Walrus's Story

In this throwback episode, we return the walrus. A very early one in our podcast it was one you might have missed! A fan-favorite, in this episode we explore the incredible history and evolution of these tusked giants, uncovering their ancient origins and adaptations to life in icy waters. Learn about their unique physiology, from their blubbery insulation to their impressive tusks, and their intriguing social behavior, including their communal nature and vocalizations. We'll also discuss the walrus' conservation status, the threats they face from climate change and human activity, and what we can do to protect these majestic marine mammals. A journey into the Arctic awaits—don’t miss it! ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris and Angie explore the fascinating world of the dromedary camel. They discuss the unique vocalizations, impressive physical adaptations, and the camel's significant role in human history. The episode delves into the camel's ability to survive long periods without water, their contributions to ecosystems, and their impact on cultures. The hosts also address the problem of feral camels in Australia, offering insights into potential solutions. The podcast is informative and filled with interesting facts, ranging from the camel's unique physiology to their complex social behaviors. Male Dromedary Camel Display Video HERE 01:00 Welcome to the Creatures Podcast 01:30 Introduction to Dromedary Camels 02:30 Dromedary vs. Bactrian Camels 06:43 Physical Characteristics of Dromedary Camels 10:39 Dromedary Camels in the Wild 14:29 Conservation and Impact of Feral Camels 17:37 Cultural and Economic Importance of Camels 22:36 Challenges and Solutions for Camel Population Control 37:07 Evolution and Classification of Camels 38:03 Exploring the Camelid Family 39:21 Ancient Origins of Camelids 40:58 Migration and Evolution 41:02 Domestication and Uses 42:01 Camel Physiology and Adaptations 44:56 Water Conservation Mechanisms 58:53 Unique Camel Behaviors 59:43 Social Structure and Vocalizations 01:05:17 Breeding and Maternal Care 01:09:52 Conservation Efforts 01:11:11 Conclusion and Future Research ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are kicking 2025 off with our throwback Monday with a podcast favorite, the Snow Leopard! One of the most beloved big cats! Snow Leopards are known as the elusive "ghosts of the mountains." Learn about their incredible adaptations to survive in harsh alpine environments, their unique behaviors and hunting habits, and the critical role they play in their ecosystem. We'll also discuss the challenges they face, from habitat loss to poaching, and the innovative conservation efforts working to protect these majestic big cats. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or new to the topic, this episode will inspire a deeper appreciation for snow leopards and the urgent need to ensure their survival. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this throwback episode, we delve into the secretive and captivating world of sloths. Known for their slow movements and permanent smiles, sloths are more than just nature’s chillest animals. Sloths have so many incredible superpowers, like their incredible adaptations that make them masters of camouflage, their vital role in rainforest ecosystems, and the surprising challenges they face in the wild. From their symbiotic relationships with algae to their unique physiology, we uncover the science and magic behind these gentle tree-dwellers. Join us as we explore how you can help protect sloths and their rainforest homes. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we release once again all about Snowy Owls. With their striking white plumage and piercing yellow eyes, snowy owls are one of the most captivating birds in the avian world. Found predominantly in the Arctic tundra, these magnificent creatures are well-adapted to their icy habitat. Their feathers are not just beautiful but also serve as insulation, allowing them to survive extreme cold. Snowy owls are currently vulnerable. Climate change poses a significant threat to their Arctic home, altering the availability of prey like lemmings and impacting their breeding success. Additionally, habitat destruction and human disturbance further endanger these majestic birds. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Chris discusses the Apple TV series 'The Secret Lives of Animals' and its fascinating depiction of animal behavior and physiology. Chris is joined by Matt Brandon, series editor and showrunner, and Mark Flowers, series producer. They delve into their backgrounds, the advanced technology used in filming, and the captivating moments captured in the series. The discussion includes anecdotes about exotic animals, their behaviors, and the challenging yet rewarding process of filming in diverse locations around the world. Chris and his guests emphasize the importance of conservation and hope that the series inspires viewers to engage with and protect the natural world. Trailer can be seen HERE Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Series 00:45 Meet the Minds Behind the Series 01:35 The Making of 'The Secret Lives of Animals' 03:06 Mark's Journey and Passion for Wildlife 05:42 Relatability and Emotional Connection in Wildlife Filming 20:35 Technological Advances in Wildlife Filming 29:26 Conservation Challenges and Hopes 33:37 Jaw-Dropping Moments and Favorite Sequences 40:19 Conclusion and Future Prospects ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this throwback Monday, we target the Great Hammer Shark. Sadly, while there are 9 species of hammerhead sharks, all are on a trajectory to extinction. Alarmingly, the largest of the family, the Great Hammerhead, is critically endangered. Due to the pressures of overfishing, shark finning, by catch, and others, the Great Hammerhead is in deep peril. These incredibly unique sharks with their hammer heads deserve our attention and they need your help. You can learn more about these incredible sharks 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we return to update you on the fascinating world of giraffes, focusing on their unique biology, behavior, and the alarming conservation challenges they face. The discussion covers the distinct species and subspecies of giraffes, their evolutionary history, incredible physiological adaptations, such as their cardiovascular system, and social behaviors. Highlighting significant threats like habitat loss, poaching, and population decline, the episode emphasizes the urgency for conservation efforts. Listeners are encouraged to support organizations like the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and to advocate for giraffes' inclusion on the U.S. Endangered Species Act to ensure their survival for future generations. You can visit the Giraffe Conservation Foundation Website HERE Podcast Timeline 01:00 Introduction and Dedication 02:08 Giraffe Species and Conservation Efforts 04:25 Giraffe Coat Patterns and Descriptions 08:45 Giraffe Sizes and Physical Characteristics 11:11 Giraffe Population and Conservation Status 22:47 The Importance of Giraffes in Ecosystems 25:42 Challenges and Controversies in Giraffe Conservation 33:14 Giraffe Evolution and Classification 39:49 Giraffe and Okapi Evolution 40:24 Tallest Animal Ever 43:59 Giraffe Fun Facts 44:53 Giraffe Physiology: The Cardiovascular System 49:53 Giraffe Behavior and Social Structure 59:44 Giraffe Reproduction and Calves 01:08:24 Conservation Efforts and How You Can Help ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Global Conservation Force is on the front lines in Africa and other areas throughout the world fighting poaching and wildlife trafficking. Mike Veale founded Global Conservation Force in 2014. As an organization, Global Conservation Force has grown and is fighting hard to save our disappearing wildlife. Well worth a listen to learn the truth of poaching in Africa. Biography Mike Veale is a southern California native who has worked extensively with animals for the majority of his conservation career. From a young age Mike has been passionate about the nature, wildlife, and anything he could do to protect it. He focused on gaining any experience he could from a young age, taking on some of his first conservation projects at the age of 14, as a Boy Scout. As a Senior Mammal Keeper at San Diego Safari Park he had unparalleled access to two of the last remaining North African White Rhinos as well as dozens of other endangered species. In 2014, after years of watching the wild populations of animals under his care rapidly dwindle, Mike decided to take action. His lengthy wildlife care career, combined with his conservation, ranger, and active, combat-sport-heavy lifestyle gave Mike the unique experience needed to fight on the front line of conservation. Mike traveled to South Africa and passed the intensive boot camp training required before finally becoming an anti-poaching ranger in Greater Kruger National Park. After several months of fighting poaching, Mike returned to America, and Global Conservation Force was founded. He continues to go back and fourth between the US, Asia, and Africa working on direct impact wildlife conservation projects, local community support, and anti poaching patrols. Learn More 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris welcomes back Leif Cox, founder of the Orangutan Project and a renowned orangutan specialist. Leif discusses his 35-year journey in orangutan conservation, highlighting the self-awareness and cultural intelligence of orangutans. The conversation explores the urgent need for habitat preservation, the impact of palm oil plantations, and the detrimental effects of climate change on orangutan populations. Leif also stresses the importance of integrating local communities into conservation efforts and the role of compassion in fostering global environmental change. The episode concludes with information on eco-tours organized by the Orangutan Project and Leif's forthcoming book 'Wild Lessons.' You can learn more about the Orangutan Project & their Eco trips HERE Podcast Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:43 Leif Cox's Background and Orangutan Conservation 02:55 The Urgency of Saving Orangutans 03:33 Orangutan Culture and Slow Reproduction 07:25 Challenges in Rehabilitation and Release 20:26 Impact of Palm Oil Plantations 27:38 Global Warming and Conservation Efforts 30:06 Local and Global Conservation Initiatives 33:47 Orangutan Rescue and Community Challenges 34:47 Succession Plan and Sustainable Agriculture 35:55 Indigenous Communities and Environmental Protection 38:14 Political Will and Government Challenges 40:03 Complex Solutions and Hypocrisy in Action 42:55 Compassion and Personal Transformation 53:25 Eco-Tourism and Conservation Efforts 59:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ------------------------------------------------------------- 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. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast You can also visit our website HERE.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices