This week, undercover investigator, Andrea Crosta, takes us behind the scenes of two enthralling films, Sea of Shadows (National Geographic) and The Ivory Game (Netflix). Andrea also discusses his organisation, Earth League International, which operates across three continents relentlessly uncovering the illegal wildlife trade. We will learn of covert operations across the globe, including revealing those responsible for the near extinction of the Vaquita and exposing traffickers who are fuellin...
May 25, 2021•45 min
This week we head to the Western States of America and talk to Suzanne Roy about her quest to protect the wild horses and burros. Horses capture the hearts and minds of people across the globe and Suzanne allows us a glimpse into the lives of these spirited creatures. We will hear about the American Wild Horse Campaign organisation, whose mission is to save the herds by engaging with the government and proposing sustainable and humane ways to manage herd numbers. Suzanne will tell us why it is s...
May 18, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode, I am honoured to talk with James Mwenda! James is a distinguished conservationist, safari guide and caretaker for the last remaining Northern White Rhinos on the planet. We will hear about a baby rhino rescued by the Ol Pejeta team, a ground-breaking project that aims to bring back the now 'functionally extinct' Northern White Rhino, and James' incredible experiences of walking amongst wildlife every day of his life.
May 04, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode, David talked to renowned conservationist Rory Young, co-founder, and president of Chengeta Wildlife. Rory dedicated his life to wildlife protection, operating in some of the most politically unstable environments in the world. We will learn about Rory's mission to save the Mali desert elephants from poaching and hear about his incredible experiences training ranger teams in the Central African Republic. We are deeply saddened that shortly after recording this podcast, Rory was k...
Apr 20, 2021•51 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode, you will be transported across the globe with environmental journalist, Jeremy Hance. Jeremy delights us with fascinating insights into his adventures in wild places. Including the story of a chatty rhino named Tam, the last Bornean Rhino on the planet, who happened to walk into an oil plant plantation. Jeremy will also tell us about his remarkable book, ‘Baggage: Confessions of a globe-trotting hypochondriac’. Wonderfully entertaining and not to be missed.
Apr 13, 2021•37 min•Season 3Ep. 1
This week I'm thrilled to be talking to Dr. Tim Wittig (Head of Intelligence, United for Wildlife) and William Brown (CEO, Focused Conservation) about the complexity of tackling the Illegal wildlife trade. We'll learn about how these world-leading organizations are supporting governments, and law agencies, to investigate, arrest and prosecute traffickers. This brutal trade has an estimated global value of $50-$150 Billion USD, crosses international borders, and spans continents and is driving sp...
Feb 21, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Greg Rasmussen, a world leader in Painted Dog conservation. Greg regales us with heartwarming stories, including one involving a dog named Circus, and captivating insights into working with local ranchers to put an end to the killing of painted dogs. Greg also talks passionately about the wonderful social structure of these unique animals, including how no dog is ever left out. Please head to www.painteddogresearch.org to find out how you can support Greg an...
Feb 02, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 5
This week we have a fascinating conversation with Roderick Stien-Rostaing, Founder and Director of Reef Doctor. Reef Doctor is a pioneering organisation that has been conducting conservation and social development in southwest Madagascar for 15 years. A major part of their work is the preservation of the delicate coral reef system. The Reef Doctor team have been instrumental in preserving biodiversity and relieving poverty in the area. From military coups to terrible roads, Roderick gives us an ...
Jan 18, 2021•33 min•Season 2Ep. 4
This week we have the privilege of being joined by Sergeant Nkateko Mzimba, a key member of the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, South Africa. Not only has the unit reduced poaching by over 60% in the Balule region of the Greater Kruger National Park but also broken tradition as the world's first all-female anti-poaching unit. Nkateko gives us a fascinating insight into what it's like to become a Black Mamba and the threats she faces everyday. From being chased by lions, to the worry of coming fa...
Jan 16, 2021•23 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Join us to hear all about the mysterious world of the Amazon River Dolphin with Suzanne Smith, founder of the Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation (ARDCF). Suzanne shares stories of her expeditions into the depths of the Amazon rainforest. From being caught in tropical storms to swimming for hours with these incredible dolphins. ARDCF is firmly intertwined with the local communities and conducts world-leading research on the dolphins that call the mighty Amazon river their home. Tune in ...
Jan 12, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 2
We go behind the scenes of a National Graphic Ocean expedition with renowned explorer Paul Rose. Paul is the expedition leader for the Nat Geo Pristine Seas project that has led to the protection of 23 marine reserves from Costa Rica to the Galapagos. Alongside a team of world-leading scientists, Paul explores areas of the planet that have never been seen before. In this episode Paul talks of challenging ocean currents, getting bitten by a moray eel while filming, and what it’s like to share the...
Jan 05, 2021•45 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Want to hear why our host, Amy stubbornly locked herself in the Landrover Defender whilst in the bush? Join Amy and David as they discuss the highs and lows of Series One of the podcast! From recording in the back of a sweltering car to realising some episodes were unpublishable - this episode is all about the trials and tribulations of learning the ropes in the world of podcasting! Join us for the final episode of Series One...see you on the other side!
Oct 01, 2020•30 min
This week we give a warm welcome to Verena Gill, a specialist on marine mammals, specifically: sea otters, the Beluga whale and North Pacific Right whale. A major aspect of Verena's work at the NOAA Fisheries is aimed at the conservation of a special population of Beluga whale that lives in the Cook Inlet in Alaska. Sadly the population is decreasing due to several human threats, yet Verena is working tirelessly to save the species. During this conversation, Verena also talks to us about her fas...
Sep 21, 2020•43 min
This week we are focusing on a big cat that could be described as the ghost of the mountains as we welcome Dr. Rodney Jackson and Ashleigh Lutz-Nelson from the Snow Leopard Conservancy. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Jackson is a pioneer in snow leopard conservation and his seminal research has been showcased in National Geographic. Ashleigh and Rodney take us into the extraordinary world of these cats, from where they live, to the threats they face. We will also learn about the extreme c...
Sep 13, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This week we chat with Vera Castro and Sam Turley from Imire Wildlife and Rhino conservation, Zimbabwe. From baby rhinos that bring hope during this challenging time to a cape clawless otter that nearly stole the show, you won’t be disappointed! In short, Imrie was founded in 1948 by the inspirational Norman and Gilly Travers and is a conservancy dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, most specifically the breeding and protection of the critically endangered black rhino. We hear about how Im...
Sep 08, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Would you like to discover why a ban on trophy hunting may not be beneficial to conserving species such as lion? This week we have the privilege of talking to Dr. Amy Dickman, founder of the Ruaha Carnivore Project and a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford. In this episode, Amy provides incredible insight into the innovative methods her team employs to reduce the number of lion killings. Importantly, how the engagement of local communities helps to protect these large carnivores. ...
Sep 01, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 16
This week we head over to Zambia to talk to Anna Tolan, founder of the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust. In 1998, Anna and her husband Steve packed their bags and moved from the UK to Zambia and the rest is history! Having found a plot of land on the banks of the Luangwa River, opposite the South Luangwa National Park, they created Chipembele. Their mission is to teach Zambian children and communities the value of wildlife and to conserve it for present and future generations. The success of ...
Aug 25, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Want to hear about one of the most dangerous jobs in wildlife conservation? Well, on today’s episode we take to the skies with Mike Ross, Helicopter wildlife capture specialist. Mike has over 22 years of experience in capturing wildlife for conservation purposes and tells us what it's like to be in the cockpit during a capture. In addition to being an exceptional pilot, Mike has a detailed knowledge of different species and explains the importance of using different capture methods and flying te...
Aug 18, 2020•44 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This week we welcome Francesca Trotman onto the podcast! After witnessing distressing shark killings in the unprotected waters of Mozambique, Francesca founded Love The Oceans. Their mission is to create a marine protected area through research of species such as whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins and manta rays. Love the Oceans is co-owned by the local people and has had a wide-reaching impact on the communities. For instance, their swim program has taught hundreds of children to swim to p...
Aug 11, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode we are joined by Sabrina Colombo, a senior ranger and project manager at ‘Limpopo Eco Operations - Africa’. LEO Africa, situated in the beautiful Waterberg area of South Africa, aims to monitor and conserve key species, including cheetah and lion, amongst many other endangered species. We gain insight into the fantastic LEO Africa volunteer program and sustainable living philosophy. Sabrina discusses a range of topics including her journey from being a high level tennis player in...
Aug 04, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Today I am thrilled to be talking with Dr. Johan Marais, a world-renowned wildlife vet and founder of the organisation, 'Saving the Survivors'. Saving the Survivors treats any animal in need ranging from lions to wild dog. A large proportion of their work involves rhinos, which suffer terribly as a result of barbaric poaching attacks and their horns hacked off. During this episode, Dr. Johan discusses how he brings back rhinos from the brink, including facial reconstruction and the difficulties ...
Jul 28, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This week I talk to Dimitri Syrris, founder of Baotree. Baotree is a ground breaking digital initiative that strives to ensure co-existence between humans and wildlife across Africa. Dimitri explains how Baotree aims to provide the local communities with the opportunity to earn goods or services (e.g predator proof fencing) by engaging with conservation activities such as reporting a lion sighting or removing alien plant species. Tune in to hear about Dimitri's journey, how Baotree operates and ...
Jul 14, 2020•40 min•Season 1Ep. 10
This episode takes us straight to the front line of the war against wildlife crime. Jay Crafter, co-founder of Invictus K9, describes his experiences of canine anti-poaching operations throughout Central and East Africa. Jay also shares his personal journey from US Special operations and UK Army Veterinary Corps to setting up Invictus K9 together with Mike Hensman. You’ll hear all about the process of establishing canine anti-poaching units in remote Africa and real-life stories of anti-poaching...
Jul 07, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 9
Shannon Wild is a renowned National Geographic Wildlife Filmmaker who travels the world to bring us extraordinary footage. In this episode she describes serious physical challenges, filming Komodo dragons in Indonesia and spending 18 months filming an illusive melanistic leopard in Southern India. We also gain a fascinating insight into what it takes to succeed in the notoriously tough wildlife filmmaking industry. Shannon talks candidly about the physical trauma she faced while filming ‘The Rea...
Jul 01, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This week’s fascinating episode concerns one of Africa’s most persecuted species - the rhino. It has been widely reported that rhinos are killed for their horns by criminal poaching gangs, which has led to rhinos teetering on the edge of extinction. The barbaric rhino horn trade is fuelled by demand in China and Vietnam, despite the substance having no health benefits whatsoever. In this episode, Simon Jones, Founder and CEO of 'Helping Rhinos', describes his transition from a high level career ...
Jun 23, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Today we are joined by record breaking cave diver, Christine Grosart. Christine explores parts of our planet where nobody else dares to go. This episode will take you deep into the mysterious world of cave diving, a dangerous form of exploration where one small mistake can cost your life. Christine is also a key member of Ghost Fishing UK. This organisation removes abandoned fishing nets that pose a threat to marine life. She explains how the nets are removed by a group of highly trained volunte...
Jun 16, 2020•35 min•Season 1Ep. 6
We chat to Sarah Roberts about the controversies surrounding shark tourism, the challenges of being a grizzly bear guide, her first-hand experience of the devastating effects of plastic pollution and her recent expedition to Iceland where Sarah explored technology that brings hope to the fight against climate change. Sarah is a naturalist, eco-journalist and author. Sarah travels the world documenting hard hitting environmental topics, and is famed for her big predator expeditions, such as divin...
Jun 09, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 5
We talk to Kim Wolhuter, a maverick wildlife filmmaker who is known for his extraordinary ability to walk side by side with wild animals such as hyena, cheetah and wild dog. Kim shares his astonishing experiences with some of Africa’s most iconic predators and talks about his aim to reconnect humans with nature. You can watch Kim on the Discovery Channel’s MAN, CHEETAH, WILD documentary series!
May 30, 2020•30 min•Season 1Ep. 4
We chat to Lauren Arthur, a Wildlife TV presenter for WildEarth. Lauren shares her experiences of working in the Maldives as a marine biologist and her journey to becoming a Wildlife TV presenter in South Africa. From saving manta rays from fishing line to finding hyena cubs, Lauren gives us a wonderful insight into her life working with the wildlife!
May 26, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 3
We talk to Antonia Leckie, a conservation biologist who has been working with Lion Landscapes in Kenya. Join us to hear all about co-existence between lions and humans and amazing work the organisation does to ensure the future of lions in Africa. From stories of collaring lions to dealing with hyena in camp – find out what it’s really like working on the frontlines of conservation in Africa!
May 20, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 2
