The All Creatures Podcast

Chris and Angie step back into deep time with us as we revisit one of our most fascinating episodes, New Zealand’s iconic tuatara. Often called a “living fossil,” the tuatara isn’t just another reptile; it’s the sole surviving member of an ancient lineage that walked the Earth alongside dinosaurs. In this episode, we explore what makes the tuatara truly extraordinary, from its third “parietal” eye to its incredibly slow growth and one-of-a-kind evolutionary history. We dive into its natural habitat, behaviours, and ecological role, and highlight why its story matters now more than ever. You’ll also hear about ongoing conservation efforts that are helping tuatara reclaim parts of their former range, offering hope for one of the world’s most ancient species. Whether you love evolutionary biology, unique wildlife stories, or New Zealand’s incredible biodiversity, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and rediscover the magic of the tuatara—an animal that has survived for over 200 million years and continues

Chris and Angie explore the fascinating origins of modern house cats by delving into the African Wildcat's history and features. The discussion highlights the wildcat’s behavior, physiology, and domestication journey that began over 10,000 years ago, leading to the friendly felines many have as pets today. They cover the super-sensory abilities of these wild cats, their role in ecosystems, and the challenges they face, such as habitat loss and hybridization with domestic cats. The duo also touches on important conservation efforts and the differences between wild African Wildcats and common domestic cats, emphasizing the complex dynamics and importance of these remarkable creatures. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction to the Podcast 02:07 The African Wildcat: Origins and Domestication 04:00 YouTube Announcement and Personal Stories 07:17 Physical Characteristics of the African Wildcat 11:40 The African Wildcat's Range and Habitat 15:34 The Role of Cats in Human History 25:38 The Impact of Feral Cats on Wi

Step back into one of our favourite stories from the wild as we revisit the extraordinary pronghorn , one of North America’s most unique and misunderstood mammals. Chris and Angie explore the physiology that makes them the continent’s unrivalled speedsters, trace their deep evolutionary history alongside now-extinct predators, and look at the conservation journey that helped bring their numbers back from the brink. Their story is a powerful reminder of why protecting open landscapes and wildlife corridors matters now more than ever. Tune in to rediscover why pronghorns still hold such an important place in the ecosystems they call home. This episode was first released in January 2021 and wanted to bring them back into the spotlight. =========================================================== 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 fund

Chris interviews renowned environmental journalist and author Elizabeth Kolbert. They discuss her impactful books, 'The Sixth Extinction' and the upcoming 'Life on a Little Known Planet,' which highlight the global biodiversity crisis caused by human activity. Elizabeth shares stories from her travels around the world, including Greenland, New Zealand, and Florida, examining environmental challenges and the resilience of nature. The conversation covers pressing topics like climate change, species extinction, and innovative scientific efforts to combat these issues. Despite the grim realities, the episode emphasizes the importance of continued scientific research, public awareness, and policy changes to foster hope and drive positive environmental action. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 02:12 Elizabeth Colbert's Impactful Work 04:24 Discussing 'The Sixth Extinction' 05:06 Hope and Inspiration in 'Life on a Little Known Planet' 07:37 The Importance of Every Species 11:22 Climate Chan

Dingoes are among Australia’s most iconic yet misunderstood animals. Believed to have arrived on the continent around 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, these wild canines have become an essential part of Australia’s ecosystems. As apex predators, dingoes help regulate populations of kangaroos, rabbits, and feral species, maintaining balance across fragile landscapes. Despite their ecological importance, dingoes face significant threats, from habitat loss and persecution to hybridization with domestic dogs. Their conservation status varies by region, but many wild populations are declining. Here we explore their origins, their role in shaping Australia’s ecosystems, and why protecting pure dingo lineages matters for the future of biodiversity. This episode first aired in 2021. =========================================================== 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

Chris and Angie revisit green sea turtles, focusing on their remarkable journey from being endangered to 'least concern’ under the IUCN classification. Originally covered in 2018, the conversation updates listeners on the latest developments, highlighting the role of science, legislation, and community in conservation success. They share personal experiences of snorkeling with sea turtles and discuss various facts about their behavior, migration, and navigation. The episode dives deep into the history of their near-extinction, the collaborative global efforts that aided their recovery, and the broader implications for other endangered marine species. Celebrating this conservation success, Chris and Angie stress the importance of continued efforts and individual actions in protecting these ancient, resilient creatures. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction and Podcast History 02:35 The Green Sea Turtle's Comeback 03:24 Personal Encounters with Sea Turtles 03:51 The Importance of Conservation 04:40 Green

This week we’re thrilled to re-release one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant — a wildlife ecologist, National Geographic explorer, and all-around conservation rock star. In this inspiring episode, Dr. Wynn-Grant takes us behind the scenes of her incredible journey studying some of the world’s most iconic carnivores — from grizzly bears in Yellowstone to African lions across Kenya and Tanzania. Her work uncovers how human activity shapes carnivore behavior and habitat use, and how we can better coexist with wildlife in a changing world. We also chat about her passion for science communication and her role as host of PBS’s acclaimed podcast, Going Wild with Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, where she brings listeners along on her adventures in the field and explores what it truly means to connect with the wild. A native Californian, Dr. Wynn-Grant shares how childhood curiosity and representation in science inspired her career, and how she’s using her platform to promote equity, inclusion, and diversit

Chris and Angie revisit the world of bats, focusing on the fascinating ghost bat. Known for its distinctive pale color and incredible hunting abilities, the ghost bat is a unique carnivorous species native to Australia. The episode discusses the ghost bat's behavior, echolocation abilities, and conservation status, emphasizing the threats they face from habitat destruction and predators like feral cats. With dwindling populations and various conservation efforts underway, Chris and Angie highlight the importance of protecting these intriguing creatures to maintain ecological balance. Also included are fun facts about bat anatomy and behavior, along with listener shoutouts and updates on their YouTube channel. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 03:04 Spooky Species of the Year: The Ghost Bat 03:29 Global Celebration of Halloween and Bat Conservation 04:56 Threats to Bat Species and Conservation Efforts 05:34 Unique Characteristics of the Ghost Bat 06:03 Shoutout to a Listener

Back to the vault for you to meet the Aye-aye — Madagascar’s most misunderstood primate. With its eerie, skeletal fingers, giant eyes, and nocturnal habits, it’s often called creepy, but in truth, it’s one of nature’s most fascinating survivors. This lemur has evolved to fill the same niche as a woodpecker, tapping trees to find hidden grubs with its elongated middle finger — a feeding behavior found nowhere else on Earth. Sadly, the Aye-aye’s ghostly reputation has made it a target of superstition and fear, and deforestation continues to threaten its fragile home. In this episode, we explore the Aye-aye’s bizarre adaptations, its crucial role in Madagascar’s ecosystem, and why this “creepy” creature is actually one of the coolest examples of evolution in action. =========================================================== 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 bac

Chris and Angie explore the fascinating world of praying mantises. As mammalian biologists venturing into the realm of invertebrates, they discuss the diverse species, striking adaptations, and complex behaviors of mantises. Topics covered include their iconic hunting skills, unique physiology, and intriguing mating rituals—complete with the infamous act of sexual cannibalism. The discussion also highlights the mantis's remarkable vision, advanced reflexes, and the environmental threats they face due to human activity. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate and conserve these incredible insects and their habitats. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast 02:51 Diving into the World of Praying Mantis 04:24 Personal Stories and Listener Engagement 06:18 Praying Mantis Around the World 09:36 Physical Characteristics and Adaptations 21:36 Conservation and Ecological Importance 32:15 Butterflies and Their Changing Environment 33:36 Impact of Light Pollution on Insects 34:09 Insects Thriving

This episode was first released in 2021 and now we are bringing back an icon of Australia! The kookaburra, one of Australia’s most iconic birds, is famous for its infectious laugh that echoes through the bush at dawn and dusk. While the Laughing Kookaburra remains listed as Least Concern and thrives across much of eastern Australia, recent surveys show local declines—mainly due to habitat loss and the removal of old trees with nesting hollows. Ecologically, they play a vital role as top insect and small-animal predators, helping keep ecosystems balanced. Beyond their ecological importance, kookaburras are woven into Australian culture as a symbol of the wild bush spirit—adaptable, bold, and endlessly entertaining. =========================================================== 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 mont

This week we are honoring the Legacy of Jane Goodall and the animal she showed the world was more than just an animal, the Chimpanzee. In this heartfelt episode, Chris and Angie pay tribute to the legendary Jane Goodall and her groundbreaking work with chimpanzees. They delve into Goodall's profound impact on primatology, conservation, and the broader understanding of animal behavior. The hosts discuss their personal encounters with Goodall, reflecting on her inspiring legacy and expressing their own emotional connections to her work. They emphasize the importance of continued efforts to protect chimpanzees, highlighting the Jane Goodall Institute and its various initiatives aimed at conservation and education. The episode also explores chimpanzee behavior, social structures, and the critical need for their conservation in the face of rapidly declining populations. Podcast Timeline: 00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Jane Goodall 03:30 Jane Goodall's Impact and Legacy 09:50 Chimpanzee Behavior and Perso

Back to our vault for an episode on the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), one of Europe and Asia’s most elusive and awe-inspiring predators. With its signature tufted ears, powerful build, and ghost-like movement through dense forests, this big cat symbolizes the wild heart of the Old World. Once nearly wiped out across much of Europe due to hunting and habitat loss, the Eurasian lynx has made an incredible comeback in some regions thanks to decades of conservation and reintroduction programs. Today, the Eurasian lynx is listed as Least Concern globally by the IUCN, but many local populations remain threatened or endangered. In Western and Central Europe, their survival depends on continued protection of old-growth forests, healthy prey populations, and reduced human persecution. Sadly, illegal hunting and poaching still occur in several countries, often driven by conflict with livestock farmers or trophy hunting traditions. Despite these challenges, the lynx is a success story in rewilding—its quiet return to fo

This week, we’re diving back into the mysterious world of one of the ocean’s strangest and most elusive creatures — the Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni). Often called the “living fossil” of the shark world, this deep-sea predator looks like something out of a nightmare — or a prehistoric past — with its long, flattened snout and lightning-fast, extendable jaws. Found in the dark depths of the ocean, often below 1,000 meters, the Goblin Shark is rarely seen by humans, making every encounter a glimpse into the ancient lineage of sharks that have survived for over 125 million years. While Goblin Sharks are not currently considered endangered, their deep-sea habitat means they are vulnerable to bycatch from deepwater fisheries and the impacts of deep-sea mining and pollution. Like all sharks, they play a vital role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by keeping prey populations balanced and the food web stable. Protecting these incredible animals — even those we rarely see — is essential for preserving

**Just a heads up, this interview discusses adult content and may trigger some. Also, would say not approrpriate for younger listeners, but such an important discussion on the coffee industry** Chris welcomes Etelle Higonnet an environmental and human rights activist with a JD from Yale Law School. The conversation delves into the interconnectedness of human rights and environmental issues, highlighting the destructive impact of various industries, particularly focusing on the coffee industry. Etelle discusses their work with organizations like Greenpeace and Human Rights Watch and introduces Coffee Watch, an initiative aimed at curbing deforestation, ensuring ethical practices, and achieving living incomes for farmers and workers in the coffee industry. They emphasize the power of consumer action, the importance of ethical purchasing, and the effectiveness of petitions and activism in driving corporate and legislative change. Listeners are encouraged to become 'sustainable coffee ninjas' to help transfor

Back to the vault with another special animal. Opossums may not always get the love they deserve, but these remarkable marsupials are some of the coolest animals in North America. With their prehensile tails, opposable thumbs, and sharp survival skills, opossums thrive in environments ranging from forests to city backyards. They play a crucial ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew—eating carrion, insects, and even ticks by the thousands, helping control pests and prevent the spread of disease. Beyond their ecological importance, opossums have fascinating adaptations: they’re immune to most snake venom, can “play dead” as a defense, and are expert climbers. While often misunderstood, these gentle creatures are vital for healthy ecosystems and deserve more appreciation than they often receive. Tune in to learn why opossums are much more than meets the eye. =========================================================== Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "go

Chris and Angie dive into the fascinating world of the white-tailed deer. Initially underestimated, this episode reveals how ubiquitous and crucial this species is across the Americas, marked as one of the best conservation success stories. Growing up in the US, Chris took the species for granted, but this episode sheds light on their immense ecological importance, versatility, and adaptability across various biomes. They discuss how white-tailed deer populations once faced near extinction in the 19th century and bounced back due to rigorous conservation efforts, now numbering over 30 million in North America alone. Unfortunately, overpopulation in certain areas poses new challenges, including disease spread and ecological impact. Angie passionately explains the intricacies of antler growth, shedding, and the physiological marvels of the species. The episode also touches on subspecies like the endangered Florida Key Deer. Listeners are encouraged to get involved with local conservation efforts, visit area

A re-release of a favorite, coyotes are one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals in North America. Known as the “song dogs” of the wild, these resilient canids have adapted to almost every environment on the continent from deserts and prairies to suburbs and big cities. In this episode, we dive deep into: The ecological importance of coyotes – how they keep rodent and rabbit populations in check, help balance ecosystems, and even shape the behavior of other wildlife. Why coyotes face persecution – from bounties and predator-control programs to misconceptions that paint them as pests or villains, we examine the history of human conflict with coyotes. What makes coyotes incredible – their intelligence, family bonds, adaptability, and iconic howls that define the soundscape of North America. Conservation lessons – why understanding and coexisting with coyotes is critical for healthier ecosystems and for changing the way we view predators. Coyotes remind us that nature is

Chris welcomes back filmmaker Bertie Gregory to discuss his latest documentary 'Dolphins Up Close.' Known for his breathtaking wildlife cinematography, Bertie shares the intense and chaotic experience of capturing dolphins, sharks, and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. The conversation delves into the technical challenges of underwater filming, the behavioral insights observed, and the conservation success stories in the Azores. Bertie also reflects on the importance of combining skill and composure to document such extraordinary events and the significance of celebrating wildlife preservation successes. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:15 Birdie Gregory's Return and Orca Sequences 02:48 Dolphins Up Close: Filmmaking Challenges 03:25 Capturing the Chaos: Bait Balls and Predators 05:25 Filming Techniques and Challenges 10:15 Dolphins as Predators 12:35 The Azores: A Marine Protected Area 14:53 Chasing Dolphins: Techniques and Experiences 19:57 Shearwaters and Their Impressiv

We’re going back into the archives to revisit one of our favorite species, the iconic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). These charismatic marine mammals have captured human fascination for centuries with their intelligence, playfulness, and close social bonds. In this episode, we explore: The biology and unique adaptations of bottlenose dolphins. Their complex communication, echolocation, and problem-solving abilities. What they eat and how they hunt as cooperative groups. The important role they play in ocean ecosystems. The major threats they face, from fishing gear entanglements to noise pollution and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts working to protect dolphin populations around the world. Although this episode first aired four years ago, the conservation challenges remain just as pressing today. By revisiting it, we hope to renew awareness of the importance of protecting bottlenose dolphins and the marine environments they call home. Join us as we dive back into the