The All Creatures Podcast

This episode was first released in 2021 and now we are bringing back an icon of Australia! The kookaburra, one of Australia’s most iconic birds, is famous for its infectious laugh that echoes through the bush at dawn and dusk. While the Laughing Kookaburra remains listed as Least Concern and thrives across much of eastern Australia, recent surveys show local declines—mainly due to habitat loss and the removal of old trees with nesting hollows. Ecologically, they play a vital role as top insect and small-animal predators, helping keep ecosystems balanced. Beyond their ecological importance, kookaburras are woven into Australian culture as a symbol of the wild bush spirit—adaptable, bold, and endlessly entertaining. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. 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 mont

This week we are honoring the Legacy of Jane Goodall and the animal she showed the world was more than just an animal, the Chimpanzee. In this heartfelt episode, Chris and Angie pay tribute to the legendary Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. They delve into Goodall's profound impact on primatology, conservation, and the broader understanding of animal behavior. The hosts discuss their personal encounters with Goodall, reflecting on her inspiring legacy and expressing their own emotional connections to her work. They emphasize the importance of continued efforts to protect chimpanzees, highlighting the Jane Goodall Institute and its various initiatives aimed at conservation and education. The episode also explores chimpanzee behavior, social structures, and the critical need for their conservation in the face of rapidly declining populations. Podcast Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Jane Goodall 03:30 Jane Goodall's Impact and Legacy 09:50 Chimpanzee Behavior and Perso

Back to our vault for an episode on the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), one of Europe and Asia’s most elusive and awe-inspiring predators. With its signature tufted ears, powerful build, and ghost-like movement through dense forests, this big cat symbolizes the wild heart of the Old World. Once nearly wiped out across much of Europe due to hunting and habitat loss, the Eurasian lynx has made an incredible comeback in some regions thanks to decades of conservation and reintroduction programs. Today, the Eurasian lynx is listed as Least Concern globally by the IUCN, but many local populations remain threatened or endangered. In Western and Central Europe, their survival depends on continued protection of old-growth forests, healthy prey populations, and reduced human persecution. Sadly, illegal hunting and poaching still occur in several countries, often driven by conflict with livestock farmers or trophy hunting traditions. Despite these challenges, the lynx is a success story in rewilding—its quiet return to fo

This week, we’re diving back into the mysterious world of one of the ocean’s strangest and most elusive creatures — the Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni). Often called the “living fossil” of the shark world, this deep-sea predator looks like something out of a nightmare — or a prehistoric past — with its long, flattened snout and lightning-fast, extendable jaws. Found in the dark depths of the ocean, often below 1,000 meters, the Goblin Shark is rarely seen by humans, making every encounter a glimpse into the ancient lineage of sharks that have survived for over 125 million years. While Goblin Sharks are not currently considered endangered, their deep-sea habitat means they are vulnerable to bycatch from deepwater fisheries and the impacts of deep-sea mining and pollution. Like all sharks, they play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by keeping prey populations balanced and the food web stable. Protecting these incredible animals — even those we rarely see — is essential for preserving

**Just a heads up, this interview discusses adult content and may trigger some. Also, would say not approrpriate for younger listeners, but such an important discussion on the coffee industry** Chris welcomes Etelle Higonnet an environmental and human rights activist with a JD from Yale Law School. The conversation delves into the interconnectedness of human rights and environmental issues, highlighting the destructive impact of various industries, particularly focusing on the coffee industry. Etelle discusses their work with organizations like Greenpeace and Human Rights Watch and introduces Coffee Watch, an initiative aimed at curbing deforestation, ensuring ethical practices, and achieving living incomes for farmers and workers in the coffee industry. They emphasize the power of consumer action, the importance of ethical purchasing, and the effectiveness of petitions and activism in driving corporate and legislative change. Listeners are encouraged to become 'sustainable coffee ninjas' to help transfor

Back to the vault with another special animal. Opossums may not always get the love they deserve, but these remarkable marsupials are some of the coolest animals in North America. With their prehensile tails, opposable thumbs, and sharp survival skills, opossums thrive in environments ranging from forests to city backyards. They play a crucial ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew—eating carrion, insects, and even ticks by the thousands, helping control pests and prevent the spread of disease. Beyond their ecological importance, opossums have fascinating adaptations: they’re immune to most snake venom, can “play dead” as a defense, and are expert climbers. While often misunderstood, these gentle creatures are vital for healthy ecosystems and deserve more appreciation than they often receive. Tune in to learn why opossums are much more than meets the eye. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "go

Chris and Angie dive into the fascinating world of the white-tailed deer. Initially underestimated, this episode reveals how ubiquitous and crucial this species is across the Americas, marked as one of the best conservation success stories. Growing up in the US, Chris took the species for granted, but this episode sheds light on their immense ecological importance, versatility, and adaptability across various biomes. They discuss how white-tailed deer populations once faced near extinction in the 19th century and bounced back due to rigorous conservation efforts, now numbering over 30 million in North America alone. Unfortunately, overpopulation in certain areas poses new challenges, including disease spread and ecological impact. Angie passionately explains the intricacies of antler growth, shedding, and the physiological marvels of the species. The episode also touches on subspecies like the endangered Florida Key Deer. Listeners are encouraged to get involved with local conservation efforts, visit area

A re-release of a favorite, coyotes are one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals in North America. Known as the “song dogs” of the wild, these resilient canids have adapted to almost every environment on the continent from deserts and prairies to suburbs and big cities. In this episode, we dive deep into: The ecological importance of coyotes – how they keep rodent and rabbit populations in check, help balance ecosystems, and even shape the behavior of other wildlife. Why coyotes face persecution – from bounties and predator-control programs to misconceptions that paint them as pests or villains, we examine the history of human conflict with coyotes. What makes coyotes incredible – their intelligence, family bonds, adaptability, and iconic howls that define the soundscape of North America. Conservation lessons – why understanding and coexisting with coyotes is critical for healthier ecosystems and for changing the way we view predators. Coyotes remind us that nature is

Chris welcomes back filmmaker Bertie Gregory to discuss his latest documentary 'Dolphins Up Close.' Known for his breathtaking wildlife cinematography, Bertie shares the intense and chaotic experience of capturing dolphins, sharks, and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. The conversation delves into the technical challenges of underwater filming, the behavioral insights observed, and the conservation success stories in the Azores. Bertie also reflects on the importance of combining skill and composure to document such extraordinary events and the significance of celebrating wildlife preservation successes. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:15 Birdie Gregory's Return and Orca Sequences 02:48 Dolphins Up Close: Filmmaking Challenges 03:25 Capturing the Chaos: Bait Balls and Predators 05:25 Filming Techniques and Challenges 10:15 Dolphins as Predators 12:35 The Azores: A Marine Protected Area 14:53 Chasing Dolphins: Techniques and Experiences 19:57 Shearwaters and Their Impressiv

We’re going back into the archives to revisit one of our favorite species, the iconic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). These charismatic marine mammals have captured human fascination for centuries with their intelligence, playfulness, and close social bonds. In this episode, we explore: The biology and unique adaptations of bottlenose dolphins. Their complex communication, echolocation, and problem-solving abilities. What they eat and how they hunt as cooperative groups. The important role they play in ocean ecosystems. The major threats they face, from fishing gear entanglements to noise pollution and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts working to protect dolphin populations around the world. Although this episode first aired four years ago, the conservation challenges remain just as pressing today. By revisiting it, we hope to renew awareness of the importance of protecting bottlenose dolphins and the marine environments they call home. Join us as we dive back into the

Chris and Angie welcome Bill Wallauer, a renowned videographer and scientific advisor for the Jane Goodall Institute, to discuss his extensive work documenting chimpanzee behavior. Bill has been instrumental in capturing thousands of hours of footage, contributing to major productions like BBC's Planet Earth and Disney's Jane Goodall: The Hope. He shares his unique journey into the field, his experiences with Jane Goodall, and valuable insights into the emotional and complex behavior of chimpanzees. The conversation also delves into the challenges of conservation, the importance of local community involvement, and the remarkable impact of Jane Goodall's initiatives like the Roots and Shoots program. This episode highlights the blend of science, storytelling, and community-based efforts crucial for advancing conservation and inspiring future generations. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:09 Meet Bill Auer: Conservation Hero 01:32 Bill's Early Life and Influences 04:58 Journey to Jane

We revisit one of the most fascinating yet misunderstood primates on Earth: the Slow Loris. With their wide eyes and seemingly gentle demeanor, slow lorises have captured global attention, but behind their cuteness lies a powerful venom and a story of conservation urgency. We explore why slow lorises are critically threatened in the wild, the dangers of the illegal pet trade, and the heartbreaking consequences of their popularity on social media. Chris and Angie dive into the loris’ unique venom system—the only primate known to have one—how it works, and why it evolved. Beyond their venom and big-eyed appeal, we highlight the vital role slow lorises play in their ecosystems as pollinators and insect controllers. Most importantly, we discuss why these primates should never be kept as pets and what you can do to support their survival in the wild. Join us for this re-release as we shed light on the hidden truths of the slow loris and the urgent need for conservation action. ============================

The Gobi bear (Ursus arctos gobiensis) is the rarest bear in the world, with fewer than 40 individuals surviving in the wild. Found only in Mongolia’s Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, these desert specialists endure brutal summers and freezing winters on one of Earth’s harshest landscapes. In this episode, Chris and Angie explore the Gobi bear’s adaptations, ecology, and precarious future. We discuss their differences from other brown bears, why their numbers have plummeted, and how human pressures like mining and climate change put them on the edge of extinction. Inspired by the Apple TV+ series The Wild Ones and an interview with Aldo Kane, we also highlight the conservation heroes working tirelessly to protect this species and what listeners can do to help. Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction and The Wild Ones inspiration 03:00 Meet the Gobi Bear: The World’s Rarest Bear 07:30 Comparison to Other Brown Bears 10:30 Historical Range and Current Habitat in the Gobi Desert 15:30 Ecological Importance: R

Going back to the vault of 2018, we revisit the story of one of the rarest and most endearing animals on Earth, the Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis). Sometimes called the “magic rabbit,” this small, furry mammal lives high in the remote Tien Shan mountains of northwestern China. With its rounded ears and teddy-bear-like face, the Ili Pika has captured global attention since its discovery in 1983. But despite its charm, little is known about this elusive species. For decades, scientists struggled to find and study it in the wild. Sightings are so rare that the Ili Pika has been nicknamed the “gobi desert ghost.” Sadly, habitat loss from climate change, overgrazing, and human disturbance has caused populations to plummet. Today, the Ili Pika is listed as Endangered, with fewer than 1,000 believed to remain in the wild. In this episode, we explore the history of its discovery, what makes this pika so unique compared to its cousins, and the challenges conservationists face in protecting it. Most importantly, we dis

Chris and Angie dive into the remarkable world of the maned wolf, a unique canid species native to South America. They discuss its distinct appearance, which resembles a fox on stilts, and explore its extraordinary behaviors, such as its fruit-rich diet and surprising symbiotic relationships with leaf cutter ants. The episode also covers conservation efforts and the urgent environmental issues affecting the Amazon rainforest, where the maned wolf resides. With detailed insights into the maned wolf’s evolution, physiology, and reproduction, this episode emphasizes the importance of protecting this remarkable species and its habitat. [Apologies on Chris's audio this episode. We will be switching the recording platform we have used for many years as it is no longer suitable due to changes they have made] Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast 00:29 Meet the Maned Wolf: A Unique Canid 01:10 Physical Characteristics of the Maned Wolf 07:42 Habitat and Distribution 09:59 Conservation Chall

This week, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular episodes on one of the most legendary snakes on the planet – the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus). These massive serpents, found throughout South America’s wetlands and rivers, have captured human imagination for centuries. Known as the heaviest snake in the world, they are masters of stealth and strength. But beyond their sheer size and reputation, the green anaconda plays an important role in keeping ecosystems balanced. In this episode, we cover: Conservation Status: While not currently listed as endangered, green anacondas face pressures from habitat destruction, hunting, and the loss of healthy wetlands. Understanding their status helps us see the bigger picture of Amazonian conservation. Ecological Importance: As apex predators, anacondas regulate populations of capybaras, caimans, fish, and even birds. By keeping prey numbers in check, they maintain the delicate balance of South American river ecosystems. Fascinating Physiology:

In this special collaborative episode, hosts Chris and Angie of the All Creatures Podcast join forces with Natalie and Coral from Planet People Podcast, reflecting on their podcasting journey, conservation stories, and generational perspectives on environmentalism. They discuss their inspirations, notable guest interviews, impactful wildlife species, and documentaries like David Attenborough's 'The Ocean' while sharing their hopes and optimism for the future. Key segments include practical conservation actions, the role of community-based conservation, and memorable episodes detailing fascinating creatures. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Podcast Origins 03:00 Podcasting Evolution and Competition 03:33 Introducing Planet People Podcast 05:09 Generational Perspectives on Conservation 06:56 Meet the Hosts: Coral and Natalie 09:01 Meet the Hosts: Angie and Chris 10:42 The Journey of All Creatures Podcast 14:23 Generational Impact on Conservation 15:25 Personal Conservation Stories 35:41 Defining Cons

Chris and Angie delve into the fascinating world of the Portuguese Man of War. They tackle the complexity of this invertebrate, sharing detailed insights from their in-depth research. Listeners will learn that the Portuguese Man of War is not a jellyfish but a colonial organism composed of multiple genetically identical polyps. The hosts discuss its unique physiology, venom, and the role it plays in marine ecosystems. The episode also covers the challenges these creatures face due to climate change and warming oceans. Additionally, Chris and Angie provide crucial safety tips for encounters with the Portuguese Man of War and recommend organizations dedicated to ocean conservation. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Hosts 02:06 Diving into the Portuguese Man of War 02:40 Research and Preparation 03:09 Physiology and Structure 03:50 Challenges and Learning 06:01 Ecological Role and Importance 18:42 Climate Change Impact 29:45 Comparing Jellyfish and Man of War 39:14 Classification and Evolution 45:49

We are releasing an oldie but goodie! The Blue-Footed Booby is one of six "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. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. 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 al

We first released this in 2018 but their story is just as important today as it was then. We take you deep into the African savannah to explore the life and legacy of one of the world's most iconic animals: the African lion (Panthera leo). Once found across much of the African continent and parts of Asia and Europe, African lions now inhabit less than 10% of their historic range. With fewer than 20,000 individuals left in the wild, they are officially classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, with some regional populations critically endangered. Join us as we explore: The history of the African lion and its cultural significance across Africa and beyond The major threats facing lions today — from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict to poaching and unsustainable trophy hunting The role of protected areas, community-based conservation, and ecotourism in lion recovery Fascinating facts about lion behavior, hunting strategies, social structures, and that unmistakable roar heard up to 5 m