0:00 – 0:40 | Introduction Dustin Bean: Welcome to That’s Wild, exploring the amazing natural world that surrounds and astounds us. Hosted by Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock, and brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and the Little Rock Zoo. Let’s get wild.

0:41 – 2:05 | Spooky Season and Stress Relief Susan Altrui: Welcome back! I’m joined by my co-host Joy Matlock. Joy, has your week been as hectic as mine? Joy Matlock: It has. We’re already planning for spring events like April and May, even though it’s just October. Susan Altrui: It’s spooky season! I’m putting up pumpkins and decorations. Joy Matlock: My neighborhood in the Quapaw Quarter gets very "extra" with giant skeletons and motion-sensored witches.Susan Altrui: My secret to relieving all that stress? Watching capybara videos. It’s instant Zen. Joy Matlock: They are never stressed. They’re the life of the party and always surrounded by other animals. Susan Altrui: Science shows that watching animals like capybaras can lower blood pressure and make you feel energized.

2:49 – 4:18 | The Giants of Chill: Capybaras Susan Altrui: This episode is themed "Gentle Giants." We're talking about capybaras and elephants. Joy Matlock: I know elephants are your favorite, Susan. Susan Altrui: I've collected them since I was a child. But first, capybara news: there are now capybara-themed cafes in St. Pete and St. Augustine, Florida. Joy Matlock: It seems social, but I wonder if those cafes are a bit smelly! Susan Altrui: Scientists say being around animals pumps out oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Joy Matlock: Capybaras are so chill that monkeys perch on them and predators sometimes leave them alone. We should take notes from them on how to relax.

4:19 – 6:38 | Which Gentle Giant Are You? Susan Altrui: Big news: Capybaras are coming back to the Little Rock Zoo next September/October! Joy Matlock: So, a quick game: Team Elephant or Team Capybara? Lead the group or go with the flow? Susan Altrui: Professionally I lead, but traveling I want someone else to decide. So, Team Capy. Joy Matlock: Family reunion or hanging with friends? Susan Altrui: Friends. Joy Matlock: That’s Team Capy. I’m family-oriented, so I’m Team Elephant. Pool or jungle walk? Susan Altrui: Pool! 100% Team Capy. Joy Matlock: I’m a hiker, so I’m the Elephant. We’re bringing on Kristen Grove, our elephant manager and curator, to dive deeper.

6:39 – 8:20 | Meet Kristen Grove Susan Altrui: Welcome, Kristen! How did you start with elephants? Kristen Grove: I interned at an elephant sanctuary in Arkansas, then at the Ringling Brothers Center for Elephant Conservation. I even traveled with the Ringling circus for a year before coming to Little Rock 13 years ago. Susan Altrui: We have retired Ringling elephants here. Kristen Grove: Actually, Zina was the first elephant I ever worked with back in 2010, and I eventually followed her here to Little Rock.

8:21 – 10:48 | A Day in the Life and Geriatric Care Joy Matlock: What does your daily routine look like? Kristen Grove: We clean up about 800 pounds of feces daily—it’s a CrossFit workout. We do exercise routines with treats, daily baths to wash off mud and check their skin, and then they head to the yards for enrichment. Joy Matlock: The Little Rock Zoo is known for expertise in geriatric care.

00:00:00 Intro Dustin Bean: Welcome to That’s Wild Podcast, the podcast that explores the amazing natural world that surrounds and astounds us. Hosted by Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock, we share insights to inspire you to value and conserve our natural world. Presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo.

00:00:40 80s Nostalgia Susan Altrui: Welcome back to That’s Wild! Today we are talking about totally radical and gnarly things in our natural world as we flash back to the 1980s. Joy Matlock: We’re catching those nostalgia vibes, but it’s not just about big hair and mixtapes; it's about the transformation happening at the Zoo. Susan Altrui: We are chatting about the "Bring Down the Bars" campaign, a wave of renewal that started in the late 70s and 80s. Joy Matlock:The Zoo is reshaping today with "Wildly Reimagined," but it builds on that same spirit of renewal.

00:02:15 80s Pop Culture Rapid Fire Susan Altrui: Before our guest joins us, let's talk 80s favorites. Walkman or Boombox? Joy Matlock: I had a yellow Walkman, though my brother preferred the boombox. Susan Altrui: What about 80s crushes? Joy Matlock: Scott Baio and Todd Bridges. Susan Altrui: Mine was Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Joy Matlock:We can't forget banana clips, Lisa Frank stickers, and jelly shoes. Susan Altrui: Jelly shoes are back! I actually have three pairs now—pink, blue, and purple.

00:05:40 News of the Wild: Big Cat Rescues Susan Altrui: In our News of the Wild section, eight big cats—five tigers and three lions—were recently rescued from Honduras and brought to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. Joy Matlock: This is a perfect bridge to our topic because it’s about giving animals a brand-new life in large, natural habitats.

00:07:30 Guest Interview: Craig O’Neal Susan Altrui: To help us relive this history, we are joined by an Arkansas icon and major Zoo supporter, Mr. Craig O’Neal. Craig O’Neal: My career has peaked in retirement! It's an honor to be on the show. Joy Matlock: Craig, how did you get so involved with the Zoo? Craig O’Neal: Like many Arkansas families, the Zoo is like a cathedral where you go to be together. When my daughter was young, we sponsored a monkey that famously escaped for 24 hours. We probably should have named him Houdini.

00:10:00 Zoo Parties & Community Power Susan Altrui: We found a clipping about the "Spots and Stripes Forever" benefit you hosted. It featured barbecue and dance music until midnight on the Zoo grounds. Craig O’Neal: I loved DJing those parties under the stars. I just remember hoping the elephants weren't too distracted while I played The B-52s and "Old Time Rock and Roll". 00:13:30 Legacy and Advice Joy Matlock: What advice do you have for the community today during the "Wildly Reimagined" era? Craig O’Neal: Pay attention. Make the Zoo part of your mission as a lover of Little Rock. It’s a leading attraction that spans generations.

00:18:20 Closing Susan Altrui: Craig, thank you for sharing these memories and for your service to the community. Joy Matlock: It was a great look back at Zoo history. Susan Altrui: Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and we’ll see you next time on... All: That’s Wild!

[00:00 - 01:25] Introduction: Dustin Bean introduces hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock. They set the stage for a discussion on "Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined," the largest construction project in the zoo’s history.

[01:25 - 03:00] Weird Architecture News: The hosts discuss international architecture news, including China’s ban on "ugly" buildings and a U.S. executive order promoting classical Greek and Roman styles for federal buildings.

[03:00 - 06:10] The Zoo’s Unique Style: The conversation shifts to the Little Rock Zoo's use of native Arkansas stone, a style established by Silas Owens, one of the state's first Black architects.

[06:10 - 08:50] Meet Ben Beggs: Ben Beggs shares his journey into the construction industry, from working summers for his father’s company at age 14 to becoming the President of Flynnco.

[08:50 - 10:45] Project Zoo Overview: Details of the $12 million project are revealed, including new exhibits for tortoises, squirrel monkeys, capybaras, anteaters, and lemurs, as well as a complete redesign of the zoo’s amphitheater.

[10:45 - 13:30] Building for Animals vs. Humans: Ben explains the unique challenges of zoo construction, such as creating artistic concrete "rockwork," using specialized glass that allows UV light for animal health, and installing 3-foot concrete "dig barriers."

[13:30 - 16:30] Sustainability Efforts: The project emphasizes sustainability by crushing and recycling concrete from 1970s-era structures to use as fill for the new buildings.

[16:30 - 18:50] First Impressions: Ben describes what visitors will see first, including a new waterfall fountain feature and meticulously selected mature landscaping.

[18:50 - 22:45] The "Construction Crew" Game: The hosts play a fun game matching animals to construction roles, comparing elephants to bulldozers and beavers to engineers.

Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock speak with Little Rock Zoo's Conservation and Research Coordinator, Dr. Laura Bernstein-Curtis, about sloth bears and international conservation.

The episode starts with "Wild News": celebrating the hopeful increase in the endangered Red Wolf population (supported by AZA zoos) and the rediscovery of the sailback hound shark, highlighting the vulnerability of microendemic species.

Dr. Bernstein-Curtis clarifies that sloth bears, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, are not sloths. They are insectivores and their primary diet of ants and termites is called myrmecophagous. Their unique adaptations include long claws for digging and a gap in their front teeth for sucking up insects.

The core of the discussion is the Little Rock Zoo’s role in the AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Sloth Bear Program. Dr. Bernstein-Curtis explains that SAFE works with field partners like Wildlife SOS to address threats like the historical "dancing bear" trade by supporting local communities. The program also funds simple, effective solutions to human-wildlife conflict, such as distributing metal sticks with bells (bear deterrent sticks) to prevent surprise encounters. She shares a highlight from her field trip to India and Sri Lanka where she helped facilitate veterinary and conservation training.

Zoos are essential for conservation. The animals on exhibit are ambassadors who inspire the public to care, and every visit directly supports research and field work to save species worldwide.

In this episode you’ll learn

• Sloth Bear Facts: Why they are not sloths, their range, and the term myrmecophagous for their unique insect diet.
• AZA SAFE Program: How the Little Rock Zoo coordinates the SAFE effort to fund and direct conservation, aligning with field partner needs.
• Success Stories: The recovery efforts for the Red Wolf and the rediscovery of the microendemic sailback hound shark.
• Conflict Reduction: The use of bear deterrent sticks in India to prevent aggressive human-sloth bear encounters.
• Zoos & Conservation: Why zoos must exhibit animals (to create ambassadors) and actively engage in field work (to save species).

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• Zoos are critical funding sources and knowledge partners for global efforts.
• Sloth bear claws are for digging, and they use a dental gap for sucking up termites.
• Successful conservation prioritizes the needs and knowledge of local communities.
• Seeing animals in person inspires action and makes the public part of the work to save species.

Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock team up with zookeeper Hannah Baker for a playful but powerful thought experiment: What if humans had the superpowers of animals? From cheetah-speed sprints to gorilla strength and kangaroo jumps, this imaginative episode uses humor to explore real conservation issues hiding beneath the “what if” scenarios.

But the conversation turns deeper: What if accredited zoos didn’t exist? The hosts reflect on the life-saving impact of AZA-accredited zoos—from black-footed ferrets and California condors to great ape medical research, hero rats, venom-derived medicines, habitat conservation, and the emotional and educational moments that shape communities.

This episode celebrates the superpowers of animals, the essential work of zoos, and the life-changing connections formed when people meet wildlife up close.

In this episode you’ll learn

• How animal “superpowers” actually work—including cheetah speed, gorilla strength, kangaroo jumping, and why many animals use these abilities in short bursts.
• Why habitat loss threatens even the strongest species, and how zoos work with partners to protect open spaces and ecosystems.
• What would happen if accredited zoos didn’t exist, and which species (like black-footed ferrets and California condors) likely wouldn’t be here today.
• How zoos contribute to science and medicine, including research on great ape heart disease, venom-derived treatments, and disease-detection breakthroughs using hero rats.
• Why real, in-person animal encounters matter, especially for sparking empathy, curiosity, childhood development, and community wellness.
• The powerful human stories—from children learning to walk again through animal motivation to kids choosing birthday donations to the zoo.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• Animal abilities inspire awe—yet even super-strong or super-fast species can’t overcome habitat destruction without human help.
• Accredited zoos are essential for conservation, safeguarding genetically diverse populations, funding global wildlife programs, and rescuing species from extinction.
• Zoos are living classrooms. Seeing animals in person fosters empathy and inspires future conservationists more effectively than digital media.
• Research at zoos benefits humans too, from studying great ape heart health to disease-detection work and venom-derived medicines.
• Community value goes far beyond the exhibits. Zoos provide emotional refuge for families in medical crisis, spark joy, and offer inclusive, healing spaces for the public.
• Ambassador animals and hands-on experiences change lives, inspiring children to grow into scientists, conservationists, and wildlife advocates.

Summary Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock celebrate conservation comeback stories and the teamwork behind them. Through a game of Two Truths and a Lie and a visit from zookeeper Hannah Baker (and ambassador ferret Hagrid), this episode explores how AZA-accredited zoos, government agencies, scientists, and communities combine tools like captive breeding, reintroduction, habitat protection, disease management, and genetics to bring species back from the brink.

In this episode you’ll learn

• Why bald eagles declined and which policy and habitat actions enabled their recovery.
• How black-footed ferrets were rescued from near extinction via captive breeding, reintroduction, and genetic tools (including cloning).
• What Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and national recovery programs do and why collaboration matters.
• Ways listeners can support comeback work through zoo visits, memberships, events, and everyday choices.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• Bald eagles rebounded mainly after the DDT ban and habitat/legal protections.
• Black-footed ferrets depended on prairie dogs; their collapse required multi-pronged recovery efforts.
• Zoos play a vital role but recovery requires coordinated action among many partners.
• Ambassador animals like Hagrid help connect people to conservation stories.

Mentioned Little Rock Zoo & Arkansas Zoological Foundation; hosts Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock; emcee Dustin Bean; zookeeper Hannah Baker; ambassador ferret Hagrid; bald eagles Lynn & Griffin; Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Program; AZA; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Arkansas Game & Fish Commission; Species Survival Plans (SSPs).

Quote “Saving species takes more than one thing — laws, captive breeding, habitat protection, and people working together. Everyone can be part of that team.” — Susan Altrui

Call to action Support comeback work: visit or join the Little Rock Zoo, attend conservation events, and make wildlife-friendly choices. Learn more at littlerockzoo.com.

Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore how local actions support global conservation. From hummingbird migrations to endangered pancake tortoises, this episode pulls back the curtain on AZA-accredited zoo work, Species Survival Plans (SSPs), community events like Drink Beer, Save Turtles, and simple steps listeners can take to protect wildlife. Zookeeper Hannah Baker brings Short Stack the pancake tortoise to show how ambassador animals help spark conservation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate ~3,300 miles each year.
• Which swans, fish, and songbirds travel thousands of miles through Arkansas (trumpeter swans, Alabama shad, bobolinks).
• What AZA accreditation and SSPs actually do to preserve species (examples: Jahari, Andazi & rhino calf Kevin).
• How the Little Rock Zoo partners with organizations like the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and hosts community fundraisers (e.g., Drink Beer, Save Turtles at Flyway Brewing).
• Practical actions you can take: visit/support the zoo, research pets before buying, remove litter, and back habitat protection initiatives.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

• The Arkansas ruby-throated hummingbird flies thousands of miles each year — a reminder that conservation crosses borders.
• Species Survival Plans coordinate genetics and transfers across accredited zoos so populations remain healthy and viable.
• Pancake tortoises (Short Stack) are critically endangered in the wild; pet trade and habitat loss are major threats.
• Community events and everyday choices (zoo membership, attending fundraisers, reducing litter) directly fund and support conservation.
• Even small, local acts matter because wildlife populations and migratory routes are interconnected across the hemisphere.

Mentioned in the Episode

• Little Rock Zoo & Arkansas Zoological Foundation
• AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accreditation
• Species Survival Plans (SSP) — rhino example (Jahari, Andazi → Kevin)
• Ruby-throated hummingbird migration (~3,300 miles)
• Trumpeter swans, Alabama shad, bobolinks
• Pancake tortoise ambassador: Short Stack
• Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) & Drink Beer, Save Turtles at Flyway Brewing

Quote

“By showing up — visiting the zoo, joining programs, and learning — you’re already helping global conservation.” — Joy Matlock

Call to Action

Support local conservation: visit the Little Rock Zoo, become a member, follow upcoming events (like Drink Beer, Save Turtles), and always research pets from sustainable sources. Learn more and get involved at littlerockzoo.com.

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.

Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the “superpowers” that let wildlife hide, survive, and sustain ecosystems. From master camouflagers in the upcoming Hidden Corners exhibit to the semi-permeable skin of a smooth-sided toad, learn how animals blend in, breathe through skin, and even regenerate limbs. Zookeeper Hannah introduces a native Amazonian toad ambassador to demonstrate these incredible adaptations up close.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Animal Invisibility: How Vietnamese mossy frogs, tentacled snakes, and Amazon milk frogs use camouflage, sensory tentacles, and skin coatings to hide or thrive.
• Forest Mindfulness: Why slowing down and really looking is essential—animals like leaf-mimicking toads vanish if you don’t pay attention.
• Amphibian Adaptations:
  • Semi-permeable Skin: Smooth-sided toads can breathe and absorb moisture through their skin—if you touch them, you must wear gloves!
  • Poison vs. Venom: Toads are poisonous (must be ingested), not venomous (injected), so you’re safe handling them—but don’t eat them!
  • Regeneration & Jumping: Young frogs/toads can regrow limbs; some frogs leap 50× their body length with super-fast tongues.
• Zoo Conservation: How the Hidden Corners exhibit, opening soon, brings hidden specialists into view—and how accredited zoos support global and local conservation.

Key Takeaways:

• Invisibility is a survival strategy—not a magic trick. Many species blend perfectly into leaves, bark, or water.
• Amphibians’ semi-permeable skin is both a superpower (gas exchange) and a vulnerability (must stay moist, absorb toxins).
• Poison dart frogs display aposematic coloration—bright warning colors that say “don’t eat me.”
• Handling ambassador animals requires specialized training and protocols to protect both species and people.
• Visiting an accredited zoo fuels critical conservation, from global exhibits to local species recovery.

Mentioned:

• Hidden Corners Exhibit (launching soon)
• Vietnamese Mossy Frog
• Tentacled Snake
• Amazon Milk Frog
• Smooth-sided Toad (Amazon native)
• Poison Dart Frogs (aposematic coloration)

Quote:

“If you don’t see wildlife at first glance, slow down and look again—it’s hiding in plain sight.” – Susan Altrui

Enjoy this journey into nature’s hidden superpowers—and remember, true magic often lies in what you almost miss.

Hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock dive into the astonishing world of lizards—exploring Komodo dragons, bearded dragons, and Arkansas’s eastern collared lizard “dragons.” Learn what makes Komodos fearsome predators and how local zoos breed and release native species to restore Ozark glade ecosystems. Zookeeper Hannah also introduces Steve the bearded dragon, a laid-back ambassador who helps families connect with reptiles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Reptile vs. Lizard vs. Dragon: Why all lizards are reptiles but only certain “dragon” species earn that nickname.
• Komodo Dragon Biology: How their venomous bite, venom glands, and ambush tactics make them top predators on Indonesian islands.
• Bearded Dragon Traits: Why Steve “puffs” his spiky beard, blinks with eyelids, and uses color changes to communicate mood and temperature.
• Arkansas’ “Native Dragons”: How the Little Rock Zoo partners to breed and re-release eastern collared lizards—bright green, two-legged runners—back into Ozark glades.
• Conservation Challenges: The impacts of habitat loss, poaching, and climate change on Komodo populations and regional “dragon” species.

Key Takeaways:

• Komodo Size & Strength: Records show Komodos up to 10.5 ft and 266 lbs—capable of killing deer or water buffalo with venom-induced blood loss.
• Dragon Names: “Komodo dragon” comes from a 1927 book; locals call them Ora. Zoo dragons Iris & Circe are named after Greek deities of chaos and magic.
• Ambassador Care: Komodos Iroh (1½ yr) and Tia (3½ yr) undergo quarantine, target-training, and specialized habitat management before public display.
• Bearded Dragon Ambassador: Steve (named for Steve Irwin) lives 10–15 years, requires UV light, dietary variety, and expert handling—pets demand research before adoption.
• Local Restoration: Eastern collared lizards depend on glade ecosystems; captive-breeding programs aim to rebuild wild populations at risk from development.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis)
• Bearded Dragon Ambassador (Steve)
• Greek-named Dragons: Iris & Circe
• Eastern Collared Lizard Recovery Program
• Little Rock Zoo Reptile House

Quote:

“Komodos may not breathe fire, but their venomous bite and stealth make them real-life dragons.” – Susan Altruy

Enjoy this reptilian adventure—and remember: supporting accredited zoos fuels vital conservation efforts worldwide!