My Top Ten Favorite Animals

One of the number one questions you get when you work with animals is "Which is your favorite?" This has to be one of the hardest questions I get. It gets even worse when I get asked this in person. (I apologize to anyone who has had to listen to my five minute rant on which animal is my favorite!) I decided to put together a top ten list of my favorite animals. Please note that I enjoy working with practically every animal I'm privileged to work with; these are just a few that I've always been so incredibly fascinated with.

#10 Beluga Whale

Ever since I was able to swim with a real Beluga Whale, I've been hooked. These incredibly graceful whales, with their squishy melon heads, can be found in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic waters of the Northern Hemisphere.

#9 Vultures

If you would have asked me what my favorite animals were a couple of years ago, vultures would have never made the list. It wasn't until I went to Africa and learned about these beneficial creatures, that I realized how incredibly important they are for the ecosystem. (They consume over 70% of all the carcasses.) I also learned how they were in serious trouble. Their numbers in Kenya have declined by 60% within the last few years due to poisoning, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss. These birds were also the reason I was able to go back to Africa and film the short documentary "Through The Eyes of a Vulture" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB-0vq8BN_c

#8 Lions

Similar to the vultures, my obsession with lions began during my first trip to Africa. They are easily one of my favorite animals to spot while on safari. (Even though 90% of the time they're asleep!)  Sadly, they are in serious trouble. There a fewer than 30,000 that remain in all of Africa. This is due to human-animal conflict, trophy hunting, and habitat loss. If we don't do something about it, scientists believe lions will go extinct within twenty years. For more info on how you can help visit www.causeanuproar.org

#7 Emus

I've been obsessed with emus since I was kid. I think this originates from my fascination with dinosaurs. This makes sense; scientists are now convinced dinosaurs are more closely related to birds than reptiles. I also remember when I was around eight being picked as a volunteer for the zoo's bird show. They made me sit on this giant nest with emerald green eggs. In seconds an emu came running by within feet of the nest! Then and there I told my young self I wanted a pet emu. My dream came true when I adopted Napoleon at the age of 15.

#6 The giant Aldabra Tortoises

I've always loved these ancient reptiles. When I traveled to the Seychelles Islands through Boise State University, I was elated when I found out my endemic species project was going to be on the giant Aldabra Tortoise. It was so surreal seeing them out in the wild. Luckily I was also able to film a short video highlighting my experience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecBtH2cYPqA

#5 Rhinos

Out of all the animals that made my list, the rhino is in the most trouble. Sadly, due to poaching for their horn, they will probably go extinct within my lifetime. I remember seeing my first wild Black Rhino like it was yesterday. The excitement. The luck. The amazing ability of how such a large creature could disappear in the brush within minutes. I remember going back to camp and talking with one of my friends who couldn't make it on that particular safari. He was so incredibly disappointed, knowing that was probably the last chance he'd ever get to see a wild rhino. There are less than 25 in the Masai Mara and only a few thousand left in Africa.

#4 Crocodilians

I've been obsessed with crocodiles and alligators for as long as I can remember. As a kid at the zoo, I would stand and stare at a motionless alligator for hours. (My poor parents!) If I could have told myself at the time that later on in life I would actually care for them, I probably would have fainted. To this day when I visit zoos you will find me doing the same thing; staring at motionless crocodiles and alligators! I guess some things never change.

#3 Leopards

If there is one animal that has taken my fascination to a complete obsession, it's the leopard. Their secretive nature and elusive behavior is what draws me to this unique cat. There is no other animal I'd rather see in the wild than the leopard. While in Africa I was determined to see one. I'd scour every tree, every bush, every riverbank in hopes of seeing spots. I was close numerous times, but missed the encounters by seconds. Like my guide Dr. Munir Virani said, "It gives me an excuse to go back to Africa."

#2 Hyenas

My #2 choice might come as a shock to many. I love hyenas. They are one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals on the planet. So many people hate them and think of them as nasty scavengers. In reality though, hyenas kill more prey than lions; who generally scavenge from hyenas. I've fallen asleep many nights hearing the haunting calls and laughs of these apex predators. Hands-down the best sounds to fall asleep to in Africa.

#1 Hippos

One of my favorite places to visit in the world is Kenya's Lake Naivasha. Why? Because it's home to hippos. No other animal fascinates or scares me more. I've been charged by boat and nearly peed my pants while hearing one a few feet next to me in the brush. (It was one of the most adrenaline pumping experiences of my life.) One of my favorite things to do while staying at Elsamere on Lake Naivasha is hanging out with the night guards around the cabins looking for grazing hippos. (Every night they graze just a few feet away from the cabin doors.) It's amazing how quiet they are considering their size!

Kibokos (hippo in Swahili) will always have a hold on me for one of my favorite animals on planet!

Saying goodbye to a friend

I always refer to my animals as my "kids." It might come as a shock to most; many of the animals I personally care for are a far cry from the cute and cuddly or compassionate. Yet there is undoubtedly a unique bond I share with each and every animal I care for. They've seen me through thick and thin. They've accompanied me while passing important milestones in my life, like graduating high school and college. Most importantly though, they were a part of my dreams coming true. When I lose one, it's devastating. Almost like losing a family member. This blog is a dedication to an animal that has been with me from the very beginning. Way before my first television appearance. Long before my realization of what I actually wanted to do in life. This blog is dedicated to Junior.

Junior was a common Nile Monitor Lizard (Varanus niloticus niloticus) that I adopted in the fall of 2003. Like most monitors I've rescued in the past, he became too aggressive for his owners  and outgrew his small aquarium tank.

It was very common when I first began rescuing reptiles to find these monitors in pet stores for prices as low as $20-$30. Their cheap price was misleading. Nile Monitors are one of the largest lizards in the world that require specialized care and huge custom built habitats with water features. Not to mention they have EXTREMELY aggressive reputations and are only recommended for advanced keepers. (Come to think of it, I had to use gloves while handling Junior for years before I gained his trust...see picture below!)

Not many lizards have as many media credits as Junior. He was the very first animal I ever took on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" at the age of 14. He went on to appear on Leno's show another time and "The Today Show" numerous times. (He even made the trip to "The Martha Stewart Show" but was cut because of time constraints.) I always joked that Junior has been to more places than most people! It's honestly true. Below you can watch our first "Tonight Show" appearance and my television reel where Junior makes numerous cameos.

One of my favorite interviews with Junior was at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas during Super Zoo. I don't think either of us had ever stayed in nicer hotel room!

Some of my fondness memories with Junior were during our live appearances across the country. I felt so incredibly fortunate to be able to work with a Nile Monitor lizard. Like I previously stated, these lizards have notoriously aggressive reputations; I don't think I've ever seen one used in an educational program in person!

Everywhere we went, Junior turned heads. I always loved taking him to the vet! We actually ended up making it in the Idaho Humane Society's monthly magazine during one visit. (Luckily no cats were in the area.)

Out of all the memories though, the daily interactions stick out the most. The side of Junior very few knew. How he was potty-trained. How he knew me as an owner. How for some reason every time I cleaned his water tub he had to go to the bathroom right after. Or how I had to wiggle his frozen-thawed mouse in front of him a certain way. Those memories I'll never forget.

Because Junior was rescued, we could only estimate his age. We knew though by the beginning of the year, Junior was definitely past his prime.

Junior spent his remaining days outside basking in the sun, soaking in the pool, and burrowing under his favorite log. I don't think he could have been happier.

Although it was extremely sad saying goodbye; I feel comfort knowing I gave him fantastic care and a wonderful home. The saddest part I've had to deal with is that I will never come across another animal like Junior again. An animal that touched so many lives. An animal that has been with me from the very beginning. An animal that for some reason beat all the stereotypes of being aggressive and rose to become one incredible animal ambassador. An animal I'll never forget.

From NY to open Blue Sky

All I can say is what a week! From staying at the epicenter of one of the world's busiest cities, to appearing on one of America's most popular morning shows, to searching sage brush for rattlesnakes in the remote Owyhee Mountains in Southern, Idaho. Each day held different sights, sounds, and experiences.

My week started early (4am to be exact) on Monday where I caught a flight to NYC. Even though I was there just a few weeks prior, I still couldn't hold my excitement. There is just something about New York.

During my visit in May, I had hardly any time to walk around and sight see. Luckily this time around, I had a full day to do just that! And I did...That day I walked over 12 miles.

Arguably one of the most recognizable buildings in New York is on the corner of Bedford and Grove. The "Friends" building and the area around it is one of my favorite places to walk around in the city.

A few blocks ahead from where I took this picture I noticed 150 NYPD standing around the front of a building. I later found out President Obama made a special appearance in the city that day. His arrival would cause multiple blocks to be barricaded and many stuck in traffic for hours.

Luckily by the time he arrived, I was already in Central Park watching turtles, fish, and a very curious egret.

The first time I saw these animals I had to do a double-take; I was in New York City watching birds catch fish and turtles basking on logs. This seems like more of a scene I could find back home in Idaho!

The next morning I headed to the place that has been my TV home for the last few years; Studio 1A. Although this time around I would do something I had never done before; appear on "The Today Show" without animals.

I was there as a guest for their weekly trivia/pop culture segment "Who Knew?" to celebrate national zoo and aquarium month.

It's always so incredibly surreal being able to share the stage with a TV icon like Kathie Lee Gifford. I also thoroughly enjoyed our conversations on-and-off camera. Our off-air topics ranged from signing wine bottles to how large the iguanas were outside her vacation home in the Florida Keys. It was also great catching up with old friends (producers), who make all of this possible.

Directly after the show I changed into my baseball cap and tank and headed straight to the Bronx Zoo. It ranks as one of my favorite zoos in the country.

My first stop? The Madagascar exhibit featuring the zoo's giant Nile Crocodiles. The exhibit is phenomenal with underwater views of the ancient reptiles submerged in their deep pool. I honestly could have watched them for hours!

I was also able to feel like I was 12 again taking the zoo's dinosaur safari!

One of the best places to see gorillas outside of Africa is the Congo Gorilla Forest Exhibit. It's so incredibly naturalistic that you actually feel like you're walking in an African rainforest.

Visiting the Bronx Zoo was the perfect way to end my stay in New York. Now it was time to head back home!

My first order of business was doing absolutely nothing but spending the day with the animals. It's honestly one of my favorite things to do.

The next day I drove to Fossil Butte where the Idaho Herpetological Society was holding its annual field trip. I've been a member of the society since I was 13, but honestly haven't made the field for a couple of years. It was great to be back!

We might have not had any luck finding rattlesnakes...but I was happy to spot this little guy!

I couldn't imagine a better way to end the week; under a blue sky hiking the Owyhee's.

June 18, 2014 NBC TODAY

Happy Father's Day

I seriously have the best dad in the world. He's been there for me every step of the way; whether it's helping me on a local TV station in Casper, Wyoming or making sure a Fennec Fox doesn't get loose on "The Today Show", he's always there. (By-the-way, the Fennec Fox did get loose.) All jokes aside, he's my best friend and I couldn't imagine going through life without him.

I decided to pay tribute to some of my favorite animal dads. Yes, we've all heard of the famous Emperor Penguin who incubates his egg in the frigid cold while his mate is off at sea. Though today, I wanted to share five dads who sometimes don't get as much credit as the famous penguin.

My first nomination for great animal dads goes to the Jackal. For one, they are monogamous and stay in pair bonds for life. (Very odd for mammals.) They also hunt and provide the female and offspring with food.

I might be a little biased on my next decision because the next contender for best dads happens to be one of my favorite animals I personally care for...All of that aside, I have to give credit to the Solomon Island Tree Skink. These remarkable skinks display a very unusual trait among reptiles; they showcase a degree of parental care. The male will stay with his offspring and protect the family and territory.

The emu has to be one of most dedicated dads in the animal kingdom! Not only does he solely incubate the eggs (the female leaves), he also stays with the offspring for several months afterwards, protecting them from predators and leading them to fresh food and water.

The African Bull Frog is one of the best amphibian dads in the world. He will fiercely defend his thousands of eggs until they hatch; often jumping at anything that could be considered a threat. He will also construct water channels for the tadpoles to connect them to larger water sources when their pools dry up. The only problem for the tadpoles? He often eats them while babysitting.

The Owl Monkey is my last and final contender for one of the best dads in the animal kingdom. They are devoted fathers caring for their offspring and are strictly monogamous, staying with their mates for life. They are the only primate to exhibit this type of dedication and parental behavior!