Rewildology

In this episode of Rewildology, journey to the southernmost point of continental America, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans collide at Cape Froward. I explore Chile's newest national park-in-the-making, where Gabriela Garrido of Rewilding Chile shares how this groundbreaking conservation project protects the crucial intersection between marine and terrestrial ecosystems. From zodiac adventures with playful dolphins to discussions about indigenous co-management with Kawésqar communities, discover how Cape Froward represents a revolutionary approach to conservation that bridges land and sea. Learn how Rewilding Chile recently acquired an additional 34,000 hectares of wilderness at the time of this recording, expanding their vision for a protected corridor that benefits both wildlife and local communities. The creation of this park demonstrates a fundamental shift in conservation thinking, extending protection from mountaintop to seafloor in one continuous system. What do you think about this integrated approach to conservation? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube, Spotify, or on Instagram!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

EPISODE TITLE
Episode 3: Where Two Oceans Meet: The Birth of Cape Froward National Park

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction - A Wild Dolphin Encounter
01:39 Welcome to Episode 3 of Where the Wild Calls
02:08 Early Morning to Punta Arenas
02:17 Meet Gabriela Garrido, Marine Biologist and Project Coordinator for Rewilding Chile
07:10 How Cape Froward came to be
08:16  Cape Forward's relationship with indigenous communities
11:22 Beach walk
13:57 Challenges of creating a national park
22:49 Exploring the park’s lighthouse and viewing museum art about the whaling era
24:17 Chile’s dedication to marine conservation
28:08 Cape Froward - A new way to establish national parks
29:37 Invitation to next episode - Wetlands of northern Patagonia
30:28 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
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LISTEN TO THE REWILDOLOGY PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3YXWSsF
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3oW6artLcvxX0QoW1TCcrq?si=ff3b5e2ec90542a2

FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY
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CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, [email protected]

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at [email protected]

In this episode of Rewildology, I take you into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, where I had my breathtaking first encounter with Rupestre, a "queen of the Andes." Join me as I explore how these magnificent apex predators have become a conservation success story in Chilean Patagonia, thriving where they're often persecuted elsewhere. I sit down with Nicolás Lagos from Panthera to uncover groundbreaking discoveries about puma social behavior that challenge everything we thought we knew about these "solitary" cats. Then I visit Estancia Cerro Guido, where innovative solutions like livestock guardian dogs are transforming traditional ranching practices and proving that conservation and human livelihoods can flourish together. This episode reveals how Torres del Paine is pioneering the coexistence model that could reshape predator conservation worldwide. Discover how you can support Project Patagonia and be part of our conservation efforts in this remarkable landscape. What was your main takeaway from the episode? Let me know on YouTube or through Rewildology’s social channels! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: A Puma Encounter
02:09 Welcome to Episode 2 of Where the Wild Calls
02:26 Exploring Torres del Paine National Park
06:31 Interview with Nicolas Lagos from Panthera
09:07 Revolutionary Puma Behavior Discoveries
13:55  Puma-rancher conflict
15:29 Panthera’s Puma Coexistence Program
18:43 Fostering pride for pumas
21:26 Visit to Cerro Guido
29:00 Conclusion: The Future of Puma Coexistence in Patagonia
30:46 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
May / June Path of the Puma by Jim Williams: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, https://rewildology.com/

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
X: https://x.com/rewildology

CONTACTS
Brooke Mitchell, [email protected]

SPONSORSHIPS & BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Send your ideas to Brooke at [email protected]

I'm Brooke Mitchell, and this marks the beginning of Rewildology's new series exploring Chilean Patagonia's magnificent Route of Parks: an epic conservation corridor spanning 1,700 miles, protecting 28 million acres across 17 (soon to be 18) national parks from Puerto Montt to Cape Horn. In this episode, I set the stage for our journey by diving into the region's fascinating natural and human history, from indigenous stewardship spanning 12,000 years to the groundbreaking Tompkins Conservation project that transformed private lands into public parks. Join me as we explore towering granite peaks, ancient Alerce forests, windswept pampas, and vital wetlands—discovering how this visionary conservation model is reshaping our understanding of what's possible when we give nature room to heal. I can't wait to hear what spoke to you most, so drop me a note in the comments! Thanks for listening!

SERIES TITLE
Where the Wild Calls: A Journey through Patagonia's Route of Parks

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction: A Breathtaking Morning in Patagonia
02:07 The Journey Begins: Exploring Chile's Route of Parks
03:16 Understanding Patagonia's Unique Geography
04:40 The Ancient Forces Shaping Patagonia
07:38 Indigenous Stewardship and European Impact
10:48 The Birth of Chile's National Parks
14:38 The Visionary Tompkins and Their Legacy
18:27 The Global Significance of Patagonia's Conservation
20:26 Conclusion: The Future of Conservation in Patagonia
22:16 Join the Adventure: Project Patagonia

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROJECT PATAGONIA
https://rewildology.com/projectpatagonia/

REWILDOLOGY FIELD EXPEDITIONS
Where The Wild Calls: Patagonia Puma Expedition & Torres Del Paine Adventure, March 31 - April 6, 2026: https://rewildology.com/patagoniaexpedition/

JOIN THE REWILDOLOGY BOOK CLUB. IT’S FREE!
March / April - The Wolverine Way by Douglas Chadwick: https://rewildology.com/rewildology-book-club/

SHOW NOTES & NEWSLETTER
Show notes & subscribe to newsletter, www.rewildology.com

SUPPORT REWILDOLOGY
https://rewildology.com/support-the-show/

FOLLOW REWILDOLOGY

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Rewildology
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewildology/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rewildology/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildology
X: https://x.com/rewildology

Journey through Chile's Route of Parks of Patagonia with me, conservation biologist Brooke Mitchell, in this immersive podcast exploring South America's most ambitious rewilding project. From tracking elusive pumas in Torres del Paine National Park to standing beneath 3,000-year-old Alerce trees in Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, from searching for endangered huillín otters in the Maullín River to witnessing the recovery of Darwin's rheas across the Patagonian steppe — I'll take you along every step of this remarkable 1,700-mile conservation corridor. Together, we'll discover how the visionary work of Douglas and Kristine Tompkins transformed private lands into protected wilderness, creating a revolutionary model for ecological restoration that benefits both biodiversity and local communities. Beyond the jaw-dropping landscapes lies a profound transformation in how we protect and restore our planet's wild spaces, a story I can’t wait to share with you.

Episode 1 drops on Earth Day, April 22, 2025!

Watch the trailer on Rewildology's YouTube Channel — https://youtu.be/UwaT_2PnQEk

Trailer Credits:

Editor & Co-Producer — Michelle McConville @batchcapturewild

Writer & Co-Producer — Brooke Mitchell @brookerewild

Donate to Rewildology

Join the Rewildology Book Club

Visit the website to read the full show notes

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Rewildology turns four! In this special Nature Happy Hour episode, Brooke and Dr. Charles van Rees, PhD, raise a glass to four years of the show, reflecting on its biggest moments—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. They also unveil exciting updates for the future before diving into this episode’s theme: New Horizons. From newly discovered species to astonishing rediscoveries of those thought lost to time, Brooke and Charles explore the thrill of nature’s greatest surprises. Grab your favorite drink and join the celebration!

Join the new Rewildology Book Club!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Rewildology's 4th Birthday Celebration!
00:59 Reflecting on Four Years of Rewildology
01:10 Exciting Updates and New Horizons
02:30 Nature Happy Hour with Dr. Charles Van Rees
04:16 Challenges and Triumphs of Podcasting
11:35 Rose, Bud, and Thorn: Reflecting on the Journey
18:33 Future Plans: Themed Seasons and More
22:35 Rewildology Book Club Announcement
32:05 Charles' New Role and Research at UGA
45:35 Rediscovering Species: A Scientist's Perspective
47:04 Integrative Conservation and New Species Discovery
48:18 Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge
49:16 The Joy and Reality of New Species
51:03 Molecular Tools and Cryptic Species
53:34 Rediscovery Missions and Lazarus Species
56:18 The Clouded Tiger Cat Discovery
01:02:05 Vampire Hedgehog and Other Unique Finds
01:08:01 Seamount Expedition and Marine Discoveries
01:13:57 Water Mouse and Pandanus Frogs
01:23:41 Conservation Challenges and New Horizons

Join Brooke as she reconnects with Brad Nahill, Co-Founder and President of SEE Turtles, to explore the latest developments in sea turtle and marine conservation. In this episode, Brad shares new challenges and successes from the field, updates on groundbreaking projects like Billion Baby Sea Turtles, and how conservation strategies differ across regions like Central America, Asia, and Africa. They also discuss the role of technology, including AI, in protecting marine biodiversity, the evolution of nonprofit funding models, and Brad’s vision for the future of SEE Turtles and global conservation. If you’re passionate about protecting our oceans and the incredible creatures that call them home, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:07 The Ancient Sea Turtles and Modern Threats
00:46 Meet Brad Nahill of SEE Turtles
01:12 Updates in Marine Conservation
01:43 SEE Turtles' Mission and Sponsorship
02:40 Reflecting on Past Conversations
03:47 Challenges and Wins in Sea Turtle Conservation
05:35 Global Efforts and Local Success Stories
11:26 Innovative Conservation Strategies
19:15 Billion Baby Sea Turtles Initiative
26:40 Expanding Conservation Efforts
27:57 Exciting Travel Plans for the Year
28:13 Challenges and Opportunities in Cuba
29:39 Popular Trips to Oaxaca
31:12 Record-Breaking Year and Future Plans
35:48 Innovative AI Solutions for Conservation
47:41 The Impact of Technology on Wildlife Conservation
51:41 Future Goals and Vision for SEE Turtles
56:15 Honoring a Legacy and Final Thoughts

Monarch butterflies are one of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet, undertaking a migration that spans thousands of miles across North America. However, their populations are rapidly declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and agricultural practices. In this episode of Rewildology, we sit down with Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, Program Director of Climate Resilient Habitats at the National Wildlife Federation, to explore the challenges and opportunities in monarch conservation. Rebeca shares insights into the cultural significance of monarchs in Mexico, the collaborative efforts between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, and the potential impact of listing monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species Act. We also dive into community-based programs, habitat restoration projects, and actionable steps anyone can take to help pollinators and biodiversity thrive. Don’t miss this engaging conversation about saving one of nature’s most iconic species.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction and Podcast Support
00:08 The Monarch Butterfly Migration
00:47 Meet Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñon
03:48 Rebeca's Journey into Conservation
10:00 Monarch Butterfly Biology and Migration
18:14 Tracking Monarch Populations
27:33 Challenges Facing Monarch Butterflies
39:34 Collaborative Conservation Efforts
42:04 Community-Based Projects in Mexico
46:00 Cultural Significance of Monarchs in Mexico
56:12 The ESA Proposal and Its Implications
01:05:44 Future Conservation Strategies
01:08:44 Individual Actions for Monarch Conservation
01:15:08 Resources and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Rewildology, Brooke sits down with Chanel Hason, Director of Outreach and Community Relations at Elakha Alliance, to explore the ambitious effort to reintroduce sea otters to Oregon’s coastline. Chanel shares her incredible journey from marine biologist to conservation advocate and how Elakha Alliance is working with tribes, scientists, and local communities to restore balance to marine ecosystems. We dive into the vital role sea otters play in controlling sea urchin populations, protecting kelp forests, and fostering resilience along the coast. You’ll learn how grassroots conservation efforts are making waves and why restoring sea otters could be key to Oregon’s coastal future.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
00:07 The Absence of Sea Otters on the Oregon Coast
00:46 Meet Chanel Hason: From Marine Biologist to Community Leader
03:28 Chanel's Journey: From SeaWorld to Miss Scuba
10:13 The Historical Context of Sea Otters in the U.S.
14:09 The Founding of the Elakha Alliance
16:11 The Impact of Missing Predators on Oregon's Marine Ecosystems
22:31 Efforts to Reintroduce Sea Otters to Oregon
28:12 Socioeconomic Considerations and Future Prospects
31:03 Conservation Tourism and Sea Otters
32:11 Indigenous Communities and Sea Otters
35:22 The Importance of Sea Otters in Ecosystems
40:07 Challenges and Strategies for Kelp Forest Restoration
43:13 Future Goals and Political Advocacy
49:07 Personal Journey and Career Advice
53:42 Supporting Alaka and Sea Otter Conservation
55:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join Brooke for a conversation with marine biologist Melania López-Castro as she shares her journey protecting endangered sea turtles in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. From tracking mysterious hatchling movements to implementing innovative conservation strategies, Melania discusses her work with Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan to save critically endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles. Learn how local communities, scientists, and tourism operators are working together to protect these ancient mariners, and discover how you can support sea turtle conservation in one of their most important nesting grounds worldwide.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

Learn more about this episode's sponsor and how you can help save wildlife, SEE Turtles.

Recording gear provided by Mojave and Focusrite.

Donate to the show. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Yucatan Peninsula and Sea Turtle Conservation

00:54 Meet Melania Lopez Castro: From Academia to Conservation

05:20 The Journey of Sea Turtles: From Birth to Maturity

10:35 Challenges and Innovations in Sea Turtle Conservation

12:43 The Role of Pronatura in Sea Turtle Conservation

22:48 Tourism and Conservation: Balancing Act in the Yucatan

29:45 Switching from Fishing to Tourism

30:46 Collaborations for Conservation

31:57 Threats from Feral Dogs and Raccoons

37:00 Challenges of Coastal Development

38:40 Environmental Policy in Mexico

45:09 Efforts in Sea Turtle Conservation

51:25 How You Can Help

56:14 Connecting with Nature

The journey through 2024’s best continues! Here’s the fourth episode in our Top Hits of 2024 series—another incredible highlight from the year.

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[Repost] In this episode of Rewildology, host Brooke sits down with Laurie Cummins, the Acting Deputy and Education Director at GRACE (Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Laurie shares her incredible journey from Michigan to GRACE, where she now plays a crucial role in helping the team on the ground rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas. The conversation explores GRACE's innovative three-pillar approach to conservation, which includes rewilding gorillas, protecting forest habitats, and engaging local communities. Laurie also discusses the organization's groundbreaking work amidst the challenges posed by the civil unrest in the region and highlights the importance of community-driven conservation efforts. Tune in to learn about the remarkable progress being made to save these majestic great apes and how GRACE is setting new standards for conservation worldwide.

Visit the website to read the full show notes.

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