Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they dive into the intriguing world of sleep and animal dormancy. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts explore the science behind hibernation, brumation, and estivation. From the ultra-slow heartbeats of hibernating bears to the unique adaptations of reptiles and desert dwellers, they blend humor with fascinating facts and share conservation insights to inspire listeners to protect our natural world.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction & Mission
   • Welcome: Dustin Bean, Susan Altrui, and Joy Matlock set the stage by celebrating the wonders of the natural world and introducing today’s focus on sleep and dormancy strategies.
   • Sponsors: Episode presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo.
2. The Science of Sleep and Dormancy
   • Discussion: The hosts examine why sleep is essential—not just for humans but for all animals—and how hibernation differs from everyday sleep.
   • Key Concepts: Learn about torpor, reduced metabolic rates, and how animals like bears significantly lower their heart rate and body temperature to conserve energy.
3. Exploring Animal Adaptations
   • Bears: Discover how hibernating bears experience heart rates as low as 8 to 12 beats per minute, lose significant body weight, and even give birth during their dormancy.
   • Reptiles & Brumation: Understand brumation, the reptilian counterpart to hibernation, featuring examples like alligators and collared lizards, and how these processes are crucial for their survival.
   • Other Adaptations: Insights into unique cases such as the wood frog’s ability to survive freezing temperatures and snails’ dormancy behaviors.
4. Guest Spotlight: Hannah & Tut the Egyptian Tortoise
   • Introduction: Special guest Hannah introduces Tut, an Egyptian tortoise, to discuss estivation—a dormancy response to extreme heat and drought.
   • Conservation Message: Learn about the challenges faced by critically endangered species and the impact of habitat loss and illegal pet trade, with practical advice on responsible pet ownership.
5. Conservation Insights & Final Thoughts
   • Preservation: Emphasis on the importance of protecting natural habitats to ensure that animals can complete their dormancy cycles undisturbed.
   • Listener Tips: Practical advice includes staying on designated trails, avoiding feeding wildlife, and minimizing light and noise pollution to help maintain natural behaviors.
   • Closing: A heartfelt call to action encouraging listeners to adopt sustainable practices that support wildlife conservation, wrapped up with humorous reflections on our own sleep habits.

Join Susan, Joy, and Dustin as they blend science, stories, and conservation insights to illuminate the marvels of animal sleep and dormancy. See you next time on “That’s Wild!”