Zoological Radio

Dr. Terry Maple, Director of Wildlife Wellness at the Jacksonville Zoo, recounts the tale of Chantek the mischievous, self-aware orangutan who wasn't above visiting McDonald's from time to time.

Most people try to stay as far away from great white sharks as possible, but a group of researchers is desperately trying to find these apex predators in the open water.

Professor Anna Nekaris, director of the Little Fireface Project, chats about these adorable monkeys and their super-cool snake-like qualities. 

Can dogs and cats really live together? Some cheetahs in Africa wouldn't survive without their canine companions.

People are changing the world every day; it's time for us to decide if the change will ultimately be positive or negative. Rich Block, Santa Barbara Zoo's CEO, talks about the impending "sixth extinction."

Do we REALLY need to give up single-use plastics? Greg Gorga, CEO of the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, says "Yes."

Turns out a turtle’s growing pains can be solved by using a machine that’s usually found in the office, not the ocean.

QUICK BITES: Wintering whales have regular migration patterns. When food sources decline, where do they go?    

QUICK BITES: “Charismatic" species like the island fox can be a big help to the conservation moment. But let’s not forget the other, less “camera-ready” animals that need protecting on the Channel Islands.

QUICK BITES: Tiny critters like crabs and sea anemones flourish in tide pools. But did you know tide pools serve as little nurseries for a host of other species that can grow really big?

QUICK BITES: I say “pollinator,” you say “butterfly.” But what about bison? These big, furry seed spreaders are the pollinators of the Great Plains.

QUICK BITES: What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on? Was it so bad you severed your arm, gave it to the other person, and jetted away? Learn how the Giant Pacific Octopus deals with bad dates in this episode.

Did you know one of the best ways to protect the earth against mass extinction may be as simple as going on a hike? Find out more about our looming conservation crisis.

Forget mice...do you know what really scares elephants? Find out what hard-working insect researchers are using to save Asian and African elephants.

QUICK BITES: Can the critically endangered kaki, or black stilt, win New Zealand’s Bird of the Year contest? If a Tinder profile can’t help set the votes on fire, we’re not sure what will.

QUICK BITES: Tiger cubs on their first hunting expedition took down 20 cows in one go. The villagers called for help and Wildlife Trust of India answered, which led to a mama tiger vs. elephant showdown.  

QUICK BITES: Dr. Julie Barnes bravely takes on the task of avoiding the six-inch, razor-sharp claws of a mama anteater at the Santa Barbara Zoo. Milking a cow is pretty tame compared to this.

QUICK BITES/LIVE SHOW! Is there really a man who can speak the language of gorillas?  Ranger Andre Bauma knows.

Carrie Goertz, Director of Animal Health at Alaska SeaLife Center, describes the rescue and care of a male baby beluga whale. He’s not a fan of helicopter rides OR late feedings...what a baby!

QUICK BITES: These "horribly intelligent" birds play monkey-see, monkey-do when training the younger generation. Lucy Kemp explains the ground hornbill method of mentoring young birds for reintroduction into the wild.