Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast

As they continue highlighting the Amazonia Conservation Hub, Rick and Marco speak with Senior Wildlife Care Specialist Lindsey Shafer about Alba, a female Andean bear at the San Diego Zoo. Alba recently gave birth to twin Andean bear cubs—the first twins of their species born at the Zoo since 1993! Amazing Wildlife examines what it’s like for this special omnivore to care for these extraordinary bears, and what wildlife care specia...

Amazing Wildlife makes its way to the Amazonia Conservation Hub to highlight the longest venomous snake in the Americas, and the third-longest venomous snake on the planet: the bushmaster! Hosts Rick and Marco are joined by Brett Baldwin, associate curator of herpetology and ichthyology at the San Diego Zoo, to discuss their diet, how they capture prey, and the observation methods used to collect information about them. We also dis...

Amazing Wildlife highlights a tiny species from the Southwest hub, one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's eight areas of conservation focus. Allison Gregor, a researcher for the organization, speaks with Rick and Marco about a unique rodent that weighs about as much as three pennies: the Pacific pocket mouse! They discuss where this granivore can be found, how its diet determines its biology, the threats facing this species, its ...

Amazing Wildlife is highlighting one of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's eight areas of conservation focus: the Savanna hub! Hosts Rick and Marco are joined by Shivani Bhalla and Toby Otieno, two members of Ewaso Lions, a Lion conservation project located in northern Kenya. Our guests explain why some male lions in Kenya do not have manes—and live alone, rather than in prides. They also discuss the challenges that lions have been ...

Welcome to Season 2 of Amazing Wildlife! Hosts Rick and Marco explore the fascinating and dynamic insects of Butterfly Jungle, open through May 14 at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Lynn Fennema, senior wildlife care specialist in entomology at the San Diego Zoo, gives insight into the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly—including the difference between a chrysalis and a cocoon, the different types of caterpillars, and wh...

Amazing Wildlife is spotlighting China’s national treasure that is beloved all over the world… the giant panda! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the theory of how this immediately recognizable animal got is black and white coloration, what is included in its diet in addition to bamboo, as well as their distinctive vocalizations. Later, the Alliance’s director of conservation science, Ron Swaisgood, Ph.D., joins the show to explain the ...

Amazing Wildlife is traveling far east to highlight a bear with an interesting name… the sloth bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone discuss the different subspecies of these bears that don’t hibernate, its connection to the tree-dwelling sloth, the origin story of its name, and explore adjustments that sloth bears have made to avoid potential conflict. Late, Rick answers questions from a young listener about this bear that snacks on termites...

They can be black, blond, gray, or different shades of brown, but their distinct shoulder hump gives them away. We’re highlighting the brown bear also known as the grizzly bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone uncover how the environment of the last of North America’s brown bear can affect its diet, sleep patterns, and size. Hali O'Connor, Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, later sits down to reveal little-known facts about this intelligent, cu...

Today, Amazing Wildlife meets a bear that carries sunshine wherever it goes, the sun bear! Hosts Rick and Ebone examine the smallest member of the bear family and discuss how it got its unique name and how it has adapted for life in the trees. Senior Wildlife Care Specialist, Chris Torres, joins the show to share how experts create stimulating environments for sun bears at the San Diego Zoo.

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You may know the axolotl from a popular video game, but do you know the secret behind this amphibian’s infant-like smile? Hosts Rick and Ebone explore interesting facts about the axolotl, which is only found in Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco. Later, Amazing Wildlife welcomes a young listener very close to the show to share what she loves about the unique creature from its mating dance to its ability to grow a new limb.

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In today’s episode, Amazing Wildlife is talking all about the world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the world of this sleek and mysterious gill-less creature that can breath underwater because of its skin. Brett Baldwin, Associate Curator of Herpetology and Ichthyology, stops by to discuss efforts to stop illegal poaching of this critically endangered species.

If you have a question ...

For this episode, Amazing Wildlife is headed towards the Mojave Desert to spotlight a long-lived species known for its thick shell, the desert tortoise! Hosts Rick and Ebone reveal facts about these tortoises, including their surprising speed and why they are classified as a keystone species (meaning if you protect this species you’ll also protect several others). Melissa Merrick, Associate Director of Recovery Ecology, joins the s...

Amazing Wildlife is examining a species that oftentimes gets a bad rap, the rattlesnake! Hosts Rick and Ebone debunk myths about these predators and explain how to spot a rattlesnake and their defense mechanisms that are not intended to hurt humans. Through questions from our young listener, you’ll discover cool facts about rattlesnakes (which, surprisingly, are good swimmers) and why we need them.

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Amazing Wildlife highlights an animal found in high-elevation streams in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the mountain yellow-legged frog. Hosts Rick and Ebone uncover facts about California’s endemic species, including their unique sounds and the reason why scientists estimate there are fewer than 200 remaining in nature. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Research Coordinator, Leah Jacobs, joins the show to explain the large-scale reint...

In this episode, we’re exploring New Zealand’s largest reptile and a species that is considered among the most unique wildlife in the world. We’re talking about the tuatara! Hosts Rick and Ebone discuss how these creatures have a “third eye” and why even though it looks like a lizard, its lineage traces back to the age of the dinosaurs. Later, Kim Gray, curator of herpetology and ichthyology, joins the show to chat about this truly...

For this very special episode of Amazing Wildlife, join global phenomenon and world-renowned conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall, as she shares her lifelong passion for wildlife and her commitment to saving our natural world with Paul Baribault, President and Chief Executive Officer of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The two will sit down and chat about Jane’s lifelong commitment to conserving our natural world, and as Chair of the ...

Amazing Wildlife is spotlighting one of Australia's most beloved endemic species... the kangaroo!  This plant eating marsupial is known for its many familiar characteristics from its powerful kick to the female’s joey toting pouches. Hosts Ebone Monet and Rick Schwartz explore the marsupial’s lesser-known species, features and  behaviors. Later, a young listener has an opportunity to find out how muc...

What is a carnivorous and endangered marsupial? In this episode, Amazing Wildlife explores what makes the Tasmanian Devil so fascinating. Hosts Ebone Monet and Rick Schwartz discuss the history behind the creature’s unique name, the role they play in their habitat, and the breeding program to introduce the population outside of Tasmania. Later,  Cora Singleton joins the show to give insight about the outbreak behind a dramatic decl...