T.R. Stevens loves animals.

The Stevens’ hacienda in Texas is not only home to the Mrs and two children, but also to a menagerie of furry and scaled friends. Ferrets, bearded dragons, a pair of possums, a couple a’ snakes, an iguana named Tia and various dogs and cats, most of which were rescued.

“Each animal has it’s own personality,” drawls T.R. “I’ve rescued a few over the years, even nursed a few back to life. I’ve given antibiotic shots to a sick box turtle, nursed a puppy for six weeks after she tore her acl muscle. I’ve even put a splint on a bearded dragon’s broken arm. Seeing these animals get a new lease on life after they get better, it’s a feeling you just can’t describe.”

In his adventures around the globe T.R. seeks to not only introduce viewers to new animals, but also to educate them about animal welfare and conservation.

T.R. started in television when he was 18 years old. For the past 10 years he’s covered TV news, traveling the world covering some of the biggest stories out there from NASA shuttle launches to riding out Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. In his travels T.R. developed relationships with several animal shelters and worked closely with the various Humane Societies, the S.P.C.A. and the Houston Zoo. Naturally Wild Explorers uses the Houston Zoo as a home base, making use of the animal experts there.

But despite all the exotic animals, the wildlife and everyday pets that T.R. has met, his favorite is still Stitch. In fact, his pet prairie dog inspired the name for T.R.’s production company, Stitch. Now, that’s animal friendly.