From Application to Impact: Kiessling Prize Winners Speak

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, we meet Lieutenant Dan, an Emerging Hero and Shelter finalist in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards whose life story is redefining resilience. Born with a severe limb deformity that left him without his hind legs and tail, this seven-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound has never let physical challenges limit his joy for life.Joined by his devoted handler Laura Pearson, Lieutenant Dan proudly shows the world what it means to be “handicapable.” From adventurous outings to helping foster animals with special needs build confidence, his infectious spirit inspires both people and pets to embrace life without limits.This episode celebrates a remarkable dog whose courage, joy and unwavering resilience remind us that true heroism comes from the heart. 

In this special Robin’s Nest episode, we bring together all four past Kiessling Prize winners, Kathleen Dudzinski, Arnaud Desbiez, Theo Pagel, and Jon Paul Rodríguez, to share their unique journeys and the impact the award had on their work. From breakthrough research to bold conservation projects, hear firsthand how the Kiessling Prize helped them take their ideas further, overcome challenges and create lasting change. Whether you’re curious about the award or thinking about applying, their stories offer insight, inspiration and a glimpse at what it takes to become the next Kiessling Prize winner.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome American Humane Hero Dog finalist K9 Ultra and her handler, Alaina Whitaker.A four-year-old German Shepherd/Dutch Shepherd mix serving as a Coast Guard Military Working Dog, K9 Ultra is a highly trained detection specialist who can switch instantly from playful companion to mission-ready protector at the command “seek.” Together, K9 Ultra and Alaina share how military working dogs safeguard lives through explosive detection, motorcade security and force protection in high-stakes environments.From clearing a vice-presidential motorcade route to standing watch at home, K-9 Ultra’s story is one of loyalty, discipline, and the powerful bond between handler and K-9. This episode shines a light on the extraordinary, and often unseen, service of military working dogs who protect our nation every day.

On this episode of Robin’s Nest, Robin sits down with Danté Fenolio, Ph.D., world-renowned conservationist and Vice President of the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. With over 30 years protecting some of the planet’s rarest and “creepy crawly” species, Danté shares his journey from breeding amphibians as a child to pioneering first-ever captive breeding programs for species like the Crater Lake Newt and Dougherty Plain Cave Crayfish. He also discusses innovative conservation approaches, including portable shipping-container labs and community partnerships in the Peruvian Amazon through Project Selva. A finalist for the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize, Danté reflects on the lessons learned from decades of fieldwork, photography and science-driven solutions for endangered species worldwide.From deep caves to rainforest canopies, this episode celebrates curiosity, ingenuity and the hope that even the smallest creatures can thrive again.

In this heartfelt episode of Robin’s Nest, we welcome Sgt. Bo, the 2025 American Humane Hero Dog Award winner, and his handler, Faye Okert. Once a stray in Nashville, Sgt. Bo’s life was transformed through rescue into one of extraordinary service as a therapy dog with the Metro Nashville Police Department.Known for his calm presence and gentle spirit, Sgt. Bo supported children and adults during moments of crisis, helped de-escalate traumatic situations and provided comfort when words fell short. Faye shares how Sgt. Bo’s journey reflects the powerful healing potential of rescue animals and the critical role therapy dogs play in trauma-informed care.From comforting survivors after a tragic school shooting to leaving behind a lasting legacy of hope in retirement, Sgt. Bo’s story is a moving testament to compassion, resilience and the life-changing bond between humans and animals.

On this episode of Robin’s Nest, we sit down with Dr. Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal behaviorist, autism advocate, and Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Temple explains how thinking in pictures allowed her to revolutionize livestock handling systems, designing environments that reduce stress and improve animal welfare worldwide. From the invention of her “hug machine” to curved chute systems now used by nearly half of North American cattle, her approach blends science, compassion, and measurable accountability.Temple also shares her personal experiences with autism, offering a unique perspective on how neurodiverse thinking can be a powerful strength. She discusses her memoir Thinking in Pictures, and the Emmy-winning HBO film about her life, as well as a peek at her upcoming book, all highlighting her journey of discovery and advocacy. This is a conversation packed with insight, ingenuity, and a fresh way of seeing the world.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with one of the world’s most influential wildlife scientists: Dr. Yadvendradev Jhala. For more than 30 years, Dr. Jhala has been at the forefront of India’s most significant conservation achievements, from leading the country’s historic tiger recovery to reintroducing cheetahs after 70 years of extinction. He shares the science, strategy and passion behind protecting endangered species, illustrating how data-driven conservation and global cooperation can restore entire ecosystems. Listeners will hear firsthand stories from the field, lessons from the world’s largest wildlife survey and his powerful vision for safeguarding the planet’s most vulnerable animals. It’s a masterclass in hope, leadership and what’s possible when passion combines with science.

In this special episode of Robin’s Nest, we’re joined by Dr. George Church, a world-renowned geneticist and one of the leading minds behind the Human Genome Project, for a conversation about the amazing ways science is helping us understand, protect and even restore life on Earth.Dr. Church takes us inside the frontier of synthetic biology, from the origins of CRISPR and gene editing to the bold promise of de-extinction, conservation technology and genetic equity. The discussion spans his groundbreaking work with Colossal Biosciences, where efforts to revive the woolly mammoth and other lost species aim to restore ecosystems and rethink what “saving nature” means in the 21st century.Listeners will hear Dr. Church reflect on the ethics and responsibilities of rewriting life’s code, the potential for genetic engineering to combat biodiversity loss, and why he believes “extinction doesn’t have to be forever.” This episode explores how technology and conservation can work hand-in-hand to heal the planet.A fascinating journey into the science shaping our shared future, and a reminder that innovation, guided by compassion and curiosity, may yet help us write a better story for life on Earth.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with Hilde Vanleeuwe, Ph.D., a fearless conservation biologist whose 30-year career has been devoted to protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife, particularly elephants. From rescuing birds in her childhood home in Belgium to leading groundbreaking conservation programs across Africa, Hilde shares her journey of perseverance, passion, and purpose.Listeners will hear about her extraordinary fieldwork, from walking over 500 km of elephant transects on Mt. Kenya to transforming elephant protection in the Congo, and her innovative efforts with Wilder Things, a conservation initiative focused on connecting habitats through riparian wildlife corridors. Hilde also reflects on the significance of being a finalist for the Kiessling Prize and shares her vision for scaling ecological connectivity to help species adapt to climate change. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the impact one dedicated individual can have on the future of wildlife and wild places.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with Peter Chadwick, CEO of the Conservation Landscape Institute, to discuss the launch of the Brad and Alice Andrews Preserve and the expansion of South Africa’s Bushman’s River Biodiversity Corridor, a milestone for the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa. With nearly 40 years of experience across 25 African countries, Peter shares how modern conservation is driven by community engagement, cutting-edge technology, and ecosystem restoration. Together, he and Robin explore how rewilding efforts are creating safe passage for endangered species like black rhinos and elephants, while empowering local communities through sustainable development and ecotourism.A celebrated conservation photojournalist, Peter also highlights how powerful storytelling can inspire global action and policy change. Tune in to learn how one preserve is helping to reconnect Africa’s wild landscapes, protecting biodiversity and building a future where people and wildlife thrive together.