In this special episode of Robin’s Nest, we’re joined by Dr. George Church, a world-renowned geneticist and one of the leading minds behind the Human Genome Project, for a conversation about the amazing ways science is helping us understand, protect and even restore life on Earth.

Dr. Church takes us inside the frontier of synthetic biology, from the origins of CRISPR and gene editing to the bold promise of de-extinction, conservation technology and genetic equity. The discussion spans his groundbreaking work with Colossal Biosciences, where efforts to revive the woolly mammoth and other lost species aim to restore ecosystems and rethink what “saving nature” means in the 21st century.

Listeners will hear Dr. Church reflect on the ethics and responsibilities of rewriting life’s code, the potential for genetic engineering to combat biodiversity loss, and why he believes “extinction doesn’t have to be forever.” This episode explores how technology and conservation can work hand-in-hand to heal the planet.

A fascinating journey into the science shaping our shared future, and a reminder that innovation, guided by compassion and curiosity, may yet help us write a better story for life on Earth.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with Hilde Vanleeuwe, Ph.D., a fearless conservation biologist whose 30-year career has been devoted to protecting Africa’s iconic wildlife, particularly elephants. From rescuing birds in her childhood home in Belgium to leading groundbreaking conservation programs across Africa, Hilde shares her journey of perseverance, passion, and purpose.

Listeners will hear about her extraordinary fieldwork, from walking over 500 km of elephant transects on Mt. Kenya to transforming elephant protection in the Congo, and her innovative efforts with Wilder Things, a conservation initiative focused on connecting habitats through riparian wildlife corridors. Hilde also reflects on the significance of being a finalist for the Kiessling Prize and shares her vision for scaling ecological connectivity to help species adapt to climate change. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the impact one dedicated individual can have on the future of wildlife and wild places.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with Peter Chadwick, CEO of the Conservation Landscape Institute, to discuss the launch of the Brad and Alice Andrews Preserve and the expansion of South Africa’s Bushman’s River Biodiversity Corridor, a milestone for the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa. 

With nearly 40 years of experience across 25 African countries, Peter shares how modern conservation is driven by community engagement, cutting-edge technology, and ecosystem restoration. Together, he and Robin explore how rewilding efforts are creating safe passage for endangered species like black rhinos and elephants, while empowering local communities through sustainable development and ecotourism.

A celebrated conservation photojournalist, Peter also highlights how powerful storytelling can inspire global action and policy change. 

Tune in to learn how one preserve is helping to reconnect Africa’s wild landscapes, protecting biodiversity and building a future where people and wildlife thrive together.

In this inspiring episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with Prof. Jonah Henri Ratsimbazafy, a world-renowned primatologist, conservation leader and lifelong champion for Madagascar’s extraordinary wildlife.

As President of the Madagascar Primate Research Group (GERP) and the first African President of the International Primatological Society, Prof. Ratsimbazafy has spent more than 30 years leading groundbreaking efforts to protect endangered lemurs and safeguard biodiversity through science, education and community empowerment.

From discovering new lemur species to mentoring the next generation of Malagasy conservationists, his work blends cultural pride, environmental stewardship and global collaboration. Together, Dr. Ganzert and Prof. Ratsimbazafy explore the urgent threats facing Madagascar’s wildlife, the power of community-driven conservation and the hope that drives his mission to protect one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.

If you care about the future of animals and our planet, this conversation will leave you inspired — and ready to take action.

This week, we welcome Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski, the 2025 recipient of the Wolfgang Kiessling International Prize for Species Conservation.

With over 30 years of research on dolphin communication and social behavior — and valuable work with killer whales — Dr. Dudzinski has pioneered methods that deepen our understanding of marine mammals in both wild and managed care. As Founder of the Dolphin Communication Project and Managing Editor of Aquatic Mammals journal, she connects science, conservation, and education worldwide.

In this episode, she shares:

• Breakthroughs in dolphin and killer whale communication research
• How comparative studies across species inform conservation
• The role of education, ecotourism, and outreach in protecting marine life
• What it means to be honored with the Kiessling Prize

An inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about dolphins, killer whales, and the future of marine conservation.

Dr. Robin Ganzert opens Season 3 of Robin's Nest with Dr. Andrew Muir, one of South Africa’s leading conservationists and CEO of Wilderness Foundation Africa. Together, they explore bold efforts to restore ecosystems and protect keystone species in the Eastern Cape—from the new Brad and Alice Andrews Preserve for elephants and rhinos to the Albany Biodiversity Corridor connecting vital habitats.

This inspiring conversation highlights how collaboration, innovation, and compassion are tackling the global biodiversity crisis and shaping a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.

Learn more ➡️ https://americanhumane.co/RobinsNest-S3

In the season finale of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with Alejandro Grajal, a global conservation leader and Kiessling Prize finalist with over 35 years of experience. Alejandro shares his journey in biodiversity conservation, from creating millions of hectares of protected land to transforming zoos and aquariums into modern conservation powerhouses. This inspiring conversation highlights his proudest achievements, the evolving role of zoos, and why his work matters now more than ever—a powerful close to the season.

In this inspiring episode, Georgia Boyer welcomes Lindsey Peetz, a passionate animal advocate and high school teacher, and her remarkable rescue dog Penny. Once a shelter pup with an uncertain future, Penny is now a national hero — honored at the Hero Dog Awards® and celebrated for her incredible transformation.

Lindsey and Penny’s story is one of resilience, love, and second chances. Together, they’re raising awareness about adoption and showing the world just how extraordinary shelter dogs can be.

Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about hope, healing, and the power of the human-animal bond.

In this episode of Robin’s Nest, Dr. Robin Ganzert sits down with conservation pioneer Dr. Dante Fenolio, whose innovative work is saving some of the world’s most endangered—and overlooked—species. From breeding rare amphibians in the lab to launching Project Selva in the Amazon, Dr. Fenolio combines science, sustainability, and community partnership to protect biodiversity.
 
A finalist for the prestigious Kiessling Prize, Dr. Fenolio shares how innovation, education, and the human-animal bond are key to effective conservation—and why hope is at the heart of his mission.

In this inspiring episode, we welcome neuroscientist and inclusion advocate Joey Ramp-Adams, whose life was forever changed after a traumatic accident in 2006. Her devoted Golden Retriever, Sampson, became more than a service dog—he became a lifeline, learning over 245 commands to assist with the effects of Joey’s brain injury and mobility challenges.

Together, Joey and Sampson broke barriers in the scientific community, advocating for service dog access in research labs and helping shape national policy. Known as the “Science Service Dog,” Sampson not only helped Joey reclaim her independence but also paved the way for inclusion and accessibility in STEM fields. 

Now retired, Sampson’s legacy continues to inspire—and Joey’s mission to ensure equal access for all is far from over. Tune in for a heartwarming and empowering conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the extraordinary bond between a woman and her dog.

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