Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast
iHeartPodcasts
iHeartPodcasts
Did you know that in the world of elephants the females are the ones in charge? Or that a grizzly bear's bite is strong enough to crush a bowling ball? Amazing Wildlife gives a behind-the-scenes look inside the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park to gain insight on rare species and to explore the ongoing conservation efforts to save endangered wildlife no matter how big or small. Join us as hosts Rick Schwartz and now Marco Wendt transport listeners around the globe to highlight the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s collaborative efforts with local communities to drive positive change for the future of animals and plants. Through one-of-a-kind stories, you’ll hear what it takes to create a healthy next chapter for not only wildlife, but also for the people that share their habitats.
Dec 12
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park doesn’t just have animals—it also has incredible plants! Last episode, we learned about elephants, and this week, we’re learning about their zoo habitat. Host Marco is speaking with Director of Horticulture Raj Brown about Elephant Valley and how his team creates a sense of immersion and place. Tune in to learn more about hot composting, force fields, and the meaning of “zookie.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 28
This week Marco is visiting Elephant Valley to learn all about the world’s largest land mammal. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to eight elephants, and they are very social animals! These intelligent mammals are special in the way they interact with each other and our care specialists. Tune in to hear about their social dynamics and learn more about the new and improved Elephant Valley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14
Did you know the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to 11 gorillas? This week, Marco is going behind the scenes at the bachelor habitat to learn more about the “jock” of the great ape family. Tune in to discover how they obtain their silverbacks, how you can donate your old cell phone to support conservation efforts, and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 24
Last week was World Okapi Day, and to celebrate, hosts Rick and Marco are heading to the San Diego Safari Park to speak with Dallas Dumont and learn all about this strikingly striped mammal. While a relative of the giraffe, the okapi is not quite as tall but shares its prehensile tongue. Tune in to hear about the newest okapi addition to the zoo, the purpose of tucking, and how they use their large ears. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 10
World Cassowary Day is September 26th, so hosts Rick and Marco are headed to the cassowary habitat area in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to learn more about these incredible flightless birds. Today they’re speaking with Wildlife Care Specialist Anna Caranahan about their unique feathers, their large green eggs, and the benefits of their casques. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 12
Conservation is dynamic and deeply collaborative—and it takes many people across diverse disciplines to address the challenges facing wildlife. Hosts Rick and Marco speak with Hendrik Nollens, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s vice president of Wildlife Health, to learn how this team works to detect and prevent disease in wildlife and monitor their overall health. From California condors to mountain yellow-legged frogs and more, find out how the Wildlife Health team is helping increase many species’ chances of survival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 29
This week, host Rick speaks with senior wildlife care specialist Nora Willis about an iconic bird with a gigantic wingspan! In the 1980s, just over 20 California condors were left in the world, but through groundbreaking conservation efforts, there are now more than 500. Find out more about San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s successful breeding program, how young California condors learn to thrive in Southwest habitats, and the meaning of “puppet rearing.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 15
This week, hosts Rick and Marco are headed to Baja Garden in the San Diego Safari Park to speak with James Sheppard and Jenna Stallard about a brilliantly colored thick-billed parrot! While the thick-billed parrot used to be one of only two parrot species native to the United States, only a few remain in the wilds of Mexico. The San Diego Zoo is working with its partners in Mexico to restore the species, and the conservation efforts are making a difference. Tune in to learn more about their unique personalities, how the thick-billed parrot’s eating habits help forests and much more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
