Animal Week on 'Fresh Air'
These two chimps, dressed as hunters, were stars in the 1939 film "Africa Squawks," directed by Connie Rasinski.
The Movie-Star Chimpanzee's Retirement Plan
()Once performing chimpanzees grow too strong and willful to continue their acting careers and returning to the wild is no longer an option, where do they go? Journalist Charles Siebert discusses his new book, which answers the question for one such chimp.
Robert Sullivan, In The Alleys With 'Rats'()
September 3, 2009 Robert Sullivan's Rats: Observations on the History & Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants chronicles the year he spent studying alley rats in New York City. He says you'd be surprised at what picky eaters they can be.
Up Close And Personal With The Dung Beetle()
September 3, 2009 Where will you find more violence than in an NC-17 movie? More sex than on VH1's reality shows? In the downright wild world of the dung-beetle. Biologist Douglas Emlen explains.
Putting Puppies Behind Bars (For A Good Cause)()
September 2, 2009 Puppies Behind Bars is a canine training program that enlists prison inmates to train puppies as bomb-sniffing dogs or as service animals. Many of the dogs are then paired with wounded or disabled veterans.
Cats, More Critters On Animal Week From 'Fresh Air'()
September 2, 2009 This week on Fresh Air: It's Animal Week, in which we highlight more than a dozen surprising, revealing, endlessly fascinating conversations about animals and how we live with them.
Rescuing Katrina's Four-Legged Victims()
September 2, 2009 Margaret McLaughlin, a New York vet technician, went to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to join the ASPCA's efforts to rescue pets left behind. She talks about her experiences finding and treating animals in the hurricane zone.
Forensic Vet Helps Prevent Animal Cruelty()
September 2, 2009 Melinda Merck is not your average "pet detective." As a forensic vet with the ASPCA, Merck offers insight into the harrowing world of animal cruelty — and how we can use the legal system to stop it.
How Autism Can Help Us Understand Animals()
September 1, 2009 Animal-behavior specialist Temple Grandin explains how her personal experiences with autism have in some ways enhanced her work — and shed new light on the way in which we communicate with animals.
Michael Schaffer: America Is Going To The Dogs()
September 1, 2009 In his book One Nation Under Dog, Michael Schaffer investigates the booming pet-care industry. He discusses how the $43 billion business reflects our ideas about consumerism, family, politics and domesticity.
Veterinarian Translates Barks And Meows()
August 31, 2009 Veterinarian Nancy Kay helps pet caregivers consider what's in the medical best interest of their furry friends, and offers advice on everything from helping a pet handle vet visits to figuring out whether an animal is in pain.
'Alex & Me': The Parrot Who Said 'I Love You'()
August 31, 2009 Alex the African gray parrot could do more than speak and understand he could also count, identify colors and develop an emotional relationship. When Alex died in September 2007, his last words to scientist Irene Pepperberg were "You be good. I love you."
