All Creatures Podcast

This week we welcome back to the podcast Corbin Maxey! For the next two weeks we are having a March Madness tournament of mammals. In this tournament, both Chris and Angie picked 8 MAMMALS each to go head to head, to see how is the best, coolest and just overall most awesome mammal in the world. Corbin Maxey is our judge and he will evaluate if either Chris or Angie make a better argument on which mammal is best. We will be posting the bracket on social media or you can make your own to follow. In selecting our mammals we did our best to select a wide variety to make it representative of what we see in the wild. So sadly an incredible species like the Tiger, Bonobo, Mountain Gorilla, and so many other great mammals did not make the cut. YET, what we did select made for an absolutely fun set of episodes. Please let us know who you would have picked. This is a packed episode of incredible facts about some of your favorite mammals!! The bracket was randomly generated so not to play any favorites. It is: Round 1 Sloth (Angie) vs. Lion (Chris) Hippo (Angie) vs Koala (Chris) Grey Wolf (Angie) vs Saiga (Chris) Platypus (Angie) vs African Elephant (Chris) Orca (Angie) vs Honey Badger (Chris) Naked Mole Rat (Angie) vs. Orangutan (Chris) Zebra (Angie) vs Leopard Seal (Chris) Flying Fox (Angie) vs Polar Bear (Chris) The rules are pretty simply. We each make three arguments on why our animal is better than the other. Corbin as the judge decides who goes on to the next round. Also, PLEASE visit Corbin at his YouTube website. He is doing such amazing work in animal education and can be visited HERE Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of all the primate species, the Red Colobus Monkeys are the most endangered animals, outside of some great ape species. So much so that in fact, 14 out of the 18 species of Red Colobus are either classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered. From Central and East Africa, Red Colobus have suffered from habitat destruction, the illegal bushmeat trade, and other pressures. However, there are many organizations out there fighting to save these animals. These are such amazing small cousins to us and worth your time to learn more about. They will make you smile and the efforts to save them will make you hopeful! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we interview Dr. Danielle Clode who is the author of the book Koalas: A Natural History, or titled Koala: A Life in Tree (Australia/NZ). Danielle grew up on a boat sailing around the south-east coast of Australia and began her career in conservation biology studying feral mink in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. She has worked in zoos, museum and underwater observatories, became a science communicator and the award-winning author of popular nonfiction books (and documentaries) on Australian science, nature and history. Her books cover topics as diverse as palaeontology, French Indo-Pacific exploration, killer whales, museum collections, conservation agencies, women in science and living with bushfires. Danielle has taught academic and creative writing for many years and is currently an associate professor in creative writing at Flinders University. Her latest book is a journey of discovery into the complex history and ecology and politics of the much loved koala, published in Australia/NZ as Koala: A life in trees and in the rest of the world as Koala: A natural history and uncertain future. You can learn more about Dr. Danielle Clode and her other works HERE Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most endangered large carnivores in the world is a native canid from Asia, the Dhole. These incredible relatives to all other species of canids like wolves, foxes and others, have suffered due to human exploration and habitat loss. It is sad, because the Dhole is such an incredibly unique carnivore. They split nearly 2 million years ago from other canids and have scratched out an important role in the southern reaches of Asia. We have so much more to learn and do to protect this precious species. With only around 220 breeding adults, we need to move quick or this species will be lost for eternity. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are revisiting one of our favorite older episodes. We were so astonished at how Elephant Seals have survived and thrived in the worlds oceans. From being one of the deepest diving mammals, and Southern Elephant Seals being the largest of all seals, this one is worth a revisit and listen. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The animals we cover in the is podcast surprise us at every turn. This also is what author Carol Gigliotti talks about in her book, "The Creative Lives of Animals." In her interview with Angie, Carol talks about her lifetime experience as an educator and how she came to love nature all its life. Carol is a Professor Emerita of Dynamic Media and Critical and Cultural Studies at Emily Carr University of Art and Design. As a scholar she documents how animals are more than just "instinctive" creatures and are actually more complex than we know. She brings a new fresh view on how we can view our natural world and all those that inhabit it. You can learn more about Carol at her website HERE Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pallas's Cat is one of the most endearing wildcats because of its "grumpy" face. In fact, these cats act like "grumps" because they are so elusive and live life in some of the harshest environments of Asia. Still, they just have to bring a smile to your face. Sadly, Pallas's Cats are endangered with extinction due to human activity across their massive range in Asia. While we do not know as much as do with other wild cats, we do know some of how Pallas's cats survive and thrive in some of the harshest biomes. In fact, just recent evidence points to Pallas's cats living at the base of Mount Everest! You want to know more, trust us. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of Asia comes one of the world's largest species of crocodilian, the Gharial! With its unique slender rostrum (snout), the Gharial is an ancient reptile that is just barely hanging on. This critically endangered animal was reduced to just over 180 animals left in the wild! However, conservation agencies and zoos around the world are fighting hard to save the Gharial! Reintroduction efforts are continuing throughout India and Nepal to reestablish healthy Gharial populations. These are true survivors and are some amazing reptiles. For sure a not to miss podcast! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We just had so much fun this week covering the world's second largest bird, the Emu. Believe it or not, Australia actually went to war against Emus in 1932....and lost! That was great news for the Emus and today they are a protected species on the Australian continent. There is so much to love and learn about Emus and without doubt a fun species to talk about. Thankfully, Emus are doing well across Australia though they do face some conservation challenges. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are heading to South America to cover a fan favorite, the Capybara. These incredible rodents are located throughout the South American continent and are one of its most iconic species. Not only are these the largest rodents in the world, they are actually one of South America's largest herbivores in most of its range. They play a critical role in the continents ecosystem and we need to know more about them. A fun podcast with lots of surprises! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keeping our focus on Australia this we detail one of Australia's most important and endangered carnivorous marsupials, the Quoll. There are actually 6 species of Quoll, 4 in Australia and 2 in New Guinea, and all are heading towards extinction. Thankfully, conservation efforts are underway to save this critical species. Quolls play a key role in Australia's ecosystems and are one of the best predators to fight against invasive species, like introduced rabbits. We detail everything about this cute and incredible animal from down under. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris has just returned from Australia after this wedding and we will be back next week with a new episode. In this spirit, we are revisiting Koalas! We will also be having a special guest soon to discuss them in more detail, but these special mammals from down under are still under the threat of extinction. The Koala is just another species suffering in Australia with a dramatically changing climate and coupled with habitat destruction, some experts believe they can be extinct in just a few generations. Thus, we wanted to put the spotlight back on them and will continue to tell their and so many unique animals from Australia stories. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are excited to kick off 2023 covering the Red Panda and the people out there fighting to save them. Sonam Lama is an absolute conservation hero! He is a recent Whitley Award Winner in 2022 in recognition for his hard work in conserving the Red Panda. The Whitley Fund for Nature is one of the world's leading organizations in helping and recognizing those out in the field doing the hard work to save some of our most endangered animals. Sonam is no exception! He was with the Red Panda Network from its inception. While he lives in Nepal, he has traveled the world to study and help these animals. An incredible interview to kick off the year! You can learn more about Sonam Lama by viewing his David Attenborough narrated vide HERE or by visiting HERE You can learn more about the Red Panda Network by visiting HERE You can learn more about the Whitley Fund for Nature by visiting HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are releasing Red Pandas again to highlight just how endangered these animals are. We also have an incredible interview to follow this with Sonam Lama, who is a true conservation hero out there fighting to save these charismatic animals. Sadly, Red Panda poaching only increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, we want to remind everyone of the Red Panda's plight, but also as important, is that there are many out there like Sonam who are fighting to protect these animals! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here we go back to the vault and pulling out an OLDIE but GOODIE for the holiday season. This was our 8th episode that we did early on and it amazes how much we have grown in the past four years! We have to thank you our listeners for all your support and love you have given us. We are still busy behind the scenes with some amazing interviews coming your way. Stay tuned!! We pulled this older episode to release because we were so blown away by all the facts we uncovered with reindeer and caribou. We hope you enjoy learning about them as much as we did. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We will kick off 2023 and start our monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swans are such an iconic bird. They inhabit many waterways around the world and are beloved by many. This week we talk about swans, and especially focus on the Trumpeter Swan. Hunted to near extinction in the 1800s, these swans were reduced to less than 70 birds in the lower 48 of the United States. Fortunately, small remnant populations survived in Alaska and parts of Canada to allow their survival. Through focused conservation these birds have rebounded with around 63,000 birds. These elegant and massive birds are so fun to learn about and we know you will fall in love with them if you are not already. Also, this week is also a special episode for us. Chris is getting married to his sweetheart Pippa and is dedicating this episode to her. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Native to South America, the Guanaco is a close relative to the domestic Llama. One of the questions we answer this week is, are Llamas just domesticated Guanacos? Tune in to fine out. These wild camelids live at the extremes in some of the most remote regions of our planet. They can be found high in the Andes Mountains of Chile and Argentina, and all the way down to the subtropical forests of Peru. These hardy mammals are one of the most unique herbivores on Earth. They are such a fun species to learn more about. Thankfully, they are classified as Least Concern, but their populations are down to about 10% of their known historical highs. They are inching towards endangered status and need our help and understanding. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the world's most endangered birds the Spix's Macaw, or also known as the Little Blue Macaw, is starting to make a comeback. The plight of the Spix's Macaw was highlighted in the popular children's film, Rio. These birds once extinct in the wild, have just been released back into the wild. In this week's podcast we highlight the plight of the Spix's Macaw, what caused their decline, and who is responsible for bringing them back. Native to Brazil, the Spix's Macaw was extinct in the wild for over two decades. Yet, private collectors around the world were able to keep the species alive. Coming together, these collectors and other organizations have collaborated to save them. A very heartwarming story! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of our distant cousins, the Slow Loris, is actually one of the extremely rare venomous mammals on the planet. Sadly, each of the species of Slow Loris are heading towards extinction. We have so much more to learn about these ancient animals. Native to Asia, many Slow Loris are captured for the illegal pet trade. They are actually quite slow, which we highlight this week, and are quite easy to catch. Thus, due to their "cuteness" they are sold all over the world. Their story saddened us so much that it gives us, and we hope you, the drive to do more to save them and all the species in peril. Join us this week as we explore one of the world's most unique animals. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An oldie but goody! It is amazing how much we have grown with your help these past few years. We are bringing Blue Whales back to your attention as we continue to highlight the oceans this week. From our tiny corals, to the largest animal to ever live, the Blue Whale, our oceans need your help. We first released this episode in 2018 and we felt we were just hitting our stride in the podcast. You can see just how much we have changed over the years, but our enthusiasm for this work has only grown. THANK YOU for your support and for caring about all these animals. The Blue Whale was one of our favorites because it surprised us as a species! They are truly amazing creatures. Also, we followed up this episode with an interview with Dr. Kim Goetz, which is always worth a listen. You can access that interview HERE Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our coral reef ecosystems are crashing all over the planet. Conservation heroes like Dr. David Vaughan are doing everything they can through their research and activities in helping us stave off this mass extinction. Dr. Vaughan is part of the team that is planting corals all over to help reestablish these critical ecosystems. We welcome Dr. Vaughan and are excited to learn about his work. You can learn more by visiting the Plant a Million Corals website HERE Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are rereleasing an older episode to highlight the true danger we see of our coral reefs around the world. With the continued news that coral reef bleaching is still being seen around the world, we wanted to highlight them again. Many people do not know that corals are actually living organisms. In this episode, we dug deep and did our research to bring you what we know about corals. Also, we highlight how they are being damaged, pushed to extinction and what many around the world are doing to fight to keep our reefs healthy and thriving. We also will be releasing a new interview with a foremost expert on corals and he will give us the latest on what he and his team are doing to help. Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As promised, we tracked them down! We are super excited to welcome Bush Dog Researchers Dr. Karen DeMatteo & Alice Clark. Dr. DeMatteo is a faculty member at Washington University in Saint Louis and is heavily involved in Bush Dog research as noted in our Episode 292: Bush Dogs Delight! Alice Clark is a PhD student at the University of Liverpool and is working with the Chester Zoo on Bush Dog research. It was a fascinating interview and all about how they study Bush Dogs, what they can teach us, and how the knowledge can be used to help save them. Such a fun species and a wonderful pair of guests. You can learn more about Dr. DeMatteo's work using dogs for conservation research by liking her Facebook Page "Got Scat" HERE You can learn more about Alice Clark's work HERE and can follow her on Instagram @AliceZoologist Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After all the species we have covered, the Anglerfish has to be one of the most surprising and radical. Picking this species to represent our "Spooky October" for Halloween, the Anglerfish has it all. It is a creature made of nightmares that absolutely defies logic in some senses. The deep sea Anglerfish, survives in one of the most inhospitable regions of any biome, and yet survives and even thrives. Listen to this episode! Trust us, your mind will be blown! Thank you to all our fans and those that have supported us these past few years. We both can not thank you enough for the support and kind words!! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we welcome back Jon Miot, Director of the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. Who also happens to be married to Angie. Jon sits with us to discuss how zoos and conservation organizations are saving endangered species. Specifically, Jon talks about what Species Survival Plans are, what are stud books and how are these organizations breeding these animals. All critical to their survival as emergency populations to their wild counterparts. In some instances, these SSPs are the last effort to save a species that is extinct in the wild. These decisions are not as easy as it looks and takes incredible thought and coordination. An interesting discussion to say the least. You can learn more about the Association of Zoos and Aquariums SSP program by going HERE Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For our official 300th Episode we went BIG, and a tad long, to celebrate one of many peoples favorite, the Asian Elephant. We bring it for this episode celebrating everything we have learned with you over these past nearly 4 years. The Asian Elephant is endangered and still on a downward trajectory towards extinction. We talk about this and more. We also jump into the debate about current attempts to clone the mammoth and what that might mean for Asian Elephants. We had so much to cover so we thought we run a bit longer to bring you as much information as we can about this incredible species. Thank you to all our fans and those that have supported us these past few years. We both can not thank you enough for the support and kind words. Here is to another 300 episodes!! Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we welcome the founder of PETA, Ingrid Newkirk, to discuss her 30th Anniversary edition of her book, Free the Animals: The Amazing True Story of the Animal Liberation Front in North America. We were excited to not only talk to Ingrid about her book, we also chatted about all her work through the years and just how she has helped change global consciousness about the welfare of animals. We also ask Ingrid her views on conservation and how PETA can help the efforts on those around the world fighting to save endangered species. This truly was an amazing interview and chance to speak with such an incredible person and one who has impacted nearly all of us in some way. Without a doubt, Ingrid has undoubtedly made the world a better place for animals and their welfare should be a concern for all of us. You can learn more about Ingrid and her 30th Anniversary edition of Free the Animals: The Amazing True Story of the Animal Liberation Front in North America HERE You can follow PETA and their latest campaigns by visiting www.peta.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we near our 300th official episode, we brought this episode out from our vault! We had so much fun chatting about this tropical bird that nests on the Galapagos Islands. We learn so much each week and we know you will enjoy this episode. The Blue-Footed Booby is one of 6 "Booby" species and inhabit the Pacific Ocean. Their iconic feet are so distinctive and they been a favorite of many bird enthusiasts. Like any marine bird, they are facing tremendous pressure as our oceans continue to suffer from overexploitation and pollution. Another species you will want to know more about. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An amazing water felid is the Fishing Cat. These endangered cats live throughout Asia in fragmented populations from India to Java. As one of the largest "small cats," Fishing Cats have carved out a specific niche in many habitats. Their behaviors are incredible, and yes, they actually do fish. They swim and love water. A fun species to learn about and is facing extinction. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the apex predators located in South America lies the Green Anaconda. One of four species of anaconda, the Green Anaconda is one of the world's longest snakes and is without doubt the heaviest. There is so many fun facts about anacondas, it will blow you away. They are semi-aquatic snakes that thrive in many biomes in South America. Some of the most interesting facts are not only their "super powers" in detecting prey, but also their breeding behaviors and strategies. Thankfully, anacondas across the board are not endangered. Yet, we will still keep our eye to the heavily deforested Amazon. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the more iconic monkeys has to be the White-Faced Capuchin. There are actually two species of White-Faced Capuchins, and in fact there are 22 total species of capuchin monkeys. Sadly, 17 out of 22 capuchin monkey species are faced with extinction. This week we talk everything capuchin monkey. Most of all, we talk about their incredible behaviors and document just how intelligent they are. So much so, that they are often considered the smartest of any monkey, old or new world. A wonderful species to learn about! Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whenever you look at a hedgehog, you have to smile. This charismatic little creatures is an absolute delight and are found in many parts of the world. In fact, there are 17 species of hedgehogs that live in Europe, Asia, Africa and....Aotearoa New Zealand. Unfortunately, hedgehogs are devastating to many native species in Aotearoa New Zealand and we touch upon this in this week's podcast. HOWEVER, everywhere else hedgehogs are actually critical omnivores that help bring balance to their ecosystems. There is no much to learn about these little creatures and just so much fun to learn about! Believe or not they have much to teach us and we hope you enjoy our latest episode on them. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Weston is author of the new book The Saviour Fish: Life and Death on Africa's Greatest Lake. He joins us this week to talk about his experiences living on Lake Victoria in Africa. Additionally, we talk about the collapse of the native fish species there due to exploitation and their impacts on the native peoples. In addition to his latest book, Mark has written about and broadcasts on Africa for the BBC World Service, Slate, the Royal African Society, South Africa’s Mail & Guardian, and Roads & Kingdoms. He also authored the West Africa travelogue The Ringtone and the Drum and the satirical novel African Beauty. His research on global issues has been published in some of the world’s leading academic journals. Mark currently lives in London, UK. You can find out more about Mark's work in Lake Victoria HERE (https://saviourfish.net/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the world's most elusive canids is the Bush Dog. Native to South America, these ancestors to our favorite dogs have carved out a special niche to survive. Not much is known about Bush Dogs because they are so secretive. In fact, scientists first discovered fossils and thought they were an extinct species because no live specimens had been discovered yet. However, today we know Bush Dogs do exist across a massive range from the northern most point of Argentina all the way up into Central America. Sadly, Bush Dogs like many other species are threatened with extinction. With as few as 10,000 left, they need protection and our understanding. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most charismatic seabirds has to be the Pelican. Around the world, Pelicans fly and soar near almost every shore. There are so many surprising facts about Pelicans and how they do what they do. One of the most interesting has to be that Pelicans have not changed much over the past 30 million years! Then, their large beaks with their pouches (called a gular) has to be their most defining characteristic. What else is surprising is how the Brown Pelican, much of our focus this podcast, was heading straight towards extinction. Fortunately, conservation efforts in the Americas have seen them rebound. So much so, they have come off the species endangered list. Another fun species to learn about! Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melodie Edwards hosts the incredible storytelling podcast The Modern West. There is much lore and fascination with the American West, made popular over the decades in popular culture. Melodies works to tell the true stories of the culture and history of the Western United States. Sometimes she confirms some stereotypes of the old west, while others shedding light on the truth. Melodie also highlights such important stories such as those of the disappearing and reemergence of the Bison and the many struggles of Native Americans. It is truly a fascinating interviewing giving a glimpse into a life many of us are not familiar with. From there website The Modern West Podcast states that Melodie is a recipient of two national PMJA awards, one for her investigation of the reservation housing crisis, another for a civil discourse over a confrontation at Gillette, Wyoming mosque. She also has won numerous regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, two for best use and sound, as well as two Native American Journalism awards. She also is the author of the young adult novel Akorena & the League of Crows. You can learn more about Melodie Edwards and The Modern West Podcast by visiting their website HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each species we have covered for Plastic Free July has blown us away. Here we are again, with a fish that just defies logic. Most salmon species start off in freshwater, then eventually migrate to the ocean and live out most their lives, then migrate back up the rivers and streams from which they were born! How do they do it? Well, this week we answer that and more. You may be asking if salmon are a sustainable food choice? Short answer, yes, but only from certain countries. There was so much to cover with this amazing species and we have no doubt you will be as stunned as we were. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we are thrilled to welcome Carlee Jackson from Minorities in Shark Science (MISS). Carlee is the Director of Communications from MISS, which is an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the shark sciences. Carlee's graduate studies in Marine Biology had her involved in tagging sharks off Florida in the USA and she has also done shark research off the coast of Belize. Carlee has also worked in sea turtle conservation and has been heavily involved in education and fighting to help preserve our oceans. This was truly a wonderful interview and one not to miss about MISS! You can learn more about Minorities in Shark Science (MISS) HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As one of the ocean's top predators, Bull Sharks are demonized and characterized as man-killing machines. What gives this myth even more teeth is the fact that Bull Sharks can be found in many major river systems and even some freshwater lakes around the world. We fear Bull Sharks, when the statistics show Bull Sharks hardly ever attack and even kill humans. We are now harvesting nearly 100 million sharks a year from our oceans at an unsustainable rate. Thus, Bull Sharks and many of its close relatives are heading straight towards extinction. This is a fascinating species that deserves your time and understanding. There are so many astounding facts about Bull Sharks we have no doubt you will fall in love with them as we did. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Out of all the species we have covered , none can compare to the insane adaptations of the Mantis Shrimp. Over 500 million years of evolution have produced one of the most advanced biological entities in existence. Not only do Mantis Shrimp boast the world's most advanced eyesight of any organism, they pack a punch that defies logic. Mantis Shrimp were some of the earliest organisms in existence and can be found in almost all the world's tropical and temperate oceans. This is a must listen to podcast. These animals will blow you away! Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we kick off our Plastic Free July Challenge, this week we welcome Dr. Lisa Erdle from the 5 Gyres Instiute. Dr. Erdle is the Director of Science & Innovation at the 5 Gyres Institute. She is a microplastics researcher, lifelong sailor, and is passionate about keeping waterways clean for wildlife and people. Lisa completed her PhD at the University of Toronto, where her research focused on the sources, fate, and effects of microfibers in the environment. Currently, Lisa lives in California and is continuing research on microfibers and plastic pollution. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Lisa grew up swimming and sailing on the Great Lakes and holds a deep love of the water.. You can learn more about 5 Gyres and their work in reducing plastics in our lives by visiting them HERE You can also lean more about 5 Gyres own Plastic Free Parks Trashblitz by going HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An absolute unique wonder of the natural world is the Glass Frog. These species of amphibian that are native to South and Central America, are characterized with undersides that are actually "see-through" and "translucent" and "transparent." This means when looking up at them, you can see their digestive system, bones, eggs, blood vessels and an actual heart beating. We answer all about this phenomenon and why exactly glass frogs evolved this way. Another important topic of this week's podcast is the plight of the many amphibians from around the world. Nearly 43% of all amphibian species are in serious decline and endangered of extinction. These animals, these frogs, all deserve our love, support, and understanding. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most unique and striking mammals has to be the Babirusa. Native to four islands in Indonesia, this member of the swine family is one of the most ancient and often misunderstood. The Babirusa is heading towards extinction but thankfully groups within and outside Indonesia are fighting hard to save these unique animals. This week we highlight what we know about the Babirusa, what makes it a unique animal and why we need to keep fighting to save them. We then talk all about those tusks, what they are thought to be important for and much much more. Another fun species to learn and chat about. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Down in Australia and in New Guinea is a unique and popular marsupial, the Bandicoot. Made famous by the video game Crash Bandicoot, these small animals are nocturnal omnivores and true ecological engineers. There are currently 20 species of Bandicoots, with many endangered and few going extinct in the 20th century. The loss of their habitat and a plethora of invasive species have been devastating to Bandicoots in both Australia and New Guinea. However, many conservation efforts are underway. This week we highlight the survival of the Eastern Banded Bandicoot. Thanks to efforts by Zoos Victoria and other conservation organizations, the Eastern Banded Bandicoot has gone from extinct in the wild, to endangered after being reintroduced. There is so much we can learn from these special animals and a fun one to learn about. Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, it is true, there are flying snakes! You may not know this but in fact, there are FIVE recognized species of flying snakes. These natives to Asia absolutely are not only stunningly beautiful, but they are incredible evolutionary engineers. Over millennia, these snakes have developed the ability to grapple with gravity while leaping from tree to tree, sometimes nearly 100 meters away! How they do this is just one of the amazing facts about the Paradise Tree Snake that we cover this week. You do not want to miss this one! Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following our Kākāpō episode we are very excited to speak with Thomas Rillstone, who hosts the popular History of Aotearoa New Zealand Podcast. Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand and we talk about this and more. We were very fortunate to track Thomas down to talk about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and just what impacts the Māori had on her many islands. We also talk about the impacts they had on all the native species like the now extinct Moa and Haast's Eagle. We then switch gears and talk about the major impacts European settlers had on the Māori and also on NZ's native species. This is such an enlightening and fun interview that we are sure you will enjoy it. This weeks episode really highlights the challenges many island nations are facing throughout the world fighting to protect their many wonderous and unique animals. While Thomas hosts a history podcast, he is currently working in conservation and fighting to protect all of NZ's native species. You can find the History of Aotearoa New Zealand Podcast on your favorite podcasting app and we highly recommend you give it a listen. Each episode lasts about 20 minutes and gives you special insight into Polynesian exploration of the Pacific and how they discovered and inhabited NZ, and so much more! You can learn more about Thomas Rillstone, find all his social media links and information on his amazing podcast by visiting his website HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The critically endangered Kākāpō is one of the more endearing species we have covered to date. This flightless parrot is native to Aotearoa New Zealand and was nearly extinct in the late 20th century. It is only through the commitment of the New Zealand Government and her people that the Kākāpō is still in existence. Today there are over 200 of these birds that are being cared for and guarded off Aotearoa New Zealand's coasts. This is just an amazing bird that surprised us at every turn. They truly deserves your love and another species you cant miss. For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we welcome back (now) 8-year old Darby from Idaho in the United States. Darby is fascinated with wildlife and her favorite animals are the many species of otters that live in our oceans and many rivers throughout the world. Darby blows us away with not only all her knowledge about otters, but also about their conservation, and why they are so important to our water ecosystems. Darby and her generation are going to be critical to helping us save our world's diverse wildlife. It is absolutely wonderful to listen to this aspiring conservationist and we have no doubt you will enjoy this one! You can listen to more of our All Creatures Kids Episodes HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 150 million years ago, our earliest mammalian ancestors learned to glide from tree to tree. It is one of the most amazing adaptations next to flying mammals (aka bats). The Flying Lemurs, or Colugos, ancestors emerged nearly 85 million years ago. Stunningly, not much has changed since. These special creatures would leap to leap from tree to tree, living amongst dinosaurs and other primitive life forms. Today, there are two main species of Colugo living in South East Asia. While not currently endangered, they have declined in number. The constant loss of habitat has had devastating impacts on many animals, to include the Colugo. Another cant miss podcast on another mind boggling species. For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Binturong is an obscure and elusive carnivore living in the tropical forests of South East Asia. They are in fact one of the most ancient carnivore species in existence and are modern replicas of what ancient Miacids might have looked like. Sadly, Binturongs have suffered for many decades due to a loss of their habitat. So much so, that sightings of Binturongs are now rare in their native ranges. Binturongs are so incredibly unique and are extremely important species to their native habitats. You will want to learn more about them as this is another don't miss episode and species. During the episode we discuss the World Wildlife Fund latest palm oil ratings, which can be found HERE For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices