The All Creatures Podcast

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 south as the the northern portions of South America. Generally, all four species of Basilisk are not in crisis, yet. Central America is a global conservation hot spot, as habitat destruction has pushed many species to the brink. We talk about this and more. This week is everything Basilisk and learning about just how they can walk on water is mind blowing and we feel privileged to share this knowledge with you.  HERE is just one of the many videos available showing a Basilisk running on water  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

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 Conservation at Brigham Young University, she has been dedicated to teaching people all about the value of wildlife. Prior to her role at the Austin Zoo, Hope worked at Utah’s Hogle Zoo and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium as an educator. We spend an amazing hour talking about how the unique Austin Zoo started off as a rescue. Then Hope talks about her experience with founding the Texas Lobo Coalition and efforts to preserve the Mexican wolf.  You can learn more about the Texas Lobo Coalition HERE You can learn more about the Austin Zoo HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 spirituality and what drove her to write her new book, "Sacred Sendoffs: An Animal Chaplain's Advice for Surviving Animal Loss, Making Life Meaningful, & Trying to Heal the Planet." This is another special interview exploring a topic we have never discussed before in this podcast in trying to understand our deep connections to our planet.  You can learn more about Sarah Bowen by visiting her website HERE You can learn more about her latest book Sacred Sendoffs HERE       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 his wildlife adventures. Jeff is now working with the incredible Defenders of Wildlife organization to showcase the many imperiled species in North America. For us, it was a real treat to speak with Jeff, as it is not often you get to pick the brain of one of the world's most recognized faces in animal conservation. Jeff has an illustrious career and you can learn more about him off his own Wiki page HERE Please check out the Defenders of Wildlife website HERE You can learn more about Jeff Corwin's collaboration with the Defenders of Wildlife HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 for their intelligence and we share what researchers around the world have learned from them. As well as, a few crow species, such as the Hawaiian Crow are endangered. In fact, the Hawaiian Crow is extinct in the wild and just barely hanging on with the help of conservationist. We tell their story and more. Yet, here is just a fun and enlightening episode on the Crow.  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 P

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 we do know, will fascinate you. This week we talk about everything Leopard Seals and also have a brief chat about the "Doomsday Glacier," which we all need to be made aware of.  For those interested, as mentioned in the podcast, the NOAA Sea Level Riser Viewer can be accessed 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 mu

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 with guest Ivan Carter in Episode 108, that conservationists have now returned twelve cheetahs to the same region. He also talks about the challenges of rehoming this many cheetahs and its impact on the Marromeu-Coutada Complex. With the Cabela Family Foundation's support, this region of the Zambeze Delta is now thriving with wildlife.  You can learn more about the Twelve Cheetah Project in this YouTube video HERE You can learn more about the Cabela Family Foundation and their work HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the jaws of the massive Nile Crocodile.  This is a special one! We go in depth on just how and why they migrate and cover everything else Wildebeest. This is must listen to! Everyone who can in their life needs to try and get to Africa to see this majestic beasts, the Wildebeest, in their native range.  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 so

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 suffering and slipping towards extinction. Thankfully, these West African natives are a focus for many conservation efforts and their story is one to be told. By telling their story, all of us can bring awareness to these special animals and do all we can to help save them.  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

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 animals. Dr. Kriger founded Save the Frogs in 2008 and ever since he has been a global leader in the effort to save frogs and many other species. He is a true inspiration who is working day in and day out to help our planet.  Please visit Save the Frogs HERE and learn more about Dr. Kriger and his foundations works.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 predator, they play a critical role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. You can learn more this week about them and without doubt they are a fan favorite.  We dedicate this episode to Rachael from the UK who has been helping us with our website. Please check out her animal artwork and giver her a follow on Instagram at Tilly_Mint08 Also, you can read her write ups on our website 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 Bo

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 Little Blue or Fairy Penguins will capture your hearts. They have carved out an important ecological niche down in our southern oceans and need our attention if they are to survive. Listen to this week's episode to learn how these flightless birds live and differ from their larger cousins.  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

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.  To learn more about Dr. Grant, from her website which you can access HERE it states: Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist with an expertise in uncovering how human activity influences carnivore behavior and ecology. In particular, she focuses on the ecological and social drivers of human-carnivore conflict. Her current field system encompasses the central coast of California where she is studying the unique ecology of carnivores in coastal zones, as well as the role of protected areas in connectivity of high quality habitat for large carnivores. Her previous research questions surrounded the ecological drivers of human-carnivore conflict with grizzly bea

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 are a species showcasing how conservation can and does work. Snow Geese are incredible birds that nest in the Arctic and winter in the southern reaches of North America. The Snow Goose also shows us these birds are much smarter than we give them credit for.  From us to you, we want to thank you for listening and supporting our podcast over the years. We hope everyone listening has a wonderful end to this trying and difficult 2021. We are looking forward to a better 2022!! Happy Holidays! Credit also to Love to Sing for their 12 Days of Christmas song  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 history, conservation, why they are considered pests in Australia, some of their folklore and so much more. Much of this is in his new book The Way of the Rabbit, which is a must read if you have the slightest interest in these special animals.  You can learn more about Mark Hawthorne by visiting his website HERE You can learn more about The Way of the Rabbit by visiting HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 our complex ecosystem food webs. Many do not realize just how much these animals are in danger. In fact, many species of rabbits and hares are in trouble and populations are trending downwards. For the Snowshoe Hare, climate change is a real threat and is starting to have dire consequences. We cover this and much more with another amazing species with an amazing story to tell.  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

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 animal. They stretch from Norway all across Siberia, then down into China and beyond. They have a special niche and are a critical predator for many biomes. In fact, Lynx is also playing another critical role in helping us understand better strategies for reintroducing predators to their environment. Another fun cat species to learn about and one to keep an eye on.  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

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 organizations, with help from the South African government, are working hard to save these special creatures. Seahorses overall are just an awe inspiring species of fish. They just blew us with their physiology and life cycle. In fact, these by far are some of the most dedicated fathers you will find anywhere across all taxa. In fact, male seahorses "give birth" and with some other facts, make seahorses some of the most unique animals found on our planet.  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 s

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 environment as important herbivores. They also have some very surprising physiology and behaviors that held us in wonder. A fun fact is, a group of Wombats is also known as a "Wisdom of Wombats." Another fun species to learn about.  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 conservati

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 with their aim, with a reach of nearly 10 feet (3 meters). The smell is so horrendous that most predators avoid them at all costs. In fact, skunks are rarely preyed upon by other mammals. There are so many more fun facts about these black and white stinkers that this week's podcast is well worth a listen.  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