The All Creatures Podcast

As we kick off our Plastic Free July Challenge, this week we welcome Dr. Lisa Erdle from the 5 Gyres Instiute. Dr. Erdle is the Director of Science & Innovation at the 5 Gyres Institute. She is a microplastics researcher, lifelong sailor, and is passionate about keeping waterways clean for wildlife and people. Lisa completed her PhD at the University of Toronto, where her research focused on the sources, fate, and effects of microfibers in the environment. Currently, Lisa lives in California and is continuing research on microfibers and plastic pollution. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Lisa grew up swimming and sailing on the Great Lakes and holds a deep love of the water.. You can learn more about 5 Gyres and their work in reducing plastics in our lives by visiting them HERE You can also lean more about 5 Gyres own Plastic Free Parks Trashblitz by going HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An absolute unique wonder of the natural world is the Glass Frog. These species of amphibian that are native to South and Central America, are characterized with undersides that are actually "see-through" and "translucent" and "transparent." This means when looking up at them, you can see their digestive system, bones, eggs, blood vessels and an actual heart beating. We answer all about this phenomenon and why exactly glass frogs evolved this way. Another important topic of this week's podcast is the plight of the many amphibians from around the world. Nearly 43% of all amphibian species are in serious decline and endangered of extinction. These animals, these frogs, all deserve our love, support, and understanding.   Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and giv

One of the most unique and striking mammals has to be the Babirusa. Native to four islands in Indonesia, this member of the swine family is one of the most ancient and often misunderstood. The Babirusa is heading towards extinction but thankfully groups within and outside Indonesia are fighting hard to save these unique animals. This week we highlight what we know about the Babirusa, what makes it a unique animal and why we need to keep fighting to save them. We then talk all about those tusks, what they are thought to be important for and much much more. Another fun species to learn and chat about.  Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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 organizatio

Down in Australia and in New Guinea is a unique and popular marsupial, the Bandicoot. Made famous by the video game Crash Bandicoot, these small animals are nocturnal omnivores and true ecological engineers. There are currently 20 species of Bandicoots, with many endangered and few going extinct in the 20th century.  The loss of their habitat and a plethora of invasive species have been devastating to Bandicoots in both Australia and New Guinea. However, many conservation efforts are underway. This week we highlight the survival of the Eastern Banded Bandicoot. Thanks to efforts by Zoos Victoria and other conservation organizations, the Eastern Banded Bandicoot has gone from extinct in the wild, to endangered after being reintroduced. There is so much we can learn from these special animals and a fun one to learn about.  Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. You too can join for on

Yes, it is true, there are flying snakes! You may not know this but in fact, there are FIVE recognized species of flying snakes. These natives to Asia absolutely are not only stunningly beautiful, but they are incredible evolutionary engineers. Over millennia, these snakes have developed the ability to grapple with gravity while leaping from tree to tree, sometimes nearly 100 meters away! How they do this is just one of the amazing facts about the Paradise Tree Snake that we cover this week. You do not want to miss this one! Thank you to all our Patreon supporters. We now are hosting monthly Zoom meetings with them, answering questions and getting ideas on which species they want covered. 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 th

Following our Kākāpō episode we are very excited to speak with Thomas Rillstone, who hosts the popular History of Aotearoa New Zealand Podcast. Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand and we talk about this and more.  We were very fortunate to track Thomas down to talk about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and just what impacts the Māori had on her many islands. We also talk about the impacts they had on all the native species like the now extinct Moa and Haast's Eagle. We then switch gears and talk about the major impacts European settlers had on the Māori and also on NZ's native species. This is such an enlightening and fun interview that we are sure you will enjoy it. This weeks episode really highlights the challenges many island nations are facing throughout the world fighting to protect their many wonderous and unique animals. While Thomas hosts a history podcast, he is currently working in conservation and fighting to protect all of NZ's native species.  You can find the History of Aotearoa N

The critically endangered Kākāpō is one of the more endearing species we have covered to date. This flightless parrot is native to Aotearoa New Zealand and was nearly extinct in the late 20th century. It is only through the commitment of the New Zealand Government and her people that the Kākāpō is still in existence. Today there are over 200 of these birds that are being cared for and guarded off Aotearoa New Zealand's coasts. This is just an amazing bird that surprised us at every turn. They truly deserves your love and another species you cant miss.  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 consideri

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 are so important to our water ecosystems. Darby and her generation are going to be critical to helping us save our world's diverse wildlife. It is absolutely wonderful to listen to this aspiring conservationist and we have no doubt you will enjoy this one! You can listen to more of our All Creatures Kids Episodes HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 tree, living amongst dinosaurs and other primitive life forms. Today, there are two main species of Colugo living in South East Asia. While not currently endangered, they have declined in number. The constant loss of habitat has had devastating impacts on many animals, to include the Colugo.  Another cant miss podcast on another mind boggling species.  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 subsc

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 sightings of Binturongs are now rare in their native ranges. Binturongs are so incredibly unique and are extremely important species to their native habitats. You will want to learn more about them as this is another don't miss episode and species.  During the episode we discuss the World Wildlife Fund latest palm oil ratings, which can be found 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 a

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 helping young children understand the world we live in. Sarah states, "I believe children are magical beings with the power to change adults, and the world around them." She writes to empower children to change the world around them. Her many books tackle these difficult topics in an easy to read and understand format for young children.  You can learn more about Sarah Woodard and her many books by visiting her website HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 focused protections from governments from around the world.  Once down to an estimated population of only around 5000 whales, today there are estimates of over 100,000 Humpbacks all around the world. These whales are truly astounding and are key players in maintaining our oceans health. Another wonderful species that you need 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 posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers

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 both were very fortunate to be able to read his latest book Flights of Fancy and we both agree it is a must buy. The artwork alone is incredible and worth the price. Additionally, Dr. Dawkins writing style makes reading about science and evolution a real treat. While we discuss the book and the implications of flight, we do chat about where we are in the world with science, conservation and many other topics. Flights of Fancy will be available in the USA May 3, 2022.   You can learn more about Dr. Richard Dawkins and the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science HERE   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 next generation talk about their favorite species and how they want to help save them.  If you have your own kid expert and wanting to be featured on our All Creatures Kids episodes please email Angie at allcreatureskidspod@gmail.com  You can learn more about these animals in our previous podcasts by following these links: Episode 128 Red Ruffed Lemurs  Episode 165: Red Panda      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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