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Trusty Narrator
Hey parents trusty here. You know what I hear constantly from homeschool parents in the whosmarted community? Thank you for introducing us to ixl. I get it. My cousin homeschools her kids and raves about how much IXL helps. We're heading into that stretch where families are finishing the year strong and then summer hits with travel camps and shifting routines and that's where IXL shines. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling with interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre K through 12th grade. Everything's organized by grade and subject so you quickly find what each kid needs. Kids get instant explanations and parents, you get clear Progress reports. Over 15 million students use IXL and it's proven to improve achievement in all 50 states. So make an impact on your child's learning. Who Smarted? Listeners get an exclusive 20% off when they sign up today at www.ixl.com smartid. That's ixl.com SL smarted. And now it's time for who's Smarted? Hey smarty pants, see if you can guess where I am. I'm hearing a lot of you saying it sounds like I'm in a jungle or maybe on a safari on the plains of Africa. Those are great guesses, but nope, I'm not in a jungle, I'm not on safari, and I didn't have to leave New York City. So how are you hearing all these animal sounds? Why, it's because I'm at the famous Bronx Zoo located in New York City. The perfect place to safely see and experience a wide array of exotic animals. Everything from lions and tigers to monkeys, polar bears, elephants, giraffes, great apes, and much, much more. And lucky for us, I'm getting to take a very special guided tour with a zookeeper so you and I can learn more about zoo
Briana (Zookeeper)
hey, trustee and hey there smartypants. My name is Briana and I'll be showing you around the Bronx Zoo so you can see and hear what goes on behind the scenes at one of the biggest and wildest zoos in the United States.
Trusty Narrator
Oh boy, I can hardly wait. I've always loved coming to the zoo ever since I was a teeny tiny narrator. What about you, smarty pants? Do you enjoy visiting a zoo either near your home or when you're away? Either way, you're in for a real treat as we're about to find out the answers to questions like where do zoos get the animals? What do the animals need in their enclosures? How are the animals cared for? And what do the zookeepers do? Get ready for a wild whiff of science and history.
Smarty Pants
On who smarted. Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science or history? Listen up, everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. On who's smart and
Trusty Narrator
okay, smarty pants. As Brianna the zookeeper mentioned right before the theme song, the Bronx Zoo is one of the biggest zoos in the United States, and it is an awesome place to see, discover, and learn about animals. So when do you think the Bronx Zoo first opened? Was it in A, the 1890s, B, the 1920s, or C, the 1980s?
Briana (Zookeeper)
If you said A, the 1890s, you got it. The Bronx Zoo opened on November 8, 1899, with one mission. Entertaining people while educating them about animals.
Trusty Narrator
Amazing. On who's smarted? Our mission is entertaining smarty pants while educating them about everything, including lots of different animals. And speaking of smarty pants, what do you think were the first animals at the Bronx Zoo? Were they A, elephants, B, giraffes, or C, prairie dogs? Hmm, I'm not sure, Briana. Personally, I'd probably guess elephants. Is that what you said, smarty pants?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Well, while it makes sense to picture big animals like elephants, when you think of zoos, the first animals that the Bronx Zoo received were actually a pair of prairie dogs.
Trusty Narrator
Oh, wow. That's surprising and very adorable. Smartypants. If you're not sure what prairie dogs are, they're small burrowing animals similar to squirrels. No offense, Briana, but I'm glad the zoo got some bigger and more exotic animals. After that, going to the zoo just to see some animals that look like squirrels isn't quite as exciting.
Briana (Zookeeper)
I hear you, Trusty. The good news is other animals arrived before the zoo first opened its gates. And like most zoos, we have a pretty big variety of animals today.
Trusty Narrator
You know, come to think of it, I can't really remember a time without zoos. How long have there been zoos in the United States of America?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Great question. Over 20 cities in the USA had created zoos since the end of the Civil War in 1865.
Smarty Pants
Whoa.
Trusty Narrator
That is a lot of zoos. I love it. Now, here comes a big question. How do zoos care for all these animals? Smartypants? We'll be back with the answer to that question and more right after this quick advertising break and a word from our sponsors. Hey, smarty families. I've had the skylight calendar in our kitchen for about a week and I'll just tell you what changed. It became the one source of truth before this, keeping track of who, what, when and where with sticky notes, group text, and hopefully me remembering to get the groceries. Now everyone checks the same screen. The meal planning feature alone has saved us from the nightly what's for dinner spiral, and I can pull recipes right into it. Skylight is the calendar I didn't know I needed Skylight is designed to bring families together for more time. It syncs seamlessly with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook with customizable daily, weekly, and monthly views. The tasks feature helps kids build healthy routines and independence. Brushing teeth, homework, and chores become fun and rewarding. Assign each family member their own color and the excuses disappear. If you're not 100% thrilled in four months, you can get a full refund. Now you know I love an adventure, but Skylight has helped me make organizing the family less of a safari. Families are better when they're working together. Right now, Skylight is offering our listeners $30 off their 15 inch calendars by going to myskylight.com smarted go to myskylight.com smartED for $30 off your 15 inch calendar. That is my S K-Y-L-I G H T.com smarted. You know what I love? TaskRabbit when we moved our whosmarted office, how did we find our mover? TaskRabbit when I've got errands piling up and zero time to run them. TaskRabbit Ikea furniture assembly that's about to drive me mental, I call me a Tasker. I've been blown away by how helpful and awesome they are every single time. TaskRabbit connects you with skilled Tasker area for moving furniture assembly, home repairs, mounting a tv, yard work, you name it. You can search based on cost, skill set, availability and past client reviews, and these taskers have put in the reps. Over 3.4 million pieces of furniture assembled. 700,000 home repairs. One and a half million moves and counting. I love TaskRabbit smarty pants. And you will too. When life happens, your to do list grows. Get ahead of it now and get 50 $15 off your first task@taskrabbit.com or on the TaskRabbit app. Using promo code Smarted Taskers book up fast, especially for same day tasks. So book trusted home help today. That's $15 off your first task using promo code smarted with the TaskRabbit app or@taskrabbit.com
Yoshi (Nintendo Character)
who's that walking through the woods, Wyatt's Yoshi. Here to explore a world of curious creatures with you. Discovered a creature you haven't seen before. Why don't you get Yoshi to see
Briana (Zookeeper)
what it tastes like?
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Hmm, soapy. No wonder this creature blows giant bubbles so big they can carry you. You can even jump from one bubble to another and reach new areas. There are plenty more surprises to discover too. Bowser Jr. What are you doing out here? You can jump into adventure with Yoshi and the mysterious book. Available now only on Nintendo Switch 2. Game rated E for everyone.
Trusty Narrator
Now back to Whosmarted. Okay, Briana, picking up where we left off. I'm looking around and seeing lots and lots of different animals. How is it a zoo can care for all of these animals?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Well, as early as 1901, the Bronx Zoo had a small staff of veterinarians to care for. Care for the animals.
Trusty Narrator
Smarty pants. I'm sure most of you know this, but just in case you don't, a veterinarian is a special doctor that treats animals.
Smarty Pants
Oh, I thought it was someone who doesn't eat meat cake.
Trusty Narrator
No, no, that's a vegetarian grandma. Or just someone who likes their food to taste edible. Hey. Anyway, back to zoos. It's a good thing zoos have veterinarians to care for the animals if they aren't feeling well or just need to be cared for.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Exactly. And trust me, trusty, when I say the care has only gotten much, much better over the years. In the early days of the zoo, many people didn't know very much about animals lives in the wild. So unfortunately, there was a lot of misinformation about what they needed to stay happy and healthy.
Trusty Narrator
Yikes. How did people find out what the animals needed? After all, caring for a rhinoceros is a lot different than caring for a dog. Any ideas, smarty pants?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Basically, lots of scientists observed animals in the wild and gathered information about them, which they then passed on to zookeepers and veterinarians.
Smarty Pants
According to my findings, gorillas are social animals and feel their best when they have social interaction. My advice would be to make sure the zookeepers socialize with the gorillas. And that includes giving them hugs.
Trusty Narrator
I gotta say, I think it is so cool that you get to interact with animals to make sure that they are feeling their best.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Absolutely. It's one of the best parts of my job. Now, if you'll follow me, let's go check out one of the most popular exhibits at the Bronx Zoo, the African Plains. Even though this exhibit opened in 1941, people still love visiting it today.
Trusty Narrator
Hmm. Smarty pants, what kind of animals do you think we'll see in the African Plains exhibit? Go ahead and shout out some answers.
Smarty Pants
Mm.
Trusty Narrator
Mm. I'm hearing some great answers. Let's give an audio clue to one of them.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Yep. If you said lions, you're right. The Bronx Zoo has its own pride of lions living in the African plains. Let's check in with them.
Trusty Narrator
Ooh, I have an idea. I can use my interspecies Smartie translating app so that you, me, and the smarty pants can understand what they're saying.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Really? You can do that?
Trusty Narrator
It's a podcast. We can do anything.
Smarty Pants
Who's smarted?
Trusty Narrator
Here we go. Setting up the translation app so they can understand us and we can understand them.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Wow. This is a first for me. I can't wait.
Trusty Narrator
Excuse me, lions. Trusty narrator here from whosmarted. Hello. I'm kind of curious. I can't help but notice you're in your area along with zebras, but you're not eating them. Why is that?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Look, the lions are looking at you. They understood you. This is incredible.
Trusty Narrator
It's just another day on who Smarted But Smarty Pants, before the Bronx Zoo lions give their answer. Why do you think they're not eating the zebras? Is it because, A, the lions are trained not to eat the zebras, B, the zebras were sprayed with a powerful lion repellent, Or C, zoo enclosures are built special so animals don't eat each other? I'm not sure. Lions.
Lion
What do you say, Smarty pants? If you said C, zoo enclosures are specially built so animals don't eat each other, you're right. While in the wild, lions love to eat zebras, but at the zoo, we are separated from them by hidden moats.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Obviously, we want our visitors to the zoo to be able to enjoy watching and photographing zebras, not being munched on by a lion for a meal.
Lion
But don't worry about us. Me and the other lions get plenty of delicious meat. Meat from the zookeepers and lion wranglers. That reminds me, is it feeding time yet?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Soon. You've still got another 30 minutes.
Lion
Oh, well, never hurts to ask. Especially when you can understand me.
Trusty Narrator
Okay, I'm turning off the app now. There.
Briana (Zookeeper)
That was truly wild. Trusty. Okay, moving on. Let's go check out the Bronx Zoo's first immersion exhibit, Jungle World.
Trusty Narrator
Smartypants, do you know what the word immersion means? If not, I'll tell you. It means being fully involved in an experience. So an immersion exhibit called Jungle World means we're going into a jungle.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Yes and no. The Jungle World exhibit is not a real jungle, but it is designed to look and feel as realistic as possible. Visiting Jungle World is as close as it gets to taking a walk through Southeast Asian jungle habitats, which is something most zoos try to do with their animals and visitors. You want to replicate an animal's natural habitat as much as possible, and you want the visitor to get a true sense of where these animals live in the wild.
Trusty Narrator
Yep, that makes perfect sense. So what animal will we be seeing next?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Let's go check in with the tapir. And feel free to use that app again if you want to talk to it.
Trusty Narrator
Hi, Tapir. I'm the trusty narrator. Whatcha doing?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Not much. I'm just wading in my pool.
Trusty Narrator
Ooh, lucky you. You get to have a pool.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Well, being a tapir, I just love the water. So my enclosure was built with a pool so I could enjoy my natural behaviors. My neighbors in the exhibit, the small clawed Asian otters, also love water and so do many other zoo animals.
Trusty Narrator
Gotcha. That reminds me, Brianna, I've been meaning to ask, where do all of the animals at the zoo come from?
Briana (Zookeeper)
Great question, trusty. And it's one we get a lot. So, back when the zoo first opened, animals were brought here from the wild. However, these days, that's something zoos try to avoid doing. In fact, some animals are born at the zoo, and other animals come from other zoos.
Trusty Narrator
What? Smarty pants. Why would zoos need to get animals from other zoos? Yep. I don't know either. Briana, please explain.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Certainly it's quite simple really, because many of these animals were born in one zoo. And since zoos all around the world cooperate with each other, they tend to donate animals to each other, or in some cases, they might trade.
Trusty Narrator
So you're saying I could trade you my cat for a tiger?
Smarty Pants
Meow.
Briana (Zookeeper)
No. Not unless you're a member of the association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Trusty Narrator
Ah, that's good. Besides, I don't have room for a lion anyway.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Okay, moving on. You ready to ride the wild Asia monorail and meet some other animals?
Trusty Narrator
What do you say, smarty pants? Why, of course we're ready.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Then let's board the monorail. This is such a cool exhibit because it was built without glass or bars. So you get an up close look at the animals. Let's meet a southern white rhinoceros.
Trusty Narrator
Hi there, southern white rhinoceros. I'm the trusty narrator from who's Smarted it's really cool seeing you up close and a little intimidating since you're so big. Smarty pants, how much do you think an adult rhinoceros weighs? Is it over 3,000 pounds, over 4,000 pounds, or over 5,000 pounds?
Smarty Pants
If you said over 4,000 pounds, you're right.
Trusty Narrator
That's how much my SUV weighs.
Smarty Pants
Yep, which is why the zoo gave me a lot of space to move around in. They also provide me with a lot of mud, since they know I love a good mud wallow.
Trusty Narrator
I'm sure glad they provided me with a monorail so I'm not getting splashed with said mud again.
Briana (Zookeeper)
One of a zoo's top priorities is providing a comfortable habitat for each individual animal and a good viewing experience for our guests. Which reminds me, there's a zoo in France that puts to good use something that would be a lot worse to be splashed with than mud.
Trusty Narrator
Ooh, that sounds interesting. We'll find out what it is right after a quick ad break and a word from our sponsors. Welcome back to WhoSmarted. As you heard, I was worried about getting splashed with mud from the rhinoceros, but apparently there's even worse things you can be splashed with.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Oh, yeah. It's something all zoos have to deal with because all animals make it.
Trusty Narrator
Oh, boy, smarty pants. Can you guess what gross thing all animals make? Go ahead and shout it out. That's right. It's poop.
Briana (Zookeeper)
Yep. And with over 11,000 animals here at the Bronx Zoo, that's a lot of. But the Bauval Zoo in France uses the animal poop to make something useful.
Trusty Narrator
Oh, what do you think that could be, smarty pants? Is it A, electricity, B, a poop palace for animals to live in, or C, fertilizer for plants?
Briana (Zookeeper)
If you said A, electricity, that was a shockingly good answer. At the Boval Zoo, they put the animal poop through a special process that creates biogas. No, not that kind of gas. The biogas is then used to make electricity to heat and light parts of the zoo.
Trusty Narrator
Amazing. Sounds like zoos have come a long way in caring for animals and the environment over the years. Smartypants, how long have zoos been around? Is it hundreds of years, thousands of years, or millions of years? If you said thousands of years, you're right. But were they always like the zoos we know today?
Briana (Zookeeper)
They were not. For many years, zoos were private collections of animals owned by important people. Like royalty. Having a collection of wild animals made them feel important.
Smarty Pants
You're a giant anteater, my lord.
Briana (Zookeeper)
It wasn't until 1835 that the zoos we know today started taking shape. The first modern zoo opened in London, England. At first, only scientists were allowed in, but by 1846, anyone who could pay the penny admission fee could visit the zoo.
Trusty Narrator
And zoos have gotten better and better over the years. This is mostly because how much scientists, zookeepers and veterinarians have learned about the animals and how to care for them. Everything from what they eat, how they interact, and most of all, their enclosures.
Briana (Zookeeper)
That's right, trusty. In the old days, it was sadly common for animals to be kept by themselves in cages with thick metal bars. But we know animals prefer natural surroundings and the company of other animals. Most zoos even give animals special toys and enrichment activities so they don't get bored. Aw.
Trusty Narrator
And remember, smarty pants, when you can see the animals, they can see you too. So be sure to be respectful when you visit a zoo, even if you can't talk to them like I can.
Briana (Zookeeper)
What exhibit would you like to check out next, Trusty? We could see the monkeys, chimps, gibbons and lemurs. Or we could visit the snakes and other reptiles. Or we could check out the penguins.
Trusty Narrator
Oh, I was thinking we could hit the Dancing Crane Cafe for a personal pizza. It's the trusty narrator's feeding time. A big overseas shout out to Jacob, Ollie and their mom Emily, who love smarting with us in Bichester, United Kingdom. Thanks so much for letting us know how much you love listening to who Smarted in car at tea time and after school. I'm so glad we've made learning and education fun for your family. Keep on smarting, my smarty friends. This episode Zoos was written by Sarah Sweetick and voiced by Melissa the Bull Shafter. Kim King Cobra Davis, Sarah Snow Leopard, Sweetiek, Max Okapi Kamaski, Adam Ibex Davis and Jerry Colbert. Technical direction and sound design by Josh the Iguana Hahn. Our associate producer is Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Squirrel Monkey Suarez with lyrics written and produced by Adam Tex Davis. Who Smarted was created and produced by Adam Tex Davis and Jerry Colber. This has been an Atomic Audio production.
Smarty Pants
Who Smarted.
Release Date: May 22, 2026
Host: Trusty Narrator
Guest: Briana (Zookeeper at the Bronx Zoo)
Target Audience: Kids, families, teachers (educational, humorous tone)
This lively episode takes listeners on a behind-the-scenes audio adventure through the famous Bronx Zoo in New York City. Hosted by the Trusty Narrator with special guest Briana, a Bronx Zoo zookeeper, the episode explores the fascinating world of zoos—including how animals are acquired, cared for, and what modern zoos do to ensure both animal welfare and education for the public. Throughout the episode, there are engaging trivia questions, clever animal interviews (with some podcast magic), and a healthy dose of humor.
The Bronx Zoo's Origins
Opened in 1899 with a mission to both entertain visitors and educate them about animals.
First animals were prairie dogs, not the expected big or exotic species.
Zoos in America
By the early 1900s, zoos were already present in over 20 US cities.
Early zoos provided entertainment, but understanding of animal care was limited.
World History of Zoos
Veterinary Advances
Even as early as 1901, the Bronx Zoo had veterinarians.
Today, animal care is informed by scientists observing wild animal behaviors.
Improved Habitats and Enrichment
Animals’ enclosures are now designed to be as close to their natural habitats as possible.
Social animals, like gorillas, are now recognized to need companionship and activity.
Enrichment items and group housing reduce boredom and stress.
Clever Exhibit Design
Historic Practices vs. Today
Notable Animal Facts
Podcast Magic
Zoo Poop Power!
Respect at the Zoo
| Topic | Speaker | Timestamp | Key Takeaway | |----------------------------|------------------|-------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Bronx Zoo's Opening | Briana | 03:20 | Opened in 1899, originally had prairie dogs | | Animal Care Evolution | Briana | 08:55–10:01 | Veterinarians and zookeepers use science to care for animals | | Modern Animal Sourcing | Briana | 15:06–15:54 | Animals now mostly born in zoos or moved/traded between institutions | | Creative Habitats | Briana | 13:40+ | Enclosures mimic natural environments, provide enrichment | | Upcycling Animal Waste | Briana | 18:39 | Zoos like Bauval generate electricity from animal poop |
This episode of Who Smarted? delivers a playful yet informative journey into zoo history, animal acquisition, and modern care. Through interactive questions, imaginative audio tours, and fun animal “interviews,” young listeners learn not just where zoo animals come from, but how much zoos have changed for the better—prioritizing animal welfare, collaboration, and creative problem-solving (even turning poop into power!). The episode’s educational content is seamlessly wrapped in laughter and lively storytelling, making it a must-listen for curious kids and their families.