In this episode, Dillon interviewed Malthe, a 24-year-old Danish zookeeper who shared his journey into zookeeping and his current role at a zoo in Hanning. Malthe discussed his education and training as a zookeeper in Denmark, which involves a combination of school and practical work experience. He described his daily responsibilities, which include cleaning enclosures, preparing animal diets, and conducting enrichment activities. Malthe also shared insights into the challenges of zookeeping, such as dealing with animal deaths and stimulating natural behaviors in captivity. He compared zookeeping practices in Denmark and North America, noting differences in how animals are displayed for visitors. The conversation covered topics such as communal enclosures, the strength and intelligence of various animals, and the importance of proper animal care. Malthe emphasized the physical demands of the job and the need for zookeepers to be prepared for the realities of working with animals in a zoo setting.

SHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/247-zookeeping/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeLINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.instagram.com/malthe.12/Photos and Video in Episode:Provided by Malthe

0:00 Coming Up

00:44 Introduction

3:17 Welcome Malthe

8:52 How to become a zookeeper in Denmark?

12:06 How many zoos are in Denmark?

15:11 What reptiles do you keep at home?

17:42 Did keeping animals privately influence you?

21:02 Zookeeping courses & training

26:12 How to provide enrichment to zoo animals (Giraffes)

34:45 Zoo Med Creatures Roly Poly Kit

35:56 No days off at the zoo & latch anxiety

36:38 How much money do zookeepers make? Worst thing about zookeeping

39:22 Recording keeping

40:47 Flagship species at the zoo?

42:49 What can private keepers learn from zookeepers?

44:10 BioDude Terra Fauna & Bug Grub

45:11 Co-habbing species

47:45 What can zookeepers learn from private keepers?

49:22 What you need to know before becoming a zookeeper

51:00 Dealing with the death of an animal

52:53 How to simulate hunting for lions?

55:32 Animals at Home Merch & Patreon

56:42 Monkeys causing problems

58:49 No contact rule - dangerous giraffes

1:01:19 North America vs Europe Zookeeping

1:05:28 Winter vs Summer Zoo operation

1:07:04 Advice for future zookeepers

1:09:25 Closing Thoughts

A short story about a special reptile.

This is a true crime story about a man who sold human remains online, operating within the dark and controversial world of the oddities market. While this overlaps with the reptile and exotic animal community, this case goes far beyond that into illegal trade and disturbing online activity.In this episode, Nathan Carlos Rupley joins the podcast to discuss the dark side of the oddities market and the uncomfortable realities behind how many animal specimens actually enter the trade. We explore where deceased animals are often sourced from, the ethical questions surrounding a market that depends on animals dying to exist, and why the label “ethically sourced” is frequently used as a way to reassure buyers rather than reflect reality.The conversation also moves into the disturbing rise of human remains appearing in the oddities market. We discuss several shocking cases, including grave robbing operations, corrupt cremation practices, and even a scandal involving a Harvard Medical School employee selling human body parts.This episode takes a hard look at a topic that many people find fascinating but rarely examine closely: where these specimens actually come from, and the ethical issues surrounding the trade.If you enjoy deep conversations about the intersection of ethics, wildlife, and the darker corners of niche markets, this episode will definitely give you something to think about.JOIN US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/animalsathomeSHOW NOTES: https://www.animalsathomenetwork.com/246-oddities/SPONSORS: Visit The BioDude: https://www.thebiodude.com/ Visit Zoo Med Labs here: https://zoomed.com/LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:https://www.instagram.com/nathan_carlos_rupley/https://www.facebook.com/nathan.rupleyFish Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC0WjNicr4ZY4wlbsWo6XSdw https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/pa-man-accused-of-stealing-bones-from-cemetery-in-delaware-county/4329838/https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdpa/pr/thompson-man-sentenced-72-months-prison-trafficking-stolen-human-remains0:00 Coming Up00:34 Intro & Content Warning3:40 Welcome Nathan & Intro to Oddities9:06 Why are people drawn to oddities?14:06 The ethical issues with deceased animals 29:25 Don't trust "ethically sourced." Do this instead.36:47 Selling Human Remains - News Story41:49 Can you legally own a REAL human skull?44:32 Harvard Medical School Employee selling remains52:05 The Body's Exhibit & Human Remains Art57:59 Fastination with Death & Deformities 1:06:16 Nathan's Animal Collection - Keeping Roaches, Spiders & Beetles1:20:48 Animal keeping is a celebration of life1:25:30 Closing Thoughts