In this episode of the That’s Wild podcast, Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock dive into the complex world of "zoo matchmaking". They are joined by Debbie Thompson, the Zoo's Curator of Carnivores and Primates, who explains that managing animal populations is a sophisticated process involving long-term planning and detailed genetic histories. Thompson, who has been with the zoo since 1982, shares how her role as a coordinator for Species Survival Plans (SSP) helps maintain genetic diversity across AZA-accredited zoos for future generations.

The conversation highlights the delicate balance of population management, where planners must avoid being too conservative to prevent empty exhibits while ensuring they do not produce more animals than they can responsibly house. Thompson explains that while natural history provides a guide, every animal is an individual that communicates its needs through its actions rather than words. This individual focus is crucial when making high-stakes decisions that affect the conservation of entire species.

A major highlight of the episode is the story of sloth bears Kayla and Baloo, who arrived from the Philadelphia Zoo in late 2024. Thompson details how a cooperative agreement allowed the pair to breed at the Little Rock Zoo while Philadelphia renovated its facilities. This successful "maternity leave" resulted in two cubs, which Thompson expects to be visible to the public by Spring Break 2026.

The episode also looks toward the future of the Zoo's tiger program. Thompson reveals that Sunari, a Malayan tiger born at the Little Rock Zoo, is preparing for an international move to Singapore. This transfer is part of a critical genetic exchange designed to support the global Malayan tiger population, which currently numbers fewer than 100 individuals in AZA zoos. Following Sunari's departure, the Zoo expects to welcome a new breeding pair to continue its conservation mission.

In a lighter segment, the hosts and Thompson play "Red Flag, Green Flag" regarding animal traits. Thompson identifies food motivation as a major "green flag" because it facilitates easier medical training, while an animal bonding too exclusively with a single keeper is a "red flag" that can complicate management and transitions. The episode wraps up with exciting updates on Christmas Day bush dog pups and a reflection on the "big family" culture that defines the Little Rock Zoo.

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock dive into the prehistoric history of Arkansas with special guest Dr. Jessica Scott, a paleoecologist. They explore how the state’s landscape has shifted from deep oceans to dinosaur-inhabited shorelines and eventually to the age of mammoths.

Key Discussion Points

• Paleoecology Explained: Dr. Scott defines paleoecology as the study of past ecosystems, comparing the work to a detective piecing together an ancient puzzle from limited fossil evidence.
• Arkansas’s State Dinosaur: The episode highlights Arkansaurus, the first and most complete dinosaur specimen found in the state.
  • It was a bird-like, bipedal dinosaur belonging to the ornithomimosaur group.
  • It stood approximately 8 feet tall, could be up to 15 feet long, and likely possessed feathers.
• Geological Shifts: Arkansas was once entirely underwater during the Paleozoic era and later partially submerged by the Western Interior Seaway during the Mesozoic era.
• Fossil Variety: Beyond dinosaurs, the state is home to fossils of marine invertebrates (oysters, coral) and "recent" ice-age giants like mammoths, mastodons, and Megalonyx (giant ground sloths).
• The Process of Fossilization: Detailed explanation of how organic material is replaced by minerals over time to become stone.
• Conservation Connection: The guest emphasizes that understanding past extinctions—such as the asteroid-driven end of the dinosaurs—helps us understand and combat the human-caused extinctions occurring today.

Guest Information

• Dr. Jessica Scott: A paleoecologist, native Arkansan, and long-time advocate for the Little Rock Zoo.

In this episode, Little Rock Zoo Director Susan Altrui and co-host Joy Matlock interview Rex Nelson, Senior Editor and columnist at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. They explore Rex's deep-rooted history as an Arkansan storyteller and discuss how the state's natural beauty and cultural attractions serve as a heart for the community.

Key Discussion Points

• Wildlife and Safety:
  • The hosts discuss a record-breaking year for bear attacks in Japan and link it to similar concerns in Arkansas, noting that poor harvests of acorns and hickory nuts drive bears into populated areas for food.
  • Susan Altrui emphasizes the strict "do not feed the bears" rule at the Little Rock Zoo and discusses Bear Awareness Week in May.
• Red Wolf Conservation:
  • The group highlights the Red Wolf, an original wolf of the South, and the ongoing conservation and repopulation efforts.
  • Arkansas State University (ASU) is noted as the official biobank for the Red Wolf, storing genetic material for research.
• The "Natural State" and Quality of Life:
  • Rex Nelson argues that in a post-pandemic world, amenities like the Zoo, hiking trails, and the Buffalo River are vital "economic development tools".
  • He explains that talented young people choose where to live based on outdoor recreation and "quality of life" rather than just industrial jobs.
• Little Rock’s Hidden Gems:
  • The conversation covers the beauty of Fourche Creek, an urban wetland within the city limits that features century-old cypress trees.
  • The hosts celebrate the success of downtown Little Rock and the significant financial investments being made in the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and the Clinton Presidential Center.
• The Zoo’s Centennial:
  • Susan reveals that research by historian Scott Carter moved the Zoo's founding date from 1926 to 1924.
  • The very first animal acquired by the Zoo in 1924 was a snake.

Guest Spotlight

Rex Nelson is a native Arkansan and a seasoned journalist who has covered everything from high school football to the election of Bill Clinton. He currently writes three columns a week focused on Arkansas culture, food, and history for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

In this episode, hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock are joined by Hannah Baker to discuss the often-overlooked world of bugs. The conversation features a special appearance by Miguel, a three-banded armadillo, to illustrate the direct link between mammals and their insect-based diets.

Key Discussion Points

• Meet Miguel the Armadillo:
  • Miguel is a three-banded armadillo, a species from South America capable of curling completely into a ball for protection.
  • Unlike the nine-banded armadillos common in Arkansas, three-banded armadillos can "snap" their shell closed to potentially pinch a predator's paw.
  • His shell is called a carapace, made of bony plates known as osteoderms covered in keratin.
• The Insectivore Diet:
  • As an insectivore and omnivore, Miguel relies on a sharp sense of smell to find bugs several inches underground.
  • He uses a long, sticky tongue and sharp claws to extract insects, similar to his close relatives, the anteaters and sloths.
• Behind the Scenes: The "Bug Room":
  • The Little Rock Zoo maintains a dedicated "Bug Room" to breed and raise food for its animals.
  • The facility produces approximately 8,000 crickets and 35,000 mealworms per week.
  • The largest consumers of bugs at the zoo are the sloth bears, which use their lack of front incisors to "slurp" up insects.
• The Importance of Invertebrates:
  • Bugs serve as the "infrastructure" of the ecosystem, acting as pollinators, decomposers, and a primary food source.
  • A global decline in insect populations threatens the entire food chain.
  • The episode highlights the danger of invasive species, such as the hammerhead worm, which preys on essential native earthworms.

Tips for Supporting Local Pollinators

• Plant Native: Choose native plants for your garden to support local insect species.
• Leave the Leaves: Keeping leaf litter in your yard provides a habitat for various bugs and animals.
• Create Spaces: Designate a small section of your yard to grow wild as a pollinator garden.

Bugtopia runs from March 21st through September 20th at the Little Rock Zoo, allowing guests to see the world from a bug's perspective and appreciate the "giants" of the tiny world.

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Dustin Bean and Joy Matlock go to "Bug Court" with guest Jessica Briley, the Conservation Education Manager for the Little Rock Zoo. They discuss the zoo's upcoming "Bugtopia" exhibit, which features giant animatronic insects and arachnids. Jessica provides fascinating facts about the Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, the Asian Forest Scorpion, the Goliath Bird Eater spider, and the Monarch Butterfly, highlighting their ecological importance and debunking common myths. The episode emphasizes shifting perspectives from fear to curiosity and appreciation for these small but essential creatures.

Takeaways

• The "Bugtopia" Exhibit: Running from March 21st through September 20th, Bugtopia aims to magnify the world of insects, allowing guests to observe their intricate anatomy and ecological roles.
• Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: These forest-floor decomposers use specialized pores called spiracles to create their signature hiss for defense and mating.
• Asian Forest Scorpion: As arachnids, scorpions are not insects. They possess sensory hairs called trichobothriaand can glow under ultraviolet light.
• Goliath Bird Eater: Despite its name, this spider primarily eats insects and small vertebrates. It is the largest spider by mass and grows by molting its exoskeleton.
• Monarch Butterfly: These iconic pollinators migrate up to 3,000 miles. They are "bio-indicators," meaning their population health reflects the state of the overall ecosystem.
• Conservation Tips: Jessica shares practical ways to support local insect populations, such as planting native pollinator gardens and being mindful of leaf litter, which serves as a winter habitat.

In this episode of That’s Wild, we go behind the scenes at the Little Rock Zoo with Erin Dauenhauer-Decota, Assistant Curator for Primates, to explore the complex world of Great Apes and the personal "calling" of conservation.

From the hilarious personalities of chimpanzees like Mikey to the "original PSL" (the Pygmy Slow Loris), Erin shares what it’s really like to manage one of the most diverse primate collections in the country. We also dive deep into the enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, discussing how her work shattered barriers for women in science and redefined our understanding of animal intelligence.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Primate Personalities: Why a "smiling" chimp might actually be telling you they are uncomfortable, and why patience is the most important tool for a zookeeper.
• The Intertwined Path of Conservation: How recycling your old smartphones through programs like Gorillas on the Line directly impacts animal habitats and human rights crises in Africa.
• The Reality of the Calling: A candid look at the "allostatic load" of conservation work, the emotional investment of caring for wildlife, and advice for the next generation of animal advocates.
• A Look Ahead: Exciting news about the new squirrel monkey species arriving at the Little Rock Zoo next year.

Whether you are a lifelong animal lover or a curious neighbor, this episode offers a grounded, inspiring look at how small changes in our daily lives can create massive ripples of hope for wildlife halfway around the world.

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock celebrate the "Gentle Giants" of the animal kingdom. The conversation starts with a lighthearted look at the calming effects of capybaras—the world’s largest rodents—and the exciting news that they will be returning to the Little Rock Zoo in late 2025.

The episode then dives deep into the world of elephants with special guest Kristen Grove, Elephant Manager and Curator at the Little Rock Zoo.

Highlights include:

• Life with Giants: Kristen shares her journey from an elephant sanctuary to the Ringling Bros. Circus, and finally to her 13-year tenure at the Little Rock Zoo.
• Geriatric Care Experts: Learn how the zoo specializes in caring for its senior "girls," 50-year-old Babe and 65-year-old Zaina—one of the oldest elephants in an AZA-accredited facility.
• Elephant Personalities: Discover why the staff refers to the pair as "Pinky and the Brain," with Babe as the friendly "Labrador Retriever" and Zaina as the "sassy schemer".
• The Intelligence of Giants: Kristen discusses the emotional depth of elephants, including their ability to recognize themselves in mirrors and their incredible physical power.
• Conservation Impact: A look at the Little Rock Zoo’s direct support for Asian elephant orphans and medical care in range countries through organizations like Asian Elephant Support.

Whether it's Babe painting masterpieces or Zaina solving puzzles, this episode illustrates why these magnificent animals serve as such powerful ambassadors for their wild counterparts.

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In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock take a nostalgic trip back to the 1970s and 80s to explore a pivotal era of transformation at the Little Rock Zoo. Joined by Arkansas broadcasting legend and former radio DJ Craig O’Neal. The team dives into the history of the "Bring Down the Bars" campaign—a community-led movement that revolutionized animal habitats by replacing traditional iron bars with more naturalistic environments.

Highlights from this episode include:

• The "Bring Down the Bars" Legacy: Discover how the zoo transformed the historic WPA Big Cat House (now Café Africa) and moved iconic animals like Buck the Bengal Tiger into modern exhibits.
• A Community Effort: Craig O'Neal shares hilarious and heartfelt stories of 80s-era fundraisers, including the "Spots and Stripes Forever" benefit, and how the entire city rallied together to reshape the zoo's future.
• The Power of Tradition: From the 100-year-old Over-the-Jumps Carousel to the simple joy of family outings, the discussion explores why the zoo remains a "cathedral" for multi-generational Arkansas memories.
• Wild Stories: Craig recounts the time he "sponsored a monkey" that immediately escaped and shares the bizarre tale of the "Arkansas Husband Display" at a past Zoo Day.

As the Little Rock Zoo embarks on its current "Wildly Reimagined" campaign, this episode celebrates the enduring energy and community spirit that continue to drive the zoo's "nine lives".

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your own zoo memories with us.

In this episode of That’s Wild, hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock go behind the scenes of the Little Rock Zoo’s massive transformation: Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined. Joined by Ben Beggs, President of Flintco Inc., the team discusses the unique challenges and fascinating details involved in building world-class animal habitats.

Highlights from this episode include:

• Building for Animals vs. Humans: From "dig barriers" that prevent escape to specialized "low-E" glass that lets in vital UV light for tortoises, learn how construction changes when the clients have paws and shells.
• The "Foreman" Orangutan: Ben shares what it’s like to work under the watchful, judgmental eye of the zoo’s primates during the construction process.
• Sustainable Foundations: Discover how the zoo recycled concrete from its historic 1970s structures to create the landfill for the new six-building complex.
• Nature-First Design: A deep dive into the artistry of hand-woven wire mesh and hand-selected forest trees used to create authentic, enriching environments for lemurs, squirrel monkeys, and capybaras.
• Wild News of the Week: The hosts discuss bizarre construction bans in China and the arrival of eight rescued big cats at Arkansas's own Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

As the Little Rock Zoo celebrates its centennial year, this episode highlights the pride and precision going into the next 100 years of wildlife conservation and community connection.

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.