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Rewildology

Brooke Mitchellrewildology.com
Conservation, sustainability, wild travel stories. Host Brooke Mitchell, conservation biologist and adventure traveler, chats with experts from across the globe to discuss nature’s biggest questions: How do we save and rewild our natural spaces? How can we restore wildlife populations? How do we overcome adversity and bring communities together? Where are the best places to experience nature? Pour yourself a glass of something tasty (coffee, tea, wine, whiskey?) and join the conversation. Together we’ll rewild the planet.
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Episodes

#212 | Patagonia Update: Helicopter Discoveries and Conservation Breakthroughs with Cristian Saucedo (Inbetweenersode #1)

Join me, Brooke Mitchell, for an exciting conservation update from Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia with Rewilding Chile's Wildlife Director Cristian Saucedo. Discover the dramatic helicopter discovery of 10 endangered huemul deer at Cape Froward, southern river otter (huillín) sightings in coastal areas, the first international Darwin's rhea translocation between Argentina and Chile, Andean condor rehabilitation successes, and groundbreaking puma coexistence research. This Inbetweenersode pr...

Jul 23, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 212

Where Hope Flourishes: The Promise of Patagonia's Route of Parks

In this powerful finale, I reveal the five revolutionary conservation principles that make Chile's Route of Parks a global blueprint for planetary healing. From tracking pumas with scientist Nicolás Lagos in Torres del Paine to discovering endangered huemul deer in a Patagonian snowstorm, this 1,700-mile conservation corridor spanning 17 national parks is transforming wildlife conservation and climate action. Learn why temperate rainforests store three times more carbon than the Amazon, explore ...

Jun 10, 202521 minSeason 2Ep. 211

Where Ice Meets Sky: Patagonia's Vanishing Glaciers

Experience the stunning yet sobering reality of Patagonia's vanishing glaciers as I soar over Chile's massive ice fields and uncover groundbreaking climate research with Chilean glaciologist Dr. Ines Dussaillant. In this urgent episode, I explore the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields - covering over 16,500 square kilometers and representing the largest temperate ice masses in the Southern Hemisphere. Discover the alarming reality that five of the last six years have broken records for ...

Jun 03, 202533 minSeason 2Ep. 210

Where Ranches Rewild: From Estancia to Patagonia National Park

Venture into Chile's Patagonia National Park, where I witnessed one of conservation's most inspiring comeback stories—the Darwin's rhea (Rhea pennata) rescued from the brink of local extinction. In this captivating episode, I explore the remote Aysén region and meet Alejandra Saavedra, who has dedicated eight years to bringing these remarkable flightless birds back from just 22 individuals to over 70 and counting. Journey with me through the ethereal marble caves of General Carrera Lake, across ...

May 27, 202527 minSeason 2Ep. 209

Where Ancient Trees Stand: The Forests of Pumalín

Journey with me deep into Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, the ecological crown jewel of Chile's Route of Parks, where I stood in awe before ancient Alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides) that have thrived for over 3,000 years. In this immersive episode, I explore one of Earth's most pristine temperate rainforests, spanning nearly one million acres and storing an estimated 229.3 million metric tonnes of carbon. Witness the remarkable conservation legacy of Douglas Tompkins, founder of The N...

May 20, 202529 minSeason 2Ep. 208

Where Waters Gather: The Hidden Wetlands of Northern Patagonia

In this episode of Rewildology, I explore the overlooked wetlands and sunken forests that form the northern gateway to Chile's Route of Parks in the rainy Maullín River Basin. Alongside Fernando, Andres, and David from Fundación Legado Chile, I track the elusive southern river otter (huillín) - an endangered species with only 15 individuals remaining in the entire 85-kilometer watershed. Through camera traps and conservation strategies, we discover how invasive American mink threaten this fragil...

May 13, 202530 minSeason 2Ep. 207

Where Two Oceans Meet: The Birth of Cape Froward National Park

In this episode of Rewildology, journey to the southernmost point of continental America, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans collide at Cape Froward. I explore Chile's newest national park-in-the-making, where Gabriela Garrido of Rewilding Chile shares how this groundbreaking conservation project protects the crucial intersection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. From zodiac adventures with playful dolphins to discussions about indigenous co-management with Kawésqar communities, disc...

May 06, 202533 minSeason 2Ep. 206

Where Pumas Roam: The Keepers of Torres del Paine

In this episode of Rewildology, I take you into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, where I had my breathtaking first encounter with Rupestre, a "queen of the Andes." Join me as I explore how these magnificent apex predators have become a conservation success story in Chilean Patagonia, thriving where they're often persecuted elsewhere. I sit down with Nicolás Lagos from Panthera to uncover groundbreaking discoveries about puma social behavior that challenge everything we thought we kne...

Apr 29, 202533 minSeason 2Ep. 205

Where Dreams Connect Wildernesses: Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia

I'm Brooke Mitchell, and this marks the beginning of Rewildology's new series exploring Chilean Patagonia's magnificent Route of Parks: an epic conservation corridor spanning 1,700 miles, protecting 28 million acres across 17 (soon to be 18) national parks from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In this episode, I set the stage for our journey by diving into the region's fascinating natural and human history, from indigenous stewardship spanning 12,000 years to the groundbreaking Tompkins Conservation p...

Apr 22, 202524 minSeason 2Ep. 204

TRAILER: Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

Journey through Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia with me, conservation biologist Brooke Mitchell, in this immersive podcast exploring South America's most ambitious rewilding project. From tracking elusive pumas in Torres del Paine National Park to standing beneath 3,000-year-old Alerce trees in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, from searching for endangered huillín otters in the Maullín River to witnessing the recovery of Darwin's rheas across the Patagonian steppe — I'll take you alon...

Apr 15, 20253 minSeason 2Ep. 203

#202 | Lost & Found: Species Rediscoveries & Rewildology’s Next Chapter (Nature Happy Hour #3)

Rewildology turns four! In this special Nature Happy Hour episode, Brooke and Dr. Charles van Rees, PhD, raise a glass to four years of the show, reflecting on its biggest moments—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. They also unveil exciting updates for the future before diving into this episode’s theme: New Horizons . From newly discovered species to astonishing rediscoveries of those thought lost to time, Brooke and Charles explore the thrill of nature’s greatest surprises. G...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 34 minEp. 202

#201 | Advancing Marine & Sea Turtle Conservation: Updates from the Field with Brad Nahill

Join Brooke as she reconnects with Brad Nahill, Co-Founder and President of SEE Turtles, to explore the latest developments in sea turtle and marine conservation. In this episode, Brad shares new challenges and successes from the field, updates on groundbreaking projects like Billion Baby Sea Turtles, and how conservation strategies differ across regions like Central America, Asia, and Africa. They also discuss the role of technology, including AI, in protecting marine biodiversity, the evolutio...

Jan 23, 20251 hrEp. 201

#200 | Saving Monarch Butterflies: Conservation, Culture, and Hope with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, PhD

Monarch butterflies are one of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet, undertaking a migration that spans thousands of miles across North America. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and agricultural practices. In this episode of Rewildology, we sit down with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, Program Director of Climate Resilient Habitats at the National Wildlife Federation, to explore the challenges and opportunities in monarch conservation. Rebeca s...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 200

#199 | Sea Otters & Kelp Forests: Rewilding Oregon’s Coast with Chanel Hason

In this episode of Rewildology, Brooke sits down with Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations at Elakha Alliance, to explore the ambitious effort to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coastline. Chanel shares her incredible journey from marine biologist to conservation advocate and how Elakha Alliance is working with tribes, scientists, and local communities to restore balance to marine ecosystems. We dive into the vital role sea otters play in controlling sea urchin populatio...

Jan 09, 202559 minEp. 199

#198 | Saving the Yucatán's Endangered Sea Turtles with Melania López-Castro, PhD

Join Brooke for a conversation with marine biologist Melania López-Castro as she shares her journey protecting endangered sea turtles in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. From tracking mysterious hatchling movements to implementing innovative conservation strategies, Melania discusses her work with Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan to save critically endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. Learn how local communities, scientists, and tourism operators are working together to protect these ancient mar...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 198

#197 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Grauer’s Gorillas: The GRACE Story with Laurie Cummins

The journey through 2024’s best continues! Here’s the fourth episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another incredible highlight from the year. ---------------------------------------- [Repost] In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a cr...

Dec 26, 20241 hr 24 min

#196 | Top Hits 2024: In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal Part 1 & 2

We’re keeping the momentum going! Here’s the third episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—celebrating another standout conversation from the year. ---------------------------------------- [Repost] Welcome to the latest 4-part expedition series on Rewildology: “In Search of Jaguars: A Journey Through the Pantanal.” In the upcoming four episodes, accompany Brooke on her adventure into the heart of the magnificent Pantanal in Brazil. Delve into the region’s expansive grasslands, winding waterways, ...

Dec 19, 202451 min

#195 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Chilean Patagonia with Carolina Morgado

The countdown continues! Here’s the second episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another listener favorite you won’t want to miss. ----------------------------------- [Repost] Today is World Rewilding Day and we’re celebrating by releasing this very special episode with Carolina Morgado, the Executive Director of Rewilding Chile! In this conversation, Carolina and Brooke explore so many topics including her serendipitous meeting with Doug Tompkins and her early career with Tompkins Conservation...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 11 min

#194 | Top Hits 2024: Rewilding Australia on a Continental Scale with John Kanowski, PhD

The numbers are in for the year! Kick off the countdown with the first episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series. ------------------------------ [Repost] G’day, mates! Today, we're traveling to Australia to learn about rewilding on a continental scale with John Kanowski, PhD, Chief Science Officer at the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). In this episode, John and Brooke explore the top conservation issues plaguing the island, notably invasive predators and inferno fires, how AWC is protecting ...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 40 min

#193 | Restoring the American West: Wild Horses, Public Lands, and Rewilding with Manda Kalimian and Ross MacPhee, PhD

In this Thanksgiving Special, Brooke sits down with Manda Kalimian and Dr. Ross McPhee from Rewilding America Now to explore their bold mission of restoring the American West by reintroducing wild horses to public lands. Together, they discuss the evolutionary history of horses, their role as keystone species in grassland ecosystems, and the systemic challenges facing conservation on public lands. The conversation also delves into the controversial topics of lithium mining, electric cars, and th...

Nov 28, 20241 hr 22 min

#192 | Rewilding the Planet: Restoring Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Hope with Alister Scott, PhD

In this episode, Brooke sits down with Alister Scott, PhD, Director of Communications for the Global Rewilding Alliance, to uncover the powerful global movement aiming to restore ecosystems and ignite hope. Alister takes us through his inspiring journey from a passionate young environmentalist safeguarding Antarctica to a key leader in the Global Rewilding Alliance, where he's helped expand the network to over 200 partners worldwide. Together, we explore the Alliance’s four guiding pillars, disc...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 17 min

#191 | Island Revival: The Art of Rebuilding Caribbean Ecosystems with Shanna Challenger

The Caribbean's offshore islands are treasures of biodiversity, but centuries of human impact and invasive species have pushed many of these delicate ecosystems to the brink. In this episode, Brooke sits down with Shanna Challenger, Offshore Islands Conservation Programme Coordinator of the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda, to explore the complex challenges of rewilding islands. From combating invasive species to securing the future of the Antiguan racer snake, Shanna d...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 48 min

#190 | Rewilding Grauer’s Gorillas: The GRACE Story with Laurie Cummins

In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a crucial role in helping the team on the ground rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. The conversation explores GRACE's innovative three-pillar approach to ...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 23 min

#189 | Saving Snow Leopards: From Conflict to Coexistence with Tshiring Lama

Join Brooke for a journey to Nepal's remote Dolpo region, where conservationist Tshiring Lhamu Lama is revolutionizing snow leopard conservation. From witnessing cubs being harmed during her research to founding the women-led Snow Leopard Journey, Tshiring shares her inspiring story of transforming human-wildlife conflict into sustainable coexistence. Discover how she's empowering local communities through innovative tourism, training youth as wildlife guides, and proving that protecting these e...

Oct 24, 202455 min

#188 | Rewilding Islands to Benefit the Sea: Removing the Land-Ocean Barrier with Coral Wolf [Repost]

Join us in a compelling exploration of island conservation efforts. Featuring insights from Coral Wolf, Conservation Science Program Manager at Island Conservation, we delve into the critical work of removing invasive species to restore island and marine ecosystems. Discover personal stories from field biologists, the impact of seabird recolonization, and the holistic benefits of projects like the Island Ocean Connection Challenge Campaign. Uncover how these initiatives enhance biodiversity, con...

Oct 17, 20241 hr 2 min

#187 | The Battle for Johnson Tract: Mining, Conservation, and Native Rights in Alaska's Wilderness with Jen Woolworth

In this compelling episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell delves into the controversial Johnson Tract issue with guest Jen Woolworth, Alaska Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association. The discussion unravels the complex web of interests surrounding a proposed mining project within Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. You will gain insight into the unique history that placed valuable minerals on native-owned land within park boundaries, setting the stage for a clash b...

Oct 10, 20241 hr 6 min

#186 | Bison's Return: Rewilding Romania's Carpathian Mountains with Gabriele Retez

In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke delves into the groundbreaking European bison reintroduction project in Romania's Carpathian Mountains. Joined by Gabriele Retez, Wildlife Ecologist for WWF-Romania's LIFE with Bison Project, the conversation explores the journey of bringing these majestic creatures back from the brink of extinction. Gabriele shares insights into the project's inception, its ecological impact, and the surprising discoveries about the bison's role in carbon sequestratio...

Oct 03, 20241 hr 9 min

#185 | Revolutionizing Mountain Gorilla Conservation: The One Health Approach with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

In this special World Gorilla Day episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell sits down with renowned conservationist and author, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. As Uganda's first wildlife veterinarian and founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), Dr. Gladys shares her groundbreaking 'One Health' approach to gorilla conservation. The conversation spans her journey from studying gorilla parasites in 1994 to founding CTPH, which addresses both human and wildlife health to conserve mountai...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 10 min

#184 | The Magical & Mysterious Lives of Octopuses with David Scheel, PhD

Dive into the mesmerizing world of octopuses with conservation biologist Brooke Mitchell and Dr. David Scheel, a renowned marine biologist and author of 'Many Things Under a Rock, The Mysteries of Octopuses'! In this episode, David shares his 25 years of experience studying these fascinating cephalopods. Discover octopuses' unique behaviors, their intelligence, social interactions, and cultural importance, especially among Alaskan indigenous communities. Learn about their conservation status and...

Aug 30, 20241 hr 7 min

#183 | Bringing Rhinos Back to Hwange Part 2 with Mark ‘Butch’ Butcher

In this special update episode of Rewildology, host Brooke Mitchell sits down with Mark 'Butch' Butcher to discuss the groundbreaking developments in the white rhino reintroduction efforts in the Hwange ecosystem, Zimbabwe. Revisiting their initial conversation from World Rhino Day 2022, Butch shares the latest successes and upcoming plans of Imvelo and its NGO partner, CRCI, including the establishment of a second rhino sanctuary driven by community involvement. They explore the socio-economic ...

Aug 22, 202439 min
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