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

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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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

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

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

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd