Nan Hauser grew up in Pennsylvania and Bermuda, surrounded by animals and inspired by her nature-loving grandmother. With a background in nursing and midwifery, Nan applies science and compassion from human healthcare to whale research, combining accurate methodology, emergency care, and a passion for helping both people and animals.

A whale researcher in the Cook Islands and Bermuda, Nan investigates whale songs, migration, and genetics. Her curiosity fuels scientific publications and conservation efforts, aiming to be a dedicated voice for whales.

Nan is President and Director of the Centre for Cetacean Research & Conservation and Director and Principal Investigator of Cook Islands Whale Research, based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. She researches whale and dolphin identity, population abundance, acoustics, genetics, behaviour, migration, and navigation, using satellite tagging to track long-distance movements.

As an Adjunct Professor at Auckland University of Technology, she has taught internationally for numerous conservation and research organisations.

A registered nurse, Nan also practices and teaches medicine locally and educates schools about whale conservation and ocean protection. Nan serves on the Executive Committee of the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium and was instrumental in creating the Cook Islands’ 2 million km² whale sanctuary and establishing a Whale Research & Education Centre.

For over three decades, Hauser has led humpback whale field research focused on population ecology, migration, and conservation management. She founded the Cook Islands Whale Research Project in 1998, producing the first baseline data on whale abundance, site fidelity, and reproduction.

Her research directly informed sanctuary creation and the development of Marae Moana, a vast marine park declared in 2017. Combining photo-identification, satellite telemetry, and acoustics, her work revealed complex migratory patterns linking Oceania and Antarctica, supported new Important Marine Mammal Areas, and gained global recognition through major media features and awards.

Link

www.whaleresearch.org

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Shane Gehlert grew up in Adelaide with lots of freedom. He explored sheep stations, rode motorbikes, camped, and developed a lifelong love of animals while enjoying the Australian outback and wildlife. Living on a property with alpacas, goats, and chickens, Shane’s bond grew deeper after caring for a baby goat called Rosie. This experience sparked his curiosity about the lives and intelligence of animals.

Shane is an artist, photographer, and filmmaker and writer who found his passion for academia later in life by pursuing a degree in psychology.

He became interested in psychology while painting, listening to podcasts like "All in the Mind." Shane is now finishing his psychology degree and uses research and evidence to explore human and animal minds.

Shane has spent 25 years as an artist. He created distinctive chrome kangaroo paintings, explored surrealism, and met inspiring mentors in Broken Hill before moving to the Sunshine Coast, embracing creativity in his work.

He wrote Oh My Goat. Just How Intelligent are the Animals We Eat? His book combines stories, research, and art, encouraging readers to think about animals, their lives, and the food we eat.

His love for travel and a deep fascination with animals has taken him all over the world, where he enjoys observing and photographing the incredible creatures with which we share this planet. Shane lives in Queensland, Australia, with his wife, Cristine, and a menagerie of rather spoilt animals.

Links

Book on Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/1aXBi3c

Author website: https://www.shanegehlert.com

art website https://www.outbackart.com.au/

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CritterChannel-h4t

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Darryl grew up on a little farm near Wagga, making his own fun among animals. He became patient and observant, allowing animals to do their own thing, which shaped his curiosity.

As a child, Darryl’s fascination with animals grew. Digging up burrowing frogs and watching blue tongues in his mother’s garden inspired his interest. He emerged with a desire to learn more and observe.

At fifteen, Darryl cared for a magpie named Jimmy after a storm. A painful experience with a local bully and Jimmy’s fate became a turning point, sparking his fixation for knowledge.

Darryl went to university and found his interest in urban wildlife. Initially, others did not understand or value his studies, but he believed learning about animals living with us was worth doing.

He was a pioneer in studying urban wildlife, discovering the richness of birds in cities. He focused on comparing urban versions of species like magpies with their “wild cousins” and encouraged native plant landscaping.

Darryl loved teaching students, even leading transformative trips to Borneo. He inspired many to connect with nature and turn ordinary people into fanatics, always focusing on the importance of everyday engagement.

Darryl believes we are all part of nature. Connecting closely with wildlife from backyard tadpoles to magpies is vital for well-being and understanding our place within nature’s fate. He promotes local native landscaping.

He recently 'retired' to devote himself to full-time writing. He am committed to encouraging people to connect with the natural world in whatever way they can.

Website:

darryljonesnature.com

Books (all published by New South Publishing):

The Birds at My Table. 2018.

Feeding the Birds at Your Table. 2019.

Curlews on Vulture Street. 2022,

A Clouded Leopard in the Middle of the Road. 2022.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Dr Sarah Pye was born in Gibraltar, spent 13 years sailing in nature with her family, then moved onto a boat, learning from animals, weather, and the world around her. She has always loved animals. Night watches at sea, meeting dolphins and whales, resulted in her developing a deep appreciation for hands-on animal encounters that shaped her views on nature.

Sarah travelled widely, started her own boat business in the Whitsundays, and began writing books and storytelling, using real experiences to connect people with wildlife and conservation.

A trip to Borneo led Sarah to help Dr. Wong and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, starting projects, writing children’s books, and supporting wildlife through education and action.

Sarah runs workshops for children, shares stories, encourages action, and believes everyone can do something to help animals and the environment.

An award-winning author Dr Pye is passionate about wildlife and storytelling. Her doctorate focused on how narratives can engage non-scientists in conservation. She wrote a biography of Malaysian conservationist, Dr Wong Siew Te, Saving Sun Bears, which was followed by six children's books about Wildlife Wong's adventures in the Bornean jungle.

When she’s not teaching sustainability at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sarah has just launched Curious Kai Asks Why, which refocuses her attention on Australian flora and fauna.

Links

Web: sarahrpye.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/SarahRPye

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_sarahrpye/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahrpyeauthorspeakerenvi6784

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahpye/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Ron King used to be a highly successful media executive. Then, after COVID he began a search for joy which led him to rescuing donkeys and creating Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary

This Vimeo link sums up his journey: https://vimeo.com/monument/dk

Through his love of donkeys, he found his path to joy and the difference between things he enjoys and things that bring him joy.

Links

https://www.oscarsplace.org

ttps://www.facebook.com/oscarsplaceofficial

https://www.instagram.com/oscarsplaceofficial/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Lya Battle Bonilla is the Founder of Territorio de Zaguates, a sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 15 years of experience. More than 1,800 rescued dogs now live in freedom, safety, and love.

What started as a small rescue effort from her own home slowly grew into a lifelong mission, to give every dog, no matter their story, a chance to heal and to be happy.

From a very young age, she couldn’t look away from suffering. Every abandoned, hungry, or hurt dog she saw pulled at her heart, and she realised that if she didn’t help them, maybe no one would.

At Territorio de Zaguates, every dog is welcome, where mutts are celebrated, and each life is valued simply because it exists.

They believe every dog deserves a second chance, not because they’re cute or adoptable, but because they are living beings capable of love, joy, and gratitude.

Many of the dogs they rescue arrive broken, scared, or sick. Watching them recover, trust again, and run freely across the hills is one of their greatest joys. Through this work, they hope to change the way people see stray dogs, not as a problem, but as souls who deserve kindness.

Territorio has become their forever home, and Lya is deeply honoured to share her life with them. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of people who believe in compassion as much as she does. Together, they have proven that love can truly transform lives, one wagging tail at a time.

Links

https://www.instagram.com/territorio_de_zaguates/

https://www.youtube.com/@territoriodezaguates

https://www.facebook.com/LandOfTheStrays

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

In this episode of Animals and Us, we meet Dr Ian Douglas, a pioneering veterinarian whose career spans five decades, continents, and countless animal lives improved through his dedication to welfare and education.

From his beginnings in Scotland to his long-standing leadership with Vets Beyond Borders, Ian’s work has shaped international animal health programs across India, Bhutan, and the Pacific. He played a key role in establishing the Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) Programme, authored foundational veterinary training manuals, and continues today as Coordinator of the Vanuatu Dog Population Management Program.

Beyond his veterinary achievements, Ian’s story is one of purpose – showing how expertise, empathy and persistence can drive systemic change for animals and the communities that live alongside them.

Dr Douglas’s journey reminds us that one person’s compassion, backed by skill and vision, can influence animal welfare far beyond the clinic.

• Vets Beyond Borders

• Dr Ian Douglas on ABC News

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Alison grew up in a big Mauritian family in Australia, always surrounded by cousins, sleepovers, warmth and laughter, with family playing a central role throughout her childhood. When she was ten, abuse by a family member changed her sense of safety and shaped her early years, bringing complexity and hardship that affected her growth and identity.

Over four years, Alison coped by shrinking herself and fawning, trying to be invisible and please others to stay safe, a survival response that shaped her behaviour into adulthood. At sixteen, Alison disclosed her abuse to two family members during an argument. Support was limited and understanding lacking, leaving her to process trauma mostly by herself.

Alison developed fierce independence, became guarded, and struggled to let people in. For years, she kept her secret, believing she could only rely on herself. In 2020, she opened up to her younger sister, seeking authenticity and healing. This led to powerful changes, strengthened relationships, and eventually sharing her story publicly.

Alison is now a survivor advocate and memoir author who works with her therapy dog Louis, offering coaching, breathwork, and hope to other trauma survivors on their healing journeys.

Alison works as the Director of Advancement and Communications at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Ontario Canada where a small but mighty team of five staff—and hundreds of volunteers—work to protect Ontario’s wildlife. With over 30 years in marketing and PR, Alison connects people to the Sanctuary’s mission through social media, newsletters, media stories, public events, and educational outreach. She’s also an Ontario Certified Teacher who loves hiking with her Golden Retrievers when she’s not busy helping keep wildlife wild.

Links

www.aspenvalley.ca

IG = aspenvalleywildlifesanctuary

FB = Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd