WHAT THE HAL? PODCAST 2.0 – EPISODE 17

Flying Tails: Saving Lives One Flight at a Time

What happens when an award-winning television journalist combines a passion for aviation with a love of animals? A nonprofit that's giving thousands of animals a second chance.

In this episode, Hal Eisner sits down with Ken Wayne, founder of Flying Tails, to discuss how volunteer pilots transport shelter pets, injured wildlife, and disaster-displaced animals to safety across California and beyond. From rescuing orphaned bear cubs and bald eagles to helping overcrowded shelters find homes for adoptable pets, Ken shares the inspiring stories behind this unique aviation-based rescue mission.

The conversation explores the challenges of animal transportation, the emotional realities facing shelters, and how community volunteers are making a life-saving difference—one flight at a time.

KEY TOPICS

• How Flying Tails transports rescue animals by air

• Ken Wayne's journey from television news anchor to nonprofit founder

• Wildlife rescues involving bears, bald eagles, mountain lions, and more

• Helping overcrowded animal shelters through volunteer aviation

• Emergency animal evacuations during California wildfires

• The logistics and safety of transporting animals by aircraft

• The importance of spaying, neutering, and responsible pet ownership

• Building a nationwide network of volunteer pilots

• The emotional impact of animal rescue on shelter workers and volunteers

• How the public can support Flying Tails' mission

Support the Podcast

https://buymeacoffee.com/haleisner

Original Theme Music by Stuart Pearson

https://stuartpearsonmusic.com

Listen to Previous Episodes

https://audioboom.com/channels/4960408-what-the-hal

Resources

Flying Tails

https://flyingtails.org

Flying Tales (PBS)

https://www.pbs.org/show/flying-tales/

Support Flying Tails

https://flyingtails.org/support

Connect with Us

Hal Eisner

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/haleisner

Facebook:

https://facebook.com/haleisner

X:

https://x.com/HalEisner

Elsa Ramon

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/elsamramon

X:

https://x.com/ElsaMRamon

Hunter Lowry

Instagram:

https://instagram.com/serendipitychick

Takeaways:

• The nonprofit organization Flying Tails, founded by Ken Wayne, transports rescue animals across California to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Ken Wayne discusses his transition from an award-winning television journalist to a dedicated animal rescue pilot, highlighting the emotional impact of his work.
• The podcast emphasizes the critical issue of overcrowded animal shelters, where many animals face euthanasia if not relocated to more accommodating facilities.
• Flying Tails operates a nationwide network of volunteer pilots, facilitating the urgent transport of animals during emergencies, such as wildfires.
• Ken shares poignant stories of wildlife rescues, including transporting orphaned bear cubs and injured bald eagles to rehabilitation centers.
• The conversation addresses the logistical challenges of safely transporting animals by air and the importance of responsible pet ownership in preventing shelter overcrowding.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Flying Tails
• California Fish and Wildlife
• San Diego Humane Society's Wildlife Center
• Pacific Wildlife Care
• Marine Mammal Center
• LA Animal Services
• Hollywood Huskies