Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom The Podcast

Mutual of Omaha
  • 4.7 (28)
  • NATURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom The Podcast celebrates the incredible planet we live on, the remarkable creatures that inhabit it, and the dedicated people working tirelessly to protect them. Join Wild Kingdom’s Protecting The Wild TV series Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as they engage conservation experts in meaningful conversations that will inspire you to reflect on your relationship with nature and the animals in our midst.

  1. MAY 13

    The Sounds of Beluga Whales

    Conversations of squeaks, whistles and buzzes are an important way that beluga whales communicate in the dark depths of the ocean. In this episode, Dr. Kristin Westdal of Oceans North chats about her groundbreaking research of beluga behaviors and how noise pollution in the water can impact these beautiful mammals. She shares some unforgettable moments of up-close encounters with belugas while kayaking in the frigid waters near Churchill, Manitoba. Bonus Track: Sunny Nelson from Lincoln Park Zoo shares her journey researching the beautiful, and nearly extinct, Bali Myna, a rare bird found only in Bali, Indonesia.     To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min

  2. MAY 6

    The Incredible Resilience of Polar Bears

    As climate change rapidly melts Arctic sea ice, polar bears could face near extinction by the end of the century. But thanks to the work of dedicated conservationists,  there’s hope. In this episode, Nikki Smith, curator at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, shares her mission to help save polar bears in the wild and secure the future of this incredible species. She discusses the many challenges they face, from rising temperatures disrupting their breeding and growth to surviving in extreme freezing conditions and how the zoo’s breeding program is essential for the survival of this species. Bonus Track: Jennica King at Sedgwick County Zoo shares how the zoo’s efforts gave two orphaned bears a second chance—not just to survive, but to thrive.    To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    21 min

  3. APR 29

    Restoring the Bison, Reviving the Prairie

    Bison may no longer be on the brink of extinction, but their journey is far from over. With dwindling genetic diversity and the absence of natural selection, these prairie ecosystem engineers are not as wild as they once were. In this episode, Dr. Daniel Kinka, director of rewilding at American Prairie, shares the story of bison—from their near extinction due to westward expansion to their return to the plains. We also learn why bison rewilding is essential to restoring biodiversity and ensuring the prairie thrives for generations to come. Bonus Track: Jen Osburn Eliot at Oregon Zoo shares how they’re helping Northwestern pond turtles grow strong in a program that raises and releases them back into the wild.    To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min

  4. APR 22

    Sharks: Guardians of Our Oceans

    The Bahamas stands as the only nation in the world to establish a shark sanctuary encompassing its entire marine environment. In this episode, we speak with Bahamian biologist and passionate shark advocate, Candace Fields, on why sharks are the true guardians of our oceans, highlighting their essential role in maintaining the vibrant underwater landscapes of coral reefs.  She discusses how we can change the common misconceptions about sharks in the media, helping people learn to admire, not fear, these ocean superheroes. Bonus Track: Dr. Rory Telemeco of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo shares how collaborative conservation efforts are restoring the Blunt-nosed leopard lizard to the landscape to preserve this nearly extinct species.     To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min

  5. APR 15

    The Coati Comeback: Brevard Zoo’s Breeding Success

    For seven years, North American zoos saw no coati births, leaving their population shrouded in uncertainty. But at Brevard Zoo in Florida, a groundbreaking milestone changed everything — welcoming the first coati litter in nearly a decade. Lauren Hinson, director of animal programs and coati studbook keeper, takes us behind the scenes of this incredible journey. From the challenges of understanding this species to the joy of seeing new life thrive, she reveals what it took to make this conservation success story a reality, and why it matters now more than ever. Bonus Track: Lisa Faust of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo introduces us to the critically endangered Puerto Rican parrot, a remarkable bird that is on the brink of a comeback!     To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    25 min

  6. APR 8

    Saving Nature’s Biggest Fish: Whale Sharks

    Whale sharks face a constant threat from hunting, with thousands killed each year for their fins. In this episode, Kelly Link, a biologist at the Georgia Aquarium, recounts her up close and personal adventures with these filter feeders, including an incredible 33-hour-mission to bring two whale sharks to safety in Atlanta. She dives into the urgent need for whale shark conservation as their global population continues to decline and many of their behaviors in the wild remain a mystery. Bonus Track: From bears to frogs, countless animals are at risk due to habitat loss. Learn how Darren Minier and Isabella Linares of the Oakland Zoo are stepping up to rescue and protect wildlife in need. To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min

  7. APR 1

    Hope for the Wild: Stories From the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Community, Part 2

    Ever wondered why some people and animals form such strong bonds? Or why these connections are so vital to our well-being? In this episode, we continue with more stories from the AZA conference, speaking with Dr. Kathayoon Khalil, a conservation psychologist with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, about the powerful role of empathy in human-animal connections. We also dive into the world of tarantulas with Wildlife & Environmental Educator Sarah Bowser  to explore fascinating facts about these misunderstood creatures and the threats they face in the wild.  Thom Demas from the Tennessee Aquarium wraps up the episode with a deep dive into the underwater world of a little-known fish that shows how stream health impacts us all – wildlife and humans.   To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    26 min

  8. MAR 25

    Hope for the Wild: Stories From the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Community, Part 1

    Every year, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) hosts its annual conference, bringing together zoo and aquarium professionals dedicated to wildlife conservation. In this episode, we hear stories from the conference. First, Ben Jones, vice president of conservation and education at the Houston Zoo, shares his mission to protect endangered mountain gorillas. Then, Dr. Chase LaDue, National Geographic Explorer, conservation scientist at the Oklahoma City Zoo and executive director of the Sri Lanka Elephant Project, discusses fostering coexistence between humans and elephants. Their stories reveal the critical importance of protecting the wild—and why it matters for all of us who share this planet. To learn more about Wild Kingdom, check out the website.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    23 min
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4.7
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About

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom The Podcast celebrates the incredible planet we live on, the remarkable creatures that inhabit it, and the dedicated people working tirelessly to protect them. Join Wild Kingdom’s Protecting The Wild TV series Co-Hosts Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant as they engage conservation experts in meaningful conversations that will inspire you to reflect on your relationship with nature and the animals in our midst.

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