The Animal Nerd Podcast

In the early 1980s, the case of the Silver Springs monkeys - seventeen macaques rescued from a medical research laboratory in Maryland - became one of the highest-profile animal rights cases in American history. It sparked widespread conversations on the ethics of animal experimentation and skyrocketed People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) into the global spotlight. Despite being a landmark case in the fight for a kinder world to animals, the truth of this story is a lot more nuanced and infinitely more complicated than the commonly-told version, and today we're diving into all of that.

Original air date: 2nd May 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fOfShShNWbIYg2n1XxIF1HZbu8EPIZ9zVvQ_yotOSS0/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the early 20th century, a wire-haired fox terrier named Caesar became the most famous dog in Europe after he took pride of place in the funeral procession of his owner, King Edward VII of England, but in the 100+ years since then he's been forgotten... until now!

"Where's Master? By Caesar the King's Dog" full audiobook:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wILLCkJ4lzc

Original air date: 15th April 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DLANfvJh3OspuYZQO501MW1_Rq63KX5krMa9bjhbwR4/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rescue of Kaavan the Asian elephant - nicknamed 'the loneliest elephant in the world' - made headlines around the globe when American superstar Cher backed the campaign to free him. But there is so much more to this incredible story than that, and today we're taking a deep dive into the full life story of Kaavan, from his birth in the rainforests of Sri Lanka to his life now in a Cambodian sanctuary, the inspiring tale of his rescue, and the legacy his case has left behind.

Original air date: 8th April 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WKW4ybjcadpgLl-mZZGBHSYYTZMfe7bfg96jLH-n9hw/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

70-odd years ago, Slippery the sea lion (often misdescribed as a seal) escaped from his pool at Storybook Park in Ontario, swimming downstream and crossing the border into the United States, where he would go on to cause an international incident. Or did he? Turns out there's more to this story than meets the eye!

Original air date:

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BP23hYFIolLBemsk382kTikyg8WDBinTq83ZuO1gsJI/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the 2010s, Lil Bub's adorable face was inescapable. But how much do you really know about this amazing little cat? In this episode of The Animal Nerd Podcast, we delve into her story, from her humble beginnings as a feral kitten rescued from a tool shed to her incredible career as a celebrity, to the beautiful legacy she's left behind.

If you'd like to support Lil Bub's legacy:

lilbub.com/

store.lilbub.com/

goodjobbub.org/

Original air date: 11th March 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CBM5xizxyJxLKz2rWDQ2vDy5sT78rngMVZMRF_1n-eQ/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As soon as I heard the story of Petra the swan and her pedalo partner, I just knew I had to use it as a Valentine's special (which this originally was!). I hope you find them as adorable a couple as I did!

Original air date: 14th February 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cXaiBu8_vZo0erG6-ewuR81laTlUaA7Rd5FTs7jnHeU/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Pierre, an elderly penguin living at a Californian research institute, began to go bald, his caretakers were left scratching their heads. Not only did they not know what was causing his sudden feather loss, they also didn't have a clue how to help him. But with some creative thinking and shared expertise, staff came up with an ingenious solution - that also turned this critically endangered Cape penguin into a fashion icon!

Original air date: 11th February 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

Coming soon!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in the Animal Nerd Podcast we explore the incredible true story of Tucker, a rescue dog who went from a homeless stray to a real-life hero, helping conservationists study and protect some of the world's most amazing - and endangered - wild animals.

Original air date: 4th February 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YgtGtO9rLWziIRNZhVM3wESepzAf8iE2R7iR99Wjrlg/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2006, Bear JJ1 - later nicknamed Bruno the Bear - became the first of his kind to set foot in Germany since the 19th century. Beloved by some and reviled by others, he soon became a controversial figure in his new homeland, triggering passionate debate across Europe - and even some international disputes!

Original air date: 28th January 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iWk1pUOWZvoGGCzkDfXiTnulz9P4865xx9WwzmHyUQ4/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One day, Sundance and Butch were just two piglets on their way to be made into bacon. The next, they were fugitives on the run at the centre of an international media frenzy. The story of the Tamworth Two would become legend, but there is so much more to this tale than just some a couple of renegade pigs, and it's a story that I've been obsessed with my entire life - so of course I had to use my birthday as an excuse to deep dive into it! It's my gift to myself - and hopefully to all of you, too! Hope you enjoy! x

Original air date: 14th January 2025

Important note: Unfortunately I wasn't able to import my show when I was switching hosting platforms, and as a result I'm having to re-upload my podcast from the start. Because of that, these early episodes are not indictive of the show's current quality - both in terms of the equipment used and my own skills as a writer & presenter - so apologies for that! Hopefully before too long I'll have caught up to my current output. In the meantime, you can check out my full back catalogue of episodes, and catch up with my newer content, over on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLp6MWEI1w5ZrPiEM7zZKmgvtqhmWWbpeB

Show notes: (for content warnings, sources used, related non-profits, etc)

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18WobS9M0sk8nO0Gon-wa3T4lqziVfC85q8pfvXbcIx8/edit?usp=sharing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.