The Animal House from WAMU 88.5

We travel to New Orleans for conversations with Tia Torres, founder of Villalobos Rescue Center and central figure in the popular Animal Planet TV program "Pit Bulls and Parolees," and Ken Foster, founder of pit bull rescue organization The Sula Foundation. Ken recently published a third book about his affection for and commitment to the often unappreciated breed, titled "I’m A Good Dog."

For years, the Argentine Ant has been known as the most aggressive and widespread invasive ant species in the U.S. But researchers at North Carolina State University have confirmed that the insect is challenged by a new and more ambitious rival for territory in urban areas: the Asian Needle Ant,which is harmful to people. Entomologist Eleanor Spicer Rice is primarily responsible for this stinging revelation and she shares her findings with us. Sam Litzinger also speaks with author Amy Stewart about her book, "Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects.” Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “Flik’s Machine” (from “A Bug’s Life” original soundtrack) by Randy Newman

Smooshi is a 900-pound female walrus that resides at Marineland Niagara Falls, Canada. In 2004, she and trainer Phil Demers became celebrities after developing an unusually close attachment. Last year Demers quit his job at Marineland after complaining about poor treatment of animals at the facility. Marineland fired back with a $1.5 million lawsuit against the trainer, accusing him of plotting to “kidnap” the marine mammal. Sam Litzinger speaks to Demers, who gives his side of this love story gone bad.

A recent investigation by NBC News revealed a disturbing trend: since 2007, more than 300 pets have died while travelling on commercial airlines. NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit reporter Elyce Kirchner spent six months on the story and she shares her findings with us. We also have information about a new website which promises to make you smarter about your dog’s intelligence. Dognition is the brainchild of Dr. Brian Hare, a Duke University professor and director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. He speaks to us about his work and his new book, "The Genius of Dogs."

em>Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James