Emcee Dustin Bean, host Susan Altrui, and co‑host Joy Matlock dive into animal intelligence and tool use on this episode of That’s Wild Podcast—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo. From octopuses wielding coconut shells to crows bending wires, learn how creatures across the globe employ inventive strategies to survive. Plus, special guest Hannah brings Molly, a 28‑year‑old Moluccan cockatoo ambassador, to demonstrate the true brainpower of our feathered friends.

Show Notes

1. Introduction & Mission (0:00)

• Welcome: Dustin Bean kicks off the episode, emphasizing the show’s goal to inspire wildlife conservation.
• Credits: Presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and the Little Rock Zoo.

2. Tool Use in the Animal Kingdom (2:15)

• Octopuses: Use coconut shells and shells as mobile shelters—one famously “chunks” rocks at rival males.
• Primates: Chimpanzees at Little Rock Zoo fish peanut butter from termite‑mound replicas using sticks; capuchins crack nuts with stones.
• Birds: Crows bend wires into hooks; ravens solve multi‑step puzzles; sea otters crack shellfish on their chests.

3. Creative Problem‑Solving & Cognition (7:40)

• Elephants: Mirror tests demonstrate self‑recognition and high-level cognition.
• Dolphins: Work cooperatively to herd fish onto the shore, then share the feast with seagulls.
• Dogs & Rats: Dogs learn 250+ commands; rats navigate mazes and even “drive” miniature vehicles in experiments.
• Urban Adaptations: Raccoons show signs of evolutionary leaps by raiding trash bins, illustrating rapid behavioral adaptation to cities.

4. Featured Guest: Molly the Cockatoo (15:30)

• Meet Molly: A 28‑year‑old Moluccan cockatoo ambassador—one of the world’s smartest birds.
• Parrot Genius: Like Alex the African gray, Molly mimics speech, crafts cardboard tools to extract nuts, and uses her crest to communicate emotion.
• Conservation Point: Parrots live 60–70 years, face threats from the pet trade, and play a vital role in seed dispersal.

5. Conservation & Takeaways (24:00)

• Key Message: Intelligence and innovation are widespread in nature—every species has evolved unique survival tactics.
• Action Steps: Support accredited zoos and wildlife foundations, practice sustainable living, and share your favorite “That’s Wild” moments.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed today’s exploration of animal tool use and problem‑solving, please subscribe, rate us, and share your thoughts with #ThatsWildPodcast. Stay tuned for more mind‑blowing stories from the wild!