Conversations of squeaks, whistles and buzzes are an important way that beluga whales communicate in the dark depths of the ocean. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Westdal of Oceans North chats about her groundbreaking research of beluga behaviors and how noise pollution in the water can impact these beautiful mammals. She shares some unforgettable moments of up-close encounters with belugas while kayaking in the frigid waters near Churchill, Manitoba. Bonus Track: Sunny Nelson from Lincoln Park Zoo shares her journey researching the beautiful, and nearly extinct, Bali Myna, a rare bird found only in Bali, Indonesia.
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22:53
The Incredible Resilience of Polar Bears
As climate change rapidly melts Arctic sea ice, polar bears could face near extinction by the end of the century. But thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists, there’s hope. In this episode, Nikki Smith, curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, shares her mission to help save polar bears in the wild and secure the future of this incredible species. She discusses the many challenges they face, from rising temperatures disrupting their breeding and growth to surviving in extreme freezing conditions and how the zoo’s breeding program is essential for the survival of this species. Bonus Track: Jennica King at Sedgwick County Zoo shares how the zoo’s efforts gave two orphaned bears a second chance—not just to survive, but to thrive.
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21:25
Restoring the Bison, Reviving the Prairie
Bison may no longer be on the brink of extinction, but their journey is far from over. With dwindling genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection, these prairie ecosystem engineers are not as wild as they once were. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kinka, director of rewilding at American Prairie, shares the story of bison—from their near extinction due to westward expansion to their return to the plains. We also learn why bison rewilding is essential to restoring biodiversity and ensuring the prairie thrives for generations to come. Bonus Track: Jen Osburn Eliot at Oregon Zoo shares how they’re helping Northwestern pond turtles grow strong in a program that raises and releases them back into the wild.
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23:05
Sharks: Guardians of Our Oceans
The Bahamas stands as the only nation in the world to establish a shark sanctuary encompassing its entire marine environment. In this episode, we speak with Bahamian biologist and passionate shark advocate, Candace Fields, on why sharks are the true guardians of our oceans, highlighting their essential role in maintaining the vibrant underwater landscapes of coral reefs. She discusses how we can change the common misconceptions about sharks in the media, helping people learn to admire, not fear, these ocean superheroes. Bonus Track: Dr. Rory Telemeco of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo shares how collaborative conservation efforts are restoring the Blunt-nosed leopard lizard to the landscape to preserve this nearly extinct species.
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23:23
The Coati Comeback: Brevard Zoo’s Breeding Success
For seven years, North American zoos saw no coati births, leaving their population shrouded in uncertainty. But at Brevard Zoo in Florida, a groundbreaking milestone changed everything — welcoming the first coati litter in nearly a decade. Lauren Hinson, director of animal programs and coati studbook keeper, takes us behind the scenes of this incredible journey. From the challenges of understanding this species to the joy of seeing new life thrive, she reveals what it took to make this conservation success story a reality, and why it matters now more than ever. Bonus Track: Lisa Faust of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo introduces us to the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, a remarkable bird that is on the brink of a comeback!
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Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom The Podcast celebrates the incredible planet we live on, the remarkable creatures that inhabit it, and the dedicated people working tirelessly to protect them. Join Wild Kingdom’s Protecting The Wild TV series Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as they engage conservation experts in meaningful conversations that will inspire you to reflect on your relationship with nature and the animals in our midst.
USA