This Wild Life Conservation Podcast

This week the podcast takes us around the world in search of penguins. Well not quite, but author and photographer, Prof. Charles Bergman, will tell us about his own adventures to do just that. Charles shares captivating stories of adventure from his quest to see all 18 species of penguin in the world. You'll hear about severe storms at sea, a hairy moment being washed down a river, and coming face to beak with the penguins. I had a wonderful time talking with Charles - his passion for penguins and their protection was infectious 

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Jamie Joseph, wildlife activist and founder of Saving the Wild. Jamie provides an insight into Saving the Wild’s work including her involvement in exposing the accused rhino poaching kingpin of Zululand, Dumisani Gwala; and the arrest of Rhino Poaching kingpin, Petros Mabuza, recently deceased. We also gain an insight into a stunning new documentary film, ‘Kimana Tuskers’, directed by Jamie, along with an academy award-winning team. The documentary was filmed in Kenya’s Greater Amboseli ecosystem and showcases the last of the great elephant tuskers. A hard hitting episode about serious issues affecting the last of our rhino's.

This week we talk with Bobbi Brink, founder of the ‘Lions, Tigers and Bears’ Sanctuary in California. Bobbi provides a captivating and powerful insight into the brutality of the Exotic Pet Trade. The episode covers a range of topics including how Bobbi started the sanctuary, the challenges she faced and the process of rescuing an animal from the exotic pet trade. Bobbi also outlines her recent encounters with Joe Exotic, from the Netflix series ‘Tiger King’, she discusses the risk to human life when holding these species captive and talks about the psyche of people who own these species. It’s a fascinating episode and not one to be missed!

This week, undercover investigator, Andrea Crosta, takes us behind the scenes of two enthralling films, Sea of Shadows (National Geographic) and The Ivory Game (Netflix). Andrea also discusses his organisation, Earth League International, which operates across three continents relentlessly uncovering the illegal wildlife trade. We will learn of covert operations across the globe, including revealing those responsible for the near extinction of the Vaquita and exposing traffickers who are fuelling the illegal ivory trade. Andrea's personal story is as fascinating as his stories from the field and certainly not to be missed. 

This week we head to the Western States of America and talk to Suzanne Roy about her quest to protect the wild horses and burros. Horses capture the hearts and minds of people across the globe and Suzanne allows us a glimpse into the lives of these spirited creatures. We will hear about the American Wild Horse Campaign organisation, whose mission is to save the herds by engaging with the government and proposing sustainable and humane ways to manage herd numbers. Suzanne will tell us why it is so important to protect these gorgeous animals and discuss the progress they have made so far. A must-listen for all horse and donkey lovers!

In this episode, I am honoured to talk with James Mwenda! James is a distinguished conservationist, safari guide and caretaker for the last remaining Northern White Rhinos on the planet. We will hear about a baby rhino rescued by the Ol Pejeta team, a ground-breaking project that aims to bring back the now 'functionally extinct' Northern White Rhino, and James' incredible experiences of walking amongst wildlife every day of his life.  

In this episode, David talked to renowned conservationist Rory Young, co-founder, and president of Chengeta Wildlife. Rory dedicated his life to wildlife protection, operating in some of the most politically unstable environments in the world. We will learn about Rory's mission to save the Mali desert elephants from poaching and hear about his incredible experiences training ranger teams in the Central African Republic. 

We are deeply saddened that shortly after recording this podcast, Rory was killed by jihadists in Burkina Faso, West Africa, along with the Spanish journalist David Beriáin and the documentary filmmaker Roberto Fraile while creating a documentary about his work in Africa.

In this episode,  you will be transported across the globe with environmental journalist, Jeremy Hance. Jeremy delights us with fascinating insights into his adventures in wild places. Including the story of a chatty rhino named Tam, the last Bornean Rhino on the planet, who happened to walk into an oil plant plantation. Jeremy will also tell us about his remarkable book, ‘Baggage: Confessions of a globe-trotting hypochondriac’. 

Wonderfully entertaining and not to be missed.

This week I'm thrilled to be talking to Dr. Tim Wittig (Head of Intelligence, United for Wildlife) and William Brown (CEO, Focused Conservation) about the complexity of tackling the Illegal wildlife trade. We'll learn about how these world-leading organizations are supporting governments, and law agencies, to investigate, arrest and prosecute traffickers. This brutal trade has an estimated global value of $50-$150 Billion USD, crosses international borders, and spans continents and is driving species, including Rhino and Pangolin, to the brink of extinction. Join us to understand how we can all play our part in helping to eradicate the illegal wildlife trade.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Greg Rasmussen, a world leader in Painted Dog conservation. Greg regales us with heartwarming stories, including one involving a dog named Circus, and captivating insights into working with local ranchers to put an end to the killing of painted dogs. Greg also talks passionately about the wonderful social structure of these unique animals, including how no dog is ever left out. Please head to www.painteddogresearch.org to find out how you can support Greg and his Zimbabwean team. An episode certainly not to be missed.