Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast
Amazing Wildlife is a podcast from the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park that takes listeners behind the scenes. Hosts Rick Schwartz and Marco Wendt explore rare species and ongoing conservation efforts to save endangered wildlife. Each episode shares stories from around the globe and highlights the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's work with local communities. The show examines what it takes to create a healthier future for animals, plants, and the people who share their habitats.
Episodes
A Special Conversation with Joan Embery
This week, host Marco is speaking with someone whose legacy helped shape the way we take care of wildlife on this beautiful planet. As the first ambassador for the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Joan Embery broke down barriers and helped define what it means to be a wildlife spokesperson. In this interview, she recalls her beginnings, the meaning of translational science, and some of her favorite
Cheetahs: The Purring Polka-Dotted Predator
Earlier this month was International Cheetah Day, so this week, Marco is learning all about the world’s fastest land mammal. The Cheetah Conservation Center at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is one of 10 U.S. breeding facilities for the South African cheetah, and there is a lot that makes this species of feline so special. Tune in to learn about their cleat-like toenails, amazing vision, and
Horticulture at Elephant Valley: Important and Immersive
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park doesn’t just have animals—it also has incredible plants! Last episode, we learned about elephants, and this week, we’re learning about their zoo habitat. Host Marco is speaking with Director of Horticulture Raj Brown about Elephant Valley and how his team creates a sense of immersion and place. Tune in to learn more about hot composting, force fields
The Social Dynamics of Elephants
This week Marco is visiting Elephant Valley to learn all about the world’s largest land mammal. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to eight elephants, and they are very social animals! These intelligent mammals are special in the way they interact with each other and our care specialists. Tune in to hear about their social dynamics and learn more about the new and improved Elephant Valley
Learning All About Gorillas — and Breaking Misconceptions
Did you know the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to 11 gorillas? This week, Marco is going behind the scenes at the bachelor habitat to learn more about the “jock” of the great ape family. Tune in to discover how they obtain their silverbacks, how you can donate your old cell phone to support conservation efforts, and much more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Camouflaged Okapi
Last week was World Okapi Day, and to celebrate, hosts Rick and Marco are heading to the San Diego Safari Park to speak with Dallas Dumont and learn all about this strikingly striped mammal. While a relative of the giraffe, the okapi is not quite as tall but shares its prehensile tongue. Tune in to hear about the newest okapi addition to the zoo, the purpose of tucking, and how they use their larg
World Cassowary Day
World Cassowary Day is September 26th, so hosts Rick and Marco are headed to the cassowary habitat area in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to learn more about these incredible flightless birds. Today they’re speaking with Wildlife Care Specialist Anna Caranahan about their unique feathers, their large green eggs, and the benefits of their casques.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
The Wildlife Health Team—Crucial to Conservation
Conservation is dynamic and deeply collaborative—and it takes many people across diverse disciplines to address the challenges facing wildlife. Hosts Rick and Marco speak with Hendrik Nollens, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s vice president of Wildlife Health, to learn how this team works to detect and prevent disease in wildlife and monitor their overall health. From California condo
Looking Back—and Forward: The Flight Path of the California Condor
This week, host Rick speaks with senior wildlife care specialist Nora Willis about an iconic bird with a gigantic wingspan! In the 1980s, just over 20 California condors were left in the world, but through groundbreaking conservation efforts, there are now more than 500. Find out more about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s successful breeding program, how young California condors learn to t
Parrots in Pine Forests – Meet the Thick-Billed Parrot
This week, hosts Rick and Marco are headed to Baja Garden in the San Diego Safari Park to speak with James Sheppard and Jenna Stallard about a brilliantly colored thick-billed parrot! While the thick-billed parrot used to be one of only two parrot species native to the United States, only a few remain in the wilds of Mexico. The San Diego Zoo is working with its partners in Mexico to restore the s
Orchids: Resilient, Yet Endangered
The San Diego Zoo is home to several critically endangered species, and not just animals. We’re talking about plants, too! This week, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Zoo Horticulture Manager Christy Powell and Senior Plant Propagator Heinfried Block about orchids. You can find orchids on every continent except Antarctica, however conditions need to be just right—including having a spec
Elephant Conservation
This week, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Dr. Kirstie Ruppert and Dr. Shifra Goldenberg about human and elephant conflict and coexistence. African elephants are invaluable to ecosystems and hold great cultural importance to Kenyans, but sometimes communities come into conflict with these giant mammals. Our guests talk about adaptability training and ways to balance the behavior of elephants and t
Giant Panda Update
California Panda Day is coming up on August 8th, so hosts Rick and Marco are headed to the Denny Sanford Panda Ridge to get an update on everyone’s favorite black and white bears at the San Diego Zoo. This week, they are speaking with Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Jessica Wagner about caring for Xin Bao and Yun Chuan. Tune in to learn about their pseudo thumbs, their behaviors, and how man
Giraffes: Long Necks, Long Legs, and a Long List of Amazing Adaptations
Did you know the longest day of the year in the western hemisphere—June 21—is also World Giraffe Day? In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco visit giraffes on the savanna at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and speak with wildlife care specialist Natalie Sheridan to find out more about the world’s tallest land animal. Tune in to hear about adaptations that help giraffes thrive on the
Zoos, Conservation and the Przewalski's Horse
Having never been successfully domesticated, the Przewalski's horse is the only true wild horse of our time. This week, hosts Rick and Marco are speaking with Amanda Lussier about the Przewalski's horse and how the species went from being extinct in the wild to having populations reintroduced in Mongolia. Tune in to learn more about these horses and how zoos, conservation work, and science are hel
Curating the Coldest “Zoo” on Earth
In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco are headed back to the Frozen Zoo® to speak with its curator, Marlys Houck. This first-of-its-kind biobank began with a cell, and over the past 50 years it has grown to be the most extensive collection of its kind in the world, preserving living cell lines of mammals, birds, reptiles, aquatic wildlife, plants, and more. Discover how the trailblazing Frozen
Inspire and Empower Through Conservation Education
Wildlife conservation starts with people—of all ages. In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Lisa Biasillo, vice president of wildlife education programs for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park have numerous programs that inspire and educate youths and adults, empowering them to become active in conservation so they can make a difference
Flamingo Fact or Fiction?
April 26 is International Flamingo Day! To celebrate, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Wildlife Care Specialist Erin Massey to learn more about these long-legged birds. Do their knees really bend backwards? Why do they stand on one leg, and why are most of them pink? Tune in to find out, and learn about their mud nests, how flamingo parents share incubation duties, and how even males can make a for
Founding the Frozen Zoo
This year marks the 50th anniversary of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Frozen Zoo®. To learn about its history, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Rolf Benirschke, son of Frozen Zoo founder Kurt Benirschke. Rolf explains the events that inspired his father to start the Frozen Zoo, the creative ways we can all help conservation without being a scientist, and Rolf’s Kicks for Critter
Digging in and Unearthing Fascinating Meerkat Facts
Welcome back to Amazing Wildlife! We are kicking off season 4 by learning all about meerkats. In this episode, Marco and Rick learn how a specific type of stress can make a meerkat family a more cohesive and healthier group. Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Lacy Pearson tells us about eustress, meerkat mobs, and how these social animals learn to work together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Announcing Season 4 of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast
Amazing Wildlife is returning for season 4 starting Friday, March 28th! From the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, hosts Marco Wendt and Rick Schwartz return to highlight the conservation efforts at the zoo and learn more about the talented team and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Frozen Zoo®: A History of Putting Extinction on Ice
Despite its name, the Frozen Zoo does not require a scarf and mittens! This week, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Dr. Oliver Ryder, director of conservation genetics at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The Frozen Zoo stores cryogenically frozen genetic materials from mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, safeguarding them for generations to come. Dr. Ryder has been part of the program since th
Acorns, Oaks, and Science: Saving the Mighty Oak
Just like animals, many plants and trees are at risk of becoming extinct. Even the mighty oak is in danger of extinction due to habitat loss and rapid changes in the climate. In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Christy Powell, horticulture manager at the San Diego Zoo. They discuss why oak trees are so important, as well as all the different and innovative ways they are working to con
Pachyderms Participating in Their Own Care
How do you help a tusker with a wiggly tooth? What do you do if you need a blood sample from an elephant? You ask them nicely to participate in their own care. In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Megan McMahon, lead wildlife care specialist for elephants at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, about working with the largest land mammal on the planet. And they even get an inside scoop abou
A Different Kind of Web Developer—Spiders!
In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco are learning all about our eight-legged friends, spiders! To find out more, they are speaking with Taylor Cook, the wildlife care supervisor for the entomology department at the San Diego Zoo. Some people might find arachnids a little scary, but there’s also a lot to appreciate about them. Join us to learn about tarantulas, how spiders help balance our ecosyst
Giant Panda Update
Yun Chuan and Xin Bao have been at the San Diego Zoo for a few months, so hosts Rick and Marco wanted to check out how they are adapting to their new surroundings. To do so, our hosts are visiting Panda Ridge and speaking with Nicki Boyd, curator of mammals, ambassadors, and applied behavior at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, to find out more about their new habitats and the benefits of outcome-b
Vultures: Guardians of Our Shared Ecosystems
International Vulture Awareness Day was earlier this month, so hosts Rick and Marco are speaking to Kim Caldwell, wildlife care supervisor at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, about this incredible bird of prey. Learn more about the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s partnership with vulture rehabilitation organization Vulpro and how they are working to protect this misunderstood bird by finding ways to p
The Safari Park at Dark: Overnight Wildlife Care
When most of us are asleep, there is a dedicated team at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park taking care of the wildlife. In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Oliver Zirbel, supervisor of the Overnight Wildlife Care Team. What does a shift look like for someone who works overnight at the Safari Park? Tune in to find out more about this emerging program and what our team has learned about the
Capturing Your Attention with Alluring Carnivorous Plants
We recently talked about carnivorous cats and birds, but plants can be carnivorous, too! In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco find out more about insect-gobbling plants from San Diego Zoo lead horticulturalist, Adam Painter. What makes plants like the Venus fly trap so appealing to their prey? Tune in to learn more about the San Diego Zoo’s collection of these beautiful and deadly plants.See omny
World Lion Day
World Lion Day was August 10, so we're sharing some of our favorite lion facts! In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco go back and forth with some fascinating details about this big, carnivorous cat. Why are lions called the “kings of the jungle”? Are they the only big cats that live in prides? Tune in to find out more about lions and current conservation efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for pri
Bamboo: More than Just Food for Giant Pandas
With two new giant pandas at the San Diego Zoo, there is a need for a lot of bamboo! The Horticulture team plays a big role in keeping much of the wildlife at the Zoo well-fed, and that includes the giant pandas. In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Adam Graves, director of horticulture for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. How does this team keep up with our giant pandas’ demand for th
Conservation Partnerships: An Alliance for All
While we have many conservation programs inside the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, our efforts span the world. This week, hosts Rick and Marco speak with Greg Vicino, vice president of wildlife care at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, about building relationships and working with local communities to strengthen conservation efforts. Tune in to learn more about some of the conservatio
A Giant Panda Prologue: Getting to Know the Bears
The San Diego Zoo has a long history with the giant panda, and there are two pandas coming to the zoo soon! The zoo is working with partners in China to research and promote the sustained recovery of this bamboo-eating species, and Rick and Marco have so many questions about their return. Today they are speaking with Megan Owen, vice president of wildlife conservation science for San Diego Zoo Wil
The Charismatic Capybara
National Capybara Appreciation Day is just around the corner! To celebrate, Rick and Marco speak with Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Kimberly Hyde to find out more about the world’s largest rodent. This South American water-loving mammal might be known for its cuteness factor, but it also helps support a healthy ecosystem. Tune in to find out lots of fun facts, including how long they can hold th
Standing Tall with Milky Stork Conservation
When you think of carnivorous birds, you probably imagine an eagle or a falcon, but did you know storks are carnivorous too? Hosts Rick and Marco visit the Bird Conservation Center at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to speak with Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Miranda Estensen. While the milky stork is native to the mangroves of Southeast Asia, it is also endangered. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park h
The Spiny Anteater That’s Not an Anteater
Rick and Marco highlight a rare and unusual species that's known as a “spiny anteater.” It's the egg-laying echidna! Our hosts are joined by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance senior wildlife care specialists Jen Lebeau and Adam Murdoch to discuss one of the newest species at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We learn about puggles (baby echidnas), how courtship behaviors contribute to the breeding proc
Endangered Species Day – Celebrate Conservation Successes
Endangered Species Day is May 17, and in this episode, hosts Rick and Marco talk about species that need our help. From the ālula plant to the axolotl salamander, many species around the world have seen their numbers drastically decline. There is good news, though, because there are steps we can take to help safeguard ecosystems and create sustainable populations. Tune in to find out how conservat
Earth Day, Every Day
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, but around here, every day is Earth Day. In this episode, hosts Rick and Marco discuss the origins of Earth Day and why it was first established in 1970. After starting in the U.S., the holiday is now observed in many nations around the world. Listen in to learn how preserving the environment benefits humans and wildlife alike. See omnystudio.com/listener for p
Fluttery Friends Need Your Help, Too
Spring is fluttering by! It’s April, and that means Butterfly Jungle is currently open at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. In this episode, we are talking with the McKinney Family Curator of Invertebrates, Paige Howorth, about butterflies and butterfly conservation. We know so little about invertebrates in comparison to other wildlife, yet they are the backbone of our ecosystem.The butterfly populat
Leadership of the Matriarch
Who’s in charge here? In this episode we are talking all about the female's role in leading the group, troop, herd, or family with Kristi Burtis, vice president of wildlife care at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Rick, Marco, and Kristi discuss the role of the females in lions, gorillas, elephants, meerkats, lemurs, and even killer whales! We learn how some of these females lead as matriarch or as
Adventures of a King Cobra
Welcome to Season 3 of Amazing Wildlife! Hosts Rick and Marco are joined by a returning friend of the show, Kim Gray, the curator of herpetology and ichthyology (reptiles, amphibians, and fish) at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Oftentimes, people have some fears around snakes, but Kim shares the misconceptions about the king cobra, who is the top predator in their environment. So, if we can cons
Announcing Season 3 of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast
Amazing Wildlife is returning for season 3 starting Friday March 15! From the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, hosts Marco Wendt and Rick Schwartz will spotlight the heroes working worldwide to care for the species we know and love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bringing It All Back to Biodiversity
In the season finale, Rick and Marco take a trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Biodiversity Reserve to speak with Charlie de la Rosa, Ph.D., natural lands manager for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This 900-acre preserve in San Diego's North County supports large expanses of coastal sage scrub vegetation along two regionally important wildlife corridors. Here, in the most biodiverse county in
Talking Turtles: Pacific Pond Turtles, a Species of Special Concern
Amazing Wildlife spotlights the only native aquatic turtle species in California, the Pacific pond turtle. Rick and Marco are joined by Kim Gray, curator of herpetology and ichthyology at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, to find out why protecting and conserving these turtles will help our ecosystems as well. You’ll hear why this species is also called the Western pond turtle, learn about the ripa
Cold Penguin, Warm Penguin, and More from the Oceans Conservation Hub
Amazing Wildlife is on grounds at the San Diego Zoo to highlight the polar opposite of the polar bear—the penguin! (Fun fact: they don’t live together, despite what you may see on TV or in cartoons). While many species of penguins do spend time around Antarctica, Rick and Marco discuss the different types of penguins that do not. Discover how penguins’ bodies have adapted to survive in cold tempe
Polar Bears: Diving into the Oceans Conservation Hub
For the first time this season, Amazing Wildlife highlights the Oceans hub, with a “deep dive” into the icy waters of the Arctic to look at polar bears! Rick and Marco are joined by Kelly Murphy, lead wildlife care specialist for the Polar Plunge habitat at the San Diego Zoo. Kelly introduces us to the three polar bears at Polar Plunge—Chinook, Kalluk, and Tatqiq—and explains the reasoning behind
Spending Koala-ty Time in the Australian Forest
Amazing Wildlife is spotlighting the Australian Forest Conservation Hub by highlighting a favorite tree-dwelling marsupial: the koala! Rick and Marco are joined by Jen Tobey, a researcher at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who explains why marsupials are raised in a pouch—and the truth about why koalas sleep so much. The San Diego Zoo has the largest breeding colony of koalas outside of Australia
Hidden in San Diego's Backyard: Burrowing Owls of the Southwest
Amazing Wildlife focuses on the Southwest Conservation Hub to take a closer look at the burrowing owl, found in San Diego County—one of the most biologically diverse counties in the United States. Marco attempts to mimic the sound of this unique bird that is about the size of a stick of butter! Rick and Marco chat with Colleen Wisinski, conservation program manager of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Allian
A Ton of Rhino Facts and Conservation Conversations for World Rhino Day
It’s World Rhino Day (September 22)! For this special day to raise awareness about rhino conservation, Amazing Wildlife is joined by Gavin Livingston, the curator of mammals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Rick and Marco discuss the five different species of rhinos and offer some interesting facts about their hair color—and how much their head weighs (hint: it’s three times the size of something
The Value of Vultures—Why They Are Vital to Ecosystems
Join us, as Amazing Wildlife gets ready to celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day (September 2). Rick and Marco visit Jenna Stallard, wildlife care manager of birds at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We’ll learn about Old World vultures (from Europe, Africa, and Asia) and New World vultures (from the Americas and the Caribbean), in addition to what makes vultures unique, and why they are vit
Getting to Know Gorillas at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Get to know one of the largest species of the great apes, the gorilla! In this episode of Amazing Wildlife, Rick and Marco visit the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to speak with Breanne Murray, a senior wildlife care specialist. After discussing some popular gorilla terminology, the hosts learn about one of the world's oldest silverbacks, who lives at the Safari Park. They also get an “inside scoop” on
Trunks, Tusks, and a Ton of Facts for World Elephant Day!
In honor of World Elephant Day (celebrated on Saturday, August 12), Amazing Wildlife visits the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to highlight the world’s largest living land mammal. Rick and Marco chat with Catie Aubuchon, a wildlife care specialist, to unpack pachyderm facts and get a better understanding of all that goes into caring for elephants, from getting to know individual personalities to unders
Stripes & Whiskers—Celebrating International Tiger Day
Happy International Tiger Day—also known as Global Tiger Day—on July 29! For this very special episode of Amazing Wildlife, Rick and Marco are joined by Lori Hieber, lead wildlife care specialist for the primate and carnivore team. Lori, who has worked with tigers for 15 years, describes the different subspecies of tigers and their various sizes. In addition, Lori tells us more about the four tige
Can AI Benefit Wildlife? Conservation Technology Says Yes!
Calling all tech lovers! Amazing Wildlife is joined by the head of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Conservation Technology Lab, scientist Ian Ingram. He shares with Rick and Marco how the latest technology is being used to help wildlife, and how we hope to implement it in the Asian Rainforest Conservation Hub. The trio discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI), how cameras know what they
Connecting Communities and Wildlife for a Conservation Win
Amazing Wildlife continues its exploration of the Savanna Conservation Hub, and looks at how the conservation of rangeland grasses benefits leopards, Grevy’s zebras, and hundreds of other species. Tomas Pickering, a senior researcher at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance working in community engagement, joins Rick and Marco, and describes the work in Kenya—a country at the forefront of community-base
Giraffes: The Watchtowers of the Savanna
Did you know that the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere is dedicated as World Giraffe Day? Amazing Wildlife heads to the Savannah hub to honor the long legged, long necked giraffe for its special day on June 21st. Marco and Rick are joined by lead wildlife care specialist, Charlie Hyde, who shares his expertise after being at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park for about 15 years. Charl
Nocturnal Wildlife—An Adventure at the San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo
In this episode, we explore the world of nocturnal animals—including some you may see at San Diego Zoo’s Nighttime Zoo! Join Rick and Marco as they discuss their favorite nocturnal species, in the sky and on the ground. Find out about reflective eyes, super hearing, and animals that live in the darkness of caves!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Taking Care of Twin Andean Bears
As they continue highlighting the Amazonia Conservation Hub, Rick and Marco speak with Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Lindsey Shafer about Alba, a female Andean bear at the San Diego Zoo. Alba recently gave birth to twin Andean bear cubs—the first twins of their species born at the Zoo since 1993! Amazing Wildlife examines what it’s like for this special omnivore to care for these extraordinary b
Ssssensational Benefits of Venom: Bushmaster Snake
Amazing Wildlife makes its way to the Amazonia Conservation Hub to highlight the longest venomous snake in the Americas, and the third-longest venomous snake on the planet: the bushmaster! Hosts Rick and Marco are joined by Brett Baldwin, associate curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo, to discuss their diet, how they capture prey, and the observation methods used to collect
The Little Mouse That Matters: Pacific Pocket Mouse
Amazing Wildlife highlights a tiny species from the Southwest hub, one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's eight areas of conservation focus. Allison Gregor, a researcher for the organization, speaks with Rick and Marco about a unique rodent that weighs about as much as three pennies: the Pacific pocket mouse! They discuss where this granivore can be found, how its diet determines its biology, th
Maneless and Prideless: Kenya's Solitary Lions
Amazing Wildlife is highlighting one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's eight areas of conservation focus: the Savanna hub! Hosts Rick and Marco are joined by Shivani Bhalla and Toby Otieno, two members of Ewaso Lions, a Lion conservation project located in northern Kenya. Our guests explain why some male lions in Kenya do not have manes—and live alone, rather than in prides. They also discuss t
Behind the Transformation: From Caterpillar to Butterfly
Welcome to Season 2 of Amazing Wildlife! Hosts Rick and Marco explore the fascinating and dynamic insects of Butterfly Jungle, open through May 14 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Lynn Fennema, senior wildlife care specialist in entomology at the San Diego Zoo, gives insight into the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly—including the difference between a chrysalis and a cocoon, the diff
Announcing Season 2 of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast
Amazing Wildlife is back for season 2 starting Friday March 24! From the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, new host Marco Wendt and Rick Schwartz dive deeper into conversation stories around the globe. Every other week, the wildlife ambassadors will speak to animal experts to unpack more fascinating topics and answer your scientific questions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Giant Panda: Black and White—and Loved All Over
Amazing Wildlife is spotlighting China’s national treasure that is beloved all over the world… the giant panda! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the theory of how this immediately recognizable animal got is black and white coloration, what is included in its diet in addition to bamboo, as well as their distinctive vocalizations. Later, the Alliance’s director of conservation science, Ron Swaisgood, Ph
Sloth Bear: Active Insect Eaters
Amazing Wildlife is traveling far east to highlight a bear with an interesting name… the sloth bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone discuss the different subspecies of these bears that don’t hibernate, its connection to the tree-dwelling sloth, the origin story of its name, and explore adjustments that sloth bears have made to avoid potential conflict. Late, Rick answers questions from a young listener abou
Brown Bear: North America’s Grizzly
They can be black, blond, gray, or different shades of brown, but their distinct shoulder hump gives them away. We’re highlighting the brown bear also known as the grizzly bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone uncover how the environment of the last of North America’s brown bear can affect its diet, sleep patterns, and size. Hali O'Connor, Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, later sits down to reveal little-kno
Sun Bear: Sun in the Trees
Today, Amazing Wildlife meets a bear that carries sunshine wherever it goes, the sun bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone examine the smallest member of the bear family and discuss how it got its unique name and how it has adapted for life in the trees. Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, Chris Torres, joins the show to share how experts create stimulating environments for sun bears at the San Diego Zoo. If yo
Axolotl: Mexico’s Metamorphosis
You may know the axolotl from a popular video game, but do you know the secret behind this amphibian’s infant-like smile? Hosts Rick and Ebone explore interesting facts about the axolotl, which is only found in Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco. Later, Amazing Wildlife welcomes a young listener very close to the show to share what she loves about the unique creature from its mating dance to its ability to
Chinese Giant Salamander: A Living Fossil
In today’s episode, Amazing Wildlife is talking all about the world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the world of this sleek and mysterious gill-less creature that can breath underwater because of its skin. Brett Baldwin, Associate Curator of Herpetology and Ichthyology, stops by to discuss efforts to stop illegal poaching of this critically endangere
Desert Tortoise: Star of the Southwest
For this episode, Amazing Wildlife is headed towards the Mojave Desert to spotlight a long-lived species known for its thick shell, the desert tortoise! Hosts Rick and Ebone reveal facts about these tortoises, including their surprising speed and why they are classified as a keystone species (meaning if you protect this species you’ll also protect several others). Melissa Merrick, Associate Direct
Rattlesnake: Venomous Viper
Amazing Wildlife is examining a species that oftentimes gets a bad rap, the rattlesnake! Hosts Rick and Ebone debunk myths about these predators and explain how to spot a rattlesnake and their defense mechanisms that are not intended to hurt humans. Through questions from our young listener, you’ll discover cool facts about rattlesnakes (which, surprisingly, are good swimmers) and why we need them
Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog: Restoring Ecosystem Balance
Amazing Wildlife highlights an animal found in high-elevation streams in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the mountain yellow-legged frog. Hosts Rick and Ebone uncover facts about California’s endemic species, including their unique sounds and the reason why scientists estimate there are fewer than 200 remaining in nature. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Research Coordinator, Leah Jacobs, joins the sh
Tuatara: Little Dragons
In this episode, we’re exploring New Zealand’s largest reptile and a species that is considered among the most unique wildlife in the world. We’re talking about the tuatara! Hosts Rick and Ebone discuss how these creatures have a “third eye” and why even though it looks like a lizard, its lineage traces back to the age of the dinosaurs. Later, Kim Gray, curator of herpetology and ichthyology, join
Chimpanzee: A Conversation with Dr. Jane Goodall
For this very special episode of Amazing Wildlife, join global phenomenon and world-renowned conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall, as she shares her lifelong passion for wildlife and her commitment to saving our natural world with Paul Baribault, President and Chief Executive Officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The two will sit down and chat about Jane’s lifelong commitment to conserving our
Kangaroo: Mighty Marsupials
Amazing Wildlife is spotlighting one of Australia's most beloved endemic species... the kangaroo! This plant eating marsupial is known for its many familiar characteristics from its powerful kick to the female’s joey toting pouches. Hosts Ebone Monet and Rick Schwartz explore the marsupial’s lesser-known species, features and behaviors. Later, a young listener has
Tasmanian Devil: Ghosts of Tasmania
What is a carnivorous and endangered marsupial? In this episode, Amazing Wildlife explores what makes the Tasmanian Devil so fascinating. Hosts Ebone Monet and Rick Schwartz discuss the history behind the creature’s unique name, the role they play in their habitat, and the breeding program to introduce the population outside of Tasmania. Later, Cora Singleton joins the show to give insight about
Cassowary: Dino Birds
For this episode, Amazing Wildlife ventures to the tropical forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia to showcase one of the world’s largest birds… the cassowary. Hosts Ebone and Rick uncover why this threatened species is so important to its forest habitats, how they resemble dinosaurs, and the unique coloring of their eggs. They also unpack why these flightless birds hold the
Matschie's Tree Kangaroo: Ghosts of the Forest
For this episode of Amazing Wildlife, we’re traveling to the cloud forests of the island of Papua New Guinea to find an animal found nowhere else in the world! Locals call Matschie’s tree kangaroos “ghosts of the forest” because they are so hard to spot and move quickly. Hosts Rick and Ebone discuss how this kangaroo is uniquely adapted for climbing trees and how zoos are working together to save
Platypus: A Duck-billed, Egg-laying Mammal
The animal explored in this episode is so unusual that when it was first discovered by European explorers, they had a hard time convincing scientists it was real! We’re talking about the one and only platypus. Hosts Rick and Ebone reveal some cool facts about this egg-laying mammal and detail the journey on how the San Diego Zoo became the only zoo outside Australia to house platypuses.
Okapi: Africa’s Unicorn
This Amazing Wildlife episode is all about a beautiful and unusual mammal found only in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo… the Okapi! Hosts Rick and Ebone find out how this species, which is the only living relative of the giraffe, manages to blend in with surroundings in their native habitat and explore their different vocalizations and social dynamic. Later, senior wildlife
Recommended
SLOW ENGLISH PODCAST (A1-A2) With Subtitles | Daily Videos | English With Us Podcast
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
پلی لیست | PlayList
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
Dateline NBC
Back to the 80s Radio
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Bible Tea
این نقطه
