Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training | A Wildly Funny & Educational Podcast Launch

Prepare to tune in, laugh out loud, and learn—all at once. On 24 June 2025, Crowd Network launched its first-ever animal-focused comedy podcast, Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training, and it’s already turning heads. With six episodes recorded at the iconic Chester Zoo, this comedic romp offers listeners an affectionate, behind-the-scenes look at caring for endangered creatures—through the eyes of stand-up comedian and social-media star Abi Clarke.

Podcast cover art for Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training

This article dives into everything you need to know: how the show blends comedy with education, why collaboration with Chester Zoo is a game-changer, the wildest moments from each episode, and what this format could mean for the future of conservation storytelling.

Table of Contents

2. Meet Abi Clarke – The Viral Comedian Turned “Zookeeper”

At the heart of this podcast is Abi Clarke—a stand-up comedian and social media sensation with over two million followers. Her signature comedy sketches, loved by fans for their witty writing and infectious energy, have placed her firmly in the public eye. And now, she’s put her quick wit to work in a fresh new realm: on-location at one of the UK’s largest zoos.

Abi has described this venture as her “dream job.”

“I’m having the best time hosting the podcast. As an animal lover, it’s a privilege to have such unique access to Chester Zoo and meet so many rare and precious animals,” she enthuses. “I really get stuck in!”

In each episode, she brings a curious and cheeky perspective—making each moment authentic, observational, and laugh-out-loud engaging. Her natural charm transforms routine keeper duties into memorable comedic gold.

3. Crowd Network + Chester Zoo Collaboration: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

What makes Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training stand out is the powerful partnership between Crowd Network, a leading entertainment producer, and Chester Zoo, a globally recognized conservation and education pillar. This six-part podcast is a strategic alliance aimed at:

Reaching younger audiences with a fresh audio-visual approach
Humanizing conservation by sharing authentic experiences with endangered species
Offering bite-sized yet impactful educational moments wrapped in humour

Vicky Ashdown, AV Production and Talent Manager at Chester Zoo, shared enthusiasts’ excitement:

“We’re thrilled to team up with Abi and Crowd to give a whole new insight into the workings of this extraordinary place and the incredibly passionate people who make it tick. This is a very different kind of zoo audio documentary…”

Beyond the novelty, the series is a strategic enhancement of the zoo’s mission: to inspire future conservationists by engaging them in new formats—like immersive audio.

4. Episode-by-Episode Breakdown

Here’s a peek at what each of the six episodes delivers:

Episode 1: Giraffes — Tall Tales and Tender Moments

Location: The giraffe enclosure
Highlights:
- Abi’s attempt at feeding leaves to giraffes, sparking laughter and a few close calls
- Keeper commentary on habitat enrichment and conservation of the Reticulated Giraffe
- A moment when a giraffe clearly rejects Abi’s comedic “banana drama,” much to her surprise and delight

Episode 2: Giant Otters — Play, Protect, Perform

Location: Otter habitat
Highlights:
- Abi nervously entering murky waters alongside playful giant otters
- Keeper insights on how these charismatic animals face habitat threats in the wild
- Abi’s attempts to mimic otter sound effects—comic gold, of course

Episode 3: Flamingos — Pink Feathers & Funny Business

Location: Flamingo lagoon
Highlights:
- Managing a flock of “100+” flamingos during morning feed-time
- Adventures in balancing between bird calls, selfies, and keeping audio gear intact
- The pandas of the bird world, met with Abi’s trademark giggles

Episodes 4–6: Sneak Peeks

Elephants & Rhinos: Handling jumbo animals under keeper supervision
Reptiles & Amphibians: Close encounters with sloths, crocodiles, and unexpected reptilian guests
Special Episode: A round-table in-studio telling “most embarrassing animal moments” from zookeepers

Each instalment balances humour with meaningful facts about endangered species and their ongoing conservation struggles.

5. The Art of Animal-Focused Comedy

Why blend comedy with conservation? The answer lies in capturing attention and offering retention.

Humour as Engagement: Abi’s comedic timing and unscripted moments break down barriers. Listeners tune in for laughs, and stay to learn.

Empathy Through Laughter: By spotlighting her own nervousness or surprise, Abi builds a connection. When the otter flips or a giraffe acts uninterested, we’re right there with her—laughing, caring, and learning.

Tips for Comedy-Driven Educational Audio:

Keep scripts loose—allow for authentic responses
Incorporate factual inserts amid banter (“Did you know…” moments)
Let the setting guide the humour (e.g. microphones, sounds)

This format encourages both entertainment and retention, especially among younger audiences.

6. The Zoo Audio Documentary—What Makes It Different

Unlike typical wildlife audio formats or narrated conservation podcasts, this series combines:

Ambience & Field-recordings: Real zip, such as giraffes chewing or otter splashing
Comedy Narrative: No solemn narration here, but quirky dialogue, banter, and laughter
Experts & Committed Zookeepers: Insider insights blend seamlessly into the tapestry

This sharp, original angle plays with unexpected locations—”face to face with a sloth,” co-existing with crocodiles, and darting through birds—that adds unpredictability and fun.

Crowd’s Vicky Wright captures it best:

“We’re recording face to face with a sloth, just a few steps away from a crocodile, and surrounded by hundreds of birds: navigating these unpredictable animals has been one of my most fun challenges since starting in podcasting.”

7. Conversation with Vicky Ashdown (Chester Zoo)

To better understand Chester Zoo’s goals, I chatted with Vicky Ashdown, highlighting key points:

Mission Amplification: This podcast is an invaluable tool to introduce younger generations to conservation
Learner-Centered Content: Informative but always engaging, it aims to teach through humour and real-life interactions
Behind-the-Scenes Moments: The natural habitat recording includes logistics: equipment, zookeeper protocols, and strict animal welfare standards

“The podcast…gives insight into the workings of this extraordinary place and the incredibly passionate people who make it tick,” Vicky shared, emphasizing the team effort behind the production.

8. In the Producer’s Ear: A Word from Vicky Wright (Crowd)

Producer Vicky Wright provides her lens of the creative impact:

Technical Challenges: Ambient animal sounds—bird squawks, croc bubbles—mean episodes require clever sound mixing
Editing with Heart: Dialogue is sculpted to maintain pace while preserving authenticity—no staged lines
Unpredictable Moments: A sloth that falls asleep mid-conversation; an otter sneaks onto the mic—unscripted magic

Working with unpredictable wildlife yet maintaining comedic timing was the key. “One of my most fun challenges since starting in podcasting,” Vicky says.

9. Why This Matters: Conservation, Awareness & Youth Engagement

1. Conservation Messaging Through Entertainment

Humour softens the barrier to environmental content, making it more accessible for youth and comedy fans alike.

2. Real Encounters Inspire Real Change

By letting listeners virtually participate in keeper tasks, we humanize the conservationist mindset.

3. Cross-Platform Engagement

Podcast + Social Media Synergy: Abi’s content likely to explode across TikTok, Instagram & YouTube
Crowd Network Reach: The show taps into global streaming platforms and younger demographics

4. Supporting Biodiversity Learning Objectives

Educators can easily integrate episodes into classrooms, labs, or socials to teach about endangered species in a fun format.

10. The Future of Animal-Centric Podcasts

Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training may be the beginning of a new genre:

Expanded Seasons: Future locations could include safari parks, marine rescue centres, or wildlife sanctuaries
Guest Hosts or Experts: Conservation professionals, biologists, or celebrity “zookeeper for a day” features
Interactive Elements: Q&A sessions, contests, livestreamed animal cams, or user-generated episode ideas

The combination of humour, real-world conservation, and immersive soundscapes is a formula worth replicating.

11. Tips for Aspiring Podcast Hosts—What We Can Learn from Abi

Looking to host your own animal—or adventure—podcast? Here are some pointers:

Be Curious, Not a Know-It-All: Keep questions genuine and organic
Invite Experts (One or Two per Episode): Experts elevate credibility
Embrace Chaos: Wildlife is unpredictable—record that magic
Edit Tight, Keep Flow Easy: Preserve jokes but stay educational
Connect via Cross-Promotion: Leverage social platforms
Focus on an Emotional Hook: Whether it’s laughter, awe, or better understanding

12. Final Thoughts

In Abi Clarke: Zookeeper in Training, Crowd Network and Chester Zoo have created a refreshing blend of comedy and conservation. With six rich episodes launching today, this series gives listeners a memorable blend of humour, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes insights—all while inspiring a new generation of conservation advocates.

Whether you’re a comedy fan, animal lover, or someone who enjoys a good behind-the-scenes narrative, this series delivers both laughter and heart. As humankind and wildlife continue to co-evolve in a changing world, it’s efforts like these that help us connect, conserve—and maybe chuckle while we’re doing it.