New York. The Today Show. Michigan. Home. As I recall my favorite moments saying goodbye to 2015 and welcoming in 2016, it's hard for me to believe it's already the third week of January! So much has happened. I'm thrilled to finally sit down, write this blog, and share with you some of my most memorable highlights. Hope you enjoy- Corbin
I'll always remember 2015 as "The Year of The Today Show". I broke a record number of appearances and was able to work with some of the most amazing (and unusual) animals. 2015 in particular though, proved quite exciting, as when you work with animals, you NEVER know what's going to happen! From a deer eating Tamron's dress, to birds flying all over the studio, every appearance was a thrill. These hilarious moments ended up making "The Today Show's BEST OF 2015"!
For my last Today Show segment of 2015, some of the smallest animal ambassadors helped me ring in the New Year. This included "Braveheart" the quarter-size Leopard Tortoise, "Ava" a three-week-old Patagonian Cavy, and three Angora bunnies.
Also joining the show were two Southern Stingray pups from Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. Can you believe stingrays give birth to live young? The babies come out as miniature adults!
Every now and then I'm able to work with a celebrity co-host. This time around it was John Cena, face of the WWE and recent movies Trainwreck and Sisters. John was a super nice guy and a great talent to work with.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Studio 1-A. If you look closely, you can see the Adventure Aquarium staff making sure the stingrays and their tank is camera ready.
I could not have asked for a better segment to wrap up 2015. The animals were great (John and Braveheart the tortoise stole the show), and it was a pleasure reuniting with Today co-host Natalie Morales. You can check out the segment below.
After Today, I was off to Inside Edition, where I serve as their biologist and wildlife expert for breaking animal news. I spoke with correspondent, Megan Alexander, about the recent bear attack on a boy scout leader in New Jersey. Happy to report the scout leader was recently released from the hospital.
There's nothing like having some down time in the city that never sleeps. I also have to say, there's nothing like New York City during the holidays. We made a stop to visit the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and indulged in classic NYC style pizza. (I think I had five pieces that night!)
The following week I was back in Michigan and enjoyed a visit to the Detroit Zoo. January is the BEST time to visit any zoo. There are less crowds and the animals seem more active. I was also able to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo's awarding winning Polar Bear and Seal exhibit, Arctic Ring of Life. Special thanks to the keepers for the tour.
My remaining time in Michigan was spent enjoying the outdoors with the unusually warm weather for January AND eating my body weight in pizza. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Jet's Pizza is the best in the world. (Sorry New York.)
After being gone for nearly two weeks, it never felt so good to be home. Thanks for taking the time to read my latest update. Here's to a great 2016! - Corbin