PFAS contamination in fish, Animal exhibits reimagined, Waubesa wetlands documentary

Air Date:
Heard On Wisconsin Today
Prairie dogs at Wildwood Zoo in Marshfield. (Photo courtesy of Wildwood Zoo)

We look at the PFAS contamination in local fish. Then, we hear from animal experts on possible alternatives to how zoos keep animals. Then, we talk with a film maker about their new documentary on the Waubesa wetlands.

Featured in this Episode

  • New study finds higher PFAS levels tied to eating locally-caught fish

    Research from the University of Wisconsin found that while PFAS chemicals are in most Wisconsin residents, older white men who eat local fish have some of the highest levels. A scientist explains what this research means. This interview originally aired on Sept. 5, 2024

  • Exotic animal exhibits at a crossroad

    The white tiger Lulu died at Chippewa Falls’ city-owned zoo in January, leaving it with just two large animals. Like other zoos around the country, it is reconsidering how to exhibit animals. The city’s park director and a historian of animals and cultures talk about the challenges facing zoos.

  • Wisconsin Life

     Writer Amy Fleury shares a story about moving through her grief on her family’s land, where she often thinks about her late son and her own mortality.

  • Wisconsin wetlands documentary

    A documentary by Milwaukee-based filmmaker, Ben Albert, tells the story of the natural hidden gem just south of Madison, and the scientist who aims to preserve it — Albert’s grandfather, Cal DeWitt. We talk with Albert about, “An Invitation to Wonder: Waubesa Wetlands.”

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Kate Archer Kent Host
  • Amy Schultz Guest
  • Nigel Rothfels Guest
  • John Jimenez Guest
  • Ben Albert Guest
  • Trevor Hook Producer
  • Mackenzie Krumme Producer
  • Beatrice Lawrence Producer
  • Sarah Hopefl Technical Director
  • Tyler Ditter Technical Director
  • Dean Knetter Executive Producer
  • Tim Peterson Managing Producer