Animal Planet’s Kelly Diedring made an appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show, and it was quite the lively chat. Kelly, who won a reality show competition to become the next nature host, sat down with Ellen to talk about her experience and her love for animals.

During the interview, Ellen praised Kelly’s performance on the show, expressing how she immediately knew Kelly would win. Ellen even called Kelly while on vacation to book her for the show. It’s clear that Ellen was impressed with Kelly’s passion for conservation and education.

The reality show that Kelly participated in was Animal Planet’s first, and it put contestants in various unpredictable situations. Kelly discussed the challenges of trying to stay calm and deliver intelligent conservation messages while being surrounded by tigers. Yes, actual tigers! Kelly explained that she felt safe because the tigers were juveniles, but it was still an intense experience.

Aside from tigers, Kelly also got to swim with monkeys and even had the chance to jump in the pool with an African elephant. It was a dream come true for someone who has always wanted to work with animals.

The conversation then shifted to an interesting topic: owls. Kelly shared fascinating facts about owls while Ellen showed off an owl she had in her backyard. They discussed the size, weight, and behavior of owls, debunking the myth that owls can turn their heads 360 degrees.

In the latter part of the show, Kelly brought out a two-toed sloth, which definitely captivated the audience. They marveled at its upside-down lifestyle and learned that it eats leaves and fruits. Kelly also raised awareness about the challenges sloths face due to deforestation in South America.

Unfortunately, time ran out, and they couldn’t bring out the lizard they had planned to showcase. However, Ellen assured Kelly that she would be invited back for further discussions on conservation and education.

Overall, Kelly’s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show was both entertaining and informative. It showcased her love for animals and the importance of conservation. With her passion and knowledge, Kelly is sure to continue making a positive impact in the world of wildlife.

Originally aired on January 8, 2004