All Creatures Podcast

Chris and Angie dive into the fascinating world of the white-tailed deer. Initially underestimated, this episode reveals how ubiquitous and crucial this species is across the Americas, marked as one of the best conservation success stories. Growing up in the US, Chris took the species for granted, but this episode sheds light on their immense ecological importance, versatility, and adaptability ac...

A re-release of a favorite, coyotes are one of the most fascinating and misunderstood animals in North America. Known as the “song dogs” of the wild, these resilient canids have adapted to almost every environment on the continent from deserts and prairies to suburbs and big cities. In this episode, we dive deep into: The ecological importance of coyotes – how they keep rodent and rabbit populatio...

Chris welcomes back filmmaker Bertie Gregory to discuss his latest documentary 'Dolphins Up Close.' Known for his breathtaking wildlife cinematography, Bertie shares the intense and chaotic experience of capturing dolphins, sharks, and other sea creatures in their natural habitat. The conversation delves into the technical challenges of underwater filming, the behavioral insights observed, and the...

We’re going back into the archives to revisit one of our favorite species, the iconic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). These charismatic marine mammals have captured human fascination for centuries with their intelligence, playfulness, and close social bonds. In this episode, we explore: The biology and unique adaptations of bottlenose dolphins. Their complex communication, echolocation, a...

Chris and Angie welcome Bill Wallauer, a renowned videographer and scientific advisor for the Jane Goodall Institute, to discuss his extensive work documenting chimpanzee behavior. Bill has been instrumental in capturing thousands of hours of footage, contributing to major productions like BBC's Planet Earth and Disney's Jane Goodall: The Hope. He shares his unique journey into the field, his expe...

We revisit one of the most fascinating yet misunderstood primates on Earth: the Slow Loris. With their wide eyes and seemingly gentle demeanor, slow lorises have captured global attention, but behind their cuteness lies a powerful venom and a story of conservation urgency. We explore why slow lorises are critically threatened in the wild, the dangers of the illegal pet trade, and the heartbreaking...

The Gobi bear (Ursus arctos gobiensis) is the rarest bear in the world, with fewer than 40 individuals surviving in the wild. Found only in Mongolia’s Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, these desert specialists endure brutal summers and freezing winters on one of Earth’s harshest landscapes. In this episode, Chris and Angie explore the Gobi bear’s adaptations, ecology, and precarious future. We d...

Going back to the vault of 2018, we revisit the story of one of the rarest and most endearing animals on Earth, the Ili Pika (Ochotona iliensis). Sometimes called the “magic rabbit,” this small, furry mammal lives high in the remote Tien Shan mountains of northwestern China. With its rounded ears and teddy-bear-like face, the Ili Pika has captured global attention since its discovery in 1983. But...

Chris and Angie dive into the remarkable world of the maned wolf, a unique canid species native to South America. They discuss its distinct appearance, which resembles a fox on stilts, and explore its extraordinary behaviors, such as its fruit-rich diet and surprising symbiotic relationships with leaf cutter ants. The episode also covers conservation efforts and the urgent environmental issues aff...

This week, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular episodes on one of the most legendary snakes on the planet – the Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus). These massive serpents, found throughout South America’s wetlands and rivers, have captured human imagination for centuries. Known as the heaviest snake in the world, they are masters of stealth and strength. But beyond their sheer size and reput...

In this special collaborative episode, hosts Chris and Angie of the All Creatures Podcast join forces with Natalie and Coral from Planet People Podcast, reflecting on their podcasting journey, conservation stories, and generational perspectives on environmentalism. They discuss their inspirations, notable guest interviews, impactful wildlife species, and documentaries like David Attenborough's 'Th...

Chris and Angie delve into the fascinating world of the Portuguese Man of War. They tackle the complexity of this invertebrate, sharing detailed insights from their in-depth research. Listeners will learn that the Portuguese Man of War is not a jellyfish but a colonial organism composed of multiple genetically identical polyps. The hosts discuss its unique physiology, venom, and the role it plays...

We are releasing an oldie but goodie! The Blue-Footed Booby is one of six "Booby" species and inhabit the Pacific Ocean. Their iconic feet are so distinctive and they been a favorite of many bird enthusiasts. Like any marine bird, they are facing tremendous pressure as our oceans continue to suffer from overexploitation and pollution. Another species you will want to know more about. =============...

We first released this in 2018 but their story is just as important today as it was then. We take you deep into the African savannah to explore the life and legacy of one of the world's most iconic animals: the African lion (Panthera leo). Once found across much of the African continent and parts of Asia and Europe, African lions now inhabit less than 10% of their historic range. With fewer than 2...

Chris welcomes Lauris, a high school student from Montana, who is actively working to reduce pesticide use in his community. Lauris discusses his inspiration for activism, the harmful effects of pesticides, and his involvement with Grow Safe Non-Toxic Missoula. The conversation explores the importance of reducing pesticide use for environmental and human health, highlighting the urgency of the iss...

In this episode, we dive back into the world of one of Africa’s most underrated mammals — the African Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata). With its striking quills and surprising ecological role, this rodent is far more than meets the eye. The African Crested Porcupine is the largest porcupine species in the world and one of the largest rodents in Africa. Native to a wide range of habitats across...

Chris and Angie dive into the fascinating world of the Irrawaddy dolphin—a species many may not even know exists. They explore its unique physical characteristics, behavior, and its critically endangered status. Learn about the dolphin's habitat in both river and ocean environments, its remarkable echolocation abilities, and the critical role it plays as a keystone species. The duo also discusses...

This week, we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes featuring one of the most charismatic marine mammals on the planet—the sea otter. These adorable creatures are more than just a cute face. Sea otters play a critical ecological role as a keystone species, particularly in maintaining the health of kelp forest ecosystems. In this re-release, we dive into the fascinating life of the sea ott...

Chris welcomes Aldo Kane, one of the stars of 'The Wild Ones,' a new documentary series that showcases the world's rarest and most endangered animals. Chris shares his enthusiasm for the series, revealing that it offers a fresh take on wildlife documentaries by focusing on animal conservation and the threats these animals face due to human activities. Kane discusses the intense filming process tha...

Chris and Angie discuss the critical role of krill in marine ecosystems. With insights from the documentary 'Ocean' by David Attenborough and an interview with its director, Toby Nowlan, the hosts delve into the profound impact of krill on the food web, climate regulation, and overall ocean health. They highlight krill's unique physiological traits, such as bioluminescence and the ability to shrin...

In this re-released episode, we explore the incredible world of humpback whales. Majestic marine mammals known for their haunting songs and long migrations. We dive into their unique physiology, including their massive flippers and specialized adaptations for life in the ocean, as well as their fascinating hunting strategies like bubble-net feeding. These intelligent and social creatures reveal ju...

Angie talks with Martina Wing, co-founder of Hawaii Ocean Watch and operator of Manta Ray Advocates. They discuss Martina's journey from Germany to Hawaii, her dedication to ocean advocacy, and her work educating the public about manta rays. Martina shares insights on manta ray biology, the challenges and joys of running an eco-friendly tourism business, and the importance of sustainable practices...

Here is one of our first 50 episodes where we talk about Manta Rays! Chris and Angie dive deep into the world of manta rays, those gentle giants with wingspans that can rival a small car. We explore their evolutionary history, uncover the secrets of their unique physiology, and discuss the threats they face in the modern ocean, from fishing pressures to habitat loss. Join us as we celebrate what m...

Chris and Angie dive into the world of the iconic squirrel monkey. They discuss their personal experiences and observations with these lively creatures, touching on their behavior, vocalizations, and the surprising fact that many species of squirrel monkeys are endangered or threatened. They explain the origins of the squirrel monkey's name and delve into the shockingly critical situation of the C...

In this throwback Monday, we bring back the critically endangered Kākāpō, This flightless parrot is native to Aotearoa New Zealand and was nearly extinct in the late 20th century. It is only through the commitment of the New Zealand Government and her people that the Kākāpō is still in existence. Today there are over 200 of these birds that are being cared for and guarded off Aotearoa New Zealand'...