Emcee Dustin Bean welcomes you to That’s Wild Podcast, produced by the Little Rock Zoo and sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the world’s wildest “parenting” strategies—from alligator moms ferrying babies in their mouths to seahorse dads carrying eggs. You’ll hear how orangutans bond for eight years, why cuckoo birds outsource childcare, and get an insider look at parenting in action at Little Rock Zoo, capped off by a special visit from Vinny the African penguin.

Show Notes

1. Welcome & Mission

• Opening Music & Intro (0:00): – Dustin Bean sets the scene, introducing the podcast’s mission to inspire wildlife conservation. – Acknowledgment: Arkansas Zoological Foundation & Little Rock Zoo.

2. Parenting Extremes in the Animal Kingdom

• Helicopter Moms (2:34): – Alligator mothers carry hatchlings in their mouths for safety—true “no-boundaries” parenting.
• Long‑Term Bonding (3:17): – Orangutan moms at Little Rock Zoo nurse and protect offspring for up to eight years, fostering deep bonds.
• Super Dad Seahorses (4:05): – Female seahorse transfers eggs to the male’s brood pouch; he “gives birth” and provides oxygen and protection.

3. Brood Parasitism & Survival

• Cuckoo Bird Strategy (6:04): – Some cuckoos lay eggs in other birds’ nests, outsourcing parenting duties and ensuring their chick’s survival.

4. Zoo Spotlight: Family Dynamics at Little Rock Zoo

• Orangutan Family (7:10): – Meet Barani and Bandar, a rare hands‑on orangutan dad–mom unit raising two spirited youngsters.
• Penguin Boom (8:44): – Last year’s record of five African penguin chicks showcases successful conservation and husbandry techniques.

5. Special Guest: Vinny the African Penguin (9:43)

• Meet Vinny: – One of 17–18 penguin species, Vinny thrives in Arkansas’s warm‑climate exhibit.
• Pair Bonds & Parenting: – Penguins mate for life (with occasional re‑pairing), co‑parent two‑egg clutches, alternating incubation and fishing shifts.
• Chick Rearing: – When hand‑rearing is needed, keepers prepare a “fish milkshake,” mimicking parental regurgitation.

6. Conservation & Call to Action

• Status & Threats: – African penguins recently uplisted to Critically Endangered due to oil spills and overfishing.
• How You Can Help: – Download Seafood Watch (Monterey Bay Aquarium) for sustainable choices. – Support the African Penguin SSP and Sanccob conservation in South Africa.
• Engage: – Subscribe, rate, and share your wild parenting stories with #ThatsWildPodcast. – Visit Little Rock Zoo or your local accredited zoo to see animal families in action.