Safari West Foundation provides funding for programs like an "animals in hospitals" program for children who are hospital-bound, as well as a program that brings children to the Safari West, a 400-acre preserve with giraffes, gnus, lemurs and all manner of amazing African animals who are in conservation programs. The Foundation also focuses on education.

Paula Johnson from the Foundation came by to talk, and although she is a Very Special Guest, she also brought Dash the Sloth, a cranberry-eating South American mammal who doesn't move that fast but is fast enough to wreak a little bit of havoc on the studio microphones.

Dash is joined by Bonnie and Jolynn of Classroom Safari, a program that brings rescue animals into schools and youth programs and events. They talk sloths, fennec foxes, rattlesnakes, and all manner of their menagerie.

Fun fact: Dash was born in her living room, and it was actually a quick birth. "Like a jet baby on a bungee cord." In addition to talking animals and habitat, our human guests and sloth take a moment to answer YOUR Sonoma Valley questions, during our segment, "We. Get. Questions." This week they answer:

I’m seeking out a "hidden gem" winery. Can you recommend another winery that has amazing wines? No Pinot Noir. I love big reds (but my friend enjoys whites). I've done hundreds of Sonoma wineries already. I'm looking for someplace new for next year's trip. TIA. – Sonoma Wine Imbibers Facebook

We’ve been to other missions in California – would you recommend we visit Sonoma’s mission and why?

I last visited Sonoma thirty years ago and tastings were free. Is that still the case? If not, what are some options? Has anything changed in thirty years?

We are interested in thrifting and resale shops? Can we do that in Sonoma Valley?

We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass

Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.

It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF