Animals, Nature, and You

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode of Animals, Nature and You, host Rick Schwartz talks with Suzanne Smith, Founder and Executive Director of Amazon River Dolphin Conservation Foundation. Suzanne shares her journey from working with marine mammals to following her curiosity and diving into river dolphin conservation. She highlights the unique challenges faced by Amazon River dolphin...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick Schwartz discusses the importance of wolf conservation, ecosystem balance, and how cultural attitudes towards large carnivores are shifting worldwide and in the United States. He emphasizes the need for public awareness and action during Wolf Awareness Week. Click HERE to let the Secretary of Interior know you want wolves to have room to roam...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (Part 2 of 2) In this episode, Joel Sartore shares his journey from aspiring wildlife photographer to conservation advocate through his Photo Ark project. Discover how his work raises awareness about endangered species and what individuals can do to help protect our planet. Joel also shares his updated Photo Ark book that celebrates the 20th anniversary as well as...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Joel Sartore shares his journey from aspiring wildlife photographer to conservation advocate through his Photo Ark project. Discover how his work raises awareness about endangered species and what individuals can do to help protect our planet. Joel also shares his updated Photo Ark book that celebrates the 20th anniversary as well as his children&...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-Minute Tuesday episode, host Rick Schwartz explores the connections humans have with animals and nature, emphasizing that these bonds are meaningful despite skepticism from some. He shares personal stories from his decades of experience working with animals and encourages listeners to acknowledge their own relationships with animals and nature Animals,...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Taylor Rabe shares her journey from childhood fascination with wildlife to becoming a nursing student, and then finding her way to wolves. Taylor discusses her past work in Yellowstone, the social dynamics of wolf families, coexistence challenges, and the importance of education and community engagement in conservation. And get this, Taylor also e...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10 -minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz discusses the importance of the well informed voter in the upcoming midterm elections and how it impacts conservation efforts, wildlife protection, and ecosystems - and therefore, you too. Yes, the old saying, "Conservation works when we work together," is true. And your i...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Corina Newsome shares her journey into avian science, the importance of migratory birds, and how environmental justice intersects with wildlife conservation. Discover practical ways you can support birds and protect their habitats while understanding the broader ecological and social implications of healthy ecosystems....

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Host Rick Schwartz explores the importance of self-care, recognizing burnout, and maintaining balance in the demanding world of animal care and conservation. He shares personal insights and practical advice on how to prioritize oneself without guilt, emphasizing that caring for others starts with caring for oneself. Animals, Nature, and You on Instagram Find Rick...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick As we continue our celebration of World Rhino Day, we sit down with Virginia Grimley, a Rhino keeper at the Oregon Zoo. Virginia shares her insight and personal experiences with taking care of black rhinos for a living.  From highlighting their individual personalities to debunking myths about their aggression, Virginia's passion for rhinos shines through. Sh...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick It's World Rhino Day! In this 10-minute Tuesday of Animals, Nature, and You, host Rick Schwartz shares a personal experience with meeting the nearly extinct northern white rhinos. From time in Kenya, to being in New York when the news came out that the last male northern white rhino has passed away; Rick reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts an...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Join us on Animals, Nature, and You, as we explore the fascinating world of black bears with Erin Corrigan from Sequoia Park Zoo. Fun fact: Black bears are not always black! And the three bears at Sequoia Park Zoo prove it; from a chocolate brown, true black, or even a flaxen honey-blonde color. Erin also explains how to tell black bears from brown bears, what the...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature, and You, Rick Schwartz explores the subtle environmental cues that signal the arrival of fall. And we are not just talking about the rush to "pumpkin-spice" all the things. From changes in daylight to animal behaviors and more, nature offers a rich tapestry of signs that autumn is on its way. Animals,...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode we dive into the fascinating story of the red octopus life cycle. Something never seen with this species of octopus, until now! Maddy Tracewell, Senior Aquarist of Animal Health at the Birch Aquarium joins host Rick Schwartz, sharing the groundbreaking work done in raising red octopus from egg to juvenile, revealing new insights into their early de...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick This 10-minute Tuesday episode of Animals, Nature and You explores the ecological importance of mountain lions and other large predators. Data shows we can easily debunk myths, and highlight the mountain lion's role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in episode: Website for Mountain Lion Foundation Article "...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Mike Veale from Global Conservation Force shares updates on their recent activities, innovative conservation tools like a rhino-themed board game, and upcoming events supporting rhino conservation efforts. Discover how education, community involvement, and strategic funding are making a difference in protecting endangered species. And of course, d...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Rick Schwartz explores the complexities of wildlife conservation, focusing on species like cheetahs, giant pandas, and California condors. He discusses the importance of understanding ecosystem roles, animal behavior, and human impact to foster sustainable conservation efforts. Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links to look at: Cheetahs Giant Pandas...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Janet Rose-Hinestroza discusses the vital work of the Cheetah Outreach Trust in South Africa, focusing on cheetah conservation, community involvement, and innovative strategies to support free-ranging cheetahs amidst habitat fragmentation. Discover how community efforts, scientific research, and targeted programs are making a difference for this i...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, host Rick Schwartz digs into the royal archives of naked mole-rats. How do they pick their queen? How does the queen stay in charge? What exactly is this "eusocial behavior" that naked mole-rats live by, and is it the same as honey bees and ants? Animals, Nature, and You on IG Links mentioned in this episode: Phsy.org: " NMR Queens...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, Christian Flores shares his insight and knowledge of the Galapagos tortoises, their evolution, behavior, and conservation efforts. Christian discusses some of the scientific theories about these ancient giants, from how they likely reached the islands in the first place to why some developed the iconic saddleback shell while others stayed dome-sha...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick In this episode, we explore the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, the benefits of collaboration between AZA and non-AZA facilities, and practical ways for local communities to engage with their ecosystems. Jacob Reiter shares insights from his work at Pace University and discusses how local actions can make a global impact. Animals, Nat...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (This is a RePlay from April 2026) In this episode, TV talent, author and naturalist, David Mizejewski from the National Wildlife Federation busts myths about bees, highlights the importance of native bees & plants, and shares practical tips for supporting pollinators & wildlife in your own yard. David also covers why planting native plants is now easier t...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick (Part 2 of 2) Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Most animal care professionals face grief that’s often silenced or overlooked. What if understanding and embracing this grief could actually transform how we care, both for the animals and ourselves? Brigid Dodge, a former dolphin trainer turned grief coach, shares the raw truths about the hidden toll of working with animals and how loss shapes us in ways we’re of...

Send "Fan Mail" to Rick Ever wonder how a zookeeper knows what to feed a tuatara, a splendid sunbird or a red panda? In this episode, Dr. Andrea Fidget shares her expertise in comparative and conservation animal nutrition, exploring how understanding species-specific diets and natural history informs better animal care and conservation efforts. Discover the science behind animal diets, t...