as pets. www.cliffcentral.com

With the recent Carte Blanche exposé on keeping exotic animals as pets, Smaragda Louw from Ban Animal Trading talks about this issue, as well as the cruelty taking place against animals in circuses. www.cliffcentral.com

Charmaine Booysens from The 9th Day Rescue and Rehabilitation talks about what they do and provides an update on Bismarck the bait dog who they are taking care of. Dr Sonja Maricevic also joins the show and talks about cat nutrition and how it can help improve certain health conditions. Then the story of Jugomaro Predator Park and the plight of their big cats who are under threat of being taken away from their home is back in the spotlight, Owner and Manager of the park, Justin Fernandes speaks out to Sharon and tells exactly what is happening at the park. www.cliffcentral.com

Renowned veterinarian and Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition, Dr Guy Fyvie joins Sharon Dale to discuss obesity, arthritis and dementia in dogs and cats. Then Beverley Schellings from 'Ride for a Reason' joins the show, they are going to attempt to break the world record with the most amount of vehicles in a logo. www.cliffcentral.com

Ainsley Hay from the NSPCA discusses the controversy surrounding 'Alldays' hunting. Lisa Visser, MD of 'My Most Beautiful' talks about their pet photo competition. Finally, Karin Spottiswoode is a renowned naturalist and field guide who provides insight into the birds that visit our gardens, how important they are in the environment, and how to best care for them. www.cliffcentral.com

Sharon is joined by Hester Pescivolo and Garrick Wilson from Beagle Rescue SA. She then chats with veterinarian Dr Clint Austin about choking hazards for dogs and skin infections. www.cliffcentral.com

Sharon is joined by one of South Africa's best dog photographers, Emma O'Brien. Emma gives back to shelter dogs by photographing them for social media and calendars. Then Elke du Bruy from Nordic Rescue talks about what they do, and provides tips on planning for the upcoming holiday season and how to make arrangements for your pets, well ahead of time. www.cliffcentral.com

Sharon Dale chats to Dr Marlene Norton about a day in the life of a vet and how to become one. Then Jerry Selwane from the Soweto Animal Rescue & Advisory Centre talks about his new calendar fundraiser. www.cliffcentral.com

This episode is dedicated to Cecil the lion who was killed by a hunter in Zimbabwe. Drew Abrahamson from Exclusive Safaris and Captured in Africa, provides an update on Cecil's comrade Jericho and Cecil's cubs. Linda Park from Campaign Against Canned Lion Hunting and Ainsley Hay from the NSPCA Wildlife Division also have their say. www.cliffcentral.com

Author of ‘The Cow at the Window’, Dr Alex Niven talks about his book which is a collection of stories about fascinating animals and their equally as interesting human companions. Then resident veterinarian Dr Clint Austin returns to talk about Parvo, this disease can have a devastating effect on the health of a puppy, Dr Clint reveals the signs and symptoms, treatments and prevention methods. www.cliffcentral.com

Dean Bush from Greyhound Rescue South Africa talks about the abuse these animals face in greyhound racing. Then it’s all about the chickens as Candace Ristic from Chicken Rescue & Rehabilitation South Africa stops by. www.cliffcentral.com

Jono and Sharon kick off with Stella Meldau from Woodrock Animal Rescue and Kennels who talks about the journey of being an Animal Angel. Then they're joined by their July celebrity, SA’s Speed Queen, Wilmarie Janse van Rensburg, who explains how her passion for cats led her to develop a rescue, sterilisation and rehoming initiative. Together with Wilamrie, they do a quick update from the owner and manager of The Jugomaro Predator Park in Groblersdal. www.cliffcentral.com

With the recent drama at The Jugomaro Predator Park in Groblersdal, Ainsley Hay from the NSPCA Wildlife Division joins Jono and Sharon to reveal all the details. Smaragda Louw from Ban Animal Trading gives the facts behind the story of the wildlife importers who have been in the headlines of late. Finally, author Marybeth Haines joins the show via Skype to discuss her book 'The Power of Pets', which aims to help pet owners deal with their grief after the loss of a pet. www.cliffcentral.com

From the Jugomaro Predator Park in Limpopo, Jono and Sharon are joined by Justin Fernandes, who is fighting for his big cats to be able to stay on their land. Then they discuss everything you ever wanted to know about your ageing pet's nutritional requirements with Grant and Sonja from Pack Leader, they reveal how correct nutrition can help with conditions like arthritis and obesity. www.cliffcentral.com

Jaco Pieterse from the NSPCA catches Jono and Sharon up on the court cases currently underway with regards to animal cruelty. Then on a lighter and much cuter note, Cheryl Gaw from Pug Rescue joins them, along with guest of honour Pickle the Dwarf Pug. www.cliffcentral.com

With the social media outrage regarding Butch the retired police dog that was euthanised, reportedly against his handler's wishes, Jono and Sharon are joined by Dianne Kohler Barnard of the DA who was lobbying to save Butch, as well as the manager of the Amanzimtoti SPCA, who both give their sides of the story. Then Urs Honegger, publisher of HQ, Pony and Animal Talk magazines pops in, as well as veterinarian Dr Clint Austin, to talk about a devastating canine disease that is spread via beetles. www.cliffcentral.com

'FreeMe' is a rehabilitation centre for indigenous wildlife, their aim is to "conserve wildlife and inspire the world", Clinic Manager Penelope Morkel tells Jono and Sharon all about it. Then the founder of 'Schnauzer Rescue', Deborah Blane, along with the guest of honour, Maxie the Schnauzer, joins them in studio. www.cliffcentral.com

Melissa Schreiber from The Dr Mike Hardwich Foundation in KZN joins Jono on the line to talk about the amazing work they do for animals and people in need. Andries Venter from the NSPCA talks about the state of farm animals and service animals in general. Finally, PETS, an organisation that works in Alexandra, Diepsloot and other informal settlements to educate, spay, neuter and rescue animals pops into studio. www.cliffcentral.com

Recently an American tourist was mauled by a lioness at The Lion Park after leaving her window open, she subsequently passed away from her injuries. We chat with Scott Simpson, Operations Manager at The Lion Park to get the full story. We are also joined by Jaco Pieterse from the NSPCA and from the Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre, Jerry Selwane pops in. www.cliffcentral.com

Labradors are recognised by humans as a breed synonymous with loyalty, service, beauty, companionship and protection. We are joined by Gail Frankiskos from Labrador Rescue who will tell us all about these fantastic dogs and their relationships with humans. Then our extra special celebrity guest is none other than Ben Karpinski, who tells us of his love for his cat Meowzers, and felines in general. www.cliffcentral.com

It's all about the reptiles! We're joined by Ilonka and Mike from Save Me Reptile Rescue who bring in a few cold blooded friends. Anything and everything you ever wanted to know about reptiles, this is your chance. www.cliffcentral.com

Wendy Willson (Cruelty/Human crime connection) from the NSPCA tells us about the big dog fighting bust that was in the news recently, we are also joined by Jeanette Erasmus - President of The Pitbull Federation of South Africa to discuss the abuse of the Pitbull breed. www.cliffcentral.com

Veterinarian Dr Clint Austin joins us along with dog behaviourist Shannon McKay. We also get the harrowing tale of a listener who was innocently walking in her area when she was approached by a vicious dog who wanted nothing more than to attack her. What should one do in these situations? www.cliffcentral.com

We find out what a day in the life of an NSPCA vet is like with veterinarian Bryce Marock. Then we hear about WODAC (World of Dogs and Cats) Expo which will be taking place at Gallagher Estate from 17 to 19 July from organiser Brian Blades. www.cliffcentral.com

We explore the alternatives to the use of animals in testing with the Manager of the NSPCA's Ethics Unit - Erika Vercuiel. Then our resident reptile man Arno Naude discusses the upcoming expo which focuses on all things reptilian. www.cliffcentral.com

We often consider the welfare of dogs, cats, rhinos and other wildlife, but what about fish? Manager of the National Council of SPCAs Special Projects Unit, Tshepo Sebake, discusses the welfare of fish in SA, from domestic to wild. Then Brendan Murray from Owl Rescue Centre talks about South Africa's owls. www.cliffcentral.com