The Bear Den

Episode 30 – Bears Just Do Things For Bear Reasons: A Chat with Animal Behaviour Expert, Wildlife Consultant & President of the Bear Care Group, Jay Pratte (Part 1)

Today’s guest, in the first of a two-part chat is Jay Pratte – and as you’ll hear he has worked extensively not just with bears but many animals over a 30 year career and among other things, he is President of the Bear Care Group. The Bear Care Group is all about sharing information, getting international bear carers together, through workshops and conferences, to share latest practices, research and learnings.

In... Read more

Episode 29 – Book club – Else Poulsen: Barle’s Story
He’s done it again – Philip’s read another book! In this episode we discuss the “Suarez Seven” and hear about Barle’s Story – a polar bear rescued from a life of misery as a circus act, and her journey to become a happy and well-adjusted bear. Barle’s Story demonstrates how sensitive bears are and how they can overcome trauma. This story was written by Else Poulsen, who was known internationally for her work rehabilitating bears. Among her many achievements, Else also co-founded the Bear Care Group, with a mission... Read more

Episode 28 – Keep The Adventure Going: A Chat with Grant Breidenbach from Bear Vault
In this episode of The Bear Den, Philip sits down with Grant to discuss bear safety in the backcountry, the conservation mission behind Bear Vault bear canisters, and how proper bear-resistant food storage plays a critical role in reducing human–bear conflict.

They discuss the rigorous testing (by bears) that goes into certifying the canisters and the different techniques that bears use, and the best practices for food storage while backpacking, including the food-storage triangle.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming launch of the lighter,... Read more

Episode 27 – Keep Your Eyes on the Skies: A chat with Photographer Gordy Lindgren all about the Northern Lights
Philip chats to Gordy Lindgren, volunteer at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary and Northern Lights photography expert. Any chance Gordy gets he is out capturing the Northern Lights! In this conversation, he shares his experiences volunteering with black bears, his passion for photographing wildlife, and his expert insights into shooting the Northern Lights. Gordy discusses his favorite equipment, camera settings, and offers valuable tips for anyone hoping to capture clear, breathtaking images of nature and the aurora.

LINKS:
... Read more

Episode 26 – Healing Through Nature: A chat with OFI Australia President Kobe Steele
Philip sits down with Orangutan Foundation International Australia (OFIA) President, Kobe Steele. Kobe has led a fascinating life, being the first woman in Australia to host her own national music TV show with plenty of stories to tell, to leading wildlife conservation efforts. Kobe’s journey is truly inspiring. Kobe also shares her personal journey of becoming involved with orangutan conservation after the tragic loss of her daughter. Philip and Kobe also discuss OFI Australia’s vital work supporting sun bear conservation efforts including providing life changing... Read more

Episode 25 – Relentless Snares: A chat with Sumatran Sun Bear Team (SSBT) Founder & zookeeper Lesley Small
Back in May 2025, Philip joined Sumatran Sun Bear Team (SSBT) Founder Lesley Small in Northern Sumatra, Indonesia to visit the SSBT rescue facility. One night, they sat down to talk about Lesley’s journey from zookeeping in Australia to founding Sumatra’s first Sun Bear Rescue Centre. Lesley talks about how sun bears benefit the ecosystem and the threats they face from snares. She also shares moving stories from the frontline of rescue and rehabilitation — both heart warming and heart breaking.... Read more

Episode 24 – How To Communicate with Your Bear: A chat with zookeeper & Animal Trainer Adrienne
Philip catches up with zookeeper and animal trainer, Adrienne to talk about how beneficial training can be in the rehabilitation of rescued bears, and together they reflect on their experiences working with bears in Borneo. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of wildlife conservation, and the importance of understanding animal behavior. This emphasizes the importance of creating a language of trust and understanding between humans and animals. Each bear is an individual after all!

The Bear Den Artwork is by Asha... Read more

Episode 23 – Life Is One: A chat with Filmmaker and Sun Bear Outreach Founder Patrick Rouxel
Today Philip chats to Patrick Rouxel. Patrick shares his journey from the film industry to becoming a wildlife documentary filmmaker and conservationist. His documentary “Green” is a multi-award-winning film and is free to watch on YouTube. With over a decade’s worth of knowledge Patrick details his hands on experiences with sun bear rehabilitation, improving rescue facilities, and personal stories of successful bear releases.

LINKS:
https://patrickrouxel.com/index.php/en/
Sun Bear Outreach – Helping the Sun Bears
(19) GREEN a... Read more

Episode 22 – Magic Moments: A chat with Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) Founder Femke Den Haas (Part 2)
In the second part of their chat Philip and Femke, founder of Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), discuss the ongoing issue of dancing monkeys in Indonesia, the establishment of a wildlife sanctuary in Sumatra, collaborating with musician Warren Ellis, and the rehabilitation of a rescued female sun bear cub called Mano.

LINKS:
JAKARTA ANIMAL AID NETWORK – Non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Indonesia’s animals.
JAAN Indonesia | Rescue, rehabilitation, and release of...

Episode 21 – Push for Change: A Chat with Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) Founder Femke Den Haas (Part 1)
In the first of two episodes, Philip talks to Femke Den Haas, founder of Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN). Femke has been described as one of Indonesia’s most effective activists. Femke shares how she came to establish JAAN to combat practices such as wildlife trafficking and illegal possession of wildlife. Alongside this Femke details successes including a rehabilitation program for Brahminy kites, and how a long running campaign against dolphin circuses led to a world first dolphin rehabilitation program.... Read more