Ep 7. Animal Antics With Joan Embery (6/13/84)

In the seventh episode of season one of The Johnny Carson Show, airing on June 13th, 1984, audiences were treated to a delightful segment called "Animal Antics with Joan Embery." Joan Embery, a renowned zoologist and animal advocate, made several appearances on the show throughout its run, but this episode was particularly special as it focused solely on her and her beloved animals.

The episode opened with guest host Patrick Duffy introducing Joan Embery and her animal friends to the audience. Embery brought out a variety of creatures, ranging from the exotic to the domestic, all of whom were eager to show off their unique skills and personalities. Among the animals present were a giant tortoise, a Bengal tiger cub, a penguin, a baby wallaby, and several birds of prey.

One of the highlights of the segment was the appearance of a baby orangutan named Thumper. Embery explained that Thumper was an orphan who had been rescued from the wild and brought to a sanctuary in California. Thumper was an instant hit with the audience, as he happily climbed all over Embery and Duffy and even tried to steal a kiss from Duffy at one point.

Embery also brought out several birds of prey, including a peregrine falcon and a bald eagle. She explained that these birds were trained for hunting and conservation purposes, and demonstrated their incredible speed and agility by having them fly around the studio.

The animal antics weren't limited to the stage, either. Throughout the segment, there were several fun moments where the animals interacted with the hosts and the crew. At one point, the giant tortoise decided to take a leisurely stroll across the stage, much to the amusement of everyone in the studio. And when one of the birds of prey decided to perch on top of a camera, Duffy and Embery had to work together to coax it back down without disturbing it.

Throughout the segment, Embery emphasized the importance of conservation and education when it comes to our relationship with animals. She explained that many of the animals she brought on the show were endangered or threatened, and that it was our responsibility to protect and preserve their habitats. She also talked about the work that she and other animal advocates were doing to raise awareness about these issues and to promote responsible animal ownership.

Overall, "Animal Antics with Joan Embery" was a fun and heartwarming segment that showcased the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom. Embery's passion for her work was infectious, and the animals themselves were all charming and endearing in their own ways. This episode was a great reminder of the many wonders of the natural world, and the need to protect and celebrate them.