Following our Kākāpō episode we are very excited to speak with Thomas Rillstone, who hosts the popular History of Aotearoa New Zealand Podcast. Aotearoa is the Māori name for New Zealand and we talk about this and more.  We were very fortunate to track Thomas down to talk about the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and just what impacts the Māori had on her many islands. We also talk about the impacts they had on all the native species like the now extinct Moa and Haast's Eagle.

We then switch gears and talk about the major impacts European settlers had on the Māori and also on NZ's native species. This is such an enlightening and fun interview that we are sure you will enjoy it. This weeks episode really highlights the challenges many island nations are facing throughout the world fighting to protect their many wonderous and unique animals. While Thomas hosts a history podcast, he is currently working in conservation and fighting to protect all of NZ's native species. 

You can find the History of Aotearoa New Zealand Podcast on your favorite podcasting app and we highly recommend you give it a listen. Each episode lasts about 20 minutes and gives you special insight into Polynesian exploration of the Pacific and how they discovered and inhabited NZ, and so much more!

You can learn more about Thomas Rillstone, find all his social media links and information on his amazing podcast by visiting his website HERE

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The critically endangered Kākāpō is one of the more endearing species we have covered to date. This flightless parrot is native to Aotearoa New Zealand and was nearly extinct in the late 20th century. It is only through the commitment of the New Zealand Government and her people that the Kākāpō is still in existence. Today there are over 200 of these birds that are being cared for and guarded off Aotearoa New Zealand's coasts. This is just an amazing bird that surprised us at every turn. They truly deserves your love and another species you cant miss. 

For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

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This week we welcome back (now) 8-year old Darby from Idaho in the United States. Darby is fascinated with wildlife and her favorite animals are the many species of otters that live in our oceans and many rivers throughout the world. Darby blows us away with not only all her knowledge about otters, but also about their conservation, and why they are so important to our water ecosystems. Darby and her generation are going to be critical to helping us save our world's diverse wildlife. It is absolutely wonderful to listen to this aspiring conservationist and we have no doubt you will enjoy this one!

You can listen to more of our All Creatures Kids Episodes HERE

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Nearly 150 million years ago, our earliest mammalian ancestors learned to glide from tree to tree. It is one of the most amazing adaptations next to flying mammals (aka bats). The Flying Lemurs, or Colugos, ancestors emerged nearly 85 million years ago. Stunningly, not much has changed since. These special creatures would leap to leap from tree to tree, living amongst dinosaurs and other primitive life forms. Today, there are two main species of Colugo living in South East Asia. While not currently endangered, they have declined in number. The constant loss of habitat has had devastating impacts on many animals, to include the Colugo.  Another cant miss podcast on another mind boggling species. 

For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

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The Binturong is an obscure and elusive carnivore living in the tropical forests of South East Asia. They are in fact one of the most ancient carnivore species in existence and are modern replicas of what ancient Miacids might have looked like. Sadly, Binturongs have suffered for many decades due to a loss of their habitat. So much so, that sightings of Binturongs are now rare in their native ranges. Binturongs are so incredibly unique and are extremely important species to their native habitats. You will want to learn more about them as this is another don't miss episode and species. 

During the episode we discuss the World Wildlife Fund latest palm oil ratings, which can be found HERE

For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

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Sarah Woodard is an award-winning author of multiple children's books focused on activism. We often talk about the next generation and how they will be vital in helping to reverse the extinction crisis, global climate change, and other critical topics focused on protecting our wildlife. Sarah has multiple books introducing these topics and more in helping young children understand the world we live in. Sarah states, "I believe children are magical beings with the power to change adults, and the world around them." She writes to empower children to change the world around them. Her many books tackle these difficult topics in an easy to read and understand format for young children. 

You can learn more about Sarah Woodard and her many books by visiting her website HERE

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One of the most well recognized whale species in our oceans has to be the Humpback Whale. From their acrobatics in the water to their melodic acoustics under the seas, Humpbacks amaze us. It is not too well known that Humpbacks were nearly hunted to extinction in the 20th Century and only survive today due to the ban on international whaling and focused protections from governments from around the world.  Once down to an estimated population of only around 5000 whales, today there are estimates of over 100,000 Humpbacks all around the world. These whales are truly astounding and are key players in maintaining our oceans health. Another wonderful species that you need to learn more about.  

For one cup of "good" coffee a month you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With your support we are able to send money to conservation organizations monthly chosen by our Patreon supporters. We recently posted a bonus episode, the Blue Footed Booby, for our Patreon only subscribers and will be offering more bonus content soon! Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

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This week we welcome Dr. Richard Dawkins to discuss his latest book, Flights of Fancy Defying Gravity by Design & Evolution. We were both thrilled to speak with one of the world's best known evolutionary biologists and science communicators. Dr. Dawkins is well known for his advocacy for science and on of the world's leading scientific authors. 

We both were very fortunate to be able to read his latest book Flights of Fancy and we both agree it is a must buy. The artwork alone is incredible and worth the price. Additionally, Dr. Dawkins writing style makes reading about science and evolution a real treat. While we discuss the book and the implications of flight, we do chat about where we are in the world with science, conservation and many other topics.

Flights of Fancy will be available in the USA May 3, 2022.  

You can learn more about Dr. Richard Dawkins and the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science HERE

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For this week we wanted to return to some of our special kids episodes. Particularly, we welcome Zoe who is 5 years old and from Texas. Zoe shares with us all her knowledge about one of her favorite species, the Red Ruffed Lemur! Zoe also shares with us her other favorite animals, especially the Red Panda and turtles. It is amazing to listen to the next generation talk about their favorite species and how they want to help save them. 

If you have your own kid expert and wanting to be featured on our All Creatures Kids episodes please email Angie at [email protected] 

You can learn more about these animals in our previous podcasts by following these links:

Episode 128 Red Ruffed Lemurs 

Episode 165: Red Panda 

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