YOUR NEW FAVORITE ANIMAL PODCAST

Season 1 | Episode 1

Dive into the depths of Southern California's waters with Peter and Dr. Rae as they chat with Carlos Gauna, an expert drone operator and shark photographer, where he discusses how his videos can impact our understanding of misrepresented animals like sharks. Carlos recounts thrilling tales from his time on the show — including a heart-pounding moment when hope of spotting a shark seemed completely lost.

Season 1 | Episode 2

Have you heard the remarkable story of the mountain lion that roamed the Hollywood hills? In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae sit down with Beth Pratt, wildlife advocate, author, and California director for the National Wildlife Federation, to discuss the enduring legacy of P-22, the iconic mountain lion who called Griffith Park in Los Angeles home. Together, they’ll touch on the pressing issue of habitat loss — one of the greatest threats to wildlife — and explore innovative solutions for coexisting with wildlife in our urban landscapes.

Season 1 | Episode 3

In this episode, we go on a journey through time and conservation with Peter and Dr. Rae as they talk with Jeff Ewelt, executive director of ZooMontana, about the remarkable resurgence of the black-footed ferret, believed extinct until 1981. They discuss special moments on the show like meeting the ferret clone "Elizabeth Ann" and releasing endangered ferrets into the wild at Hogg Ranch.

Season 1 | Episode 4

Over the past 50 years, climate change, poor water quality, and overfishing have devastated up to 60% of our kelp forest. Join Co-Hosts Peter and Dr. Rae as they uncover the vital importance of kelp forests with special guest Dr. Jennifer Adler, a renowned conservation photographer and underwater photojournalist. She shares her incredible experiences capturing the beauty and mystery of deep-water ecosystems and underwater sea caves.

Season 1 | Episode 5

Across the United States, bats are under siege, facing numerous threats that endanger their populations. In this episode, Co-Hosts Dr. Rae and Peter are joined by Dr. Nate Fuller, a bat ecologist, to discuss the critical need to save these misunderstood creatures and what we can do to educate others about their importance to the environment.

Season 1 | Episode 6

Just over a decade ago, the native foxes of California’s Channel Islands were on the brink of extinction. In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae are joined by Nadya Seal Faith, a conservation biologist from the Santa Barbara Zoo. They discuss her incredible work on the islands conserving these species and the pivotal role bald eagles played in restoring the ecosystem's balance.

Season 1 | Episode 7

In today’s episode, Dr. Rae and Peter explore the challenges beavers face from habitat loss and human conflict with wildlife biologist, Molly Alves. Learn about the Tulalip Beaver Project and their efforts in relocating beavers from nuisance areas to places where their natural building skills create thriving, biodiverse ecosystems. Discover the incredible impact of these industrious creatures and the efforts to protect them.

Season 1 | Episode 8

For three months during nesting season, researchers relocate to Eastern Egg Island to monitor and protect puffins. Peter and Dr. Rae sit down with Emma Lachance Linklater, a biologist who spent months living among the puffins on the remote island. Lachance Linklater shares her unforgettable experiences studying these precious seabirds and highlights the hard work and determination of field biologists committed to protecting and preserving wildlife.

Season 1 | Episode 9

Zoos play a crucial role in wildlife survival, acting as research hubs and connecting people to the wonders of nature. In this episode, Dr. Rae and Peter chat with Patty Ihrig-Bueckendorf, a Saint Louis Zoo hellbender keeper, about the vital role zookeepers play in animal rehabilitation and species preservation. Ihrig-Bueckendorf shares her work with hellbender salamander — a species that's been on the endangered species list since 2003 — highlighting the efforts to save these unique creatures.

Season 1 | Episode 10

Wolves play a crucial role as keystone species, essential for maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems. In this episode, Peter and Dr. Rae chat with Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at the Saint Louis Zoo, who discusses her deep commitment to wolf advocacy and dispels common myths about "big bad wolves."

Season 1 | Episode 11

Over a hundred years ago, sea otters were hunted to near extinction for their fur. Peter and Dr. Rae chat with Megan Smylie, sea otter program manager at the Aquarium of the Pacific, about the incredible efforts to restore their population. Learn about the inspiring sea otter surrogacy program, where surrogate mothers Millie and Chloe nurture and train orphaned sea otter pups, teaching them essential survival skills before returning to the wild.

Season 1 | Episode 12

As we conclude this season of the show, we're thrilled to give you a sneak peek into Season Two of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting The Wild. Dr. Rae and Peter chat with Dan Bailey, a bear biologist and conservationist, about his vital work on black bear monitoring and den research. Learn about the major threats they face from human activities and hunting, and how we can coexist with these remarkable creatures.