The All Creatures Podcast

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

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 unique scientific perspectives on wolf/moose interactions and their impact on the environment. Dr. Vucetich also discusses his latest book Restoring the Balance: What Wolves Tell Us About Our Relationship With Nature, which highlights much of his work. This week's podcast is a fascinating insight into the life of a field scientist studying the lives of wolves and moose on Isle Royale.  You can learn more about Dr. John Vucetich HERE You can learn more about his book HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 reputation as it name might suggest. Rather, it is a frugivore that is a fig specialist. They are highly selective and usually feed on a few fig species, making them very important for their ecological niche. Parrots are also some of the most highly intelligent animals on our planet. They are amazing birds and very worth learning more 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

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 radical physiology compared to other primates. Sadly, Madagascar has had a horrific year with not only the covid pandemic, but is experiencing one of the worst famines in their modern times. Thankfully, conservationists from around the globe and within Madagascar are responding in a fight to save species like the Aye Aye.  This unique animal has so much to teach us and deserves our attention and help.  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,

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 the Loggerhead Shrike hunts all sorts of prey, small reptiles, amphibians, insects, mammals and even other birds. Then, when they catch their prey, they like to fly and spike it on a twig, fence, or anything that will hold their food. Sometimes they let their food spiked for days before they eat it. This cute bird has astounded the scientific and bird watching community for years, and is one you want to learn more 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 po

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 future where humans no longer exploit wild animals. The further state they are working to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Dr. Liza Tyson is the Program Director of Born Free USA and spent time with us discussing her and Born Free USA's work.  You can learn more about Born Free USA by visiting their website HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 oldest known species of sharks in our oceans. It has been described as a "living fossil" and is a 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 conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE    

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 at the Cincinnati Zoo, was held at a conservation center in Florida, and was returned to Sumatra in 2015 to help his species. While this species is on the brink of extinction, many are working hard to save what animals remain. We highlighted this in our interview of Dr. Barney Long (Episode 55) and his efforts to bring some of the Sumatran Rhinos under human care for a focused breeding program.  We discuss this and many more aspects of how scientists around the world are fighting for these animals. These are an incredibly unique and ancient species of rhinoceros and well worth a listen.  For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast o

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 interview, Dr. Romo talks about how she has integrated our podcast and using other tools to teach her students. She gives fascinating insight into how today's college students are not as aware about the planet's ecological degradation and how that knowledge can be integrated into any subject.  Dr. Romo started her education at Pasadena City College, and then transferred to CSU Los Angeles, where she got her bachelor's and master's in English literature.  She then did her doctorate in education at Arizona State University.  In addition to teaching English/Composition, she is also am the director of the Learning Center at East Los Angeles College. She describes herself

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 quite well living next to  humans, some subspecies are endangered. They are very adaptable creatures and have so many fun behaviors that you will want to hear more about. Overall, Raccoons are just a fun species to learn more 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 were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You

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 the more famous of these birds and are a complete joy to learn more about. Australia and its wildlife, like most regions on the planet, are under threat of extinction. Thus, they deserve our love and attention.  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 were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our we

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 role in maintaining balance in Australia's ecosystem. These are amazing animals doing amazing things. It was a real pleasure to bring you this week's podcast covering everything Dingo!! 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 were recently able to send money to the American Cetacean Society and Project Coyote conservation groups. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. You can  also visit our website HERE     Learn m