Amazing Wildlife is taking a leap into the colorful world of the butterfly! Rick and Ebone analyze how the shades of the butterfly wings that capture our attention serve a different purpose in nature. The hosts also explain the importance of the creature in order to help scientists measure the health of the planet. Later, Paige Howorth joins the show to give us insight on why the Quino checkerspot butterfly, native to southern California and Baja California, might be hard to spot and the current program in place to lower the level of decline.

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When you think of owls, you may think of the nocturnal animal known for operating peacefully in a tree at night. But in this episode, Amazing Wildlife is exploring a special species, the burrowing owl that is active in the daytime and on the ground. Hosts Rick and Ebone dissect what makes these tiny birds so unique, what’s behind their declining numbers, and their connection to the decline in prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Colleen Wisinski, our Conservation Program Manager, later joins the show to share the current project in place to protect burrowing owls and the process of reintroducing the owls at the San Diego Zoo back into the wild.

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The more you know about bees, the more you can appreciate these unique insects and how they provide us humans with much more than just honey! Hosts Ebone Monet and Rick Schwartz explore the contributions of bees to our society and uncover the different colors of these insects besides just black and yellow! Dr. Keng-Lou James Hung, a Pollination ecologist and assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma stops by the show to discuss what makes bees vulnerable to the effects of global warming and explains the current pollination crisis.

 

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Today we’re talking about the animal who is pretty bare and whose home is in East Africa’s deserts... the naked mole-rat. These special beauties might not win any pageants, but they are fascinating! In this episode, hosts Rick and Ebone explore the mole rat’s status in nature, unique behaviors, and social structure. We’ll also hear from a young listener who will help us dig up the most interesting facts about these pink, wrinkly skin rodents.

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We’re traveling to Mexico to explore the mysteriousness of the thick-billed parrot! Hosts Rick and Ebone explain how this red and green bird that was once found in a handful of regions in the Southwest is now reduced to an endangered population in the mountain forests of Northwest Mexico. Later, Amazing Wildlife is joined by Dr. Nadine Lamberski from San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Nadine explains the current conservationist plan which includes using information about the thick-billed parrots migratory patterns to help improve its chances for survival in the wild.

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Once thought to be extinct, black-footed ferrets have another chance at survival! Hosts Rick and Ebone explore the reasons that the species is at risk and the animal’s interesting journey on a road to recovery. Pete Gober from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service joins the show to give an inside look at the innovative science and technology responsible for these mammals making a comeback. Dr. Oliver Ryder, Director of Conservation Genetics at the San Diego Zoo, also joins the conversation to help tell the story of Elizabeth Ann, the first cloned black-footed ferret that recently celebrated her first birthday!

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This episode is dedicated to conservation efforts to save the black rhino, which is unfortunately critically endangered due mostly to international trade in rhino horn. Hosts Ebone and Rick address this problem as well as how the size and strength of rhinos affects the way specialists at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park care for them. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance President and CEO Paul Baribault is back to discuss working with the organization’s partners to help protect native populations of black rhinos and achieve population sustainability. 

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Who knew that leopards are attracted to perfume? Hosts Ebone and Rick talk to a San Diego Wildlife Alliance scientist, Dr. Nicholas Pilfold, about how a specific scent helped him photograph an elusive black leopard. Little is known about the population size or conservation status of African leopards, but Dr. Pilford gives details about the Uhifadhi wa Chui project that is trying to help change that. Uhifadhi wa Chui means “leopard conservation” in Kiswahili.

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They are black and white and loved all over. We’re talking about penguins! Hosts Ebone and Rick highlight the social dynamic of these flightless seabirds, and reveal how the San Diego Zoo is able to reflect the native habitat of African penguins, who live in a warm climate. Dr. David Roberts joins us from the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, also known as SANCCOB, who are first responders for coastal birds. Dr. Roberts explains what is necessary to save underweight and abandoned African penguin chicks, to help support the population of this endangered species. 

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Today we’re discussing the tallest land animals: giraffes! Hosts Rick and Ebone reveal interesting characteristics of the species, which can kill a lion with its kick—and we explore their unique features, such as hair-covered horns called ossicones. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance scientist Dr. Kirstie Ruppert joins the show to talk about her work with the Twiga Walinzi group to protect giraffes in Northern Kenya from being hunted and illegally trafficked.

If you have a question for Amazing Wildlife you can record it and send your audio file to [email protected] for your chance to hear it on the show!

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