Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock kick off with a fun audio quiz—identifying Siamang apes, ponies, capuchin monkeys, geese, and alligators by their calls—then dive into how That’s Wild animals are cared for. Learn about AZA accreditation, Species Survival Plans (SSPs), and the day‑to‑day enrichment and husbandry that keep zoo residents thriving. Zookeeper Hannah brings Iris the blue‑tongued skink to demonstrate protocols for ambassador animals.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Iconic Calls: What a Siamang’s “whoop,” pony neighs, capuchin squeaks, goose honks, and alligator bellows mean in the wild.
• AZA Accreditation: Why only ~200 of 2,000 USDA‑licensed facilities earn elite approval, and how it drives rigorous animal‑care standards.
• Species Survival Plans (SSPs): How zoos cooperatively manage gene pools—e.g., Jahari & Andazi’s rhino pairing—to sustain healthy populations.
• Elephant Retirement Home: Little Rock Zoo’s specialized habitat for senior female elephants, tailored to their physical and emotional needs.
• Ambassador Animal Care: Iris the skink’s heat‑gradient enclosure, UV requirements, glove‑on handling, enrichment routines, and “aposmatic” blue‑tongue warning coloration.

Key Takeaways:

• Siamangs’ territorial calls echo miles across Little Rock, reminding neighbors the zoo is “alive.”
• SSPs coordinate transfers, breeding recommendations, and “proven breeder” records to avoid inbreeding and ensure animal welfare.
• AZA accreditation audits everything from veterinary care to guest engagement every five years—no easy sticker to earn.
• Iris’s semi‑permeable skin lets her breathe through her blue tongue—protected by gloves to prevent toxin absorption.
• Enrichment for ambassador animals includes heat‑basking, prey‑hunting simulations, hiding spots, and mobility breaks.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• AZA Accreditation (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)
• Siamang Gibbons (territorial calls)
• Pony “Lily” (neighs & knickers)
• Capuchin Monkeys (30+ vocalizations)
• Geese (regional “dialects”)
• American Alligators (low‑frequency bellows)
• Rhinoceros SSP (Jahari & Andazi → Kevin)
• Elephant Habitat for Aging Females
• Blue‑Tongued Skink Ambassador (Iris)

Quote:

“If you don’t hear an animal at first, slow down and listen—those calls are their way of thriving alongside us.” – Susan Altrui

Enjoy this blend of “That’s Wild” sounds trivia and an inside look at the high standards and heartfelt dedication driving modern zoo conservation.