Hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock dive into the astonishing world of lizards—exploring Komodo dragons, bearded dragons, and Arkansas’s eastern collared lizard “dragons.” Learn what makes Komodos fearsome predators and how local zoos breed and release native species to restore Ozark glade ecosystems. Zookeeper Hannah also introduces Steve the bearded dragon, a laid-back ambassador who helps families connect with reptiles.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Reptile vs. Lizard vs. Dragon: Why all lizards are reptiles but only certain “dragon” species earn that nickname.
• Komodo Dragon Biology: How their venomous bite, venom glands, and ambush tactics make them top predators on Indonesian islands.
• Bearded Dragon Traits: Why Steve “puffs” his spiky beard, blinks with eyelids, and uses color changes to communicate mood and temperature.
• Arkansas’ “Native Dragons”: How the Little Rock Zoo partners to breed and re-release eastern collared lizards—bright green, two-legged runners—back into Ozark glades.
• Conservation Challenges: The impacts of habitat loss, poaching, and climate change on Komodo populations and regional “dragon” species.

Key Takeaways:

• Komodo Size & Strength: Records show Komodos up to 10.5 ft and 266 lbs—capable of killing deer or water buffalo with venom-induced blood loss.
• Dragon Names: “Komodo dragon” comes from a 1927 book; locals call them Ora. Zoo dragons Iris & Circe are named after Greek deities of chaos and magic.
• Ambassador Care: Komodos Iroh (1½ yr) and Tia (3½ yr) undergo quarantine, target-training, and specialized habitat management before public display.
• Bearded Dragon Ambassador: Steve (named for Steve Irwin) lives 10–15 years, requires UV light, dietary variety, and expert handling—pets demand research before adoption.
• Local Restoration: Eastern collared lizards depend on glade ecosystems; captive-breeding programs aim to rebuild wild populations at risk from development.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis)
• Bearded Dragon Ambassador (Steve)
• Greek-named Dragons: Iris & Circe
• Eastern Collared Lizard Recovery Program
• Little Rock Zoo Reptile House

Quote:

“Komodos may not breathe fire, but their venomous bite and stealth make them real-life dragons.” – Susan Altruy

Enjoy this reptilian adventure—and remember: supporting accredited zoos fuels vital conservation efforts worldwide!

Episode Summary: Hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock explore how animals secure food—through foraging, hunting, and special tactics—and how habitat loss endangers those sources. Zookeeper Hannah then presents Monty, a Ball Python, to demonstrate snake adaptations for locating and subduing prey. Learn simple actions you can take to protect natural food chains.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Foraging vs. Hunting: Black bears gather berries and carrion; river otters dive for fish; red-­tailed hawks hunt rodents.
• Habitat & Food: Clearing forests or draining wetlands removes vital plants and prey for box turtles, penguins, and pollinators.
• Python Biology: Monty’s infrared “pit organs,” backward­-curved teeth, and glottis “snorkel” let him ambush and swallow prey whole.
• Conservation Steps: How the Seafood Watch app guides you toward sustainable seafood to help maintain healthy food webs.

Key Takeaways:

• Arkansas Black Bears: Once so plentiful the state was nicknamed “Bear State,” these omnivores switch from plant foraging to small­-mammal hunting.
• River Otter Fishing: Otters chase fish underwater with streamlined bodies and paddle­like tails.
• Red­-Tailed Hawks: Using sharp talons and keen eyesight, they patrol skies to catch rodents—showing aerial predator roles.
• Box Turtle Foraging: Native turtles eat insects, berries, and mushrooms; habitat loss removes their essential food.
• Monty the Ball Python:
  • Pit Organs: Detect heat from warm­-blooded prey in darkness.
  • Ambush Tactics: Strike quickly, grip prey with backward teeth, and constrict.
  • Glottis “Snorkel”: Allows breathing while swallowing large meals.
• Ecosystem Impact: Losing predators or pollinators (snakes or bees) triggers imbalances—rodent overpopulation or plant declines.
• Practical Actions:
  • Don’t Litter Roadsides: Food scraps attract rodents, which lure snakes or owls into traffic.
  • Use Seafood Watch: A free Monterey Bay Aquarium app to choose sustainable fish and protect ocean ecosystems.

Mentioned:

• Arkansas Black Bear
• River Otter
• Red-­Tailed Hawk
• Box Turtle
• Pollinators: Bats & Fireflies
• Ball Python (Monty “Monica”)
• Seafood Watch App

Quotes:

“Wetlands and forests aren’t just landscapes—they’re grocery stores for wildlife.” – Susan Altruy “Monty’s pit organs are like an infrared GPS toward prey.” – Hannah (Zookeeper)

Join hosts Susan Altruy and Joy Matlock on That’s Wild Podcast as they explore the myriad ways animals communicate—through dance, color changes, smells, and vocalizations. From honeybee waggle dances to skunk foot stomps, squid chromatophores, and the hoots of a great horned owl named Lincoln, this episode reveals how nonverbal and verbal signals shape survival and social bonds in the wild. Zookeeper Hannah also brings Lincoln on-mic to demonstrate visual cues and territorial hoots firsthand.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How honeybees perform their “waggle dance” to share precise directions to food sources.
• The role of body language and color changes (chromatophores) in squids and octopuses, and how those signals convey threat or courtship.
• Why skunks combine foot-stomping with powerful scents to warn predators, and how fireflies use bioluminescent “Morse code” flashes to attract mates.
• The different purposes behind great horned owl Lincoln’s hoots, hisses, and feather-tuft displays, and how visual throat-patches reinforce his vocal messages.
• Practical ways listeners can help minimize road-kill prey signals (like not littering) to protect owls and other wildlife.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

• Honeybee Waggle Dance: Honeybees waggle through a figure-eight pattern to pinpoint distance and direction to nectar.
• Squid Chromatophores: Squids (and octopuses) control pigment-filled sacs (chromatophores) to flash warning colors, signal mates, or evade predators.
• Skunk Warning System: Foot stomps plus pungent musk are an effective “back-off” communication—watch for raised tail and stomping feet.
• Firefly Flash Codes: Fireflies synchronize blinking patterns as mating signals; each species has its own “light language.”
• Lion’s Roar vs. Owl Hoot: Verbal calls—like a lion’s roar or owl’s hoot—serve for territorial claims, mate attraction, or alarm calls.
• Lincoln the Great Horned Owl: Female horned owls are larger. Lincoln’s hoots mark a roughly one-mile territory and can also court mates. His black eye resulted from a past injury, explaining why he lives at the zoo.
• Owl Vision & Hearing: Forward-facing eyes, a heart-shaped facial disk, and asymmetrical ear placement give owls pinpoint auditory and visual precision—essential for hunting nocturnal prey.
• Preventing Roadside Predation: Avoid tossing food scraps or trash roadside; it lures rodents, which then attract predatory owls to dangerous road edges.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Little Rock Zoo (and its honeybee exhibit)
• Chromatophores (pigment cells in cephalopods)
• Great Horned Owl (Lincoln)
• Zookeeper Hannah

Quotes:

“Imagine if we could change color when we’re mad—turning bright red might give away too much!” – Susan Altruy “Lincoln’s throat patch literally flashes—reinforcing his hoot for territory or a date.” – Hannah, Zookeeper

Enjoy this fascinating dive into nonverbal and vocal animal “languages,” and be sure to subscribe for more “That’s Wild” episodes that inspire you to value—and protect—our natural world.

Emcee Dustin Bean, host Susan Altrui, and co‑host Joy Matlock dive into animal intelligence and tool use on this episode of That’s Wild Podcast—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo. From octopuses wielding coconut shells to crows bending wires, learn how creatures across the globe employ inventive strategies to survive. Plus, special guest Hannah brings Molly, a 28‑year‑old Moluccan cockatoo ambassador, to demonstrate the true brainpower of our feathered friends.

Show Notes

1. Introduction & Mission (0:00)

• Welcome: Dustin Bean kicks off the episode, emphasizing the show’s goal to inspire wildlife conservation.
• Credits: Presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and the Little Rock Zoo.

2. Tool Use in the Animal Kingdom (2:15)

• Octopuses: Use coconut shells and shells as mobile shelters—one famously “chunks” rocks at rival males.
• Primates: Chimpanzees at Little Rock Zoo fish peanut butter from termite‑mound replicas using sticks; capuchins crack nuts with stones.
• Birds: Crows bend wires into hooks; ravens solve multi‑step puzzles; sea otters crack shellfish on their chests.

3. Creative Problem‑Solving & Cognition (7:40)

• Elephants: Mirror tests demonstrate self‑recognition and high-level cognition.
• Dolphins: Work cooperatively to herd fish onto the shore, then share the feast with seagulls.
• Dogs & Rats: Dogs learn 250+ commands; rats navigate mazes and even “drive” miniature vehicles in experiments.
• Urban Adaptations: Raccoons show signs of evolutionary leaps by raiding trash bins, illustrating rapid behavioral adaptation to cities.

4. Featured Guest: Molly the Cockatoo (15:30)

• Meet Molly: A 28‑year‑old Moluccan cockatoo ambassador—one of the world’s smartest birds.
• Parrot Genius: Like Alex the African gray, Molly mimics speech, crafts cardboard tools to extract nuts, and uses her crest to communicate emotion.
• Conservation Point: Parrots live 60–70 years, face threats from the pet trade, and play a vital role in seed dispersal.

5. Conservation & Takeaways (24:00)

• Key Message: Intelligence and innovation are widespread in nature—every species has evolved unique survival tactics.
• Action Steps: Support accredited zoos and wildlife foundations, practice sustainable living, and share your favorite “That’s Wild” moments.

Call to Action: If you enjoyed today’s exploration of animal tool use and problem‑solving, please subscribe, rate us, and share your thoughts with #ThatsWildPodcast. Stay tuned for more mind‑blowing stories from the wild!

Emcee Dustin Bean welcomes you to That’s Wild Podcast, produced by the Little Rock Zoo and sponsored by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Hosts Susan Altrui and Joy Matlock explore the world’s wildest “parenting” strategies—from alligator moms ferrying babies in their mouths to seahorse dads carrying eggs. You’ll hear how orangutans bond for eight years, why cuckoo birds outsource childcare, and get an insider look at parenting in action at Little Rock Zoo, capped off by a special visit from Vinny the African penguin.

Show Notes

1. Welcome & Mission

• Opening Music & Intro (0:00): – Dustin Bean sets the scene, introducing the podcast’s mission to inspire wildlife conservation. – Acknowledgment: Arkansas Zoological Foundation & Little Rock Zoo.

2. Parenting Extremes in the Animal Kingdom

• Helicopter Moms (2:34): – Alligator mothers carry hatchlings in their mouths for safety—true “no-boundaries” parenting.
• Long‑Term Bonding (3:17): – Orangutan moms at Little Rock Zoo nurse and protect offspring for up to eight years, fostering deep bonds.
• Super Dad Seahorses (4:05): – Female seahorse transfers eggs to the male’s brood pouch; he “gives birth” and provides oxygen and protection.

3. Brood Parasitism & Survival

• Cuckoo Bird Strategy (6:04): – Some cuckoos lay eggs in other birds’ nests, outsourcing parenting duties and ensuring their chick’s survival.

4. Zoo Spotlight: Family Dynamics at Little Rock Zoo

• Orangutan Family (7:10): – Meet Barani and Bandar, a rare hands‑on orangutan dad–mom unit raising two spirited youngsters.
• Penguin Boom (8:44): – Last year’s record of five African penguin chicks showcases successful conservation and husbandry techniques.

5. Special Guest: Vinny the African Penguin (9:43)

• Meet Vinny: – One of 17–18 penguin species, Vinny thrives in Arkansas’s warm‑climate exhibit.
• Pair Bonds & Parenting: – Penguins mate for life (with occasional re‑pairing), co‑parent two‑egg clutches, alternating incubation and fishing shifts.
• Chick Rearing: – When hand‑rearing is needed, keepers prepare a “fish milkshake,” mimicking parental regurgitation.

6. Conservation & Call to Action

• Status & Threats: – African penguins recently uplisted to Critically Endangered due to oil spills and overfishing.
• How You Can Help: – Download Seafood Watch (Monterey Bay Aquarium) for sustainable choices. – Support the African Penguin SSP and Sanccob conservation in South Africa.
• Engage: – Subscribe, rate, and share your wild parenting stories with #ThatsWildPodcast. – Visit Little Rock Zoo or your local accredited zoo to see animal families in action.

Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they dive into the intriguing world of sleep and animal dormancy. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts explore the science behind hibernation, brumation, and estivation. From the ultra-slow heartbeats of hibernating bears to the unique adaptations of reptiles and desert dwellers, they blend humor with fascinating facts and share conservation insights to inspire listeners to protect our natural world.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction & Mission
   • Welcome: Dustin Bean, Susan Altrui, and Joy Matlock set the stage by celebrating the wonders of the natural world and introducing today’s focus on sleep and dormancy strategies.
   • Sponsors: Episode presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo.
2. The Science of Sleep and Dormancy
   • Discussion: The hosts examine why sleep is essential—not just for humans but for all animals—and how hibernation differs from everyday sleep.
   • Key Concepts: Learn about torpor, reduced metabolic rates, and how animals like bears significantly lower their heart rate and body temperature to conserve energy.
3. Exploring Animal Adaptations
   • Bears: Discover how hibernating bears experience heart rates as low as 8 to 12 beats per minute, lose significant body weight, and even give birth during their dormancy.
   • Reptiles & Brumation: Understand brumation, the reptilian counterpart to hibernation, featuring examples like alligators and collared lizards, and how these processes are crucial for their survival.
   • Other Adaptations: Insights into unique cases such as the wood frog’s ability to survive freezing temperatures and snails’ dormancy behaviors.
4. Guest Spotlight: Hannah & Tut the Egyptian Tortoise
   • Introduction: Special guest Hannah introduces Tut, an Egyptian tortoise, to discuss estivation—a dormancy response to extreme heat and drought.
   • Conservation Message: Learn about the challenges faced by critically endangered species and the impact of habitat loss and illegal pet trade, with practical advice on responsible pet ownership.
5. Conservation Insights & Final Thoughts
   • Preservation: Emphasis on the importance of protecting natural habitats to ensure that animals can complete their dormancy cycles undisturbed.
   • Listener Tips: Practical advice includes staying on designated trails, avoiding feeding wildlife, and minimizing light and noise pollution to help maintain natural behaviors.
   • Closing: A heartfelt call to action encouraging listeners to adopt sustainable practices that support wildlife conservation, wrapped up with humorous reflections on our own sleep habits.

Join Susan, Joy, and Dustin as they blend science, stories, and conservation insights to illuminate the marvels of animal sleep and dormancy. See you next time on “That’s Wild!”

Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they delve into the fascinating world of animal eating behaviors, from picky eaters like pandas and koalas to opportunistic feeders such as hyenas and owls. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts uncover incredible animal adaptations, share conservation insights, and explore how these behaviors connect to the natural world.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction & Mission

• Welcome: Dustin Bean opens the show by celebrating the wonders of nature and introducing the theme of animal eating behaviors.
• Sponsors: Proudly presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo.

2. Animal Eating Behaviors: Picky Eaters vs. Opportunistic Feeders

• Picky Eaters:
  • Pandas: Learn about their bamboo-centric diet (99% bamboo!), their classification as carnivores, and the challenges zoos face in hosting these adorable yet selective eaters.
  • Koalas: Discover how these marsupials stick to only 12 out of 90+ types of eucalyptus and even select the best leaves, akin to a toddler’s picky eating habits.
• Opportunistic Feeders:
  • Hyenas: Explore their reputation as nature’s “garbage disposals,” eating everything from meat to bones, hooves, and even regurgitated leftovers. Plus, learn about their fascinating matriarchal social structure.
  • Owls: Dive into their incredible adaptations, such as silent flight, asymmetrical ears for pinpointing sound, and their role as natural pest controllers.

3. Guest Spotlight: Hannah & Willow the Barred Owl

• Meet Willow: Hannah introduces Willow, a rehabilitated barred owl, and shares insights into her hunting adaptations, including:
  • Heart-shaped face for sound amplification.
  • Silent flight for stealthy hunting.
  • Regurgitating owl pellets to remove indigestible parts of their diet.
• Conservation Message: Hannah highlights how owls help control rodent populations and advises against using rodent poison to protect wildlife.

4. Pop Culture & Fun Facts

• Picky Eaters in Pop Culture: Compare pandas and koalas to picky toddlers, sparking relatable humor.
• Hyenas in Media: Reference their portrayal in The Lion King and discuss their misunderstood nature.
• Owl Wisdom: Celebrate owls as symbols of wisdom and their role in folklore and literature.

5. Conservation Insights & Final Thoughts

• Call to Action: The hosts emphasize the importance of sustainable practices, such as recycling, avoiding rodent poisons, and building owl boxes to support wildlife.
• Engage: Subscribe, share your favorite animal facts using #ThatsWildPodcast, and follow the Little Rock Zoo on social media for more wild content.

Join Susan, Joy, and Dustin for another adventure into the wild world of animals, inspiring listeners to value and conserve our natural world. See you next time!

Episode Summary: Join emcees Susan Altrui, Joy Matlock, and Dustin Bean on That’s Wild Podcast as they explore the clever world of foxes and the urban ingenuity of rats. In this episode—brought to you by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo—the hosts dive into intriguing animal behaviors, pop culture nods, and conservation insights that connect nature to everyday life.

Show Notes:

1. Introduction & Mission

• Welcome: Dustin Bean sets the stage by celebrating the wonders of our natural world and emphasizing the podcast’s mission to inspire wildlife conservation.
• Sponsors: Proudly presented by the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and produced by the Little Rock Zoo.

2. Foxes – Nature’s Clever Survivors

• Vixen Insights:
  • Discover why a female fox is called a vixen and learn about unique fox couple dynamics (e.g., if the vixen dies, the male remains single, but she can find a new partner).
• Hunting Superpowers:
  • Learn how foxes use Earth’s magnetic field and specialized eye pigments to pinpoint their prey with precision.
• Pop Culture & Fun Facts:
  • Enjoy references from video vixens to iconic characters like Foxy Cleopatra, Nick Wilde from Disney’s Zootopia, and Robin Hood.
• Behavioral Traits:
  • Understand their solitary, territorial nature, along with fascinating adaptations such as rotating ears and using their brush-like tail as a warm blanket.

3. Rats – The Urban Survivors

• Meet Remy & Friends:
  • Get to know Remy, the ambassador rat, and her companions, highlighting their intelligence and social behavior.
• Biological Insights:
  • Uncover how rats’ keen sense of smell, burrowing skills, and rapid reproduction (up to 50 babies a year) make them such successful urban survivors.
• Group Behavior:
  • Find out why a group of rats is called a “mischief” and learn about their role in seed dispersal and soil aeration.
• Conservation Message:
  • Emphasize the importance of keeping wildlife wild—feeding foxes or rats can disrupt their natural habits and survival skills.

4. Pop Culture & Celebrity Silver Foxes

• Celebrity Talk:
  • Engage in lively banter about silver fox celebrities—from Michael J. Fox to other iconic figures—and fun trivia on animal group names (like a “skulk” of foxes).

5. Guest Spotlight & Final Thoughts

• Special Guest:
  • Hear from guest Hannah as she shares additional fun animal anecdotes and explains how ambassador animals help educate the public.
• Conservation Reminder:
  • A final call to appreciate and protect our wildlife, emphasizing that every creature—from foxes to rats—plays a vital role in nature.

• Engage: Subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite animal facts using #ThatsWildPodcast.
• Connect: Follow us on social media for more insights and wild adventures.