The mission of the All Creatures Podcast is to educate listeners on the diverse animals that share our planet. We are in the midst of the Earth’s Six Mass Extinction and many animals need our help if they are to survive.Each week we will discuss a new species, conduct interviews with conservation experts from around the globe, and discuss recent conservation news.
In this special episode, Director Toby Nowlan shares insights on making "Ocean with David Attenborough." He discusses the film's powerful message: "If we save the sea, we save our world," detailing how filmmaking reveals critical issues like bottom trawling and krill harvesting. Toby highlights the real hope shown through successful marine protected areas and reflects on working with Sir David Attenborough, emphasizing the urgent global opportunity to ensure ocean recovery and a thriving future for marine life and humanity.
Chris and Angie dive deep into the fascinating world of the beluga sturgeon, a prehistoric fish species that faces critical endangerment. They discuss the startling fact that 17 of the 27 sturgeon species are critically endangered and highlight the efforts being made to save these ancient creatures. They explore the beluga sturgeon's intriguing biology, including their capability to live for over a hundred years, their unique reproductive challenges, and their complicated relationship with the c...
Chris and Angie discuss the fascinating Bilby, Australia's unique and adorable 'Easter' species. They cover various topics, including the bilby's biology, its role as an ecosystem engineer, and the devastating impact of invasive species like feral cats and European rabbits. The podcast also highlights ongoing conservation efforts in Australia aimed at protecting and increasing the bilby population. Additionally, the hosts delve into the bilby's reproductive behavior, diet, and adaptations for su...
In this throwback episode, we dive deep into the world of the majestic bluefin tuna, one of the ocean’s most powerful and endangered fish. These apex predators can reach incredible sizes and speeds, crossing entire oceans in search of food and spawning grounds. But with high demand for their meat—especially in the sushi industry—bluefin tuna have been pushed to the brink. We explore the incredible physiology and migration of bluefin tuna, why they’re so valuable and the consequences of overfishi...
Chris recently made a trip to the UK and able to visit Puffin Island, off Wales. Thus, we wanted to be sure you did not miss this podcast on this incredible bird! Puffins are charismatic seabirds often called the “clowns of the sea.” We explore their evolutionary journey, how these birds have adapted to thrive both in the air and underwater, and what makes their behavior and physiology so unique , from their spectacular diving skills to their vibrant seasonal beak. We also shine a light on their...
Angie welcomes Dr. Rebecca Shaw, Chief Scientist and Senior Vice President of Global Science at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Dr. Shaw discusses her extensive background in conservation science, including her switch from pre-med to marine biology and her work on climate and biodiversity. They delve into the WWF's mission to conserve and restore biodiversity, reduce humanity's footprint, and how local and international efforts are balanced. Dr. Shaw shares memorable wildlife encounters, the impo...
Chris and Angie dive into the fascinating world of the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach. Despite its bad reputation, the cockroach plays an essential role in ecosystems, acting as crucial decomposers. The discussion includes details on their physiology, behavior, and surprising adaptability. The pair also address the common misconceptions about cockroaches and outline their ecological significance. With intriguing facts about their hissing mechanism, reproductive behavior, and resilience, the podcas...
In this throwback episode, we highlight a conservation superstar, Dr. Jill Robinson. She heads Animals Asia’s team of over 300 enthusiastic staff. A hands-on leader, Dr. Robinson is involved in all major decision-making. She works with the vet and bear teams during rescues and health checks and advises closely on construction projects. She visits dog and cat markets and zoos and safari parks throughout China to document the abuse of animals and over the years has made countless visits to hospita...
Chris and Angie dive deep into the world of the Rice's whale, one of the most endangered whale species on Earth. The discussion begins with a comedic recap of technical difficulties faced by the hosts, transitioning into the critical situation of the Rice's whale, which lives year-round in the Gulf of Mexico with a population possibly as low as 33. Highlighting its unique habitat, vocalizations, and recent classification as a distinct species in 2021, the episode emphasizes the urgent conservati...
Angie speaks with Verity White, the series producer of the PBS documentary 'The Future of Nature.' The series explores the vital role of carbon in Earth's ecosystems, featuring stunning visuals and compelling science. Verity shares her background, her passion for nature and filmmaking, and some of the most captivating stories and challenges from the series. Highlights include the hidden roles carbon plays in oceans, grasslands, forests, and the interconnected efforts of scientists, conservationi...
In this episode, we head back to Africa to explore the legend and reality of the Black Mamba, one of the deadliest and fastest snakes on Earth. We cover history and myths. We also highlight why the Black Mamba is both revered and feared in African culture, taking a deep dive into its neurotoxic venom, how it works, and why it's so lethal. Despite its reputation, the Black Mamba is a shy, fast-moving snake that avoids conflict. The role this species plays in its ecosystem and why conservation and...
In this look back episode, we sit down with Dr. Rebecca Cliffe, a renowned British zoologist and leading expert on sloth biology and ecology. Dr. Cliffe is the founder and executive director of The Sloth Conservation Foundation (SloCo), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting sloths through research-driven conservation initiatives. This is one of those truly inspirational stories that you want to hear about! People making a difference where it matters most. You can learn more about th...
Chris welcomes Dr. Popi Borboroglu, a leading expert on penguins. Dr. Borboroglu, featured in National Geographic's 'Secrets of the Penguins' and founder of the Global Penguin Society, shares his fascinating journey into penguin conservation inspired by his grandmother. The conversation delves into unique behaviors of penguins, the surprising findings from the series, and the critical conservation efforts needed to protect them. They discuss the challenges penguins face due to climate change, hu...
Every week we learn something new and are amazed by the species we cover. The Beaver is no exception. An incredible, industrious species, we are just blown away once again by a species many love. Beavers also are a keystone species and have an interesting conservation story. One to catch if you did not listen back in 2020. Or just listen again to fall in love with these industrious creatures! Show notes HERE =========================================================== Another thank you to all our...
In this special episode of All Creatures Podcast, host Angie introduces Luna, a passionate 10-year-old animal lover from New Jersey. Luna shares her enthusiasm for the coati, a playful and intriguing creature that lives from the southern United States to South America. The episode delves into the unique characteristics, behaviors, and conservation status of different coati subspecies. Luna also shares her personal experiences seeing coatis in Brazil and discusses broader wildlife conservation id...
In this week’s look back episode, we leap into one of our favorite animal families—the mustelids—to spotlight the mysterious and mighty wolverine. These elusive, circumpolar predators are the largest members of the mustelid family, known for their incredible strength, rugged survival skills, and solitary nature. From snow-covered mountain ranges to remote boreal forests, wolverines embody resilience in some of the planet’s harshest environments. ==================================================...
Chris and guest Dr. Alyson Brokaw, a bat scientist and author of 'The Weird and Wonderful World of Bats,' dive deep into the fascinating physiology and ecology of bats. Dr. Brokaw discusses her journey into bat research, the diverse sensory modalities like echolocation and olfactory abilities, and how bats navigate their nocturnal world. The discussion also explores bats' critical roles in pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal and their impressive immune systems and longevity. 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 ...
Chris and Angie dive into the captivating world of the lyrebird, one of the world's most remarkable avians. Chris shares his personal encounter with a lyrebird in Australia's Taronga Zoo and the Blue Mountains. From its unparalleled mimicry skills, capable of imitating other birds, animals, and even man-made sounds, to its significant ecological role, including soil turnover and fire management, the lyrebird proves to be an ancient and integral species. The episode also explores their unique cou...
Going way back to the vault we are releasing an oldie but goodie, the Raccoon! These masked mammals are known for their intelligence, dexterous paws, and uncanny ability to thrive in both the wild and urban landscapes. We'll explore their behavior, unique physiology, and evolutionary journey—unpacking what makes them such incredible survivors. From their problem-solving skills to their mysterious nocturnal habits, raccoons are far more than just backyard bandits. Tune in to discover the secrets ...
This week we are sharing an episode with the Wild Tails Podcast Show notes are below from their podcast. Chris and Mike discuss the joys and challenges of birdwatching, why some people excel at identifying birds, and how even the most knowledgeable wildlife experts can be caught off guard in nature. Whether you're a passionate birder, a zoology enthusiast, or just love a good wildlife story, this episode is packed with fun insights and laughs. Please check out Animal Tails links below!! Follow W...
In our throwback Monday, this week we are excited to interview National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer Carlton Ward Jr. We are also excited to learn about his latest project helping the conservation of the critically endangered Florida Panther! Carlton's experiences are captured in the National Geographic film 'Path of the Panther', as well as his book coming out on May 2, 2023 and his article in National Geographic. Without a doubt Carlton is a conservation hero and is fighti...
Chris and Angie delve into the fascinating world of the Florida Panther, the official state animal of Florida. Once on the brink of extinction in the 1970s with only 24 individuals left, significant conservation efforts have increased their numbers to around 200 by 2024. The podcast explores the biology, behaviors, and unique characteristics of these big cats, including their reclassification as a cougar species and their critical conservation status. Key discussions include their hunting tactic...
Chris and Angie make a comeback after a brief break, energized by their first physical meetup in six years. They discuss their recent experiences, including Chris's visit to Florida and their plans for future travels to New Zealand and Australia. The episode focuses on the invasive lionfish species, highlighting the significant threats they pose to the Caribbean and Atlantic ecosystems. They delve into lionfish biology, feeding habits, rapid reproduction, and their impact on native species. Chri...
Throwback Monday is all for the King Cobra. One of our favorite episodes covers this iconic snake. We cover all its incredible physiology, history and much of what is misunderstood about these majestic reptiles. Original Show Notes HERE =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. 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. Wi...
On our throwback Monday we are releasing the Shoebill. A fan favorite on social media, this African bird is actually a stork and has a fun and interesting story to tell. Sadly, Shoebills are vulnerable to extinction and thus deserve all of our attention. Show Notes HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patre...
In this throwback episode, we are excited to present Dr. Julian Fennessy. Dr. Fennessy is the Director of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. He chats about the silent extinction with giraffes and the many conservation projects GCF is involved with. We also discuss the latest news in Giraffe speciation. It is a fascinating and can's miss interview. Giraffe Conservation Foundation website can be accessed HERE Show notes HERE ------------------------------------------------------------- Another t...
Soar into the world of the albatross, one of the most extraordinary seabirds on Earth. In this episode, we uncover the fascinating history and evolution of these oceanic wanderers, exploring their unparalleled ability to glide across vast distances with minimal effort. Discover their unique physiology, from their enormous wingspans to their specialized adaptations for life at sea. Learn about their intriguing behaviors, including their elaborate courtship dances and lifelong pair bonds. We’ll al...
This week we step back into the frosty tundra and discover the captivating world of the musk ox, a true symbol of Arctic resilience. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating history and evolution of these ancient creatures, tracing their survival through the Ice Age to the modern day. Explore their remarkable physiology, from their dense, insulating coats to their powerful build, perfectly designed for harsh climates. Learn about their unique behaviors, including their iconic defensive for...
Angie delves into the intricate world of insects with experts Dr. Tim Cockerell, Dr. Martha Holmes, and Bill Markham. They discuss their work on the Nat Geo docuseries, 'A Real Bug's Life,' now in its second season on Disney+. The conversation features fascinating bug behaviors, filming techniques, and the environmental importance of insects. The series highlights how bugs' superpowers and survival skills are captured through advanced filming technology, making insects relatable and exciting for...
