Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast

Amazing Wildlife is taking a leap into the colorful world of the butterfly! Rick and Ebone analyze how the shades of the butterfly wings that capture our attention serve a different purpose in nature. The hosts also explain the importance of the creature in order to help scientists measure the health of the planet. Later, Paige Howorth joins the show to give us insight on why the Quino checkerspot butterfly, native to southern California and Baja California, might be hard to spot and the current program in place to lower the level of decline.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!

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Today we’re talking about the animal who is pretty bare and whose home is in East Africa’s deserts... the naked mole-rat. These special beauties might not win any pageants, but they are fascinating! In this episode, hosts Rick and Ebone explore the mole rat’s status in nature, unique behaviors, and social structure. We’ll also hear from a young listener who will help us dig up the most interesting facts about these pink, wrinkly skin rodents.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!

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They are black and white and loved all over. We’re talking about penguins! Hosts Ebone and Rick highlight the social dynamic of these flightless seabirds, and reveal how the San Diego Zoo is able to reflect the native habitat of African penguins, who live in a warm climate. Dr. David Roberts joins us from the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, also known as SANCCOB, who are first responders for coastal birds. Dr. Roberts explains what is necessary to save underweight and abandoned African penguin chicks, to help support the population of this endangered species.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can record it and send your audio file to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!

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Once thought to be extinct, black-footed ferrets have another chance at survival! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the reasons that the species is at risk and the animal’s interesting journey on a road to recovery. Pete Gober from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joins the show to give an inside look at the innovative science and technology responsible for these mammals making a comeback. Dr. Oliver Ryder, Director of Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo, also joins the conversation to help tell the story of Elizabeth Ann, the first cloned black-footed ferret that recently celebrated her first birthday!

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can send them to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is dedicated to conservation efforts to save the black rhino, which is unfortunately critically endangered due mostly to international trade in rhino horn. Hosts Ebone and Rick address this problem as well as how the size and strength of rhinos affects the way specialists at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park care for them. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance President and CEO Paul Baribault is back to discuss working with the organization’s partners to help protect native populations of black rhinos and achieve population sustainability.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can record it and send your audio file to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.