A look back at 'Today', NYC, & More

New York. The Today Show. Michigan. Home. As I recall my favorite moments saying goodbye to 2015 and welcoming in 2016, it's hard for me to believe it's already the third week of January! So much has happened. I'm thrilled to finally sit down, write this blog, and share with you some of my most memorable highlights. Hope you enjoy- Corbin

I'll always remember 2015 as "The Year of The Today Show". I broke a record number of appearances and was able to work with some of the most amazing (and unusual) animals. 2015 in particular though, proved quite exciting, as when you work with animals, you NEVER know what's going to happen! From a deer eating Tamron's dress, to birds flying all over the studio, every appearance was a thrill. These hilarious moments ended up making "The Today Show's BEST OF 2015"!

For my last Today Show segment of 2015,  some of the smallest animal ambassadors helped me ring in the New Year. This included "Braveheart" the quarter-size Leopard Tortoise, "Ava" a three-week-old Patagonian Cavy, and three Angora bunnies.

Also joining the show were two Southern Stingray pups from Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. Can you believe stingrays give birth to live young? The babies come out as miniature adults!

Every now and then I'm able to work with a celebrity co-host. This time around it was John Cena, face of the WWE and recent movies Trainwreck and Sisters. John was a super nice guy and a great talent to work with.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at Studio 1-A. If you look closely, you can see the Adventure Aquarium staff making sure the stingrays and their tank is camera ready.

I could not have asked for a better segment to wrap up 2015. The animals were great (John and Braveheart the tortoise stole the show), and it was a pleasure reuniting with Today co-host Natalie Morales. You can check out the segment below.

After Today, I was off to Inside Edition, where I serve as their biologist and wildlife expert for breaking animal news. I spoke with correspondent, Megan Alexander, about the recent bear attack on a boy scout leader in New Jersey. Happy to report the scout leader was recently released from the hospital.

There's nothing like having some down time in the city that never sleeps. I also have to say, there's nothing like New York City during the holidays. We made a stop to visit the world famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and indulged in classic NYC style pizza. (I think I had five pieces that night!)

The following week I was back in Michigan and enjoyed a visit to the Detroit Zoo. January is the BEST time to visit any zoo. There are less crowds and the animals seem more active. I was also able to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo's awarding winning Polar Bear and Seal exhibit, Arctic Ring of Life. Special thanks to the keepers for the tour.

My remaining time in Michigan was spent enjoying the outdoors with the unusually warm weather for January AND eating my body weight in pizza. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Jet's Pizza is the best in the world. (Sorry New York.)

After being gone for nearly two weeks, it never felt so good to be home. Thanks for taking the time to read my latest update. Here's to a great 2016! - Corbin

Fantastic Fall

Fall has always been my favorite season. Cooling temperatures, changing leaves, and the holidays just around the corner. It's also quite a busy time out here on the river, as we prepare for the animals to move into their indoor homes for the winter. This fall in particular though has proved to be the busiest- and I say this in a good way! From national appearances on The Today Show and Inside Edition, to traveling to one of the most remote areas in the United States, to a devastating flood that threatened our animals and property, it has been one to remember. Take a look at some of my most memorable highlights:

Next to working with animals on television, radio is one of my favorite passions. I discovered this early on years ago while appearing on Boise's #1 radio show, "Mike & Kate in the Morning" on Mix 106. Since those early appearances, they've even allowed me to co-host several times. What was so great about this appearance, was not only promoting my upcoming Today Show appearance, but announcing that I was going to be a guest on national radio for the very first time. Sharing the news that I was going to appear on Sirius XM's Today Show radio with Hoda Kotb, was something I'll always remember. I'm forever grateful to Mike and Kate for allowing me to appear so many times, helping me hone in on my radio skills, ultimately preparing me for national radio.

Another interesting aspect of this appearance was the live web cam, allowing listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like with animals on the radio.

Looking at this photo you'd never know that it was actually taken in the heart of New York City, Central Park! Exploring the park was a great way to relax and collect my thoughts before my Today Show appearance.

Booking animals for The Today Show is a task within itself. Months go into planning a segment for the show and my producer and I are always looking for unusual animals that are not regularly featured on TV. For this particular segment, the theme on the show was "WOW Me Week" on TODAY, raising the stakes even higher.

*** On a side note: Whitney Cummings was one of the most pleasant celebrities I've ever met.

An exciting aspect of this segment was not only featuring unusual, WOW animals but showcasing certain behaviors that have never be exhibited before on The Today Show. This is where the Black-Throated Magpie Jays come in, as they are considered one of the most intelligent animals on earth, up there with the Great Apes. Respected bird trainer Phung Lu trained these particular birds to build a nest on cue, as to demonstrate their intelligence.

Even though the stakes were set higher, the segment went without a flaw (If you don't count the birds flying around the set and landing on a camera, which I personally think adds to the show!)

That afternoon I headed over to the Sirius XM studios to do what I never even dreamt was possible, having a one-on-one conversation with Today Show anchor Hoda Kotb on national radio.

It was incredible to see someone I'd watch as a kid on Dateline and then eventually on The Today Show be so down-to-earth. Granted, I've worked with Hoda numerous times on The Today Show, but to actually sit down and have a conversation with her, without the glamorous lights & cameras was something I'll always remember.

After a busy day of press it was time to escape the crowds and tall buildings and return to a much simpler pace of life. It was time to explore Pure Michigan and all it has to offer, including the best pizza in the world, Jet's.

We took a trip to one of the most remote areas in the United States, the Upper Peninsula located in the northernmost part of Michigan.

The fall colors were absolutely breathtaking.

I'd never seen anything like the Tahquamenon Falls in my life. I remember thinking at that very moment how surreal it was being somewhere so remote in nature, when just days prior I was in the biggest metropolis in the United States.

Unlike my Today Show appearances that take weeks and even months to plan, my Inside Edition interview's are often spontaneous and are filmed just hours before they hit the air. If I'm in New York, they are filmed in-studio. But more often than not, they are filmed wherever I happen to be via Face Time. This time around it was Michigan, and I was thrilled to talk about the gigantic Sunfish!

The last few months, I had been out of town more than I had been home. I don't say this in a bad way though; I spent years working on my career aspiring to travel the country. Out of all my travels though, I can say there is nothing like home out here on the Snake River in Idaho. I was thrilled to come back and see my kids (animals).

Days after my return we experienced an unexpected flood that damaged our outdoor animal exhibits with the most damage to the tortoise yard. Happy to report that all the animals were safe and secure inside their indoor homes.

Less than a day after, we were able to fix the damages and the animals resumed their daily activities out here on the river.

As October comes to an end, I cannot express how thankful and fortunate I am to live out something that I only dreamt of as kid. Thank you all for the support and taking time to read this fall update. I cannot wait to share with you what the future holds...

An Exhilarating August

They say as you get older, time flies by faster and faster. Days, hours, minutes, seconds are all flying by at such an accelerated rate, sometimes you to stop, catch your breath, and look back on those moments and memories. As of August 31st , I’m doing just that. So much has happened over the last few weeks: From appearing on national shows, interacting with animals I only dreamed of working with as a kid, to a devastating wildfire that hit close to home. Here is my recap of an ‘Exhilarating August’.

I almost have just as much fun preparing and pre-promoting my Today Show appearance, as I do appearing on the show. Weeks (and sometimes months) go into a 3 minute Today Show segment projected to be seen by millions. The first step is making the official announcement in front of the same cameras where I got my start nearly 12 years ago, Idaho’s KTVB News Channel 7.

Animals took over the studio…Literally! We had three bouncing baby ruffed lemurs properly named Bindi, Bobby, and Barbie and an old friend, Mr. Magoo the Prehensile-tailed Porcupine. All animal ambassadors were brought to us by our good friends at Babby Farms, a hands-on zoological park in Caldwell, Idaho.

You can check out the segment below:

My job takes me to some pretty incredible places where I get to meet some very extraordinary people. My visit to a camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy in McCall, Idaho was incredible to say the least. To see their faces light up when they saw the animals up-close and personal is something I will never forget. My only regret was wishing I could have stayed longer. In just a few hours I had to catch a redeye bound for New York City…

Minutes after landing in New York City, I got the call from Inside Edition. A woman was attacked by a bear and they needed an expert ASAP to commentate on the unusual occurrence. I was thrilled! Bear attacks are so incredibly rare (you are 180 times more likely to die from a bee sting) and I was prepared to dispel common myths. ***That night we enjoyed Times Square and views from the Top of the Rock observatory. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting New York City.

Finding animals for my Today Show appearances can sometimes be a challenge- to say the least. (Might I add I’m always up for a challenge!) My producer and I are always trying to find something new and interesting for viewers; case in point, the Gila Monster. Bringing a highly venomous animal into New York City is almost next to impossible, without the proper licenses and permits. Luckily, ZooAmerica located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, was happy to jump on board. You should have seen my smile meeting “Dallas” the Gila Monster in person!

There is one thing I always tell new animal handlers and staff prior to doing The Today Show: Be prepared, it happens so incredibly fast and before you know it, it’s over. Make sure to soak in every second. I still live by this rule. I also have to say, it’s an incredible feeling seeing all your hard work and time spent finally pay off, when the cameras start rolling in Studio 1A.

In my line of work, everything is planned and on schedule. Daily animal routines, media bookings, and live appearances- Sometimes it’s great to do something spontaneous…Enter Pure Michigan.

The week was spent exploring the outdoors, visiting nature preserves, taking in the pristine waters, and-of-course having pizza for every meal. Fun fact: Michigan has more pizza places than anywhere else in the United States. (Jet’s is still the best.)

A trip to Michigan would not have been complete without visiting the zoo! Highlights include seeing a wolverine for the first time and an up-close encounter with a silverback.

Coming home was devastating. A wildfire that spread nearly 300,000 acres was close- 4 miles to be exact from our property and animals in the Snake River Valley region in Idaho. Thousands lost their homes, land, and animals.

Beyond blessed and grateful to report that our property and animals are all safe. Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this natural disaster. I also have to thank every firefighter for their relentless bravery and dedication.

I wanted to wrap up with a smile I'd missed for weeks. So good to be home.

June Recap

As a kid growing up in the isolated mountains of Southern Idaho, I dreamed of one day traveling across the country, visiting various cities, world-renowned zoological parks, and even siting next to some of the most notable and influential people in broadcast.  The past few weeks I've seen these "far-fetched" childhood visions become a reality. I decided to sit back, relax and reflect on some of my favorite moments. Hope you enjoy!

I spent the first week of June in Northern Michigan near Traverse City. Ranked #1 out of the 50 states by www.Thrillist.com, Michigan has some of the most beautiful country I've ever seen. Complete with turquoise-blue waters, excellent hiking trails, and an abundance of wildlife- not to mention the best pizza I've ever had! (If you're in the area, check out Jet's.)

It wouldn't have been a successful trip without checking out some of the local zoos. Luckily, I was close to a few accredited facilities, including the Toledo and Detroit zoos. My favorite highlights include meeting Hazelton the penguin, feeding the cassowaries and touring their barn, seeing Giant Japanese Salamanders up-close and personal, and seeing how the zoo's conservation programs are helping animals out in the wild.

*Special thanks to the keepers and the curators who took time out of their day for the behind-the-scenes tours. I also have to give thanks to my buddy Matt for arranging all of it!

The second week of June I was back home spending time with my animals in the Snake River Valley region of Idaho. It's one of my favorite times of year, as all the animals are outside in their outdoor habitats. Fishing is also great, as Soni (above) would agree.

There's something so incredible and reminiscent about visiting the place you got your start. Nearly 11 years ago, I made my first television appearance on Idaho's KTVB News Channel 7 with anchor Maggie O'Mara. If you would have told me 11 years ago I'd be back promoting my regular guest spot on The Today Show, I wouldn't have believed you.

And just like that we were off to New York City! Luckily, we had a few days before the show to explore the city and experience things I'd never done before, including the Highline, exploring Brooklyn, and-of-course trying new pizza joints. (John's on Bleecker still holds the title for my favorite!)

Appearing with animals on The Today Show is one thing; appearing without them is a whole different ball game! This would mark my second appearance in a row promoting National Zoo and Aquarium month for KLG & Hoda's popular pop culture segment "Who Knew?". As always, it's a thrill being able to work with the talented Hoda Kotb and all the members of The Today Show's team. It was also a plus meeting the famous "Wrangler". (He sure has grown!) You can check out the segment below:

I wanted to leave you with the last photo I took in June with the sun setting over our tortoise yard. This month has been quite incredible and I cannot thank you all enough for the support. It's been a thrill being able to share these adventures and experiences with you. Until next time- Corbin

Behind-the-Scenes: "This is Africa" Masai Mara Part 3

The Masai Mara National Reserve. The very reason why I fell in love with Africa. The very reason why I was determined to go back; and I did just that. There is simply nowhere else on this planet like it. It's relatively small size (about the size of Rhode Island), high concentration of predators, and vast herds of animals have earned it the title of Africa's #1 safari destination. To put it simply, if you had to pick one place in Africa for your dream safari, the Mara would be at the top of that list. To be able to film there was a dream come true. I was so fortunate to join raptor biologist and Africa Programs Director, Dr. Munir Virani and his field assistant, both of whom are from the Peregrine Fund. Our mission: To bait, trap, and band/attached GPS units to vultures for research purposes. Recently their numbers have plummeted by over 60% in the Mara, mainly due to poisoning. Dr. Virani and his team collect data from the banded birds, which show their large home ranges and areas where they are most at risk. Like the previous mini-episodes of "This is Africa", so much could not be included in the final product. So, here are my notes from the field to give you more of an idea of what the Mara was really like. Enjoy.

September 2

I always enjoy the drive to the Mara. Most people complain about the 6 1/2 hour journey from Nairobi; I personally love it.

The dirt roads were pretty bad. I have to hand it to Munir for his driving. You have to concentrate every second. One mistake on the road and you'll end up in a ditch. The sad thing that gets me every time, is that the area was once home to so many animals including wild dog and cheetah. Now, it has been completely taken over by wheat fields and livestock.

There is an area you hit along the way where you can make out the flat, spotted landscape of the Mara. I was home. I was back.

September 3

Last night we were visited by a noisy, little creature. I could hear it running up and down our porch, back and forth. It would scamper over to my side of the tent, then back to the opposite end. I thought to myself: What in the heck was this? I tried finding the torch to go investigate. Sadly, I couldn't find it. It was cool though, going back to bed listening to the creatures of the night. I told Munir that morning. He said it was more than likely a bush baby, a small nocturnal primate.

Today would mark the beginning of our early mornings in the Mara. Everyone was on the lookout for birds. We would scan the skies, look in trees, and scour the ground. I actively participated trying to spot birds...Most of the time though, my "birds" would turn out to be stumps or branches! Why I didn't get contacts before my trip I'll never know.

There is a bird I would learn to love to spot: The African hawk-eagle. Why? Because for some strange reason every time you see one, there are always lions close by. The hawk-eagle sighting did not disappoint; a few feet from the bird there was a small mob of white, tourist vehicles around croton thickets, a sure sign of lions. I was so excited! I love the big cats. That's my true passion and a major reason why the Mara is so special to me.

We had come across the Ridge Pride. I had seen two of their members back in January. Both were extremely skinny and had struggled for months trying to find resident prey. Seeing them today was a different story. With the herds back, these were the good times for the Ridge Pride. With their bellies stuffed, they laid sprawled out underneath the croton bushes. I hold a special place for these lions; they were in fact the first wild lions I ever saw in Africa.

Driving around the Mara, our main goal was spotting Birds of Prey; vultures in particular.

We also searched for the herds of wildebeest. Where there are herds, there are bound to be carcasses. We need the carcasses for bait to trap the vultures. You would think there would only be one massive herd of wildebeest. It's quite the contrary. They are fragmented throughout the park; some big herds, some small. Grazing with the wildebeest are thousands upon thousands of zebra. They were everywhere!

Driving along we came across a vulture on the ground. Sometimes vultures become so stuffed with food, they can't properly take off and fly. Munir began to prepare the capture technique and instructed me not to film. I was a little confused. How were we going to make a documentary about Munir and his efforts saving vultures if we couldn't film the capture technique? It turns out it's for the vultures safety: Because they are so threatened and vulnerable, the last thing the Peregrine Fund or Munir wants is poachers or people out there knowing how to capture them.

The afternoon sun was taking its toll and with my face becoming brighter than a tomato, we decided to head towards our new camp. I also found out the morning is the only good time to capture vultures. Once the afternoon hits, the birds are stuffed and sluggish. They spend the rest of the day perched in a tree or on a termite mound digesting their food.

The camp we were headed to was located right smack-dab in the middle of the Mara. This would be a complete new experience for me. I had always stayed outside the park, now I was right in the middle of all the action! We steadily approached a cluster of trees. I had no idea where we were going! There were no signs, no indication of a camp at all; only a dirt road leading deep into the forest...We had arrived at Matira Bush Camp.

This camp would be our home for the next four nights. This was the true African bush experience! This was the real safari. There was no way in hell I would walk around this place at night. Buffalo, hippo, hyena, lion, and leopard all pass through camp on a regular basis. There is also a herd of elephants that occasionally stop by. How exciting!

We set out for a late afternoon safari. The sky was covered in dark thunderclouds and the air was cool. Minutes into our drive we received the first drops of rain. I tried taking in every single second in the Mara. The air smelt of fresh rain and the sweet smell of grass. I felt like I was home...We saw a cluster of white mini-vans around some croton bushes. It was quite a large congregation of vehicles, indicating they may have found cheetahs! What were they looking at? Munir took out his binocs....They weren't looking at cheetahs...

My heart started racing. We slowly approached and there he was. You could see his golden mane and masculine face right through the red oat grass. That was it. This was a real, wild male lion. Moments like this in the Mara make me feel so alive....

Masai Mara- Part 4