Chris and Angie delve into the fascinating world of the European turtle dove. The discussion covers the dove's symbolic connection to peace and love, its historical significance in the story of Noah's Ark, and its plight in the modern world, where populations have drastically declined due to habitat loss and hunting. They detail the turtle dove's migratory patterns, recent conservation efforts to protect the species, and the importance of such work for maintaining biodiversity. Additionally, the episode touches on ancient flood myths across various cultures and how these stories continue to influence contemporary conservation initiatives.

You can learn more about the Frozen Ark Project HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Creatures Podcast

00:29 The Symbolism of Doves

01:07 Noah's Ark and Its Cultural Impact

03:16 Conservation Issues of the European Turtle Dove

05:48 Description and Characteristics of the European Turtle Dove

10:17 The Importance of Birds in Ecosystems

18:53 The Story of Noah's Ark Across Cultures

27:03 Modern Conservation Efforts Inspired by Noah's Ark

30:41 Evolution and Classification of Doves and Pigeons

32:03 Flamingos, Storks, and the Dodo Bird

32:35 The Dodo Bird's Evolutionary Journey

33:21 Extinct Animals and Future Podcasts

33:50 Doves and Pigeons Around the World

35:27 The Fascinating Migration of Birds

37:00 European Turtle Dove's Lifespan and Behavior

44:07 The Digestive System of Birds

52:53 Courtship and Nesting of European Turtle Doves

59:03 Conservation Efforts and Final Thoughts

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We interviewed Alison in 2018 about her experiences in Africa helping to rewild Black Rhinos. She is an example of how people continue to fight and experience some hardship in helping endangered species. For sure this is an inspirational interview for anyone interested in how endangered species are trained to go back home, the wild!!

You can learn more about Alison on our website HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Angie reunite to discuss the Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhino. The podcast delves into their experiences with rhinos, highlighting the unique physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitat of the Indian rhino. They discuss the threats these animals face, including poaching and habitat degradation, and celebrate the conservation successes in India and Nepal. The episode also emphasizes the importance of ecotourism, awareness, and support for organizations like the International Rhino Foundation. The hosts share personal anecdotes and the need to continue efforts to ensure the survival of these iconic creatures.

International Rhino Foundation found HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Welcome Back to the Creatures Podcast

00:27 Life Updates and Personal Stories

01:45 Introduction to the Indian Rhino

03:00 Conservation Success Stories

06:15 Rhino Characteristics and Behavior

12:50 The Importance of Rhino Conservation

24:51 Rhino Poaching Crisis

31:52 Fun Facts About Indian Rhinos

32:40 Rhino Swimming and Senses

34:14 Unique Features of Greater One-Horned Rhinos

35:37 Behavior and Social Structure

48:20 Reproductive Behavior and Challenges

57:15 Conservation Efforts and Threats

01:01:23 How You Can Help

01:05:57 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our throwback Monday, its the Saiga! Out of all the species we have covered, the Saiga's conservation story is critical to understanding out wildlife. Due to dangerous low population levels, Saiga are prone to infectious diseases. In 2015, hundreds of thousands Saiga died within a few weeks. To understand the Saiga story, is critical to understand the pressures many species are facing!!

You can learn more with our Show Notes HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris welcomed a new addition to his family this weekend. Thus, in light of the election in the United States of America, we are releasing our older episode on Bald Eagles. These magnificent birds are not only symbolic, they also have an incredible conservation success story! A great podcast to revisit for a worthy bird.

Show notes on new website HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Chris Mortensen delves into the importance of wildlife and animal conservation by discussing this year's Living Planet Index. He recounts a story about Allan Savory's transformation in understanding the role of elephants in ecosystems, illustrating the complexities of conservation. The podcast also highlights the alarming decline in global wildlife populations over the past 50 years, emphasizing the loss of biomass and its impact on biodiversity. Chris stresses the need for global and local actions, from making sustainable food choices to advocating for stronger environmental policies, in order to address the ongoing environmental crisis.

Living Planet Index can be accessed HERE

Allan Savory's Ted Talk can be accessed HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update

01:03 The Story of Alan Savory and Elephant Conservation

05:31 The Impact of Elephant Population Decline

09:31 The Living Planet Index and Global Biodiversity

21:33 Regional Biodiversity Losses and Conservation Efforts

30:29 Ecosystem Diversity and Predator-Prey Relationships

31:25 The Yellowstone Wolf Reintroduction

34:03 Global Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

35:22 Tipping Points and Climate Change

41:00 Conservation Success Stories

42:06 Sustainable Choices and Individual Actions

45:41 The Role of Food Systems in Environmental Impact

49:06 Energy and Climate Action

50:48 Call to Action and Optimism for the Future

Image art is of the extinct Dodo

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sea snakes while highly venomous, are rather docile living in our oceans. When we first released this in 2020, we learned so many amazing facts about the history of this species and just how they survive, and even thrive, in the ocean. Some species of sea snakes are critically endangered, and we need to know more about them to help save them.

You can learn more about sea snakes on our website HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris interviews filmmaker Alexandra Lexton about her latest film, 'Fool's Paradise Lost,' which highlights the therapeutic benefits and profound beauty of nature.

They discuss how Alexandra's upbringing in Northern California and personal challenges inspired her film, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with the natural world for emotional and psychological well-being. The conversation explores the science behind nature's healing effects, featuring influential figures like John Francis and Florence Williams. Alexandra talks about the importance of environmental stewardship, conscious consumerism, and how filmmakers can influence public awareness without doom and gloom. She also shares her experiences with self-financing, cinematography, and participation in the La Femme film festival. Additionally, Alexandra touches on her earlier documentary, 'The Lure of This Land,' and future projects, showcasing her dedication to innovative storytelling and environmental advocacy.

You can learn more about the film and view the trailer HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

01:03 Alexandra Lexton's Filmmaking Journey

05:05 Nature's Influence on Alexandra

09:37 The Inspiration Behind the Film

13:34 John Francis: A Silent Advocate for Nature

17:25 Florence Williams and the Healing Power of Nature

20:15 Rediscovering Nature During COVID

21:30 The Importance of Connecting with Nature

23:33 Challenges in Filmmaking

25:33 The Art of Cinematography

27:15 Favorite Filming Locations

29:15 Raising Environmental Awareness

32:07 Personal Actions for Environmental Impact

35:37 Future Projects and Final Thoughts

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this throwback Monday, we dive deep into the fascinating world of Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards on Earth. Join us as we explore the rich history of these ancient reptiles, tracing their evolution and presence on the Indonesian islands. We'll discuss the Komodo dragon’s unique physiology, including their venomous bite, powerful jaws, and remarkable senses that make them apex predators.

You'll learn about their diet, from scavenging on carrion to hunting large prey like deer and wild boar. We’ll also explore how these incredible creatures survive in harsh, isolated environments and how they’ve adapted to thrive on remote islands. Importantly, we’ll address the current state of Komodo dragon conservation, the challenges they face, and what’s being done to protect these remarkable giants from the threats of habitat loss and climate change.

This episode is an insightful journey into the lives of these legendary dragons, highlighting their ecological importance and the urgent need for their conservation. Tune in for a wild adventure with the kings of the reptile world.

Show notes HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Chris Mortensen explores the multifaceted climate crisis, from increasing natural disasters to the politicization of climate science. Chris explains his rigorous academic journey, illustrating the dedication required to produce reliable scientific data. The episode addresses the roots of climate change denial, drawing parallels with misinformation tactics of the tobacco industry. Discussions include the consensus on human-caused climate change, debunked myths, and the severe consequences of global warming, such as rising sea levels, heatwaves, and endangered wildlife. Emphasizing trust in science and the importance of sustainable consumer choices, the host concludes with an urgent call to action for voting and collective efforts to combat climate change.

NASA Website on Climate Change HERE

Podcast Timeline

00:00 Introduction and Special Request

00:09 The Climate Crisis: An Overview

01:13 The Path to Becoming a Scientist

02:02 Academic Journey and Research

05:07 The Role and Challenges of Scientists

16:56 Climate Change and Recent Hurricanes

21:41 Political Influence on Climate Science

24:34 Origins of Climate Science Denial

25:35 The Tobacco Industry's Influence

27:52 The Rise of Junk Science

29:22 The Fossil Fuel Industry's Tactics

31:34 Climate Change in 2024: A Grim Reality

32:42 Scientific Consensus on Climate Change

36:58 Public Opinion and Political Divide

41:46 The Dire Consequences of Inaction

49:16 Call to Action: What We Can Do

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moo Deng, the baby Pygmy Hippopotamus was born in 2024 and became a world-wide sensation. This birth is critical to their species!! With so few numbers, each Pygmy Hippo born under human care is a lifeline to their wild counterparts. This is because sadly, with as few as 2000 Pygmy Hippos left in the world, we are losing one of natures often forgotten large herbivores. Though one tenth the size of their larger cousins the Common Hippopotamus, the Pygmy Hippo is no small runt. Weighing in as much as 600 lbs. (275 kg), they are still a force to be reckoned with. Yet, this shy and elusive herbivore is suffering and slipping towards extinction. Thankfully, these West African natives are a focus for many conservation efforts and their story is one to be told. By telling their story, all of us can bring awareness to these special animals and do all we can to help save them. 

Learn more about Pygmy Hippos on our website HERE

Moo Deng was born at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand and their Facebook page is HERE

-------------------------------------------------------------

Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation. 

Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE.

We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife.

Please contact us at [email protected]

if you would like to advertise on our podcast

You can also visit our website HERE. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices