All Creatures Podcast

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 ar…

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 …

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 sightin…

Sarah Woodard is an award-winning author of multiple children's books focused on activism. We often talk about the next generation and how they will be vital in helping to reverse the extinction crisis, global climate change, and other critical topics focused on protecting our wildlife. Sarah has multiple books introducing these topics and more in …

One of the most well recognized whale species in our oceans has to be the Humpback Whale. From their acrobatics in the water to their melodic acoustics under the seas, Humpbacks amaze us. It is not too well known that Humpbacks were nearly hunted to extinction in the 20th Century and only survive today due to the ban on international whaling and fo…

This week we welcome Dr. Richard Dawkins to discuss his latest book, Flights of Fancy Defying Gravity by Design & Evolution. We were both thrilled to speak with one of the world's best known evolutionary biologists and science communicators. Dr. Dawkins is well known for his advocacy for science and on of the world's leading scientific authors. We …

For this week we wanted to return to some of our special kids episodes. Particularly, we welcome Zoe who is 5 years old and from Texas. Zoe shares with us all her knowledge about one of her favorite species, the Red Ruffed Lemur! Zoe also shares with us her other favorite animals, especially the Red Panda and turtles. It is amazing to listen to the…

Basilisks are some of the most charismatic reptiles currently living on our planet. Yet, not really known for their beauty, but rather more for their incredible ability to literally run across water. There are four species of Basilisk whose primary ranges are in Central America, with some ranging as far north as Mexico, and some ranging as far sout…

This week we welcome Hope Carr. She is the Education Manager at Austin Zoo, as well as the founder and chairperson of the Texas Lobo Coalition, a non-profit dedicated to the restoration of the Mexican wolf to West Texas. Hope has been drawn to wild animals and wild places her entire life, and since earning her bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conserva…

This week we are excited to speak with Animal Chaplain and author Sarah Bowen. Sarah has grown up with a deep love and connection to animals and nature. So much so, that is led her in a direction of exploring spirituality, our connection with animals of all types, and the wonderous landscape we and they live in. We discuss many topics related to sp…

This week we welcome one of our greatest conservation heroes, Jeff Corwin. We were thrilled to spend an hour with Jeff in between filming of his latest show, Wildlife Nation, which is now airing on ABC in the USA. Jeff Corwin as a wildlife biologist and conservationist has spent the last three decades educating and entertaining many millions with h…

Out of all the bird species we have covered, Crows have to be one of the most sensational and intelligent. While we do debate on just who the "smartest" bird species in the world is, Crows are without doubt near the top. These amazing flying animals just prove we have so much to learn about them and nature. Crows continue to be thoroughly studied f…

We go back to the ocean and way down under to Antarctica to cover a top predator, the Leopard Seal. Besides Orcas, nothing can match this top dog of our southern oceans. Leopard Seals are notorious for hunting penguins, as well as other small and medium sized animals. Yet, they have so much mystery about them and are very much understudied. Of what…

This week we speak with Dan Cabela about the ambitious Twelve Cheetah Project. Dan is representing the Cabela Family Foundation, who has given significant support to the rehabilitation of the Marromeu-Coutada Complex in the Zambeze Delta region in Mozambique. Dan tells us the story of how after the success of the 24-Lion project, which we covered w…

What can we say about one of Africa's most iconic animals, the Wildebeest, the Gnu. They are just legends. Their mass migrations across Eastern Africa have created some of the most intense predator vs. prey footage ever seen . These rugged survivors not only outrun Lions and Hyenas on the planes, often they are seen leaping and escaping death from …

With as few as 2000 Pygmy Hippos left in the world, we are losing one of natures often forgotten large herbivores. Though one tenth the size of their larger cousins the Common Hippopotamus, the Pygmy Hippo is no small runt. Weighing in as much as 600 lbs. (275 kg), they are still a force to be reckoned with. Yet, this shy and elusive herbivore is s…

Amphibians are one of the most endangered class of animals on our planet. Throughout the world, many species of frogs, toads, newts and other amphibians are racing towards extinction. It is a true planetary crisis and catastrophe. Fortunately, we true conservation heroes like Dr. Kerry Kriger, who works each and every day to save these important an…

A beloved big cat, Snow Leopards are sadly slipping towards extinction. Yet, there is hope. With possibly less than 3900 Snow Leopards left in the wild, efforts are underway to save these big charismatic cats. As one of the big 5 species of big cats, Snow Leopards live in some of the most remote alpine environments on our planet. As the apex predat…

To kick off 2022 we travel to New Zealand and Australia to cover the world's smallest penguin. The Little Blue Penguin, or also called the Fairy Penguin or just Little Penguin, is as fascinating as it is cute. Sadly, the Little Blue Penguin's numbers are decreasing and are under incredible pressure. Penguins of all sizes are captivating but these L…

We are excited to chat with scientist and all around conservation rock star Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant. Outside of her scientific career and advocacy for wildlife, Dr. Grant is also the host to PBS's latest podcast titled "Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant." You can learn more about her podcast and observations from the field by visiting the website HERE.…

As we continue to celebrate our holiday animals, this week we cover the elegant Snow Goose. A group of Snow Geese are actually known as an "avalanche" or "blizzard." In the early and mid-20th century, the Snow Goose and many other waterfowl were heading towards extinction in North America. With focused conservation, these birds have rebounded and a…

We welcome author Mark Hawthorne on the podcast to discuss everything about rabbits. We often do not realize just how much rabbits influence our daily lives. They are woven into so many of our own cultures and are actually living near many of us in most areas of the world. Mark shares his vast knowledge on rabbits, giving insights into their histor…

One of nature's most crafty survivalist, the Snowshoe Hare, has evolved to change its coat to match its environment. White in the winter, and brown in the summer, Snowshoe Hairs blend in to avoid becoming a meal. Hares differ from rabbits in many ways, but as lagomorphs, they are some of natures most important animals. They serve a critical role in…

A species often forgotten about but captures the imagination of many is the Lynx. There are actually four species of Lynx, and this week we focus on the Eurasian Lynx. However, we do pay some attention to the endangered Iberian Lynx, who has made a remarkable comeback in Spain. The Eurasian Lynx has one of the largest ranges of any terrestrial anim…

The Cape Seahorse, also called the Knysna Seahorse, is located off the southern African coast. Sadly, the Cape Seahorse is one of the most endangered species of seahorse found in the world. Off the coast of South Africa, they are located in three small estuaries and due to human activity are heading towards extinction. Fortunately, many organizatio…

This week we travel back to Australia to cover one of their most beloved species and highly endangered Wombat. First, the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat is actually one of the most endangered mammals in the world. With only around 300 animals left, they are close to extinction. Wombats are marsupials and play such a critical role to the Australian env…

Skunks invoke fear in many animals, to include many people. This is not due to their obviously adorable looks, but all because of their deadly stink. Skunks have evolved a biological weapon that scares even the most ferocious predator. Their obnoxious stink comes from a highly accurate spray emitted from their anal glands. They are quite accurate w…

Dr. John Vucetich is a professor and scientist at Michigan Tech University. For the past few decades Dr. Vucetich has studied wolf and moose interactions on one of the world's most unique biomes, Isle Royale in the United States. Isle Royale is a very unique biome as it is mainly isolated from the mainland of North America. It also offers many uniq…

One of the many incredible and unique birds of New Guinea is the Dracula Parrot. This unique psittacine (sit-a-scene) or "parrot" is the only one left alive in its family. In fact, the Dracula Parrot is heading towards extinction as it is sought for its feathers and is losing its pristine habitat. The Dracula Parrot does not have a fearsome reputat…

The Aye Aye is one of the world's most misunderstood and endangered primates. Native to Madagascar, Aye Ayes have been targeted and killed by locals due to superstitions. Coupled with massive loss of habitat and other pressures, this species is on a beeline towards extinction. The Aye Aye is also one of the world's most unique primates and has radi…

When you think of your typical songbird, you probably imagine a cute small bird fluttering about. Singing their songs and maybe catching a few insects here and there. Well, the Loggerhead Shrike has something to teach you. Not all songbirds are innocent. The Loggerhead Shrike is often called a "butcher bird" for its unique diet and behaviors. See t…

Born Free USA was founded in 2002. In 1966, Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers starred in the classic wildlife film Born Free. The film told the true story of conservationists Joy and George Adamson who rescued a lioness cub named Elsa and successfully returned her to the wild. The mission of Born Free USA states that their vision is a co-existent f…

We kick off our "Spooky October" with a unique creature of the deep, the Goblin Shark. While grotesque looking to some, this predator serves a critical role in helping our ocean ecosystem stay healthy. Not only is this shark freaky looking, it has some incredible physiology unseen in other species of sharks. In fact, the Goblin Shark is one of the …

With less than 80 animals left in the world, the Sumatran Rhino is one of the world's most endangered rhino species. Only the Javan Rhino with estimates of maybe 60 animals is as close to extinction. Both Angie and Chris were very fortunate to meet up close one the these highly endangered mammals back in 2011. Harapan, one of 3 Sumatran Rhinos born…

We all are aware of the ecological crisis we find ourselves in. This week we interview Dr. Amanda Romo, who is a professor and Director of the Learning Center at East Los Angeles College. Realizing the need to inform and educate the next generation on our world, she turned to the All Creatures Podcast as a learning tool for her students. In our int…

Raccoons are a beloved species native to the Americas. These smaller carnivores are known for their high intelligence and incredible dexterity. You also might be surprised to learn Raccoons have been introduced to Europe and also Japan. They are now well established in these regions of the world. Additionally, while Raccoons as a whole are doing qu…

We once again head down under to Australia to cover one of its most iconic birds, the Laughing Kookaburra. With its extremely unique call, the Kookaburra is a favorite the world over. From the Family of kingfishers, Kookaburra's are an important species to the Australian continent and are also found in Papa New Guinea. The Laughing Kookaburra is th…

One of the more iconic mammals of Australia, this week we cover the Dingo. As a member of the Canid family, Dingos are technically not native to Australia. Rather, they were introduced by humans thousands of years ago. However, Dingos have remained relatively untouched from human interference for thousands of years. Today Dingos play a critical rol…

The Rocky Mountain Goat seems to defy gravity. They can scale and leap with ease across some of the most intense terrain on earth. What is especially interesting is the Rocky Mountain Goat is not a true "goat" but rather a "goat antelope." They also are the largest mammal that lives and survives at some of our highest altitudes, as well as in some …

We are so excited to have one of the world's foremost orangutan experts, Leif Cocks, on to discuss the peril of one of our most beloved primates. Leif is the founder and president of The Orangutan Project. From there website it states, The Orangutan Project was established in 1998 by founder and world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks, as a res…

We are back in Asia to chat about another big cat heading towards extinction, the Clouded Leopard. These magnificent cats are the oldest of the modern big cats and some of the most beautiful. Native to southern and south-eastern Asia, Clouded Leopards are facing extinction. much like big cousins the Tiger. Clouded Leopards are a special animal, wit…

Douglas Chadwick has led an incredible career as a wildlife biologist and author. He has written 14 books and more than 200 articles for multiple magazines to include National Geographic. In fact, he was with National Geographic for over 35 years. Doug brings insight into our natural world like none other. He has traveled all over the world and has…

While tuna is a fish many eat around the world, these fish are heading towards extinction. This is especially true of the most prized Bluefin Tuna. In fact, one 600 lb. Bluefin Tuna sold for $3 million USD at a market in Japan making this fish one highly sought after. The result is, Bluefin Tuna now number only 3.3% of their historic population. Th…

Dr. Kini Roelser is another amazing award winner from the prestigious Whitley Fund for Nature. Dr. Roelser is working hard to save the critically endangered Hooded Grebe and other wildlife on the Patagonia Steppe. The Hooded Grebe was only discovered in the 1970s and has suffered a dramatic 80% decline in their population over the last 20 years. Dr…

Dr. David Shiffman is a shark biologist who has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of sharks in our oceans. He is currently in South Florida, where he is working to understand sharks better, particularly off the coast of Miami in Biscayane Bay. He is also heavily involved in public outreach through his multiple social media channels. …

We continue to cover species from the ocean during this Plastic Free July with the Great Hammerhead Shark. There are 9 species of hammerhead sharks, all are on a trajectory to extinction. Alarmingly, the largest of the family, the Great Hammerhead, is critically endangered. Due to the pressures of overfishing, shark finning, by catch, and others, t…

Pedro Fruet was recently awarded the prestigious Whitley Award from the Whitley Fund for Nature. The endangered Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphin is only one of two subspecies of the Common Bottlenose dolphin. They have an estimated population of only around 600 individuals left in world off the coast of Argentina and southern Brazil and Uruguay. Pedro …

As we observe 'Plastic Free July," we return to the ocean to learn about the much loved Bottlenose Dolphin. We are always blown away by these special aquatic mammals. Dolphins are recognized as incredibly intelligent mammals and in this week's podcast we especially focus on their incredible behaviors. You will not want to miss it. Also, most are no…

Dr. Paula Kahumbu is one of the most recognized woman working in conservation in Africa. She was recently awarded the incredibly prestigious Whitley Gold Award for all her hard work in preserving wildlife in Africa. Dr. Kahumbu was instrumental in helping to curb the ivory trade in Kenya. She hosts a television show, Wildlife Warriors, that is one …

This week we head back to Africa to cover one of their more endearing primates, the Bush Baby. Specifically, we are covering the critically endangered Rhondo Dwarf Bush Baby. There are approximately 20 different species of Bush Baby in Africa, which are also called Galagos and resemble some of our earliest primate ancestors. The Rhondo Dwarf Bush b…