That's WILD! Podcast

Susan Altrui & Joy Matlock
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Join us as we explore the amazing natural world that surrounds AND ASTOUNDS us. We’ll share insights and mind-blowing facts with special guest appearances that will leave you saying “That’s WILD!”

  1. From Cages to Conservation: The Little Rock Zoo Story with Craig O'Neal

    FEB 3

    From Cages to Conservation: The Little Rock Zoo Story with Craig O'Neal

    00:00:00 Intro Dustin Bean: Welcome to That’s Wild Podcast, the podcast that explores the amazing natural world that surrounds and astounds us. Hosted by Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock, we share insights to inspire you to value and conserve our natural world. Presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo. 00:00:40 80s Nostalgia Susan Altrui: Welcome back to That’s Wild! Today we are talking about totally radical and gnarly things in our natural world as we flash back to the 1980s. Joy Matlock: We’re catching those nostalgia vibes, but it’s not just about big hair and mixtapes; it's about the transformation happening at the Zoo. Susan Altrui: We are chatting about the "Bring Down the Bars" campaign, a wave of renewal that started in the late 70s and 80s. Joy Matlock:The Zoo is reshaping today with "Wildly Reimagined," but it builds on that same spirit of renewal. 00:02:15 80s Pop Culture Rapid Fire Susan Altrui: Before our guest joins us, let's talk 80s favorites. Walkman or Boombox? Joy Matlock: I had a yellow Walkman, though my brother preferred the boombox. Susan Altrui: What about 80s crushes? Joy Matlock: Scott Baio and Todd Bridges. Susan Altrui: Mine was Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Joy Matlock:We can't forget banana clips, Lisa Frank stickers, and jelly shoes. Susan Altrui: Jelly shoes are back! I actually have three pairs now—pink, blue, and purple. 00:05:40 News of the Wild: Big Cat Rescues Susan Altrui: In our News of the Wild section, eight big cats—five tigers and three lions—were recently rescued from Honduras and brought to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. Joy Matlock: This is a perfect bridge to our topic because it’s about giving animals a brand-new life in large, natural habitats. 00:07:30 Guest Interview: Craig O’Neal Susan Altrui: To help us relive this history, we are joined by an Arkansas icon and major Zoo supporter, Mr. Craig O’Neal. Craig O’Neal: My career has peaked in retirement! It's an honor to be on the show. Joy Matlock: Craig, how did you get so involved with the Zoo? Craig O’Neal: Like many Arkansas families, the Zoo is like a cathedral where you go to be together. When my daughter was young, we sponsored a monkey that famously escaped for 24 hours. We probably should have named him Houdini. 00:10:00 Zoo Parties & Community Power Susan Altrui: We found a clipping about the "Spots and Stripes Forever" benefit you hosted. It featured barbecue and dance music until midnight on the Zoo grounds. Craig O’Neal: I loved DJing those parties under the stars. I just remember hoping the elephants weren't too distracted while I played The B-52s and "Old Time Rock and Roll". 00:13:30 Legacy and Advice Joy Matlock: What advice do you have for the community today during the "Wildly Reimagined" era? Craig O’Neal: Pay attention. Make the Zoo part of your mission as a lover of Little Rock. It’s a leading attraction that spans generations. 00:18:20 Closing Susan Altrui: Craig, thank you for sharing these memories and for your service to the community. Joy Matlock: It was a great look back at Zoo history. Susan Altrui: Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and we’ll see you next time on... All: That’s Wild!

    36 min
  2. How We Construct Buildings for Wild Animals

    JAN 20

    How We Construct Buildings for Wild Animals

    [00:00 - 01:25] Introduction: Dustin Bean introduces hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock. They set the stage for a discussion on "Project Zoo: Wildly Reimagined," the largest construction project in the zoo’s history. [01:25 - 03:00] Weird Architecture News: The hosts discuss international architecture news, including China’s ban on "ugly" buildings and a U.S. executive order promoting classical Greek and Roman styles for federal buildings. [03:00 - 06:10] The Zoo’s Unique Style: The conversation shifts to the Little Rock Zoo's use of native Arkansas stone, a style established by Silas Owens, one of the state's first Black architects. [06:10 - 08:50] Meet Ben Beggs: Ben Beggs shares his journey into the construction industry, from working summers for his father’s company at age 14 to becoming the President of Flynnco. [08:50 - 10:45] Project Zoo Overview: Details of the $12 million project are revealed, including new exhibits for tortoises, squirrel monkeys, capybaras, anteaters, and lemurs, as well as a complete redesign of the zoo’s amphitheater. [10:45 - 13:30] Building for Animals vs. Humans: Ben explains the unique challenges of zoo construction, such as creating artistic concrete "rockwork," using specialized glass that allows UV light for animal health, and installing 3-foot concrete "dig barriers." [13:30 - 16:30] Sustainability Efforts: The project emphasizes sustainability by crushing and recycling concrete from 1970s-era structures to use as fill for the new buildings. [16:30 - 18:50] First Impressions: Ben describes what visitors will see first, including a new waterfall fountain feature and meticulously selected mature landscaping. [18:50 - 22:45] The "Construction Crew" Game: The hosts play a fun game matching animals to construction roles, comparing elephants to bulldozers and beavers to engineers.

    34 min
  3. That's Wild: Sloth Bears with Dr. Laura

    2025-12-05

    That's Wild: Sloth Bears with Dr. Laura

    Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock speak with Little Rock Zoo's Conservation and Research Coordinator, Dr. Laura Bernstein-Curtis, about sloth bears and international conservation. The episode starts with "Wild News": celebrating the hopeful increase in the endangered Red Wolf population (supported by AZA zoos) and the rediscovery of the sailback hound shark, highlighting the vulnerability of microendemic species. Dr. Bernstein-Curtis clarifies that sloth bears, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, are not sloths. They are insectivores and their primary diet of ants and termites is called myrmecophagous. Their unique adaptations include long claws for digging and a gap in their front teeth for sucking up insects. The core of the discussion is the Little Rock Zoo’s role in the AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) Sloth Bear Program. Dr. Bernstein-Curtis explains that SAFE works with field partners like Wildlife SOS to address threats like the historical "dancing bear" trade by supporting local communities. The program also funds simple, effective solutions to human-wildlife conflict, such as distributing metal sticks with bells (bear deterrent sticks) to prevent surprise encounters. She shares a highlight from her field trip to India and Sri Lanka where she helped facilitate veterinary and conservation training. Zoos are essential for conservation. The animals on exhibit are ambassadors who inspire the public to care, and every visit directly supports research and field work to save species worldwide. In this episode you’ll learn Sloth Bear Facts: Why they are not sloths, their range, and the term myrmecophagous for their unique insect diet.AZA SAFE Program: How the Little Rock Zoo coordinates the SAFE effort to fund and direct conservation, aligning with field partner needs.Success Stories: The recovery efforts for the Red Wolf and the rediscovery of the microendemic sailback hound shark.Conflict Reduction: The use of bear deterrent sticks in India to prevent aggressive human-sloth bear encounters.Zoos & Conservation: Why zoos must exhibit animals (to create ambassadors) and actively engage in field work (to save species).Highlights & Key Takeaways Zoos are critical funding sources and knowledge partners for global efforts.Sloth bear claws are for digging, and they use a dental gap for sucking up termites.Successful conservation prioritizes the needs and knowledge of local communities.Seeing animals in person inspires action and makes the public part of the work to save species.

    37 min
  4. That's WILD: What If?

    2025-12-05

    That's WILD: What If?

    Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock team up with zookeeper Hannah Baker for a playful but powerful thought experiment: What if humans had the superpowers of animals? From cheetah-speed sprints to gorilla strength and kangaroo jumps, this imaginative episode uses humor to explore real conservation issues hiding beneath the “what if” scenarios. But the conversation turns deeper: What if accredited zoos didn’t exist? The hosts reflect on the life-saving impact of AZA-accredited zoos—from black-footed ferrets and California condors to great ape medical research, hero rats, venom-derived medicines, habitat conservation, and the emotional and educational moments that shape communities. This episode celebrates the superpowers of animals, the essential work of zoos, and the life-changing connections formed when people meet wildlife up close. In this episode you’ll learn How animal “superpowers” actually work—including cheetah speed, gorilla strength, kangaroo jumping, and why many animals use these abilities in short bursts.Why habitat loss threatens even the strongest species, and how zoos work with partners to protect open spaces and ecosystems.What would happen if accredited zoos didn’t exist, and which species (like black-footed ferrets and California condors) likely wouldn’t be here today.How zoos contribute to science and medicine, including research on great ape heart disease, venom-derived treatments, and disease-detection breakthroughs using hero rats.Why real, in-person animal encounters matter, especially for sparking empathy, curiosity, childhood development, and community wellness.The powerful human stories—from children learning to walk again through animal motivation to kids choosing birthday donations to the zoo.Highlights & Key Takeaways Animal abilities inspire awe—yet even super-strong or super-fast species can’t overcome habitat destruction without human help.Accredited zoos are essential for conservation, safeguarding genetically diverse populations, funding global wildlife programs, and rescuing species from extinction.Zoos are living classrooms. Seeing animals in person fosters empathy and inspires future conservationists more effectively than digital media.Research at zoos benefits humans too, from studying great ape heart health to disease-detection work and venom-derived medicines.Community value goes far beyond the exhibits. Zoos provide emotional refuge for families in medical crisis, spark joy, and offer inclusive, healing spaces for the public.Ambassador animals and hands-on experiences change lives, inspiring children to grow into scientists, conservationists, and wildlife advocates.

    29 min
  5. That's WILD: Saved by the Zoo: Species Back from the Brink of Extinction

    2025-09-10

    That's WILD: Saved by the Zoo: Species Back from the Brink of Extinction

    Summary Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock celebrate conservation comeback stories and the teamwork behind them. Through a game of Two Truths and a Lie and a visit from zookeeper Hannah Baker (and ambassador ferret Hagrid), this episode explores how AZA-accredited zoos, government agencies, scientists, and communities combine tools like captive breeding, reintroduction, habitat protection, disease management, and genetics to bring species back from the brink. In this episode you’ll learn Why bald eagles declined and which policy and habitat actions enabled their recovery.How black-footed ferrets were rescued from near extinction via captive breeding, reintroduction, and genetic tools (including cloning).What Species Survival Plans (SSPs) and national recovery programs do and why collaboration matters.Ways listeners can support comeback work through zoo visits, memberships, events, and everyday choices.Highlights & Key Takeaways Bald eagles rebounded mainly after the DDT ban and habitat/legal protections.Black-footed ferrets depended on prairie dogs; their collapse required multi-pronged recovery efforts.Zoos play a vital role but recovery requires coordinated action among many partners.Ambassador animals like Hagrid help connect people to conservation stories.Mentioned Little Rock Zoo & Arkansas Zoological Foundation; hosts Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock; emcee Dustin Bean; zookeeper Hannah Baker; ambassador ferret Hagrid; bald eagles Lynn & Griffin; Black-Footed Ferret Recovery Program; AZA; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service; Arkansas Game & Fish Commission; Species Survival Plans (SSPs). Quote “Saving species takes more than one thing — laws, captive breeding, habitat protection, and people working together. Everyone can be part of that team.” — Susan Altrui Call to action Support comeback work: visit or join the Little Rock Zoo, attend conservation events, and make wildlife-friendly choices. Learn more at littlerockzoo.com.

    21 min
  6. That's WILD: Conservation Worldwide

    2025-08-14

    That's WILD: Conservation Worldwide

    Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore how local actions support global conservation. From hummingbird migrations to endangered pancake tortoises, this episode pulls back the curtain on AZA-accredited zoo work, Species Survival Plans (SSPs), community events like Drink Beer, Save Turtles, and simple steps listeners can take to protect wildlife. Zookeeper Hannah Baker brings Short Stack the pancake tortoise to show how ambassador animals help spark conservation. In this episode, you’ll learn: How tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate ~3,300 miles each year.Which swans, fish, and songbirds travel thousands of miles through Arkansas (trumpeter swans, Alabama shad, bobolinks).What AZA accreditation and SSPs actually do to preserve species (examples: Jahari, Andazi & rhino calf Kevin).How the Little Rock Zoo partners with organizations like the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) and hosts community fundraisers (e.g., Drink Beer, Save Turtles at Flyway Brewing).Practical actions you can take: visit/support the zoo, research pets before buying, remove litter, and back habitat protection initiatives.Highlights & Key Takeaways The Arkansas ruby-throated hummingbird flies thousands of miles each year — a reminder that conservation crosses borders.Species Survival Plans coordinate genetics and transfers across accredited zoos so populations remain healthy and viable.Pancake tortoises (Short Stack) are critically endangered in the wild; pet trade and habitat loss are major threats.Community events and everyday choices (zoo membership, attending fundraisers, reducing litter) directly fund and support conservation.Even small, local acts matter because wildlife populations and migratory routes are interconnected across the hemisphere.Mentioned in the Episode Little Rock Zoo & Arkansas Zoological FoundationAZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accreditationSpecies Survival Plans (SSP) — rhino example (Jahari, Andazi → Kevin)Ruby-throated hummingbird migration (~3,300 miles)Trumpeter swans, Alabama shad, bobolinksPancake tortoise ambassador: Short StackTurtle Survival Alliance (TSA) & Drink Beer, Save Turtles at Flyway BrewingQuote “By showing up — visiting the zoo, joining programs, and learning — you’re already helping global conservation.” — Joy Matlock Call to Action Support local conservation: visit the Little Rock Zoo, become a member, follow upcoming events (like Drink Beer, Save Turtles), and always research pets from sustainable sources. Learn more and get involved at littlerockzoo.com.

    24 min
  7. That's WILD: Animal Management

    2025-07-23

    That's WILD: Animal Management

    Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock kick off with a fun audio quiz—identifying Siamang apes, ponies, capuchin monkeys, geese, and alligators by their calls—then dive into how That’s Wild animals are cared for. Learn about AZA accreditation, Species Survival Plans (SSPs), and the day‑to‑day enrichment and husbandry that keep zoo residents thriving. Zookeeper Hannah brings Iris the blue‑tongued skink to demonstrate protocols for ambassador animals. In this episode, you’ll learn: Iconic Calls: What a Siamang’s “whoop,” pony neighs, capuchin squeaks, goose honks, and alligator bellows mean in the wild.AZA Accreditation: Why only ~200 of 2,000 USDA‑licensed facilities earn elite approval, and how it drives rigorous animal‑care standards.Species Survival Plans (SSPs): How zoos cooperatively manage gene pools—e.g., Jahari & Andazi’s rhino pairing—to sustain healthy populations.Elephant Retirement Home: Little Rock Zoo’s specialized habitat for senior female elephants, tailored to their physical and emotional needs.Ambassador Animal Care: Iris the skink’s heat‑gradient enclosure, UV requirements, glove‑on handling, enrichment routines, and “aposmatic” blue‑tongue warning coloration.Key Takeaways: Siamangs’ territorial calls echo miles across Little Rock, reminding neighbors the zoo is “alive.”SSPs coordinate transfers, breeding recommendations, and “proven breeder” records to avoid inbreeding and ensure animal welfare.AZA accreditation audits everything from veterinary care to guest engagement every five years—no easy sticker to earn.Iris’s semi‑permeable skin lets her breathe through her blue tongue—protected by gloves to prevent toxin absorption.Enrichment for ambassador animals includes heat‑basking, prey‑hunting simulations, hiding spots, and mobility breaks.Mentioned in the Episode: AZA Accreditation (Association of Zoos & Aquariums)Siamang Gibbons (territorial calls)Pony “Lily” (neighs & knickers)Capuchin Monkeys (30+ vocalizations)Geese (regional “dialects”)American Alligators (low‑frequency bellows)Rhinoceros SSP (Jahari & Andazi → Kevin)Elephant Habitat for Aging FemalesBlue‑Tongued Skink Ambassador (Iris)Quote: “If you don’t hear an animal at first, slow down and listen—those calls are their way of thriving alongside us.” – Susan Altrui Enjoy this blend of “That’s Wild” sounds trivia and an inside look at the high standards and heartfelt dedication driving modern zoo conservation.

    34 min
  8. That's WILD: Animal Superpowers

    2025-07-09

    That's WILD: Animal Superpowers

    Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the “superpowers” that let wildlife hide, survive, and sustain ecosystems. From master camouflagers in the upcoming Hidden Corners exhibit to the semi-permeable skin of a smooth-sided toad, learn how animals blend in, breathe through skin, and even regenerate limbs. Zookeeper Hannah introduces a native Amazonian toad ambassador to demonstrate these incredible adaptations up close. In this episode, you’ll learn: Animal Invisibility: How Vietnamese mossy frogs, tentacled snakes, and Amazon milk frogs use camouflage, sensory tentacles, and skin coatings to hide or thrive.Forest Mindfulness: Why slowing down and really looking is essential—animals like leaf-mimicking toads vanish if you don’t pay attention.Amphibian Adaptations:Semi-permeable Skin: Smooth-sided toads can breathe and absorb moisture through their skin—if you touch them, you must wear gloves!Poison vs. Venom: Toads are poisonous (must be ingested), not venomous (injected), so you’re safe handling them—but don’t eat them!Regeneration & Jumping: Young frogs/toads can regrow limbs; some frogs leap 50× their body length with super-fast tongues.Zoo Conservation: How the Hidden Corners exhibit, opening soon, brings hidden specialists into view—and how accredited zoos support global and local conservation.Key Takeaways: Invisibility is a survival strategy—not a magic trick. Many species blend perfectly into leaves, bark, or water.Amphibians’ semi-permeable skin is both a superpower (gas exchange) and a vulnerability (must stay moist, absorb toxins).Poison dart frogs display aposematic coloration—bright warning colors that say “don’t eat me.”Handling ambassador animals requires specialized training and protocols to protect both species and people.Visiting an accredited zoo fuels critical conservation, from global exhibits to local species recovery.Mentioned: Hidden Corners Exhibit (launching soon)Vietnamese Mossy FrogTentacled SnakeAmazon Milk FrogSmooth-sided Toad (Amazon native)Poison Dart Frogs (aposematic coloration)Quote: “If you don’t see wildlife at first glance, slow down and look again—it’s hiding in plain sight.” – Susan Altrui Enjoy this journey into nature’s hidden superpowers—and remember, true magic often lies in what you almost miss.

    20 min
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About

Join us as we explore the amazing natural world that surrounds AND ASTOUNDS us. We’ll share insights and mind-blowing facts with special guest appearances that will leave you saying “That’s WILD!”

Information

  • Creator
    Susan Altrui & Joy Matlock
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Little Rock Zoo 2024
  • Show Website
    That's WILD! Podcast